17 Best Restaurants in Venice, Italy in 2024
When exploring the enchanting city of Venice, dining at the best restaurants in Venice is just as captivating as admiring the area’s canals and historic architecture. From cozy trattorias and casual cicchetti spots to elegant fine dining establishments, Venice’s culinary scene boasts a diverse range of eateries that cater to every palate.
However, with so many incredible restaurants, it can be challenging to know which are worth dining at. You must also navigate between the more touristy spots and the true local eateries and hidden gems.
To help you get the most out of your trip, this guide features the best restaurants in Venice that allow you to enjoy unforgettable meals that blend traditional Venetian flavors with contemporary culinary artistry. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner by the canal or a casual lunch in a bustling piazza, these 17 restaurants in Venice promise to delight your taste buds.
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Find the Best Restaurants in Venice, Italy
Taking a food tour in Venice is one of the best ways to discover the most incredible restaurants, including hidden gems and local favorites. These experiences are led by knowledgeable local guides and take you beyond the typical tourist spots, introducing you to authentic Venetian cuisine and the city's rich culinary traditions.
By exploring various neighborhoods and sampling dishes at carefully selected eateries, you'll get an exclusive look into where locals dine and what makes each place unique. You'll uncover charming osterias and family-run trattorias that you might otherwise overlook, ensuring a truly immersive and delectable journey through the top places to eat in Venice.
The 17 Best Places To Eat in Venice, Italy
1. Antiche Carampane
Tucked away in a quiet corner of San Polo, Antiche Carampane offers a traditional Venetian dining experience, complete with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a focus on quality seafood.
The Vibe
One of the more rustic and authentic restaurants in Venice, Antiche Carampane provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. You can dine on the patio or eat indoors while admiring the unique collection of wall art.
What to Order
Don't miss the deep-fried shrimp and calamari, the seafood pasta or the wild grilled fish with local vegetables. All dishes served here are a true testament to the region’s cuisine, so there are really no bad choices.
Antiche Carampane | Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venice | €€€
2. Ristorante Quadri
Situated in the iconic St. Mark's Square, Ristorante Quadri offers a luxurious dining experience with breathtaking views and sophisticated cuisine.
The Vibe
Elegant and upscale, with stunning vistas of the piazza and a refined, classical décor. This is truly one of the best restaurants Venice has to offer, from the design to the food and impeccable service. Be sure to reserve a table and follow the dress code to fit into the more sophisticated restaurants in Venice like Ristorante Quadri.
What to Order
Seasonal tasting menus are on offer here. While dishes vary, you could enjoy delights like burrata ravioli served with a range of seafood, including shrimp, clams and cuttlefish, or ribeye with a seaweed, herb and speck sauce.
Ristorante Quadri | Piazza San Marco, 121, 30124 Venice | €€€€
3. Al Covo
Of the many family-run restaurants in Venice, Al Covo stands out as a superb choice for a memorable meal with friendly service. This eatery is celebrated for its commitment to local ingredients and traditional Venetian recipes.
The Vibe
Warm, rustic and familial, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The laid-back ambiance allows diners to focus on the quality and sustainability of the mouthwatering menu.
What to Order
The clam linguine and the Adriatic monkfish with endive and beans are must-tries. The vegetarian pasta with vegetables from the owner’s farm is also highly recommended.
Al Covo | Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968, 30122 Venice | €€€
4. Osteria alle Testiere
If you are looking for small and intimate restaurants in Venice, Italy, then Osteria alle Testiere is a must-visit. Located near the Church of Santa Maria Formosa, this eatery is renowned for its fresh seafood and even features in the Michelin Guide.
The Vibe
Cozy and charming, with only a few tables, this restaurant in Venice creates an exclusive and intimate dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended if you don’t want to be disappointed.
What to Order
Trying the seafood here is a must and the catch of the day has to be included in your order. Expert wine pairings are also available with every dish.
