Most people only spend a few days in Venice, so with limited time, you’ll want to be sure you’re dining at the city’s best spots.
I’ve been to Venice many times and love trying out new restaurants each visit. This list is a mix of my personal favorites from over the years, along with a few local recommendations I’ve picked up along the way.
One thing I’ve learned is that Venice stays busy all year, so booking a table isn’t something to leave until the last minute. It’s best to reserve 2 weeks to a month in advance. I’ve made note of the ones you need to reserve well in advance.
While Venice has its share of tourist traps, this list features authentic gems where you can enjoy true Venetian dishes. Personally, I love cozy, genuine places with a solid menu of local fare, and that’s what you’ll find here.
Read on to discover the best restaurants in Venice, Italy.
Cafes & Pastry Shops
Pasticceria Rizzardini
This tiny, old-world bakery, tucked away in Venice’s San Polo district, is easy to miss—but worth every effort to find. Inside, it’s standing room only, with a tempting selection of cream-filled treats (including tiramisu) and excellent coffee. I make a point to stop here every time I’m in Venice.
Address: Campiello dei Meloni, 1415, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Pasticceria Marchini Time
A local who lives in the neighborhood recommended this pastry shop to us. It’s perfect for a quick espresso and a pastry on the go. While all their cakes looked tempting, I especially loved the Pan del Doge—a cake-like cookie with raisins and nuts.
Address: Campo S. Luca, 4589, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Rosa Salva
Rosa Salva is a Venetian institution, famous for its beautiful pastries and tramezzini sandwiches. With several locations around the city, the most central one is just steps from St. Mark’s Square. It’s popular with tourists, so expect a bit of a crowd—but the treats are well worth it.
Address: Sestiere di S. Marco, 950, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Majer
Majer is a modern pastry shop and café with several locations around Venice, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch. They offer a nice mix of sandwiches, pastries, and drinks, and their stuffed croissants did not disappoint. I especially love the Santa Croce location—one of Venice’s most charming (and quiet!) neighborhoods.
Address: Calle Larga, 1630, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Caffè Florian
Caffe Florian is Venice’s oldest and most elegant cafe. Dining here is truly an experience in itself with its ornate interiors and live orchestra playing in St. Mark’s Square. Prices are steep but it’s the worth the splurge at least once.
Address: P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Boresso
Boresso is a cozy café with a laid-back vibe right in the heart of Santa Croce. They serve a great selection of Italian pastries, coffee, and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot for a light bite. It’s ideal if you’re looking to relax and enjoy a quieter side of Venice.
Address: Salizada San Stae, 1908, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Sulla Luna
Sullaluna is easily one of the most charming cafés in Venice—a cozy blend of library, café, and bistro tucked away in Cannaregio. It’s a great spot if you’re craving a more substantial breakfast than the usual pastry options, with offerings like yogurt bowls and toasts. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, perfect for a slow morning with a good book and a delicious meal.
Address: Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2535, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
READ ALSO: 25 Best things to do in Venice, Italy
Gelato in Venice
Gelato di Natura
After sampling quite a few gelato spots in Venice, this one is hands-down our favorite. Call us gelato snobs, but the texture and flavors here are exceptional. I especially recommend trying the Canova flavor—it’s a standout!
Address: C. Seconda del Cristo, 4454, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy / Locations
Gelateria Gallonetto
Gelateria Gallonetto seems to have become a TikTok sensation, and the lines can be pretty long. We decided to give it a try after seeing its impressive 4.9-star rating on Google, and for Venice standards, it definitely lives up to the hype. The flavors aren’t wildly inventive, but you can’t go wrong with the classics—they’re well done and worth the stop.
Address: Salizada S. Lio, 5727, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
For a complete list, check out 5 Best Gelato Shops in Venice
Cicchetti & Bars
Cicchetti are Venice’s answer to tapas—small, savory bites typically enjoyed with a glass of wine at a local bacaro (wine bar). Below, I’ve listed our top three places in Venice plus a few additional bars worth checking out.
For my full list, check out these 8 must-try spots for cicchetti in Venice.
Bar All’Arco
All’Arco is my favorite spot for cicchetti in Venice—a small, beloved bacaro with fantastic bites, great wine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Seating is limited, both inside and out, but it’s a must on any Venice itinerary.
Address: S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Cantina do Spade
Another Cicchetti hot spot. You can grab a glass of wine and some bites to go, or settle in at a table and enjoy their delicious small plates.
Address: San Polo, 859, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Cantina do Mori
Cantina Do Mori is as authentic as it gets—one of Venice’s oldest wine bars, with copper pots hanging from the walls and a counter lined with cicchetti and tramezzini. Highly recommend.
Address: Calle Do Mori, 429, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Il Mercante
Il Mercante is an inventive cocktail bar set inside a charming 19th-century café, making it one of Venice’s top spots for creative drinks. The cocktails here are crafted with unique flavors and inspired by travel, bringing a fresh twist to classic drinks.
Address: Fondamenta Frari, 2564, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Vino Vero
Vino Vero sits along Fondamenta de la Misericordia, a lively canal-side street filled with bars and eateries, and came highly recommended by our hotel (Hotel Flora). It’s a fantastic spot for high-quality wines and an assortment of delicious cicchetti. There are a few tables by the canal for a scenic view, but otherwise, it’s standing room only.
