What to eat in Venice Italy
Food places Venice
Venice is much more than a floating city of canals and palaces — it’s a paradise for food lovers. Yes, it’s one of the most touristy cities in Italy, and at first glance it might seem dominated by overpriced menus and rushed meals. But beneath the surface, Venice still has a strong and deeply rooted food culture, just like any other Italian city. One that has been shaped by centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchanges, blending influences from the Byzantine world, the Middle East, and mainland Italy.
From lagoon seafood to hearty traditional dishes, Venetian cuisine is closely tied to the water and to everyday life in the city. It’s built on simple ingredients, preservation techniques, and bold flavors — food meant to be eaten standing at the bar or shared over a glass of wine, not staged for tourists.
As an Italian and a true food enthusiast, I’ve always believed that food is one of the best ways to understand a place — and Venice is no exception. Behind the crowds, you’ll still find locals filling bacari for cicchetti and spritz, following rituals that haven’t changed in generations. It’s a cuisine that doesn’t try to impress; it simply tells the story of the lagoon.
👉 In this guide, I’ll share:
🍝 What to eat in Venice
🍴 My favorite restaurants and bacari
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👉 Where I stayed in Venice: Ca' dei Cedri🔗
What to eat in Venice
Local Drinks
Spritz
Venice is the birthplace of the famous Aperol Spritz. Light, bitter-sweet, and refreshing — best enjoyed during aperitivo time while watching boats glide through the canals. While the basic components of a spritz typically include a sparkling wine or Prosecco, a bitter liqueur such as Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water, variations of the spritz can be found across different regions and cities, each with its own twist.
✨ Here are some of the most well-known types of spritz in Italy:
Aperol Spritz: This is perhaps the most famous variation of the spritz, made with Aperol, a bright orange-colored bitter liqueur, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. It's typically served over ice in a wine glass with a slice of orange.
Campari Spritz: Similar to the Aperol Spritz, but with Campari instead of Aperol. Campari is a more intense and bitter liqueur, giving this spritz a deeper and more complex flavor profile.
White Spritz: This variation substitutes the bitter liqueur with a white or bianco vermouth, resulting in a lighter and sweeter spritz. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a less bitter flavor profile.
Venetian wines
Try local wines, white wines like Soave and Pinot Grigio, and red wines like Valpolicella and Bardolino. Wine is often served by the glass or in small carafes known as "ombre" (shadows).
👉 You can also join a wine and spritz tour🔗 to taste this specialty the Venetian way, hopping between traditional bacari.
Seafood
Sarde in saor
Sweet-and-sour sardines marinated with slow-cooked onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts. This dish dates back to Venetian sailors, who used vinegar to preserve fish during long voyages. Today, it’s one of the most iconic bites in the city.
✨ Every bacaro has its own version, and locals will happily argue about which one is best — more onions or more vinegar, sweeter or sharper.
Baccalà mantecato
Creamy whipped salted cod, usually served on warm crostini. Smooth, delicate, and dangerously addictive, it’s one of the most popular cicchetti in Venice.
👉 Learn the secrets of Venetian cuisine by joining a hands-on cooking class🔗 with a local chef.
Risotto al nero di seppia
Squid Ink Risotto (Risotto al Nero di Seppia) is one of the most iconic dishes of Venetian cuisine, a true reflection of the city’s deep connection to the lagoon. Made with fresh cuttlefish and its natural ink, this risotto immediately stands out for its dramatic, jet-black color, but it’s the flavor that truly wins you over. Rich yet elegant, it delivers a pure taste of the sea, perfectly balanced and naturally creamy without the need for heavy ingredients. Originally a humble fisherman’s dish, today squid ink risotto remains a powerful expression of Venice itself — simple, authentic, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Cicchetti & Street Bites
Cicchetti platters
Cicchetti are Venice’s answer to tapas: small bites meant to be eaten standing at the bar, usually accompanied by a spritz or a small glass of wine (ombra). Tiny open sandwiches topped with seafood, cured meats, cheeses, or vegetables. From baccalà to shrimp, from prosciutto to artichokes — every bacaro has its own specialties.
👉 Taste cicchetti like a local by joining a food tour🔗 through Venice’s historic bacari.
Polpette
Venetian-style meatballs, often made with beef, pork, or fish. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for a quick bite between canals.
Tramezzini
Soft, triangular sandwiches made with fluffy white bread and generous fillings like tuna, eggs, cheese, or vegetables. Simple, filling, and very Venetian.
✨ Here, locals love to take part in the bacaro tour — hopping between several traditional bacari. Below, you'll find my bacari tour recommendation:
Osteria dal Riccio Peoco🔗: Here, you have the opportunity to savor Venice's traditional cichetti. Choose between meatballs or the classic varieties served on bread slices. Pair them with a glass of wine or a refreshing spritz for a complete experience.
