best restaurant in venice italy – Increasingly gastronomy has become an essential part of a trip and much more if it is to Italy, one of the wealthiest countries gastronomically speaking. That is why when visiting this city, one of the most romantic in the world, the question of which are the best restaurants in Venice usually takes up much of the organization.
Although we know that it is impossible to list all the restaurants in the city with excellent value for money, we want to leave you with a selection of some of those that you should not miss enjoying the local gastronomy to the fullest.
The best local restaurants in Venice serve fantastic dishes at much lower prices than the exclusive establishments that line the Grand Canal. Pass the tourist places that fill the city’s main squares and go to those chosen by the Venetians. The local gastronomy owes much to the sea, and its dishes often include the delicious fruits of the Adriatic. Among the most common ingredients are sardines, cod, cuttlefish, and spider crab, a crustacean that loves the marsh waters and is fished directly in the lagoon. The culinary tradition of Venice has managed to integrate the legacy of all the peoples it has known throughout its history, as is the case with pasta alla busara, with tomato sauce and prawns, which is originally from Dalmatia and is now part of the local cuisine.
We have prepared a complete list of traditional restaurants and venues that the inhabitants of the Serenissima adore, and in which we include the bà cari some cellars where it is possible to enjoy the cichèti or light dishes that are served at the bar.
Based on the several times I have been to the city of canals, which you can see in the Venice guide, we leave you this list of restaurants where to eat in Venice that we are sure will become some of your favorites in the country. Let’s start!
1. Osteria Alla Staffa
Known for being one of the most recommended osterias in Venice, this place is a sure hit for lunch or dinner if you want to enjoy cuisine made with top-quality products. It is also close to the famous Acqua Alta Bookstore, so it may be the perfect time to come here and enjoy some of its dishes.
We ordered a plate of ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and another of saffron, one of the house specialties, with beer and water plus two espressos for 48 euros. All were very good, although the portions seemed somewhat fair for the prices.
Address: Calle de l’Ospedaleto Castello 6397/A
Hours: every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Ostaria al Ponte
This small place, located in Cannaregio 6378, is another of the most recommended restaurants in Venice, both by travelers and locals.
Keep in mind that the place is small, so it is worth coming early at noon to stay at all available tables, although another option if it is full, is to take out a glass of wine and the tapas. Then, to enjoy them in the street, next to the bridge.
The options on the menu are small tapas or montaditos, as we would call them, most of them at 1.50 euros. We ordered eight montaditos, a soft drink, a copy of wine, and a portion of pecorino for 17.50 euros. Super recommended!
Thank you very much for the recommendation to Ignacio Izquierdo!
Address: Cannaregio 6378 Calle Larga G Gallina
Hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
3. Rossopomodoro Venice
Located close to Plaza San Marcos, this huge restaurant that initially seems like a franchise is one of the most recommended in the area. In addition to a wide variety of dishes, they have very reasonable prices compared to other restaurants in this area. Venice area.
We ordered a cacio e pepe pasta, diavola pizza, made in the style of Neapolitan pizzas, beer, and water for 32.50 euros, highly recommended if you want to make a quick stop while visiting the city.
Address: Calle Larga San Marco 404
Hours: every day from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
4. Ca Dolfin, one of the best restaurants in Venice
Locals and travelers recommend this restaurant in Venice if you want to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with excellent value for money.
Although their menu is quite extensive, we recommend you opt for their pasta dishes, which are special, preferably the tagliolini with shrimp for 14 euros, which is very good.
Address: Cannaregio, 5903
Hours: every day from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Da Mamo
This pizzeria, located very close to the Rialto Bridge, is another of the most recommended restaurants where to eat at in Venice. In addition to pizza, you can find a wide selection of pasta dishes and another Italian cuisine.
We ordered two pizzas after the many recommendations they made us, and the truth is that although they were very good, they needed to be better to the standards of others we tried in the city. Despite that, the price of the two pizzas plus large water was 23 euros, a more than fair price considering the restaurant’s central location, so we can only recommend it.
Address: Sestiere San Marco 5251 Stagneri Street
Hours: every day from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Timon all’Antica Mola
Local cuisine in a corner away from the hordes of tourists
Timon all’Antica Mola is located in a quiet area of Cannaregio, not far from the Jewish quarter, where tourists who visit Venice do not usually go. Therefore, it’s a great excuse to walk around a different part of the city, eat fish prepared traditionally, and surround yourself with Venetians instead of tourists. In addition, the prices are reasonable, and it has a characteristic wooden interior.
