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$$$$ | San Marco |
Although the lavish interior has been updated by designer Philippe Starck, this restaurant above the famed café of the same name is still steeped in Venetian ambience and history (it was where Turkish coffee was introduced to the city in the 1700s). When the Alajmo family (of the celebrated Le Calandre near Padua) took over, they put their accomplished sous-chef from Padua in charge of the kitchen, resulting in the addition of dishes—best sampled with a tasting menu—that are complex and sophisticated, with a wonderful wine list to match. Downstairs, the simpler Quadrino (located next to the café)—with impeccably restored neo-rococo wall paintings—serves more traditional Venetian fare and some of the best martinis in town. As for Quadri itself, the prices, cuisine, and decor are all alta, so beware. Be sure, also, to book one of the few tables with a Piazza San Marco view.
Piazza San Marco 121, Venice, Veneto, 30124, Italy
Known For
- Sophisticated and modern Italian cuisine
- Seasonal tasting menus
- Revitalized designer decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., and late Jan.–mid-Feb. No lunch Wed.–Fri.
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$$$$ | |
Stroll across the bridge from Burano to the islet of Mazzorbo to see some of the Venetian islands' only working vineyards, amid which sits this charming restaurant where seasonal dishes incorporate vegetables, herbs, and flowers fresh from the garden and fish fresh from the lagoon, served in seven- to nine-course tasting menus (there's also a more casual osteria). To accompany your meal, pick out a local wine like the Dorona di Venezia, made with the island’s native grape. If all the food makes you sleepy, stay the night in one of the lovely guest rooms.
Fondamenta Santa Caterina 3, Mazzorbo, Veneto, 30142, Italy
Known For
- Creative, sometimes avant-garde dishes
- Relaxed setting with tables overlooking the vines
- Perfect wine pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Wed., and Dec.–mid-Mar. No lunch
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$$$ | Cannaregio |
A brother-sister team run this refined trattoria, where you're made to feel as if you've been personally invited to lunch or dinner. Indulge, perhaps, in rigatoni with duck sauce or arugula-stuffed ravioli, seafood risotto made to order, or sesame-encrusted tuna. Just note, though, that it's the meat dishes that steal the show: the steak with red-pepper sauce and the tagliata di agnello (sautéed lamb fillet with a light, crusty coating) are both superb, and you'll never enjoy a better fegato alla veneziana. This is a place for wine connoisseurs, as the cellar is one of the best in the city. Come for the second seating in the evening or at lunch for more relaxed service.
Cannaregio 3628/A, Venice, Veneto, 30121, Italy
Known For
- Superb meat dishes like fegato alla veneziana
- One of the city's best wine cellars
- Helpful and professional service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and 2 wks in Aug., Reservations essential
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$ | Cannaregio |
Swing by this pint-sized wine bar for cicheti and crostini that are just a bit different and fresher than what you'll find elsewhere, along with a fine selection of natural wines. Though there's not much space inside, try to snag one of the coveted seats by the canal.
Cannaregio 2497, Venice, Veneto, 30121, Italy
Known For
- Large selection of both Italian and international natural wines
- Delectable small bites
- Pretty canal-side seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
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$$ | Castello |
Almost an institution, the "Tiny Anchovy" (as the name translates) doubles as a pizzeria-trattoria, but the real reason for coming is the bar's tasty cicheti (finger foods), like the eponymous anchovy minipizzas, the arancioni (stuffed fried rice balls), and the polpette (meatballs or croquettes). Wines by the glass change daily, but there is always a good selection of local wines on hand, as well as some Tuscan and Piedmontese choices thrown in for good measure.
Castello 4357, Venice, Veneto, 30122, Italy
Known For
- Pizzetta con l'acciuga (minipizza with anchovy)
- Mix of traditional and more modern cicheti
- Good selection of Italian wines by the glass
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | |
Grab a seat among locals at this charming, intimate eatery—the perfect place to pop in for a lunchtime primo or to embark on a romantic evening. The name, referring to the tranquility of the lagoon at the turn of the tide, reflects this restaurant's approach to food and service, and you'll find such tempting seafood-based dishes as gnocchi with scallops and zucchini and curried scampi with black rice; tasteful decor sets the mood with exposed brick, iron and glass accents, and charming fish sculptures.
Fondamenta Manin 48, Murano, Veneto, 30141, Italy
Known For
- Light and fresh traditional food
- Focus on seafood dishes
- Relaxing atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner Tues.–Thurs. and Sat.
