Welcome to Flyertalk, Doglog680
I have spent a great deal of time in VCE, having just come home this week after another 2 week stay, was also there in Sept for one week.
First of all, Cannaregio is a great area; in fact, it is my favorite part of Venice. Some say it is the "real Venice." It should be wonderful in March and the local markets on the Strada Nuova will be filled with the colors and tastes of impending spring.
In the particular part of Venice where you are staying, near the train station is a tiny restaurant called Trattoria Marisa This is a tiny restaurant with no name on the door, about 6 tables where people eat "family style" and the food is incredible. Ask a Venetian friend to accompany you, if possible or to call and make a reservation. For less that 10Euros PP, you will have a hearty, delicious 3 course meal including wine. Address is listed as Canareggio 652. Just know that it is near the Three Arches (tre Archi) bridge and vaporetto stop. Phone: 041 720 211.
Other restaurants within easy walking distance in Canarregio (these are all restaurants I have eaten at frequently) are:
Vino de Gigio
Antica Mola
Fiaschetteria Toscana ask to be seated downstairs, if possible and save room for dessert
A Testiere Reservations essential. There are only 2 seatings a night at this 28 seat restaurant and the seafood is among the finest in Venice. Be sure to get explicit directions or do a "dry run" in the afternoon to find the place.
In Dorsoduro I really like Osteria ai Carmini This is a family-run restaurant (actually, all of the ones I have mentioned are family-run).
When strolling on the Strada Nuova, a fun place to stop for a sandwich and glass of wine or coffee is Magdelena (not sure of the spelling) but it is close to the main square.
In Dorsoduro, very close to the Peggy Guggenheim museum is Bar Gino. Place is always packed with locals enjoying the best espresso and cappucino in Venice and their little sandwiches and pastries are also excellent.
There is a great new little hotel in Canarregio called Ai Mori D'Oriente on the Fondamenta della Sensa. It is very close to the Jewish Ghetto and worth stopping by for a drink. Their bar is lovely and they have a nice, new plasma TV with sports on all of the time.
Any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me at my address in my profile.
You are going to have a great time.
Oh, don't forget to have at least one Bellini at Harry's Bar.
If you have time for a special excursion and want to have the most romantic lunch, then be sure to go to the Locanda Cipriani on the island of Torcello.