Originally Posted by
Pausanias
Our best meals were in local restaurants not even in the Michelin guide. The best was near our hotel and was called Vini da Gigio, a small trattoria-style place packed with locals and a few tourists. I had the freshest, sweetest razor clams, strewn on a plate with the nonchalance of an Andy Murray backhand slice. Then the classic Fegato alla Veneziana, served with polenta and heavy with sage and marsala. Finally, a tiramisu, served in a tumbler. Just perfect.
I agree. In Venice I simply avoid the tourist traps and invariably find excellent restaurants.
I take Michelin fairly seriously in France, Germany and Switzerland. Anywhere else I'm highly sceptical, including the UK.
Don't forget Belgium! Southern Belgium (wallon) has a high concentration of some of the finest Michelin restaurants in the world. Most of them are out in the woods though.