The Restaurants to Visit for a Slice of La Dolce Vita
19 December 2020
This city of unparalleled historic and artistic heritage is full of winding canals, secret alleys, and grand piazzas – with a serious food scene to boot. We’ve rounded up the most beautiful restaurants in Venice, from the tiny bacaro with wine for just €1 to the family-run osteria with the freshest spaghetti alle vongole. Experience design destinations with Michelin-starred chefs and the places known for the best Bellinis.
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Caffè Florian
This classic spot in Piazza San Marco has been around since 1720 and is one of the oldest cafés still operating in Europe. Ornate walls and plush red banquettes call for slow mornings over cappuccinos brought to you on silver platters by waiters dressed in bright-white suits. Prices are steep and it is a bit of a tourist hotspot, but it’s a timeless Venetian place perfect for people-watching. Enjoy thick hot chocolate and crispy morning pastries such as flaky croissants or doughy bombolone (a doughnut filled with cream).
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Porticciolo Restaurant
Only a short boat ride across the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco lies this classic hotel with old-world glamour and luxury. Make a beeline for Porticciolo, the alfresco lagoon-hugging terrace where creamy caprese salad and thinly sliced carpaccio with Cipriani sauce dominate the menu.
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Harry’s Bar Venice
The first brick-and-mortar restaurant from the Cipriani family opened in 1931 and is one of the most storied bars in the Floating City. It’s here that the fruity Bellini was invented and carpaccio was allegedly created. Enjoy evenings sipping Negronis and Martinis while dining on Harry’s own classics.
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Trattoria al Gatto Nero
This family-run place, the oldest osteria in colorful Burano, serves Venetian fish classics, homemade tagliolini, and fluffy tiramisu for dessert. Its charming ambiance with framed paintings and prints covering the walls creates an inviting atmosphere.
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Bacareto da Lele
A tiny hole-in-the-wall popular with students in Santa Croce, this bacaro offers cheap glasses of ombra and cicchetti. Snack on salumi and cheese plates, miniature porchetta panini, and crostini, all while soaking in the local vibe by the canal.
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Ristorante Quadri
With Michelin-starred chefs at the helm, this restaurant is known for its charming service and exquisite dishes made with ingredients straight from the Rialto Market. Experience a deluxe tasting menu in a beautifully designed space overlooking St Mark’s Square.
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Locanda Cipriani
A slice of old-fashioned Venice on the lagoon island of Torcello, this inn offers dining under a pergola and a taste of gourmet Venetian dishes, accompanied by frothy Bellinis.
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Trattoria Da Romano
With a collection of over 400 works of art, this family-run trattoria has made a name for its traditional lagoon cooking, including risotto di pesce and frittura di Nonna Gigia featuring calamari and shrimp.
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Antiche Carampane
This hidden gem specializes in seafood caught that morning, offering dishes like fried moeche and fegato alla veneziana. The cozy atmosphere makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Osteria Da Fiore
This Michelin-starred osteria has an unmistakable air of quality with its traditional Venetian menu. Don’t miss classics like fried oysters with zabaione and innovative pairings of sea scallops with pistachio.
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Pasticceria Rizzardini
A perfect spot to start the day, this bakery has been a local favorite since 1742. Enjoy sweet morning treats and strong coffee, or visit in the evenings for a refreshing Campari spritz.