Osteria alle Testiere | Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venice | €€€€
5. Trattoria al Gatto Nero
Located on the picturesque island of Burano, Trattoria al Gatto Nero is one of the restaurants in Venice renowned for its handmade pasta and fresh seafood. It's also beautifully situated amidst the colorful houses this Venetian island is known for.
The Vibe
Lively and bustling, with seating right next to the canal, this spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch while exploring Burano.
What to Order
Order the risotto Burano style and any of the seafood dishes to taste the best Venetian cuisine around. Getting a pasta dish or two can’t be missed either. Finish off with authentic Italian gelato or dolci tipici di Burano con vino Passito, a selection of desserts traditional to the area accompanied by a Passito wine pairing.
Trattoria al Gatto Nero | Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Burano | €€
6. Osteria da Fiore
Looking for restaurants in Venice with Michelin-star status? Then a meal at Osteria da Fiore has to be on your bucket list. Offering world-class dining in a quintessentially Venetian canal-side setting, everything from the food to the views will impress.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and romantic, this hot spot is ideal for a special occasion or an elegant night out in one of the best foodie cities in the world.
What to Order
The shrimp with burrata and truffle and the prosciutto crudo come highly recommended. There’s an extensive pesce crudo menu (raw fish and seafood) as well that’s well worth ordering a few dishes from. If you can’t decide, a tasting menu is also available.
Osteria da Fiore | S. Polo, 2202, 30125, Venice | €€€€
7. Corte Sconta
Another spot recognized in the Michelin guide, Corte Sconta is a delightful restaurant in Venice known for its charming courtyard and dishes that focus on fresh ingredients.
The Vibe
If you're on the hunt for the most relaxed places to eat in Venice, Corte Sconta is a top choice. It features a lovely outdoor courtyard that offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the rest of the city.
What to Order
Try the lemon-marinated anchovies with caper sauce or a selection of seafood crudo for starters. Following up with a homemade pasta dish and a selection of fish dishes for your main course won’t disappoint. If you have room, indulging in the parfait with grappa is a perfect way to top off the meal.
Corte Sconta | Calle del Pestrin, 3886, 30122 Venice | €€€€
8. Ristorante Glam
Helmed by Chef Enrico Bartolini, Ristorante Glam offers modern Italian cuisine with a creative twist. This two-Michelin-star eatery is one of the best restaurants Venice has to offer for lovers of both traditional and innovative cuisine.
The Vibe
Chic and contemporary, with a sleek design and a contemporary approach to dining. If you are on the lookout for restaurants in Venice with class, this is a top choice.
What to Order
Seasonal tasting menus are available here. Dishes vary but can include options like grilled cuttlefish or pigeon accompanied by some non-traditional Italian ingredients, such as yuzu. Opting for the wine paring is also highly recommended.
Ristorante Glam | Ruga Giuffa, 4835, 30122 Venice | €€€€
9. Trattoria Da Romano
Another excellent eatery located on the island of Burano is Trattoria Da Romano. This restaurant in Venice has been serving up traditional Venetian cuisine since 1947 and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The Vibe
Historic and homey, with grand stone columns, walls adorned with artwork and a bustling, family-friendly environment. You will feel right at home here whether you dine indoors or on the charming outdoor patio.
What to Order
The seafood risotto and the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) are classic choices that you simply have to try.
Trattoria Da Romano | Via Galuppi, 221, 30142 Burano, Venice | €€
10. Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti
Nestled in the artistic Dorsoduro district, Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti is one of the most charming restaurants in Venice. It’s known for its excellent wine selection and dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients.
The Vibe
With a laid-back atmosphere and warm, cozy and intimate dining space, this is one of the best places in Venice for a romantic dinner.
What to Order
The menu changes with the seasonality of produce purchased fresh from the famous Rialto Market. However, the seafood dishes always go down well. Whatever you order, be sure to get an expertly chosen wine pairing to go with it.
Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti | Fondamenta Toletta, 1169/A, 30123 Venice | €€€
11. Il Ridotto
Il Ridotto, a Michelin-starred restaurant near St. Mark's Square with only nine tables, offers an intimate and refined dining experience.
