TimeSavour

Venice

BY: Amelia Quinn

|

March 15, 2024

Unveiling The Best Restaurants in Venice

Ah, Venice—the romantic city of canals, gondolas, and centuries-old architecture. While it’s true that Venice may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of culinary excellence, hidden beneath the layers of tourist traps and overpriced eateries lies a vibrant and authentic food scene waiting to be discovered. As with our other city guides, TimeSavour is here to unveil the city’s best restaurants and steer you away from the crowded piazzas and tourist-filled trattorias.

Forget what you’ve heard about Venice not being a food destination—while it’s undeniable that the city has its fair share of culinary pitfalls, there are also hidden gems tucked away in its narrow alleyways and quiet campos. These are the places where locals and seasoned food travelers go, where chefs are more concerned with crafting delicious dishes than with filling their pockets.

Step into one of Venice’s authentic bacari, traditional wine bars where you’ll find locals sipping on ombre, small glasses of wine, and nibbling on cicchetti, bite-sized snacks that are the Venetian equivalent of tapas. These unassuming establishments may not look like much from the outside, but inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of flavors, from delicate seafood salads to hearty meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce.

For a taste of true Venetian hospitality, seek out trattorias and osterias frequented by locals. These family-run establishments pride themselves on serving up simple, honest fare made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From fresh seafood and creamy risottos to tender braised meats. And let’s not forget about the street food, you’ll find vendors selling everything from freshly fried seafood to pizza and creamy gelato. As long as you do your research, or just follow our guidance, you’ll find amazing food.

But perhaps the true heart of Venice’s culinary scene lies in its dedication to preserving tradition and heritage. Many of Venice best restaurants are helmed by chefs who are passionate about preserving Venetian culinary traditions while also pushing the boundaries of innovation. These are the chefs who source their ingredients from local fishermen and farmers, who pay homage to the rich culinary history of Venice with every dish they create.

At TimeSavour, we understand that navigating Venice’s food scene can be daunting, especially for the uninitiated. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the Venice best restaurants, bars, and eateries, where quality and authenticity take precedence over tourist traps and gimmicks. So whether you’re craving a simple plate of spaghetti alle vongole or eager to sample the latest culinary creations from Venice’s top chefs, let TimeSavour be your guide and show you the way to the best restaurants in Venice. Buon appetito!

Our best restaurants in Venice

L’osteria di Santa Marina

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This restaurant offers food that borders on Michelin quality while maintaining a casual and inviting ambiance. Here you’ll find a seafood-centric menu with a touch of innovation and flair. Indulge in the exquisite Scallop Carpaccio with Foie Gras, a delicate fusion of flavors that exemplifies the restaurant’s style of cooking. Alternatively, delight in the homemade Tortelli with Burrata & Red Shrimp. This is the perfect place for a luxurious dining experience without being too formal.

Santa marina
Photo credit: L’osteria di Santa Marina

Vino Vero

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

This wine bar boasts an excellent selection of over 600 natural, biodynamic, and small-producer wines. The bar is known for its delicious cicchetti, such as sarde e saor with edible flowers, cured tuna with citrus zest, and gorgonzola with walnuts. The atmosphere is relaxed but buzzy, making it feel like a real hidden gem. The staff is friendly and provide expert knowledge on all the wines, this is a must-visit for wine lovers in Venice.

vino vero
Photo credit: Vino Vero

Osteria Giorgione da MASA

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$

Osteria Giorgione da Masa is a culinary haven located in the Cannaregio area that offers a unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine. The ambiance is both welcoming and sophisticated, and the menu features a variety of seafood dishes that showcase the best of both cuisines. With a great wine list and impeccable service in a setting that exudes Venetian charm, you’re set for a lovely dining experience.

Osteria Giorgione da Masa
Photo credit: Osteria Giorgione da MASA

Osteria Enoteca San Marco

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

In Venice’s historic San Marco district, this restaurant offers a perfect spot for both food and wine. The flavours here are Italian with international influences, indulge in exquisite pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and locally sourced ingredients. With a casual yet elegant ambiance, accompanied by a large list of more than 300 wines, Osteria Enoteca San Marco has a clear place on our list.

Osteria Enoteca San Marco
Photo credit: Osteria Enoteca San Marco

All’Arco

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

All’Arco is a quintessential Venetian bar that embodies the city’s vibrant culinary culture. With its unassuming facade and intimate interior, it offers a true taste of Venetian authenticity. Renowned for its cicchetti, or small bites, All’Arco tantalizes the taste buds with an array of delectable treats, from creamy bacalà mantecato to savory polpette. Locals and visitors alike flock to this beloved establishment to savour its traditional flavours and lively atmosphere.

All'arco
Photo credit: All’arco

Al Covo

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

Al Covo is a charming restaurant famous for its dedication to showcasing the finest flavours of the Venetian lagoon. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, this place offers a traditional Italian hospitality. Al Covo takes pride in sourcing the freshest local ingredients, offering a menu that celebrates the richness of Venetian cuisine while incorporating innovative twists. From delicate seafood dishes crafted with the day’s catch to homemade pasta infused with seasonal ingredients.

al covo
Photo credit: Al Covo

Bacaro ae Bricoe

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

Bacaro Ae Bricoe is a cozy and welcoming bar with great Cicchetti. Open all day, it entices with breakfast brioches and freshly made sandwiches. Sip on artisan beers, tasty cocktails and a selection of high-quality natural wines sourced locally. The rustic interiors create an informal and authentic atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Bacaro ae Bricoe
Photo credit: Bacaro ae Bricoe

