Top 10 Restaurants To Try In Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is a gastronomic paradise. Besides iconic landmarks and romantic gondola rides, the city has a vibrant restaurant scene. From local bacari (Venetian wine bars) to Michelin-starred establishments, there\'s something for every taste bud.
Venice, Italy is a gastronomic paradise. Besides iconic landmarks and romantic gondola rides, the city has a vibrant restaurant scene. From local bacari (Venetian wine bars) to Michelin-starred establishments, there\’s something for every taste bud. Here are the top 10 restaurants to try on your next visit to Venice.
1. Alle Testiere
Nestled in a quiet alley near the Rialto Market, Alle Testiere specializes in seafood. The restaurant uses only the freshest catch from the Adriatic Sea and prepares it with a daily changing menu. Don\’t miss out on their signature dish, spaghetti with clams, which has earned rave reviews from diners.
2. Osteria Da Fiore
Osteria Da Fiore is a gastronomic institution that has been around since 1978. The restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and serves contemporary Venetian cuisine. Try their tasting menu, which features dishes like spider crab with avocado and tomato or sea bass with clams and beans.
3. Antiche Carampane
Located in the heart of Venice, Antiche Carampane serves classic Venetian dishes in a cozy setting. Make sure to try their signature dishes, the bigoli in salsa (thick spaghetti in anchovy sauce) and the scampi alla busara (langoustines in tomato and brandy sauce).
4. Osteria Alle Testiere
Another Alle Testiere on the list, this cozy wine bar serves small bites like crostini and cicchetti (Venetian tapas). The restaurant has an extensive wine list and serves classic Venetian dishes like Sarde in Saor (marinated sardines with onions).
5. La Zucca
Vegetarians, rejoice! La Zucca is a vegetarian restaurant in Venice that serves delicious plant-based dishes. Try their pumpkin risotto or the gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts.
6. Impronta Cafe
Impronta Cafe is a stylish restaurant that serves modern Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a terrace overlooking a canal, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Try their homemade pasta or the beef filet with truffle sauce.
7. Trattoria Al Gazzettino
Trattoria Al Gazzettino is a family-run restaurant that serves traditional Venetian fare. Try the mixed seafood grill or the calf\’s liver with onions. The restaurant is also known for their homemade tiramisu.
8. Anice Stellato
Anice Stellato is a unique restaurant that blends Venetian and Middle Eastern flavors. Try their couscous with seafood or the tagliatelle with lamb ragu. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu.
9. Ristorante Terrazza Danieli
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli is a luxurious restaurant located in the Hotel Danieli. The restaurant has a stunning view of the Grand Canal and serves elegant Italian dishes. Try their lobster risotto or the beef tenderloin with truffle sauce.
10. Ai Mercanti
Ai Mercanti is a contemporary restaurant that serves creative Venetian cuisine. The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and has a tasting menu that features dishes like duck with mustard and berries or the mackerel ravioli with lemon sauce.
In conclusion, Venice has a rich culinary tradition that is reflected in its vibrant restaurant scene. From classic Venetian fare to contemporary cuisine, there\’s something for every palate. Bon appetit!
Exploring the Bacari Scene in Venice
When in Venice, do as the Venetians do and explore the city\’s bacari scene. Bacari are small, standing-only wine bars that serve cicchetti, which are Venetian tapas. Here are some of the best bacari to try in Venice.
1. Al Timon
Al Timon is a popular bacaro located along the Cannaregio Canal. The bar serves an array of cicchetti, including marinated anchovies, meatballs, and fried seafood. Pair your food with a glass of local Venetian wine or a spritz.
2. All\’Arco
All\’Arco is a tiny bacaro that serves some of the best cicchetti in Venice. The bar is located near the Rialto Market and serves traditional Venetian dishes like baccalà (salt cod) and sarde in saor (marinated sardines with onions).
3. Cantina Do Mori
Cantina Do Mori is one of the oldest bacari in Venice, dating back to 1462. The bar serves traditional Venetian cicchetti like boiled eggs with anchovies and the famous cicchetti coni (bread cones filled with shrimp and other seafood).
