Including the best restaurants near Venice to sample great Venice food.
Known for its distinctly beautiful canal streets, Venice is one of the most captivating cities that you will find in Italy. It’s no surprise that local Venice food is just as incredible and unique as the City of Canals itself. Continue reading to discover some of the best restaurants near Venice that you can find some of the most exquisite food of Venice in, as well as the top five most unforgettable dining experiences in Venice.
Here are some of the most exciting dishes that you will find on the menu in Venice that you absolutely must try on your trip!:
Gelato is similar to ice cream, but it is richer, denser, and smoother. An absolute must to check out, although I would say that as I have an extremely sweet tooth!
Aperol and Campari are two different types of Italian alcohol. Both of these aperitifs can be mixed into cocktails for a refreshing beverage. You will see streets lined with tourists sipping this beautifully orange drink while people watching.
Pizza and pasta are Italian classics that have been popularized all around the world. They are both rich in carbohydrates and best served with sauce, toppings, and plenty of cheese.
Sarde in Saor is a traditional Venetian appetizer that consists of marinated and fried sardines that are served with sweet and sour onions, pine nuts, and raisins.
Bigoli in salsa is an authentic Venetian pasta dish that is made with whole-wheat bigoli pasta, onions, and salted anchovies or sardines. This is one of Venice’s most well-known signature dishes.
Fritole is a delectable Italian dessert that is made of fried dough. This mini doughnut-like treat is typically made with raisins, orange peels, or lemon peels in the dough which gives it a naturally sweet flavor.
Cicchetti are small bites of Venetian side dishes. These typically consist of bread, meat or fish, and cheese. You can find Cicchetti served in local bars in and around Venice. They can be served warm or cold.
Risi e Bisi is Italian for “rice and peas,” but this local cuisine is much more than that. It has a rich history in Venice and was traditionally served to the Doge of Venice in celebration of the first green crops of Spring being harvested.
Now you know what Venice food you need to try on your trip, we have sought out the best restaurants near Venice for you to sample all these goodies in.
Suso Gelatoteca
Located just steps away from the Grand Canal, this ice cream shop serves up some of the finest gelato that you will find in Venice. Once known as a hidden gem among locals and tourists alike, this shop is now popular for its delectable frozen treats. Here you will find so many mouth-watering flavors to choose from that you won’t be able to pick just one. Each flavor is hand-scooped before your eyes and served to you in a freshly made waffle cone and topped with a waffle cone cookie. These cones are absolutely Instagram-worthy. The rich and creamy gelato from Suso Gelatoteca is a must-try while you are in Venice. Keep in mind that since the flavors are so delicious, the line can be a bit long at times. However, everyone who has had a chance to try this incredible gelato says that it was well worth the wait.
Impronta
This highly rated restaurant serves food that is authentically Venetian. Here, you will find all of the flavors of the Mediterranean in their exquisitely crafted dishes. You can enjoy their raw fish dishes, buffalo’s milk mozzarella, or an array of their delicious tartares. This is more than just great food; it is also known for its friendly service and eclectic atmosphere. The restaurant is timelessly decorated with small pops of color that are as vibrant as the dishes that it serves. If you’re new to Venetian food, try one of their pasta dishes such as the blacks noodles with seafood sauce, served with pesto, tomato sauce, and cooked almonds. Don’t forget dessert! The tiramisu is a favorite among their guests, and the portions are big enough to split with a friend.
Osteria Sora al Ponte
This authentic, northern Italian dining experience is nestled just a stone’s throw away from the famous Grand Canal. Osteria Sora al Ponte serves up traditional Venetian dishes daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Here you can find generous portions of Mediterranean flavors as well as a history of how the dish originated in the area. Some of their most popular menu items include their fresh scallops, pizza, and homemade pasta. Guests also love this restaurant for the friendly staff members who are knowledgeable about the local history of the cuisine that they serve. Remember to book your reservations before you arrive because this restaurant can fill up quickly.
Osteria alle Testiere
Here at Osteria alle Testiere, you will find an abundance of authentic seafood dishes and friendly service to match. This upscale dining experience will take your tastebuds on a journey through the flavors of the Mediterranean. The menu features plenty of creatively crafted, fresh seafood options including scallops, sea bass, and crustaceans. Their extensive wine list is hand-selected to compliment the seafood dishes that they serve. For dessert, their pistachio cake is a must-try. This delectable dessert is served warm, topped with freshly made pistachio ice cream, and will melt in your mouth. If you’re having trouble deciding what to order or are curious about the menu items, ask your server some additional questions. Their staff is known to be friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes that they serve.
Café Florian
If you’re looking for an upscale café that is known for its elegant, traditional atmosphere and exquisite Italian desserts, look no further than Café Florian. Located just off of Piazza San Marco, this café will transport you straight into a royal, Venetian fairy tale. The gold-trimmed antiques and hand-crafted décor that is on display throughout Café Florian are certain to leave you breathless. Sit outside on their terrace to enjoy exquisite desserts while you watch the world pass you by. And if the decorations don’t impress you, the food surely will. Serving up delectable desserts such as macarons, gelato, chocolate, and rich cappuccinos all day long, there is something on the menu that everyone can enjoy. Guests frequently describe the dining experience at Café Florian as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is worth every penny.
As you can see, there is so much to try on the venice food scene. I undertook the (not so) hard task of scouting out all the best restaurants near Venice so you can try all the wonderful food of Venice on your next trip. I hope this has been an interesting read for you and if you think there is something I’ve missed out let me know… I might even have to book another trip to check them all out!!