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$$$ | Castello |
For years, Diane and Cesare Binelli's Al Covo has set the standard of excellence for traditional, refined Venetian cuisine; the Binellis are dedicated to providing their guests with the freshest, highest-quality fish from the Adriatic, and vegetables, when at all possible, from the islands of the Venetian Lagoon and the fields of the adjacent Veneto region. Although their cuisine could be correctly termed "classic Venetian," it always offers surprises, like the juicy crispness of their legendary fritto misto (fried mixed seafood and vegetables)—reliant upon an unconventional secret ingredient in the batter—or the heady aroma of their fresh anchovies marinated in wild fennel, an herb somewhat foreign to Veneto. The main exception to Al Covo's distinct local flavor is Diane's wonderful Texas-inspired desserts, especially her dynamite chocolate cake.
Castello 3968, Venice, Veneto, 30122, Italy
Known For
- Sophisticated Venetian flavors
- Top-notch local ingredients
- Diane's chocolate cake for dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., 3 wks. in Jan., and 10 days in Aug., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Santa Croce |
This friendly trattoria popular with the locals is only a short walk from the Rialto markets. The pizza—not a Venetian specialty, generally speaking—is pretty good here, but the star attractions are the generous appetizers and excellent shellfish pastas. In good weather, you can enjoy your meal in the pergola-covered courtyard (do reserve if you want to snag a table there). There's no English menu, but a server can usually help you out. The house wine is quite drinkable.
Santa Croce 2338, Venice, Veneto, 30135, Italy
Known For
- Traditional starters and pastas
- Quite tasty pizzas
- Pretty outdoor garden seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Jan., Reservations essential
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$$$ | San Polo |
"The Madonna" used to be world-famous as the classic Venetian trattoria, but in recent decades has settled into middle age. Owned and operated by the Rado family since 1954, this Venetian institution looks like one, with wood beams, stained-glass windows, and a panoply of paintings on white walls. Folks still head here to savor the classic Venetian repertoire, reliable if not inspired, with a strong focus on seafood.
San Polo 594, Venice, Veneto, 30125, Italy
Known For
- Freshly prepared seafood
- Traditional Venetian cuisine
- Old-time atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Jan., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Cannaregio |
Off the main concourse on one of the most tranquil fondamente of Cannaregio, this small, family-run osteria is the place to stop for artful seafood and meat dishes in a romantic setting. Book a table among the wooden tables, columns, and mosaic floor of the rustic yet elegant dining room or right by the calming canal.
Cannaregio 3272, Venice, Veneto, 30121, Italy
Known For
- Seasonal seafood
- Exuberant flavors and presentation
- Relaxed fine dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$$ | Santa Croce |
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Santa Croce, with a few tables under an ivy shelter, the Antica Besseta dates from the 19th century, and it retains some of its old feel. The menu focuses on vegetables and fish, according to what's at the market, with some pasta and meat dishes, too. The fish is not all local, but it is served with a tasty sauce and is well prepared. The menu tends toward the elegant and original; speck made from goose, for example, or cheese foam, are not to be found everywhere.
Santa Croce 1395, Venice, Veneto, 30135, Italy
Known For
- Classic Italian pastas, like spaghetti con vongole (with clams)
- Simple menu of fish and meat choices
- Charming old-fashioned feel
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$ | San Marco |
This corner of Campo Santo Stefano is a pleasant place to sit and watch the Venetian world go by. The café staff are in constant motion, so you'll receive your coffee, spritz, panino (a sandwich warmed on a griddle), or tramezzino (sandwich on untoasted white bread, usually with a mayonnaise-based filling) in short order; consume it at your leisure at one of the outdoor tables, at the bar, or at the tables in the back. As in most bars, it is better to stick to cold dishes.
San Marco 3464, Venice, Veneto, 30124, Italy
Known For
- Simple yet satisfying fare, like tramezzini and panini
- Tasty homemade desserts, including tiramisu and cakes
- Good people-watching
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Jan.
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$$$ | San Marco |
Sleek and elegant in the glowing, brick-lined ground floor of a 16th-century palazzo, the Caffè Centrale has vastly improved since it came under new management two years ago. It is a rarity in Venice: a restaurant that serves until 12:45 am, and is around the corner from the Fenice, so it makes a great place for a post-performance nosh. The menu, while giving a nod to Venetian cuisine (they serve an excellent baccalà mantecato), features mostly creatively prepared continental dishes, such as sautéed fois gras with Sauternes or a spectacular beef fillet with Amarone. There's also a broad selection of very fresh raw fish specialties. For dessert there's a sinful list of sweet temptations, including three variations on the classic Venetian sgroppino (an alcohol-laced sorbet).
San Marco 1569B, Venice, Veneto, 30124, Italy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | |
Located on the water's edge, looking out at the Venice skyline, the Belmond Cipriani's exclusive outdoor-indoor Cip's Club bar and Oro restaurant is best known for its breathtaking views, but the exquisite tasting menu of Venetian classics and extensive wine list certainly don't play second fiddle. Taking the complimentary 10-minute boat ride to and from San Marco also adds to the thoroughly James Bond sense of drama and romance.