Vino Vero🔗: I highly recommend this place. While it may be a bit pricey, it's worth every penny. The cichetti here are of exceptional quality, and the wine selection is superb. Plus, you have the option to sit outside by the canal, adding to the charm of the experience.
Osteria Al Portego🔗: Experience the flavors of Venice in this little crowded place. Take your pick between delectable meatballs or classic varieties atop bread slices. Elevate your experience by pairing them with a glass of wine, called "ombra", which costs anywhere from €1.50 to €3.
Osteria Al Squero🔗: Another must-visit spot to unwind with a glass of wine and savor a cichetto while immersing yourself in the city's charm.
Enoteca Schiavi🔗: Stop by this charming place to complete the Bacari tour.
Pasta & Hearty Dishes
Bigoli in salsa
Thick, rustic pasta served with a sauce made of anchovies and slow-cooked onions. Strong, salty, and deeply satisfying — a dish you’ll either love instantly or remember forever.
👉 Explore Venice one bite at a time — join a Venice food tour🔗 and taste the city’s authentic flavors.
Fegato alla veneziana
Thinly sliced calf liver cooked with sweet onions. A true Venetian classic and one of the most traditional dishes in the city.
✨ Not everyone’s first choice, but absolutely worth trying if you want to taste authentic Venetian cuisine.
Sweet Treats
Frittelle
Sweet fried dough balls, usually filled with cream or raisins and dusted with sugar. Especially popular during Carnival, but often available year-round in historic pastry shops.
Tiramisù
While not exclusive to Venice, many cafés serve excellent versions. Creamy, well-balanced, and perfect with an espresso after a long day of exploring.
👉 Learn how to make authentic tiramisù🔗 by joining a hands-on cooking class with a local Venetian chef.
Restaurants in Venice Italy
Below are some excellent restaurants to try in Venice. The "€" reflects the price range.
- Osteria dal Riccio Peoco🔗 €: Experience a true bacaro atmosphere or order a full menu at this authentic, low-cost Venetian osteria.
- Vino Vero🔗 €: Don’t miss their tasty cicchetti — and grab a glass of wine to enjoy them at their best.
- Osteria Al Portego🔗 €: Another must-visit stop on your bacari tour.
- Osteria Al Squero🔗 €: Another place to check out on your Venetian bar tour.
- Enoteca Schiavi🔗 €: Stop by this charming place to complete the Bacari tour.
- Bacaro Quebrado🔗 €: Stop by this spot to fully enjoy your bacari tour experience.
- Bar All'Arco🔗 €: This bar is a great addition to your bacari tour.
- Trattoria da Mimmo🔗 €€: Here, in this low-key restaurant, you’ll find traditional Venetian dishes, fresh seafood, and much more.
- Osteria La Zucca🔗 €€: Expect a cozy, low-key vibe with authentic Venetian dishes, seafood, and some delightful surprises!
- Trefanti🔗 €€: This spot specializes in seafood. Prices are a bit higher, but it’s still an informal, welcoming osteria.
- Ristorante San Trovaso🔗 €€: Seafood is their specialty, and while it’s slightly more expensive, the casual osteria atmosphere makes it worth it.
- Al Ponte Storto Osteria con Cucina🔗 €€: A cozy, no-frills osteria serving classic Venetian dishes alongside hearty Italian favorites — perfect for a relaxed meal away from the crowds.
- La Bitta Venezia🔗 €€: This laid-back spot specializes in traditional Venetian plates, from fresh seafood to seasonal pasta, all served in an unpretentious setting.
- Osteria Da Codroma🔗 €€: An informal osteria where locals go for simple, authentic Venetian cuisine and Italian comfort dishes in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
- La Palanca🔗 €€: A low-key eatery offering a variety of Venetian specialties and Italian classics, ideal for enjoying a genuine taste of the city without any fuss.
- Trattoria Cea🔗 €€: This relaxed osteria serves up hearty Venetian and Italian dishes with a focus on flavor over formality, making it a great stop for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Osteria Da Alberto🔗 €€: A humble, welcoming osteria offering traditional Venetian and Italian dishes, perfect for a casual meal where the focus is on authentic flavors rather than fancy presentation.
- Osteria Anice Stellato🔗 €€€: A refined, traditional restaurant where classic Venetian dishes are elevated with high-quality ingredients and careful presentation. Prices are higher, but the elegant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine make it worth the splurge.
Panificio (Bakery)
I also recommend visiting these bakeries and pastry shops for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.