Where the locals eat in Venice, from the best under-the-radar spots to the loveliest award-winning restaurants
Despite its small size, compiling a guide of the best restaurants in Venice is no easy feat – this popular Italian city is not short of amazing food and places to enjoy it. Since time immemorial, the vast saltwater lagoon of Venice and the Adriatic beyond have provided fresh supplies for the city’s homes and restaurants. A visit to the Grand-Canal-side fish market, under its splendid neo-Gothic arches, provides a slippery introduction to moeche (soft-shelled crabs), schie (tiny grey shrimps), capelunghe (razor clams), and other wondrous marine creatures.
Seafood is the foundation of the city’s cuisine, but it’s not the whole story. There’s a healthy heritage of meat dishes from the Venetian hinterland, and vegetables from the lagoon islands are a fixture (the exquisite castraure artichoke hearts from Sant’Eramo being the most famous). In recent years, a consortium of Venetian restaurants has taken this to the next level.
Where to find these local delights? Of course, in such a heavily touristed city, plenty of venues serve sub-standard fare to transient crowds. However, real dedication to excellent cuisine, with a respect for tradition and an eye for the new, is rife among Venetians. If you know where to go, you’ll eat very well indeed in the lagoon city. Here are the best restaurants in Venice to try on your next visit.
Ristorante Local
Unusually spacious and painted in shades of lagoon blue, Local is exactly what it claims to be: the decor incorporates local crafts (including thousands of colored glass beads laid into the floor) and the kitchen brims with exquisitely fresh local produce, sourced from the area. The dishes riff on tradition while adding new twists and the occasional fusion element. In the open kitchen, chef Salvatore Sodano prepares dishes for seven- or nine-course set menus, which might include rice with razor clams or Venetian squid cooked in its own ink. The kitchen accommodates allergies, and the service is welcoming and professional, complemented by an expertly curated wine list.
Address: Ristorante Local, Castello 3303, Salizada dei Greci, Venice
Il Ristorante Adriatica
There are multiple reasons to visit this chic hangout in a tourist-lite corner of south-western Venice: the Palazzo Experimental hotel – home to the Adriatica restaurant – is a glorious explosion of candy-stripe decor reminiscent of belle epoque beach huts. The cocktail bar is among Venice’s trendiest, and the restaurant offers interesting alternatives to Venetian traditions, drawing inspiration from ingredients found across the Adriatic coastline. Slip into a plush banquette to enjoy chilled bell pepper soup with green beans and goat cheese, or seabass and stuffed courgettes with mussels and saffron sauce. It serves enticing snacks at any time of the day.
Address: Il Ristorante Adriatica, Dorsoduro 1412, Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, Venice.
Hostaria Castello
A stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square, this bijoux restaurant has quickly become a firm favorite among locals and tourists alike since its opening in 2021. It’s a modern take on the Ottoman coffee house, featuring lush velvet sofas and antique wooden pieces against a brick-and-concrete backdrop. The menu balances seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, with comforting Italian staples like ravioli with ricotta and spinach competing with local traditions such as scallop and pesto tagliatelle.
Address: Hostaria Castello, Castello 3476, Salizada Sant’Antonin, Venice.
Osteria Giorgione da Masa
With exposed brick arches and well-worn wooden furniture, this 2021 venture near the Rialto bridge presents an inviting atmosphere. Chef Masahiro Homma combines local ingredients to create authentic Japanese dishes with a Venetian twist. Highlights include raw smoked catch of the day, prawn dumplings, and homemade noodles with tuna and seaweed.
Address: Osteria Giorgione da Masa, Cannaregio 4582A, Calle larga dei Proverbi, Venice
Osteria Alle Testiere
Foresight and perseverance are needed to snag a table at this diminutive osteria, where courteous staff serve daily specials based on the freshest seafood available. In the kitchen, chef Bruno Gavagnin uses absolute simplicity to bring out the delicate flavors of the fish and local vegetables. The daily-changing menu may include grilled capelunghe (razor clams), lobster gnocchi, or mazzancolle alla busara (stewed prawns). The desserts are sensational, curated by co-owner and wine expert Luca Di Vita.
Address: Osteria alle Testiere, Castello 5801, Calle del Mondo Novo, Venice
All’Arco
Vibrant sights and smells at Venice’s daily fish market draw crowds into the traditional bacari (wine bars). All’Arco is a popular option where you’ll need to navigate to reach the counter or secure one of the limited tables. It serves a variety of classic seafood ciccheti (small plates), such as bruschette with baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod) or sarde in saor (sardines in sweet and sour sauce).
Address: All’Arco, San Polo 436, Calle dell’Occhialer, Venice
Antiche Carampane
A hidden gem frequented by discerning visitors, this restaurant offers a menu covering historic Venetian fare, including superb mixed fried seafood. It’s committed to freshness, sourcing catch directly, along with vegetables from Osti in Orto.
Address: Antiche Carampane, San Polo 1911, Rio Terà de le Carampane, Venice
Alla Frasca
This osteria is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal beneath a wisteria-covered pergola. With market-fresh produce going into dishes ranging from chianina steak carpaccio to mixed seafood pasta, waiters are experienced and know when to give diners privacy.
Address: Osteria alla Frasca, Cannaregio 5176, corte della Carità, Venice.
Glam
Glam, Venice’s only two Michelin-star restaurant, is a culinary marvel. Under the guidance of super-chef Enrico Bartolini, the taster menu is visually stunning and delicious. The staff ensures a warm atmosphere while serving remarkable fare in an enchanting setting, ideal for enjoying fine dining experiences.
Address: Glam, Santa Croce 1961, Calle Tron, Venice
Al Timon
Al Timon is famous for its traditional wooden boat moored outside, drawing patrons during warmer months. This steakhouse and wine bar is a key stop for those craving a serious meat fix, offering generous sharing boards of Fiorentina, Lombatello, and Chateaubriand steaks. The atmosphere provides stunning sunset views along the canal.
Address: Al Timon, Cannaregio 2754, Fondamente dei Ormesini, Venice
Al Covo
Since 1987, Al Covo has been synonymous with exceptional Venetian cooking. Owner-chef Cesare Benelli is committed to modernizing traditional dishes while sourcing the best local ingredients. Enjoy a variety of seafood options, complemented by delicious desserts crafted by his wife, Diane.
Address: Al Covo, Castello 3968, Campiello de la Pescaria, Venice
Anice Stellato
Located along a northern canal-side walk, Anice Stellato offers unique culinary experiences reflecting a blend of Venetian and global influences. A spacious setting includes wine-filled bookshelves and a diverse menu that changes with the seasons, providing a delightful atmosphere for any meal.
Address: Anice Stellato, Cannaregio 3272, Fondamenta de la Sensa, Venice
Gastrosteria Ai Mercanti
Two generations of the Locatello family lead Ai Mercanti, which boasts a charmingly relaxed atmosphere. A small blackboard lists daily specials that may include creative twists on fish and veal dishes, all while maintaining a casual and intimate dining experience.
Address: Gastrosteria Ai Mercanti, San Marco 4346a, Corte Coppo, Venice
La Palanca
This neighborhood bar on Giudecca island offers a spectacular lunch menu that appeals to even the most demanding gourmet. With a focus on super-fresh seafood, classics like creamed cod and spaghetti with squid ink shine. The exceptional canal views make it a must-visit spot.
Address: La Palanca, Giudecca 448, fondamenta Sant’Eufemia, Venice.