4. Osteria ai Osti
Osteria ai Osti is a charming bacaro located in the Castello district. The bar serves an array of cicchetti and has an extensive wine list. Try their signature dish, the mozzarella in carrozza (deep-fried mozzarella sandwich).
5. Bacaro Risorto
Bacaro Risorto is a modern bacaro that serves innovative cicchetti like octopus with black rice and crispy seaweed. The bar has a trendy vibe and is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Sampling Gelato in Venice
No trip to Italy is complete without trying the gelato. Gelato is Italy\’s version of ice cream and comes in an array of flavors. Here are some of the best gelaterias to try in Venice.
1. Gelateria Alaska
Gelateria Alaska is a family-run gelateria that has been around since 1964. The gelateria serves classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate as well as more unique flavors like pink grapefruit and almond nougat.
2. Gelatoteca Suso
Gelatoteca Suso is a small, artisanal gelateria that serves high-quality gelato made with organic ingredients. Try their hazelnut gelato or the pistachio flavor.
3. Gelateria Ca\’ D\’Oro
Gelateria Ca\’ D\’Oro is a popular gelateria that has a wide range of flavors, including cherry and ricotta, and gianduja (hazelnut and chocolate). The gelateria is located near the Rialto Bridge, making it a convenient stop while sightseeing.
4. Gelateria Nico
Gelateria Nico is a legendary gelateria that has been serving gelato since 1938. The gelateria has a wide range of flavors, including their famous gianduia flavor made with Piedmontese hazelnuts and dark chocolate.
5. Gelateria Alaska
Gelateria della Molo is a popular gelateria located near the Piazza San Marco. The gelateria has a wide range of flavors, including coconut and raspberry. Try the Bacio flavor, which is made with hazelnut and chocolate.
Discovering Venetian Wines
Wine is an essential part of the Venetian culinary tradition. Venetian wines, like Valpolicella and Prosecco, are renowned for their exceptional quality. Here are some of the best places to try Venetian wines in Venice.
1. Al Prosecco
Al Prosecco is a charming enoteca that serves Prosecco from the Veneto region. The enoteca also has an extensive list of other Venetian wines and serves cicchetti to pair with your wine.
2. Vino Vero
Vino Vero is a popular wine bar that serves natural wines made by small, independent producers. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great spot to try unique, hard-to-find wines.
3. Il Mercante
Il Mercante is a wine bar that specializes in Venetian wines. The bar has a wide range of wines from Valpolicella, Soave, and Amarone. Try their tasting menu, which features wines paired with cicchetti.
4. Cantina Arnaldi
Cantina Arnaldi is an enoteca that specializes in organic and biodynamic wines. The enoteca has a warm and cozy atmosphere and serves cicchetti to pair with your wine.
5. Al Timon
Al Timon, the same popular bacaro mentioned earlier, also serves an extensive list of Venetian wines. Try their house wine, which is made with grapes from the Veneto region.
Exploring Venice\’s Street Food Scene
For a quick and tasty bite, try Venice\’s street food scene. From crispy fried seafood to sweet pastries, there\’s something to satisfy every craving. Here are some of the best street food dishes to try in Venice.
1. Fritto Misto
Fritto Misto is a popular street food dish that consists of lightly battered and fried seafood like shrimps, calamari, and fish. You can find Fritto Misto at several street food vendors near the Rialto Market and the Grand Canal.
2. Cicchetti
Cicchetti, mentioned earlier, are Venetian tapas that you can find at several traditional bacari. From meatballs to baccalà, cicchetti are a delicious and convenient snack while exploring the city.
3. Tramezzini
Tramezzini are triangular-shaped sandwiches that are popular street food in Venice. The sandwiches are typically filled with ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, and mayonnaise. Try them at popular eateries like Bar Al Parlamento or Dal Moro\’s Fresh Pasta To Go.
4. Zeppole
Zeppole are sweet, fried pastries that are popular in Venice during Carnival season. The pastries are filled with sweet filling like custard or cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
5. Polenta
Polenta is a traditional Venetian dish that is typically served as street food during festivals like the Festa del Redentore. The dish consists of creamy polenta served with a tomato and meat sauce.