The Vibe
If you’re searching for restaurants in Venice suitable for a quiet and sophisticated meal, this eatery is the perfect spot.
What to Order
The black spaghetti with sea urchins and bell pepper sauce and the guinea fowl ravioli with sour cream are exceptional. As with many restaurants in Venice, the menu does vary with the seasonality of ingredients but you’re sure to be blown away with whatever is on the menu during your meal.
Il Ridotto | Campiello, Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo, 4509, 30122 Venice | €€€€
12. Osteria Anice Stellato
Located in Cannaregio, Osteria Anice Stellato is one of the more creative restaurants in Venice, known for its modern twists on traditional Venetian dishes.
The Vibe
With its rustic and cozy décor, this osteria boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a creative culinary approach.
What to Order
The clam spaghetti and the fried calamari are highlights of this eatery’s contemporary menu. Ending your meal with the tiramisu also won’t disappoint.
Osteria Anice Stellato | Fondamenta de la Sensa, 3272, 30121 Venice | €€€
13. Algiubagiò
With stunning views over the Venetian Lagoon, Algiubagiò is one of the most picturesque restaurants in Venice, offering a delightful dining experience with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
The Vibe
Scenic and serene, this authentic Italian eatery is perfect for a relaxed meal with a breathtaking view.
What to Order
The homemade ravioli with basil pesto and burrata and the fried seafood with herby vegetables are must-tries when dining here.
Algiubagiò | Fondamenta Nove, 5039, 30125 Venice | €€€€
14. Paradiso Perduto
Looking for entertaining restaurants in Venice? Paradiso Perduto is for you. This popular place to eat in Venice is located in a lively spot in Cannaregio and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music and hearty Venetian fare.
The Vibe
With a fun, energetic atmosphere and frequent live performances, this bohemian spot promises an excellent night out in the region.
What to Order
Serving up hearty fare, the heaped full plates of fried fish dishes are recommended for a taste of traditional Venetian cuisine. Wash it all down with a bottle or two from the affordable yet high-quality wine and beer selection.
Paradiso Perduto | Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2540, 30121 Venice | €€€
15. Alle Corone
Located within the luxurious Hotel Ai Reali, Alle Corone is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Venice. As with many other Venice restaurants, this eatery puts a strong focus on local and organic ingredients.
The Vibe
Elegant and sophisticated, with a refined atmosphere and impeccable service. Dining at this haute cuisine hotspot is ideal if you want to impress.
What to Order
The tasting menu here is a must-try if you’re willing to splurge. If going à la carte, the almond-crusted sea bass and the sirloin steak with gnocchi are standout dishes. Be sure to try a decadent dessert to finish your dining experience.
Alle Corone | Calle Seconda de la Fava, 5527, 30122, Venice | €€€€
16. La Zucca
One of the top vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Venice, La Zucca is renowned for its creative vegetable dishes, with meat and fish options also available.
The Vibe
The warm ambiance and rustic décor allow for the focus to fall on the food made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
What to Order
The stuffed mushrooms and the lasagna with radicchio are delicious vegetarian options that even meat eaters will want to try. End your meal with a rich and delicious chocolate orange cake.
La Zucca | Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venice | €€€
17. Ai Mercanti
Searching for hidden gem restaurants in Venice? Then be sure to check out Ai Mercanti, which offers modern Italian cuisine with a creative twist in a stylish, contemporary setting.
The Vibe
Modern and chic with a sleek design and innovative approach to traditional dishes.
What to Order
The San Marzano tomato risotto and the cod with lemongrass sauce are highly recommended. The fruit sorbet provides a refreshing end to a rich, flavorsome feast.
Ai Mercanti | Corte Coppo, 4346/a, 30124 Venice | €€€
Exploring the best restaurants in Venice, Italy offers a remarkable culinary journey through traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. From cozy osterias to elegant fine dining establishments, Venice's dining scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
Whether you're indulging in fresh seafood, handmade pasta or delectable desserts, these top 17 restaurants provide unforgettable dining experiences that capture the essence of Venetian gastronomy.
For even more ways to explore Venice and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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