7 Best Restaurants in The Veneto and Friuli–Venezia Giulia, Italy

Opened in 1904, this ever-reliable osteria serves hearty traditional cucina veneta in wonderfully homey, rustic surroundings. Take a seat under the dark wooden beams or in the leafy courtyard, and let the friendly staff guide you through a menu, dominated by meat dishes and seasonal soups, that has barely changed in decades. Expect the finest Slow Food–approved seasonal Veneto produce, as well as cucina povera like liver Venetian-style or egg-rich bigoli pasta with salted sardines.

For over a decade the Cusma family have been serving Triestini regulars beautifully crafted seafood, alongside a few seasonal meat and vegetarian dishes. Dining in warm, modern interiors under the arches of a refurbished storehouse, choose from Giulio's exquisite but small seafood plates like fish carpaccio, spaghetti con bottarga e tonno (cured fish roe and tuna), and fritto misto (fried seafood medley).

At this rustic, wood-rich family-style osteria, it's worth giving the robust local specialties, such as tripe, snails, or stewed game, a go—many of them served with polenta. Less adventurous diners can go for other homey options, such as goulash, polenta with cheese and mushrooms, or one of Bacaro's open-face sandwiches, generously topped with fresh salami, speck, or other cold cuts. Although the restaurant caters to tourists—as is the case with most eateries in Asolo—the food here is better than average.

This well-thought-of osteria-trattoria lands the freshest seafood and creates exquisite, beautifully presented plates; the chefs constantly delight with new things to try such as homemade spirulina grissini, unusual flavor combos, and vibrant garnishes. Dine in the rustic yet refined dining room with its exposed stone, wooden beams, and coved ceilings, or outside on the gorgeous terrace with piazza views. 

This mix between a traditional bacaro (wine bar) and an osteria is a local institution, opened in 1922. Stand at the bar with a cross section of Padovano society, from construction workers to professors, and peruse the reasonably priced menu of simple casalinga (home-cooked dishes), plus salads and a selection of cheeses. Portions are ample, and no one will look askance if you don't order the full meal. The place is packed with loyal regulars at lunchtime, so come early or expect a wait, and don't expect to have an intimate conversation.

Vicentini of all generations gravitate to this popular self-service cafeteria for classic dishes that don't put a dent in your wallet. Expect hearty helpings of fare such as orzo e fagioli (barley and bean soup) and baccalà alla vicentina (stockfish Vicenza style) 

Drop into this busy locals favorite for panini bulging with the prized porchetta Trevigiana (roast pork) or mortadella with gorgonzola amid a rustic room crammed with fragrant hanging salami, cheese wheels, wine bottles and assorted ephemera. It's a fab spot from morning to mid evening, fulfilling all quick bite and cheeky drink needs from on the hoof-snacks and picnic provisions to laid-back lunches and aperitivo sessions.