Venice restaurant ideas
 

We will be in Venice in late September for five nights - last time we were there, a number of years ago, we ended up having some rather uninspired meals, likely because we didn't do any research, and just walked around hoping for the best. I'm willing to make reservations ahead of time, looking for places that you have found and loved and would return to. We will be staying in an apartment, within walking distance (or a vaporetto ride) to everywhere. A friend recommended Trattoria Al Gatto Nero on Burano - where we will definitely spend a half day - any other suggestions very welcome! Thank you.

I recommend you ask on Hungry Onion, here's a thread to check out: https://www.hungryonion.org/t/restau...enice/32163/25

The usual suspects:
Download the Osterie d'Italia app, it's in Italian but if you have no Italian, just use google translate
Check blogs:
I like Naturally Epicurean for the big list, then I do a little cross-referencing if I have time- https://www.naturallyepicurean.org/my-venice-food-guide
E Minchilli
Katie Parla, although I don't know when her list was last updated, she lists Anice Stellato which I had heard changed owners and went downhill several years ago--not sure

On my last stay in Venice (August 2022), I remember enjoying:

• Bancogiro for an aperitivo, nice drinks and food. I would return for lunch or dinner in the future, but it was a delight to chill out on the terrace with only a few other tables being served -- wonderful location
• CoVino -- have dined here many times, prefer it for lunch. They have recently opened a bistrot that I have read good things about.
• Vini da Gigio - worth the trek for me even though I stay in outer Castello
• Trattoria da Jonny -- good food, again, prefer it for lunch. I now tend to stay in this area because I go to Venice for the art Biennale.
• Muro Frari there's also Muro San Stae, I've eaten at both -- casual, don't expect a romantic evening, but if you're in the mood for something more relaxed, you usually don't have to reserve way in advance. Pizzas are good if you don't want seafood. https://www.murovenezia.com/en/
• Estro - wine bar with food. Years ago I was taking a class nearby, so I had lunch or aperitivi there a few times. Now when I'm in Venice I do stop by. Good wines especially.

IME many restaurants in Venice feel less touristy/hectic with better service at lunch--I tend to stay 8/9 nights now so I have time to enjoy long lunches.

There is excellent food all over Venice, but you do need to do a little research, you're right. Have a wonderful trip!

Oops, how could I forget about Nevodi and also their associated pizzeria--again, way out in Castello between Arsenale and Giardini.

Ai Mercanti is excellent, a most creative menu.
La Bitta, Calle Lunga San Barnaba, Dorsoduro is good, they do two sittings of an evening, no fish.
We had lunch at Ristorante San Trovaso, again good, the tradesmen lunching there indicate a vote of approval.
Nicos on the Zattere, great views of the Giudecca canal.

We have gone to Anice Stellato a number of times, including last fall. The quality was still superb, and in fact we returned another night for another dinner there. I love the walk to and from the restaurant in the evening, as well.
Also, Osteria alle Testiere. Tiny place, great service and even better food. We have also eaten here a number of times (including last fall).

There are some great recommendations here but I believe CoVino closed last month. The owner has a new place called Pietra Rossa.

I would add to the list Ai Promessi Sposi.
https://www.facebook.com/AiPromessiSposi
I go every time I’m in Venice, and it is ALWAYS good.

Thanks for sharing that CoVino has closed. I will try Pietra Rossa next time in Venice. (And I have always had Promessi Sposi on my list and haven't made it there yet--definitely next time!)

Always make a reservation, even if you make it for only an hour of so later. Walk around, take a rest, what ever you want for a few minutes. You will be greeted and treated so much nicer if you follow that simple custom. They will be expecting you and have a table ready, no waiting or feeling rushed. I find this to be true all over Italy.

We went to La Zucca for the first time last fall, and had a lovely time and delicious meal. It was just warm enough for us to sit outside.

a reservation is just good manners

For top dining in Venice, consider these renowned spots:
"Ristorante Glam" A two Michelin-starred restaurant known for innovative Venetian cuisine​. Unique experience and really exceptional food

​"La Zucca" Offers a unique vegetable-focused menu, very nice place.

An excellent seafood restaurant is Corta Sconta in Castello. Has been there for over 30 years.

We have not been to Venice in ages, but I have fond memories of it and just wanted to check on what's still around. I'm happy to see that "La Zucca" and "Il Ridotto" are still there and are still recommended. These two were restaurants we made sure to come back to on following trips.

Why?

I'm not a vegetarian, although I will say we eat more plant-based these days. "La Zucca" made us feel as though we would never have to eat as carnivores again.
"Il Ridotto" was certainly quite elevated eating in a city that is overrun by "quick fix" tourist restaurants. It was a quiet secret haven a just steps from St Marks.

Will be interested in what your future report will be.

Happy Planning,
AZ

Anice Stellato and Vini da Gigio are two of our favorite places to dine in Cannaregio.

Do not expect great gastronomy in Venice ! I used to eat in a perfect trattoria on a small square behind the Bisanzio hotel

Our favorite restaurant in Venice is Acqua Pazza - it's on a beautiful square with a wonderful walk from the Academia bridge. Food and service are excellent.

Hi all,

Thanks for so many good suggestions in this thread. We will be going to the Biennale and some are in those areas, so very helpful.

We are staying in Dosoduro and I'd love some particular lunch and dinner restaurants for that area.

Thanks!
Jean

It doesn't get a lot of love, but the Ristorante Al Buso adjacent to the Rialto Bridge served me a terrific seafood pasta dish accompanied by a passable glass of wine for a price that wasn't exorbitant given the views.

Honestly, Venice is not one of my favorite cities, but I do think every traveler should visit it once. It has such an important place in the history of civilization.

I've been eating at the Dona Onesta in Dorsoduro for many years. It's basically behind the Frari church. Never been disappointed, and nice staff.

Agree with all above - Zucca wins for us too. Great setting. Very good food: try their signature pumpkin omelet. *will forgive the terrible service on our last visit; must've been a singular occurrence on an off-night.
Burano is a tougher one for which to make a suggestion. Its a must-see but seems short of truly worthy restaurants. Gatto Nero trades off its name big time. At least one world-famous rockstar whom management likes to boast about having dined there, seems to have never actually done so.
Dorsoduro: we once rented one of Locanda Montin's apartments and ate there. Their famed outdoor patio setting is the main attraction and we'd go there for that experience.
Good Luck.
I am done. the canals