Giudecca 10, Giudecca, Veneto, 30133, Italy
Known For
- Sublime Venice vistas with a Bellini
- Sophisticated service
- Relaxing lunch destination
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Oro: elegant informal (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops)
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$$$$ | Castello |
A charming new concept in Venetian eateries, diminutive CoVino offers a fixed-price, three-course menu, from which you'll choose among several traditionally inspired antipasti, secondi, and desserts with innovative—and satisfying—twists. At this Slow Food presidio, you can watch the cook construct your sliced tuna dressed with Bronte pistachios and eggplant; Bra sausage "imported" from the Piedmont alla Valpolicella with tiny green beans; or perhaps even fresh gazpacho. The wine selection is passionately created; if you're looking to be more adventurous on this front, ask enthusiastic owner Andrea for his take. Cash only, for now anyway.
Castello 3829a-3829, Venice, Veneto, 30122, Italy
Known For
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Wine selection
- Light lunch option for €30
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch Thurs., Reservations essential
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$$ | Castello |
At this contemporary cantina and hip hangout in a very Venetian neighborhood, the owner pairs enthusiastically chosen wines and artisanal beers with select meat, savory cheese, and seasonal vegetable combos. With outside-only seating (not particularly comfortable), it's more appropriate for an aperitivo and a light meal. In temperate weather, this tiny enoteca's exuberance bubbles out into the city's broadest street well into the late evening. It's named after a play by turn-of-the-20th-century emancipated lady Amalia Rosselli—look for the framed title page inside.
Castello 1580, Venice, Veneto, 30122, Italy
Known For
- Good selection of wine and beer
- Filling meat and cheese plates
- Boisterous atmosphere outside in nice weather
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | San Marco |
A short walk from the Ponte di Rialto, this bar has been around since 1936, and the satisfying cicheti and primi have a lot to do with its staying power. Grab a table out front, or take refuge in one of the two small, dark rooms with a ceiling plastered with wine labels that provide a classic backdrop for simple fare, including a delicious risotto that is served daily from noon, plus a solid wine list of both Italian and foreign vintages. If you stick to a panino or some cicheti at the bar, you'll eat well for relatively little. If you take a table and opt for one of the day's exceptional primi, the price category goes up a notch; however, this is still a good bargain for San Marco. There are, of course, traditional secondi, such as a very good seppie in nero. Al Volto is open every day of the year but Christmas (and closes a bit early on Christmas Eve).
San Marco 4081, Venice, Veneto, 30124, Italy
Known For
- Great local and international wine selection
- Tasty and inexpensive cicheti
- Fantastic main courses, including risotto and pasta with seafood
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$ | Cannaregio |
Venetians from the neighborhood frequent this friendly bacaro, not just for a glass of very drinkable wine, but also because of its excellent selection of traditional Venetian cicheti for lunch. There's a large assortment of sandwiches and panini, as well as luscious tidbits like grilled vegetables, breaded and fried sardines and shrimp, and a superb version of baccalà mantecato, along with Venetian working-class specialties, such as musetto (a sausage made from pigs' snouts served warm with polenta) and nervetti (veal tendons with lemon and parsley). These dishes are worth trying at least once when in Venice, and Do Colonne offers the best musetto in town.
Cannaregio 1814, Venice, Veneto, 30121, Italy
Known For
- A cozy place for locals to hang out
- Classic cicheti and sandwiches
- The best musetto in town
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$$$ | |
For a break from traditional Venetian cuisine, head to this charming eatery featuring two menus: one with innovative Italian dishes, and one with well-prepared sushi and sashimi. Michela Cafarchia, who started Glamy in the garden of her family home, aims to use sustainable, local ingredients as much as possible.
Via Sandro Gallo 111, Lido, Veneto, 30126, Italy
Known For
- Inventive fusion cuisine
- Excellent wine list
- Lovely garden seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch
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$$$$ | San Marco |
If you'd like to attend happy hour with the ghosts of Ernest Hemingway, Aristotle Onassis, and Orson Welles, head to Harry's Bar. Despite astronomical prices, undistinguished 1930s-1950s decor, and some rather brash foreign clientele, Harry's is nevertheless a Venetian institution, and is still patronized by those Venetians who want to see and be seen. Many still remember proprietor Arrigo Cipriani's courageous stand— in contrast to the acquiescence and even profiteering of many Venetian hoteliers and bar owners— during the Nazi occupaton; Jewish patrons were still welcome at Harry's. Although you'll have to use your imagination to conjure up images of the bar's former glory, Harry's still boasts Venice's driest martinis, and makes a Bellini according the original recipe (invented at Harry's). The food, while outrageously expensive and conventional, is nevertheless quite good.
San Marco 3123, Venice, Veneto, 30124, Italy