During the warmer months, you can eat outdoors, either on the interior patio or by the canal. Among the house specialties are the risotto al Nero di seppia (black rice), the fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions), and the granseola (crab), which abounds in the lagoon. It opens until late, so it is ideal for dinner or a late-night snack.
Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2800, 30121 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Sundays, from 12:00 to 15:00.
Telephone: +39 041 717492
7. Ristorante Do Forni
A fish and seafood restaurant in an old bakery
Seafood lovers who want to experience the authentic flavors of Venice have to try Ristorante Do Forni. It is an old bakery a stone’s throw from Saint Mark’s Square, where bread was made for the Saint Zachary convent in the past. Part of the premises was used as a tavern but became the main business when the bakery closed its doors.
For its part, the restaurant with the name it bears today was founded in the 19th century. Among the dishes it offers, fish and shellfish from the Adriatic stand out in particular, prepared according to recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another over the centuries. We especially recommend the spaghetti con vongole sgusciate e zucchine (spaghetti with clams without the shell and courgette), the scorfano in guazzetto (scorpena stew) and the seppioline di porto alla veneziana (Venetian-style port cuttlefish). A fascinating historical past and an elegantly decorated environment in this sophisticated restaurant merge perfectly.
Address: S. Marco, 468, 30122 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 12:00 to 00:00.
Telephone: +39 041 523 2148
8. Restaurant Al Covo
Venetian products from land and sea
The Ristorante Al Covo is located near Riva Degli Schiavoni that uses regional and seasonal ingredients in its dishes, preferably from small-scale producers that respect traditional methods. The fish and shellfish served here are fresh from the Adriatic and the Venetian lagoon sandbanks that are periodically flooded by the tide.
For its part, the fruit and vegetables with which the dishes are made at Ristorante Al Covo come from Treporti, Cavallino, and the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole, long considered the orchards of Venetian kitchens. In fact, the environment, with its high salt content, gives the products a particular flavor. In autumn, be sure to try the selvadego, the name by which the game meat of the animals that cross the lagoon during migrations is known. Additionally, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine selection, with 240 varieties available. The interior is elegant and formal, especially at night, so we suggest you leave your t-shirt and shorts at the hotel.
Address: Campiello da Pescaria, 3698, 30122 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. and from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Telephone: +39 041 522 3812
9. Osteria Ruga di Jaffa
Oysters and canapés made with homemade bread
We suggest you stop at the Osteria Ruga di Jaffa for some cichèti (a kind of tapas) or a light meal near Campo Santa Maria Formosa. The house specialty is oysters, although you can also try crostini (canapés) made with a base of homemade bread covered with baccalà (cod), Formaggio (cheese), salumi (cold cuts), and vegetarian options.
This rustic and cozy restaurant stands out for its friendly and pleasant staff. Its name evokes that of the street on which it is located, Ruga Giuffa, and both have a curious origin. In the past, this road was used for the grapefruit trade with Jaffa. Over time, the name of this Israeli city was deformed until it adopted its current name. According to another theory, the name’s origin is from the ancient Armenian city of Julfa, today belonging to the Azeri enclave of Nakhichevan, from which many immigrants who settled in this area of ​​Venice during the 16th century came.
Address: Ruga Giuffa, 4864, 30122 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 12:00 to 23:00.
Telephone: +39 041 241 1062
10. Canteen Aziende Agricole
Some of the best appetizers and cichèti in the city
Cantina Aziende Agricole is a bà caro, a traditional tavern or winery, located in the Cannaregio district near the Jewish quarter. Here you can enjoy some delicious snacks at the bar, accompanied by a glass of wine. The polpette, a meatball, is made from different ingredients, such as meat, fish, and vegetables. The crostini, or canapés, are covered in highly imaginative combinations, such as lardo e Miele (bacon and honey), crude e burrata (serrano ham and burrata cheese), and porchetta e melanzane (roast pork and eggplant).
Cantina Aziende Agricole has no shortage of fish and seafood canapés, among which the granchio e rucola (crab and arugula) stands out, one of the favorites of regular customers. In addition to main dishes and vegetarian options, the menu includes delicious desserts, all of which are homemade. To accompany the meal, you can opt for a red or white wine from any corner of Italy, a draft beer, or a spritz.
Address: Rio TerĂ Farsetti, 1847/a, 30121 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Telephone: +39 041 722 149
11. Cantina do Spade
Traditional dishes and tapas near the Rialto Bridge
At Cantina do Spade, near the Rialto Bridge, you can nibble on regional specialties with an appetizer at the bar or, if you prefer, sit down for lunch or dinner to savor the typical flavors of Venetian cuisine in peace. Don’t miss the bigoli, a long pasta prepared with squid ink, and the sarde in saor, a simple but delicious dish consisting of sardines seasoned with onions and vinegar. The secret of this dish, which is eaten cold with slices of white polenta, lies in the proportions of the ingredients, which only experienced cooks can master.
