The Best Restaurants in Venice, Italy for 2023

Venice is a unique city that is known for its canals, stunning architecture, and rich culture. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine that is an integral part of its culture. The year 2023 is set to be a remarkable year filled with many exciting events, including the opening of new restaurants in Venice. Here, we bring you the best restaurants in Venice that will make your taste buds dance.

1) Osteria da Fiore

Osteria da Fiore is one of Venice\’s most famous restaurants, renowned for its seafood dishes. The restaurant\’s talented chef, Mara Martin, creates innovative dishes that highlight the richness of local ingredients. The elegant decor and welcoming service make dining at Osteria da Fiore an unforgettable experience.

2) Ristorante Riviera

Ristorante Riviera offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the city\’s historic buildings. The restaurant\’s menu is a perfect blend of traditional Venetian flavors and modern innovation. The creative dishes and exceptional service make Ristorante Riviera an ideal destination for a romantic dinner.

3) Alle Testiere

Alle Testiere is a small, intimate restaurant in Venice that offers a cozy dining experience. The restaurant\’s menu features seafood dishes, and its chef Luca Di Vita is known for his creative flair in the kitchen. The warm atmosphere and excellent service make Alle Testiere a must-visit restaurant in Venice.

4) Antiche Carampane

Antiche Carampane is a restaurant that is loved by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant\’s menu is a testament to traditional Venetian cuisine, and its seafood dishes are outstanding. The restaurant\’s warm and friendly service makes it a welcoming place for visitors.

5) La Zucca

La Zucca is a vegetarian restaurant in Venice that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant\’s menu features seasonal vegetables and ingredients sourced from local producers. The restaurant\’s minimalist decor and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal escape from the bustling city.

6) Trattoria da Romano

Located on the island of Burano, Trattoria da Romano is a restaurant that is worth the trip. The restaurant\’s menu features a range of seafood dishes that showcase the best of the region\’s flavors. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the friendly service, makes Trattoria da Romano a destination for both locals and tourists.

7) Ai Mercanti

Ai Mercanti is a restaurant that is located in the heart of Venice. The restaurant\’s menu features a range of seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options. The service at Ai Mercanti is exceptional, and the restaurant\’s elegant decor adds to the overall dining experience.

Overall, Venice is a mecca for foodies, and these seven restaurants are just a small sample of the city\’s culinary delights. Whether you\’re looking for traditional Venetian cuisine or more modern, innovative dishes, there is a restaurant in Venice that will satisfy your palate. Make sure to add these restaurants to your itinerary when you visit Venice next.

Wine Pairings

When it comes to pairing wine with food, Venetian cuisine offers a wide range of options. To complement seafood dishes, try a crisp, dry white wine such as Soave or Vermentino. For meat dishes, a full-bodied red wine like Amarone or Valpolicella is the best choice.

For those who prefer a sweeter wine, the Veneto region is famous for its dessert wines, such as Recioto and Moscato. These wines are perfect for pairing with traditional Venetian desserts like tiramisu and zabaglione.

Hidden Gems

While these seven restaurants are known for their exceptional cuisine, Venice is also home to many hidden gem eateries worth exploring. Places like Osteria All\’Arco and Ristoteca Oniga offer unique dining experiences, featuring regional ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

Another hidden gem is the Trattoria Antica Mola, located on the island of Sant\’Erasmo. The restaurant is a farm-to-table eatery that serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh fish caught by fishermen on the island.

Food Festivals

Visitors to Venice can also experience the city\’s culinary scene by attending one of its many food festivals. The Festa del Redentore, held in July, is one of the city\’s most popular food festivals. It features a wide range of traditional Venetian dishes, including sarde in saor, a dish made with marinated sardines.

The Festa della Madonna della Salute, held in November, is another food festival worth attending. The festival features a range of sweet and savory dishes, including traditional Venetian cookies called baicoli and frittelle, sweet fried dough balls.

Cooking Classes

For those who want to learn more about Venetian cuisine, taking a cooking class is an excellent option. There are many cooking schools in Venice that offer classes that teach traditional Venetian dishes, such as risotto and polenta.

Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the city\’s culinary history and culture. They also provide an opportunity to socialize with locals and visitors who share a love for good food and wine.