Venice, a city renowned for its picturesque canals and historic architecture, is also home to a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Nestled within its winding streets and along its serene waterways, you will find an array of restaurants offering an exquisite taste of Venetian cuisine. Traditional osterias serve up classic dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), which showcase the city’s deep connection to the sea. Many of these establishments pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each meal is a true representation of Venice’s gastronomic traditions.
Venice also boasts a number of contemporary dining spots that blend modern culinary techniques with local flavors. These innovative restaurants often feature creative interpretations of classic dishes, presented with a flair that appeals to both the eye and the palate.
Dining in Venice is not just about the food; it’s an experience that engages all the senses. Picture enjoying a meal on a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal, with the gentle sound of water lapping against the buildings and the sight of gondolas gliding by. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course tasting menu or savoring a simple yet delicious cicchetti (Venetian tapas) with a glass of local wine, the restaurants in Venice offer a dining experience that is both memorable and uniquely enchanting.
Understanding what cicchetti are and are not! These small bits are not open-faced sandwiches – even though some are served on bread, they are a variety of small, savory snacks typically enjoyed in bars and taverns known as bacari.
Cicchetti can include a wide array of items such as crostini topped with baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped salt cod), marinated seafood like octopus or sardines, meatballs (polpette), small sandwiches (tramezzini), and various cheeses and cured meats. If you are confused, take a cicchetti tour with Monica Cesarato!
They are typically displayed on the counter, allowing patrons to choose a selection to enjoy while standing at the bar or sitting at a small table. This informal and convivial style of dining is a beloved Venetian tradition, offering a delicious and social way to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage.
All the Venetian Foods You Must Try Once
- Sarde in Saor – Sweet and sour sardines marinated in onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts.
- Risotto al Nero di Seppia – Risotto made with squid ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich flavor.
- Bigoli in Salsa – Thick, spaghetti-like pasta served with a savory anchovy and onion sauce.
- Baccalà Mantecato – Creamy, whipped salt cod spread, typically served on crostini.
- Fegato alla Veneziana – Venetian-style liver cooked with onions and served with polenta.
- Moeche – Soft-shell crabs, a seasonal delicacy usually fried to a crispy perfection.
- Tiramisu – The classic Italian dessert believed to have originated in the Veneto region, made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
- Fritto Misto – A mix of fried seafood, including calamari, shrimp, and small fish.
- Polenta e Schie – Creamy polenta served with tiny lagoon shrimp.
- Baicoli /Zaetti- Traditional Venetian biscuits often enjoyed with coffee or dessert wine.
Special Spots
Not in alphabetical order – there are just too many!
Only ones that I have eaten in are on this list!
Venice’s Restaurants
Harry’s Bar
Harry’s Bar, located near St. Mark’s Square in Venice, is an iconic establishment founded by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931, renowned for inventing the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio, and offering a sophisticated menu of Venetian and international dishes in an elegant, historic setting that has attracted celebrities and discerning diners from around the world.
Address: Calle Vallaresso, 1323
Sestiere: San Marco
Alla Testiere
Osteria alle Testiere, nestled near Campo Santa Maria Formosa in Venice, is a highly acclaimed restaurant owned and operated by chef Bruno Gavagnin and sommelier Luca di Vita, known for its intimate 22-seat setting and daily-changing seafood menu featuring dishes like razor clams with ginger and spaghetti with spider crab, all crafted from the freshest local and seasonal ingredients.
Address: Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801
Sestiere: Castello
Alla Madonna
Trattoria alla Madonna, located near the Rialto Bridge in Venice, is a beloved family-run restaurant established by Luciano Varchetta in 1954, renowned for its traditional Venetian cuisine, including standout dishes like risotto al nero di seppia and fegato alla veneziana, all served in a bustling, classic trattoria setting that captures the essence of Venetian dining.
Address: Calle della Madonna, 594
Sestiere: San Polo
Al Covo
Al Covo, situated near the Arsenale in Venice, is a distinguished restaurant owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Cesare Benelli and Diane Rankin, celebrated for their dedication to local ingredients and offering specialties like soft shell crab and Venetian-style liver, all served in an intimate dining room adorned with rustic decor and complemented by a carefully curated selection of regional wines.
Address: Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968
Sestiere: Castello
All’ Arco
All’Arco, a charming bacaro located near the Rialto Market in Venice, is a family-run establishment owned by Francesco and his father, Giovanni Gallina, celebrated for its authentic cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato and sarde in saor, all served in a lively, convivial atmosphere that offers a true taste of Venetian street food culture.