Address: Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2497, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Al Timon
Al Timon is another must-visit wine bar, popular amongst locals. They serve a great selection of wines and cicchetti, but they’re especially famous for their Fiorentina steak.
Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Best Restaurants in Venice
La Zucca
La Zucca is a great option for anyone craving fresh vegetable dishes in Venice—especially if you’ve been carb-loading for weeks. True to its name (“zucca” means pumpkin), the restaurant serves a wonderful selection of vegetable-focused dishes, with their pumpkin flan being a fan favorite. It’s one of my go-to spots in Venice, but be sure to make reservations at least a couple of weeks ahead to snag a table.
Call for reservations / Address: Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Da Ivo
Da Ivo is one of our favorite spots in Venice, and if you have to pick just one place to dine, make it this one. The vibe is wonderfully old-school, with wooden furniture, red tablecloths, and copper pots adorning the walls. The menu blends Venetian and Tuscan cuisine, with freshly made, hearty dishes.
Online Reservations / Address: S. Marco, 1809, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Al Covo
Opened in 1987 by Cesare Benelli, Al Covo is celebrated for its upscale take on Venetian cuisine. A proud member of the slow food movement, they source their produce, fish, and meats from local farms, ensuring every dish is fresh and flavorful. This is a must-visit in Venice, so be sure to make a reservation at least a month in advance.
Online Reservations / Address: Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
La Bitta
La Bitta is a cozy, hidden spot in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood with just about ten tables, so it feels intimate and welcoming. Expect authentic home-style cooking, warm service, and a truly memorable meal. While they don’t serve fish, their meat dishes are exceptional. On my last visit, I had a leek and potato soup to start and a honey gorgonzola gnocchi as my main. The couple next to me ordered one of their meat plates and claimed it was the best meal they’d had in Venice—and I’d have to agree, it was one of my favorites too.
Call for reservations / Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Antiche Carampane
If you’re after an exceptional seafood-focused meal, Antiche Carampane is the place to go. The menu highlights local flavors and traditional Venetian dishes like sarde in saor, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are tough to come by, so be sure to book online 1–2 months in advance, especially during peak season.
Online Reservations / Address: Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Alle Testiere
Alle Testiere is widely regarded as one of Venice’s best restaurants and is truly a must-visit. The chefs craft a daily menu based on what’s fresh at the Rialto fish market, resulting in dishes that are both incredibly fresh and creatively prepared. Be sure to book at least a month in advance to secure a spot—it’s a small place, and reservations fill up fast!
Online Reservations / Address: Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Birraria La Corte
Birraria La Corte came highly recommended, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Their menu puts a fresh twist on classic pizzas, featuring seasonal toppings like pumpkin, hazelnuts, and gorgonzola over a delicious crust. While reservations aren’t essential, it’s a good idea to book ahead, just in case.
Online Reservations / Address: S. Polo, 2168, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
L’Anice Stellato
I had a memorable meal at L’Anice Stellato, a spot that feels like a local secret tucked away in the quiet Cannaregio district. Owned by chefs from Bologna—a top foodie city in Italy—it offers an inventive twist on Venetian cuisine. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood, with flavors inspired by cuisines from around the world.
Online Reservations / Address: Fondamenta de la Sensa, 3272, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Trattoria Corta Sconta
This establishment is well-known for its fresh seafood. The dishes are simple yet flavorful, and they serve Venetian classics like pasta with scallops, spider crab, and risotto.
Online Reservations / Address: Calle del Pestrin, 3886, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Ai Artisti
Ai Artisti is a cozy, intimate spot that doubles as a wine bar and osteria, with just a handful of tables. They serve inventive dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Call for reservations / Address: Fondamenta Toletta, 1169/abc, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy / Location
Making a Reservation
Booking a table in Italy isn’t always straightforward. Rather than simply choosing a time online, you often need to call and speak to someone directly.
If I have to call to reserve (as a native English speaker), I usually keep Google Translate open on my phone to make things easier. I start by asking if they speak English, and if not, I do my best to make the reservation in Italian. Since Venice is so popular amongst foreigners, most people speak some English.
Here are a few additional tips:
- Book in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to call at least 2-4 weeks in advance to secure a table.
- Try last-minute options: If you decide on a place last minute, you can always arrive just before it opens. Some restaurants hold a couple of tables for walk-ins, especially for smaller parties. We’ve done this a few times in Italy, but it’s harder in Venice. Reservations really are necessary.
Tips for eating out in Italy
Eating out in another country can feel a bit confusing at times. Here are a few tips to help you feel more at ease with Italian dining customs.
- Tipping isn’t required in Italy, but if you enjoyed your meal or service, any tip is appreciated. A small amount—typically 10-15%—is perfectly fine.
- Most restaurants charge a coperto, a small per-person fee that covers bread, linens, and tableware. You’ll usually see this fee, ranging from €2–€5, printed on the front of the menu.
- Italian menus are divided into appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts. Pasta is typically served as a first course (primo), while meat or fish dishes are second courses (secondo). You’re not expected to order both.
- Meals often last 1.5-3 hours. Don’t expect fast or quick service at restaurants. Italians expect people to take their time and enjoy the meal.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.