If you need to know what to choose from the menu, check the blackboard that you will find next to the bar, which indicates the dishes of the day and includes anecdotes and curiosities. Among the desserts, the biscottini stands out, a traditional Venetian biscuit that tastes like heaven when dipped in sweet wine.
Address: San Polo, 859, 30125 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (closed on Tuesday mornings).
Telephone: +39 041 521 0583
12. CĂ d’Oro alla Vedova
The best place in town to eat some meatballs
CĂ d’Oro Alla Vedova is a historic bacaro situated just behind Ca’ d’Oro, the famous palace overlooking the Grand Canal. The house specialty is polpette di Carne, a type of meatball. However, you will also find other classic tapas, such as seppioline alla griglia (grilled cuttlefish), crostini con il baccalĂ mantecato (canapĂ©s with cod cream), and Insalata di polpo. (Octopus salad). The place is decorated like an old tavern, with engravings, photos, and copper pots. They also have restaurant service if you prefer to sit down to eat. Do you want a council? We advise you to reserve a table since it does not have much space and the meatballs are a claim that attracts many customers.
CĂ d’Oro Alla Vedova is a wonderful choice to savor tender and hearty meatballs, an experience that should not be missing from any trip to Venice. And there is no better place to do it than a bĂ caro, a typical Venetian tavern specializing in wines and cichèti, which are tapas typical of the area.
Address: Ramo Ca’ d’Oro, 3912, 30121 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays, from 12:00 (closed on Thursdays).
Telephone: +39 041 528 5324
13. Rosticceria Gislon
Fried lagoon specialties and much more
If you want to enjoy a fast and tasty traditional meal at a reasonable price, do not hesitate to head to the Rosticceria Gislon near the Grand Canal. To ensure you get a table, try to avoid peak hours. Another option is to ask for the food to be prepared to take away and enjoy in your favorite corner during a break in your visit to Venice.
Although it might go unnoticed at first, the Rosticceria Gislon is an ideal place for tourists eager to try tapas and typical delicacies. Such as meat, fish, or vegetable polpette (or meatballs) and arancini (fried rice balls), as well as such as fried cheese sandwiches and other great protagonists of Venetian gastronomy, such as cold cuts, cheeses, and anchovies. Moreover, the fried specialties of this place have a reputation for being crispy and not at all oily, which makes them quite a delicacy.
Address: Calle de la Bissa, 5424/a, 30124 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Every day, from 09:00 to 21:30.
Telephone: +39 041 522 3569
14. The Bitta
A restaurant where meat is the protagonist
La Bitta is a simple restaurant with a simple decoration that boasts food prepared with care, nostalgic flavors, and a friendly and polite staff. In addition, there are usually no unpleasant surprises in the bill, which makes it a highly recommended place to try the gastronomy of Venice. It is located near the church of San Bernabé and the Puños bridge in the Dorsoduro neighborhood.
If you fancy a hearty main course, don’t hesitate to order the gnocchetti with Zucca e ricotta affumicata (small gnocchi with pumpkin and smoked ricotta). The menu does not include fish but offers vegetarian and vegan options. To accompany the meal, you can choose from several premium wines. Of course, keep in mind that the restaurant is only open for dinner, and the most comfortable Vaporetto stop is Ca’ Rezzonico. However, if you like meat and want to try an authentic fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver with onions), La Bitta is just what you are looking for.
Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A, 30123 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Telephone: +39 041 523 0531
15. Ostaria Ae Botti
A dinner on the terrace watching the sunset over Giudecca
At Ostaria Ae Botti, you can enjoy meat, fish, and traditional dishes in a rustic interior with stone walls and wooden beams, overlooking an elegant garden and the sea that bathes the set of Giudecca islands. To contemplate an impressive sunset over the lagoon, opt for the terrace.
The restaurant is ideal for lunch, dinner, or simply killing the bug based on typical Venetian tapas, known as cichèti. If you’re just going to have an aperitif, don’t miss the polpette, a distinct type of meatball. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes: we recommend starting with a cocktail di scampi (prawn cocktail) and continuing with some spaghetti alle vongole e frittura Della laguna (spaghetti with clams and fried fish from the lagoon). Oh, and don’t forget to save room for dessert. The torta della casa is made from unbeatable ingredients, according to a historical recipe.
Address: Giudecca, 609, 30133 Venice VE, Italy
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Telephone: +39 041 724 1086