Address: S. Polo, 436
Sestiere: San Polo
Ai Vetrai
Ai Vetrai, located on the island of Murano in Venice, is a well-regarded restaurant owned by the Rossi family, known for its inviting atmosphere and menu that highlights fresh seafood and traditional Venetian dishes like spaghetti alle vongole and fritto misto, all served in a cozy setting that reflects the charm and craftsmanship of Murano’s glassmaking heritage.
Address: Fondamenta Manin, 29
Island: Murano
Osteria Alla Frasca
Alla Frasca, located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, is a quaint and welcoming osteria owned by the Furlan family, celebrated for its traditional Venetian cuisine, including dishes like bigoli in salsa and seppie al nero, all served in a charming, rustic setting with a lovely garden courtyard that offers a peaceful dining experience away from the bustling tourist areas.
Address: Corte de la Carità, 5176
Sestiere: Cannaregio
Al Gatto Nero
Al Gatto Nero, situated on the picturesque island of Burano in Venice, is a renowned family-run restaurant owned by Ruggero Bovo, famous for its fresh seafood dishes such as risotto di gò and grilled eel, all served in a vibrant, colorful setting that reflects the charm and character of Burano.
Address: Via Giudecca, 88
Island: Burano
Antiche Carampane
Antiche Carampane, nestled in the San Polo district of Venice, is a historic and beloved family-run trattoria owned by the Bortoluzzi family, celebrated for its authentic Venetian cuisine, including specialties like spaghetti alla busara and moeche, all served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere that exudes the rich culinary traditions of Venice.
Address: Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911
Sestiere: San Polo
Corta Sconta
Trattoria Corte Sconta, located in the Castello district of Venice, is a cherished family-run restaurant owned by Rita Proietto, renowned for its fresh seafood dishes such as granseola (spider crab) and mixed seafood antipasti, all served in a charming courtyard setting that offers an authentic and intimate Venetian dining experience.
Address: Calle del Pestrin, 3886
Sestiere: Castello
Da Fiore
Da Fiore, located in the San Polo district of Venice, is an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant owned and operated by Mara and Maurizio Martin, celebrated for its refined Venetian cuisine, including dishes like scampi in saor and risotto with seafood, all served in an elegant, contemporary setting that combines traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Address: S. Polo, 2202
Sestiere: San Polo
Da Rioba
Osteria da Rioba, located in the Cannaregio district along the picturesque Fondamenta della Misericordia in Venice, is a well-regarded restaurant known for its authentic Venetian cuisine, including dishes like bigoli in salsa and fegato alla veneziana, all served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with canal-side seating that offers a quintessential Venetian dining experience.
Address: Fonda. de la Misericordia, 2553
Sestiere: Cannaregio
La Bitta
La Palanca
Marciano Pub
La Bitta, situated in the Dorsoduro district of Venice, is a charming, family-run osteria owned by Michele Savorgnano, known for its unique focus on meat dishes rather than seafood, offering specialties like braised beef cheeks and roasted rabbit, all served in a warm, rustic setting that provides a delightful and intimate dining experience.
Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A
Sestiere: Dorsoduro
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice, is a beloved, family-run bacaro owned by the Schiavi family, renowned for its extensive selection of wines and delicious cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato and crostini with various toppings, all served in a cozy, traditional setting that offers an authentic taste of Venetian culture.
Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992
Sestiere: Dorsoduro
Trattoria La Palanca, located on the island of Giudecca in Venice, is a beloved, family-run restaurant owned by Maurizio and his team, celebrated for its fresh, simple Venetian dishes such as sarde in saor and spaghetti alle vongole, all served in a casual, friendly atmosphere with stunning views of the Venetian lagoon.
Address: Fonda. Sant’Eufemia, 448
Island: Giudecca
Vini Da Gigio
Vini da Gigio, situated along Fondamenta San Felice in the Cannaregio district of Venice, is a highly regarded, family-run restaurant owned by the Fullin family, celebrated for its refined Venetian cuisine and extensive wine list, featuring standout dishes like tagliolini with spider crab and fegato alla veneziana, all served in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Venice.
Address: Calle Stua, 3628A
Sestiere: Cannaregio
Marciano Pub, located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, is a vibrant and welcoming establishment known for its extensive selection of craft beers, hearty pub fare, and lively atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a casual night out.
Address: Calle Loredan, 1863/C
Sestiere: Cannaregio
AcquaPazza
AcquaPazza, located in the San Marco district of Venice, is a distinguished restaurant owned by Gennaro Esposito, known for its exceptional Southern Italian cuisine, particularly dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast, such as paccheri with seafood and lemon-scented fish, all served in an elegant, contemporary setting with a focus on high-quality ingredients and refined presentation.
Address: S. Marco, 3808
Sestiere: San Marco
