Dine on the Lagoon in Venice's Best Restaurants
Venice is one of the most visited destinations in the world, with tourists from across the globe vastly outnumbering residents, but there are still plenty of eateries that serve up incredible Venetian food – here are the best restaurants in Venice.
1. Estro
Restaurant, Italian
This restaurant showcases a tempting assortment of dishes from both land and sea; an insider tip is to opt for the Menu Estro, which begins with a selection of traditional Venetian starters including baccalà mantecato (salt cod whipped into a spread) with polenta chips, scampi in saor (a sour vinegar seasoning), followed by tuna belly with valerian and vanilla foam and continuing on to their specialty dish, bigoli in salsa. This traditional Venetian plate features tagliolini santoni with anchovies and an onion sauce, vegetables and cod liver mayonnaise. The local grilled eel is another house favourite, served with fried artichokes and a tangy garlic and anchovy sauce. Pair each dish with wine from their extensive selection, which is sourced from all corners of Italy.
2. Osteria Santa Marina
Restaurant, Italian
Chef Agostino Doria blends creativity with tradition at this upscale Venetian gem in the Castello district, where he’s helmed the kitchen for over 30 years. Inspired by the history of Venice, Doria is always eager to share stories about his inventive and unique dishes. He tells Culture Trip the secret behind his culinary prowess is “creativity, passion and good food”. While the menu changes seasonally, keep an eye out for the octopus risotto; this rich dish creates an unforgettable dining experience. The paccheri di Gragnano, a cornucopia of scampi, squid, mussels, scallops, tomato, courgette and pasta in an anchovy sauce, is a great option as well. If you’ve got room after the main courses, make sure you don’t leave without tasting his “New Style” tiramisu, which is a dessert and a show all at once – a layer of chocolate cradling the cake is drenched in hot espresso and melted into a decadent sweet. If weather permits, dine al fresco in the candlelit garden for a touch of romance.
3. Ostaria da Rioba
Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
4. Antiche Carampane
Restaurant, Italian
5. Al Covo
Restaurant, Wine Bar, Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood
6. Osteria alle Testiere, Venice
Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
7. Dalla Marisa
Restaurant, Italian
Tucked away from the crowds on the Canareggio Canal, at Dalla Marisa you’ll almost forget you’re in a crowded city. This charming, compact canteen is one of the most authentic dining spots in Venice, and where you’ll find taxi boat drivers and gondolieri filling up on Venetian specialties. These might include risotto con le secoe (risotto made with a cut of beef around the backbone) and stewed folpetti, an iconic octopus dish – it all depends on what Marisa is cooking that day. Just don’t look for a menu, because there isn’t one. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, you won’t break the bank at this no-frills Venetian legend, even with a quartino carafe of prosecco.
8. Il Paradiso Perduto, Venice
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
Il Paradiso Perduto is more than just a bar; it’s a community-oriented meeting point that has been the centre of many social movements. A down-to-earth local hotspot, Il Paradiso Perduto was created by a philosopher and grassroots organiser as a genuine piece of Venetian culture. Il Paradiso Perduto has a large group of regulars who fill the bar on a daily basis, however walk-ins and tourists are always welcome. Guests are invited to get into deep conversations with the bar’s locals and experience authentic culture while drinking a great glass of wine. The local band that plays at the bar every night creates a unique atmosphere that should not be missed.
9. Impronta Café
Bistro, Cafe, Restaurant, Seafood, Vegetarian, Italian
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