Looking for a great place to eat in Venice? The Floating City is as flooded with tourists as it is with water, so authentic food can be hard to find. To help you out, our local Venetian guides have put together this list of the best restaurants in Venice.
Pro Tip: Planning what to eat on your trip to Venice? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our dedicated guide to Venice for more planning resources, our top Venice tours for a memorable trip, and the traditional foods to eat in Venice.
The Top Places To Eat in Venice
You may find yourself wandering the Floating City’s narrow streets in search of somewhere to have a great meal. However, the only searching we want you to be doing is for the city’s many treasures.
For great food away from the tourist traps, this list will guide you straight to the best restaurants in Venice. If you love food and travel (and we think you do!), check out our local food tours in Venice. They’re a great way to explore a new city and eat good authentic food.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
€€€ | Outdoor Seating | Traditional Home-Cooked Food
This old inn on Burano island is perfect if you’re looking to taste a real home-cooked Venetian meal. With fresh seafood and pasta, you can’t go wrong. Start with the Tris di Crost Acei alla Griglia (a mix of grilled comb shells, razor clams and scallops).
For the primi piatti, we highly recommend the risotto alla Buranella. It’s typical of Burano island and made with carnaroli or vialone nano rice and Ghiozzi fish. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Choose from the Torta di Giorno or try the typical biscuits dipped in sweet wine.
Restaurant owner, Ruggero Bovo says: “I love my country, its traditions, its old flavors. And I love the fish of the Venetian lagoon and the Adriatic coast, the raw material which has fed my island for generations and where I still have the fortune of getting fresh every day.”
Address: Via Giudecca, 88, Burano
Ristorante Quadri
€€€€ | Michelin Star | Great Views | Elegant Interior Design
Located in the heart of St. Mark’s Square, Ristorante Quadri serves traditional Italian and Venetian dishes with a contemporary twist. This restaurant has earned its Michelin star by producing exquisite food made with fresh fish from Rialto Market and local seasonal vegetables.
A sneak peek at their dishes reveals a lot of great options. For example, try the spaghettoni with skate fish milk and mantis shrimp. The tuna belly with bottarga cream and camone tomato Panzanella is another great choice. Or how about the black cuttlefish risotto coconut, curry, and peach? Gluten-free options are also available.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 123
Unforgettable Venice Tours
Best Selling Tour
Skip the Line at St. Mark’s with Terrace, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride
Get to know the best of Venice’s main attractions at St. Mark’s Square in just a few hours. You’ll have skip-the-line access at St. Mark’s Basilica before your guided tour that includes the terrace. Then head underground to the dungeons at the Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs.
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Authentic Experience
Venice Locals Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio
People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds, and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste cicchetti and other Venetian specialties including wine. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a love for Venetian food!
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Paradiso Perduto
€€ | Live Music | Canalside Seating
This lively osteria is not far from the Jewish Ghetto. With live music to keep you entertained, it’s the perfect place for a vibrant and authentic Venetian meal. Enjoy seafood dishes, vegetable platters, and hearty pasta dishes. Also, don’t forget to try some amazing cicchetti (finger foods) at the counter.
You can’t go wrong with the Frittura di Pesce (fried fish) dish. Also, try Il Baccalà Mantecato, a creamed dried cod served on slices of crusty bread. Make sure you book in advance, as it can get very busy in the evening.
Address: Fondamenta Misericordia, 2540
Osteria La Zucca
€€ | Cozy Ambiance | Canalside Seating
La Zucca is located close to San Giacomo square. It’s a small and charming restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including tasty veggie-friendly options.
As one of the best restaurants in Venice, La Zucca prides itself on using only fresh ingredients to create the most sensational dishes in the spirit of authentic Italian cuisine.
As opposed to most Venetian restaurants, they don’t serve seafood. So, come here for a change of pace. Try the asparagus flan with parmesan fondue or the zucchini and almond lasagna. It’s the perfect way to refuel before a busy afternoon of sightseeing.
Address: Santa Croce 1762
Ostaria Boccadora
€€ | For Fish Lovers | Terrace
At Boccadora, enjoy traditional Venetian fish specialities, fresh pasta dishes, and numerous vegetarian options. If you’re dining as a group, we recommend sharing a few antipasti before your main course.
Choose from a good selection of fish pasta dishes. For example, try the Tagliolini con Sardoni (taglioni with fresh sardines) or Gnocchetti alla Gransevola (gnocchetti with spider crab). And if you’re avoiding carbs, there are a number of fish dishes available as second plates.
Also, dessert is non-negotiable at Boccadora. We suggest the Panna Cotta con Fragola or the tiramisu.
Address: Campo Widman, 5405/a
Go on a Local Food Tour in Venice
Are you in Venice for a limited time? In just over two hours, discover some of the best food and drink in our Venice evening food tour. It explores a less-touristy district of Venice, known as Cannaregio.
Also, the restaurants and bacari are frequented by adventurous travelers and locals. So, you’ll be in for a great evening exploring the local food scene.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Where to Stay in Venice
Despite the size of this little island, there are endless hotel options to choose from. We’ve picked the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in whether you prefer Italian luxury or quiet serenity—or both!
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