Il Mercante

Place: Bar
Price range: $$

This is a cocktail bar that takes mixology seriously. Located within a historic café dating back to 1870, you’ll be presented with some astonishing cocktails. Inspired by the journeys of great historical explorers, the menu showcases some really innovative creations. If you’re looking for a bar with a great vibe and amazing cocktails, look no further, you’ll have a great time here.

il mercante
Photo credit: Il Mercante

Taverna al Remer

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Taverna al Remer is a renowned restaurant with an excellent cocktail bar. The menu features a blend of innovation and tradition, with recommended dishes like Carpaccio, Gnocchi, and Antipasto Di Pesce. The ambiance is enriched by the old brickwork and the view of the Bridge of Sighs. Here you can expect gourmet food made from local ingredients, accompanied by excellent Venetian wines.

taverna al remer
Photo credit: Taverna al Remer

La Bottiglia

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

La Bottiglia is a cute little bàcari with a focus on great wine and paninis. Sink your teeth into perfectly cooked ham sandwiches or why not order a delicious charcuterie board with quality meats and cheeses. Find a table by the canal, have a glass of wine and some nibbles, perfect after a day of walking in Venice.

la bottiglia
Photo credit: La Bottiglia

Osteria Anice Stellato

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$

This cosy restaurant, located in the Cannaregio area, is known for its humble vibe and delicious Venetian cuisine. Here, you’ll find warmth and authenticity in every dish, with a menu that showcases local cuisine with some added international flavours. Beyond the food you’ll find an impressive selection of wines, some of them natural, carefully curated to complement their menu.

Osteria Anice Stellato
Photo credit: Osteria Anice Stellato

Farini

Place: Café
Style:
Price range: $$

At this bakery & pizza shop they serve everything from breakfast to aperitivo. We may not be in Naples but when in Italy it’s almost mandatory to have some pizza. Here they make it “al taglio”-style, a pizza variant famous in Rome, which you buy by the slice or square. But pizza is not the only thing they offer – coffee, pastries, brunch dishes and cocktails are things they do here as well, and they do them really good. Farini has four locations in the city and we urge you to find one.

farini
Photo credit: Farini

Ai Mercanti

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Ai Mercanti offers a culinary experience blending tradition with innovation. With its intimate ambiance and attentive service, this restaurant invites diners on a journey through Venetian cuisine reimagined for the modern palate. Led by talented chefs, Ai Mercanti showcases the bounty of the Venetian lagoon with meticulously crafted dishes harmonizing seasonal flavors. From delicate seafood specialties to tasty meat dishes, this place offers a great dining experience.

ai mercanti
Photo credit: Ai Mercanti

Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This hidden gem offers an intimate dining experience, focusing on showcasing the region’s culinary heritage. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a focus on seafood. The menu is quite small but of high quality, usually there’s also a few meat dishes. The enoteca complements the meal with a thoughtfully curated selection of wines. Whether seated indoors or enjoying the Venetian ambiance outdoors, Ai Artisti promises a memorable dining experience.

Ai artisti
Photo credit: Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

Estro

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$

This chic restaurant/wine bar combines modern flair with traditional Venetian charm, offering a sophisticated dining experience in the heart of the city. Estro’s menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets, delivering exquisite dishes with a contemporary Venetian style. Here you can enjoy everything from innovative seafood creations to expertly crafted pasta dishes. For wine drinkers they also offer a huge wine list with a focus on natural wines.

Estro
Photo credit: Estro

Bakarò

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Bakaró is a casual restaurant known for its excellent food and service. The menu offers a variety of Italian dishes, like the Carbonara, which is one of their staple dishes. The atmosphere is inviting with friendly service, making it a popular spot among both locals and tourists. If you feel that you need a break from Venice multitude of (really good) seafood restaurants, this is a perfect choice.

bakaro
Photo credit: Bakarò

Glam

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$$

Glam, a two Michelin star restaurant located in the beautiful Palazzo Venart. This is where chef Enrico Bartolini and resident chef Donato Ascani create culinary masterpieces. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with dishes that exudes creativity and passion. The menu is a journey through venetian cuisine with a modern twist, with each dish offering an explosion of taste. The ambiance is classy but relaxed and service both friendly and exceptional, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Venice, this is it.

Glam
Photo credit: Glam

Osteria al Squero

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

Osteria Al Squero is a delightful wine bar in Venice, known for its delicious cicchetti. It’s situated opposite the last gondola boatyard, adding to its unique charm. The bar offers a cozy and convivial environment, with efficient service of snacks and wine by the glass or bottle at very affordable prices. It’s a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike and despite its limited seating, the atmosphere is always buzzing and welcoming.

al squero
Photo credit: Osteria al Squero

Ostaria dai Zemei

Place: Bar
Style:
Price range: $

Ostaria Dai Zemei, located in the San Polo district of Venice, is a charming Osteria known for its delicious cicchetti. Run by twins Franco and Giovanni, it offers a variety of small snacks, perfect for an afternoon drink and bite. The food is excellent, with a wide selection of cicchetti that focuses on local Venetian flavours. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists.

Ostaria Dai Zemei
Photo credit: ki_keyra

Osteria alle Testiere

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

This intimate restaurant specializes in seafood with dishes that are as fresh as they are flavourful. The menu changes daily, reflecting the catch of the day from the Rialto fish market. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with wooden tables and a simple, yet charming decor. The service is excellent and despite its small size, Osteria alle Testiere has made a big impact on the Venice food scene, earning rave reviews and a loyal following.

Osteria alle Testiere
Photo credit: Osteria alle Testiere

Hostaria Castello

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

At Hostaria Castello you can expect an authentic Venetian dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Northern-Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes. The decor is a perfect mix of rustic and chic that goes hand in hand with the vibe of the place. Hostaria Castello delivers on all the important aspects of a good restaurant: food, service, and ambiance.

hostaria castello
Photo credit: Hostaria Castello

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