Must-see restaurants in The Veneto

  • Osteria Da Conte

    The Veneto

    An unlikely bastion of culinary sophistication lodged practically underneath an overpass, Da Conte has one of the most interesting wine lists in the…

  • Al Castello

    The Veneto

    In the grounds of the castello, the combination of good Italian food and the incredible views across the surrounding hills make this place well worth the…

  • Frary's

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Spice things up at Frary's, a bohemian-spirited bolthole serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classics. The antipasto platter might pair Greek…

  • Pasticceria da Bonifacio

    Venice

    Gondoliers and Venetian homemakers flock to this tiny bakery to devour the buttery, just-baked sweetness of almond croissants and take-home boxes of…

  • Muro San Stae

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Contemporary and relaxed, versatile Muro plays the role of both pizzeria and restaurant. Tuck into inventive pizzas and seasonal salads, or linger over…

  • La Folperia

    Padua

    If you're looking for a fast, well-priced and delicious dinner, roll up to this historic kiosk, which hands out fishy delights, including the signature…

  • Al Theatro

    Venice

    Hiding in the plain-looking site next to La Fenice, this very good cafe and restaurant serves famished opera-goers. Don’t overlook it: Al Theatro's deli…

  • Trattoria Pontini

    Venice

    This trattoria is a rare find in Venice: a friendly family-run restaurant serving tasty home-cooked food. As a result, there’s often a queue, although you…

  • RistoBirreria Madonnanera

    Giudecca, Lido & the Southern Islands

    The focus is on all things carnivore in this friendly pub-cum-eatery. Burgers and sanwiches vie for attention with Wiener Schnitzel and the Madonnanera…

  • Gelateria Il Doge

    Venice

    This venerable gelateria in Campo Santa Margherita is usually mobbed in summer thanks to its extensive range of gluten-free gelato. Among the various…

  • L'Anfora

    Padua

    Preserving the long tradition of the university tavern, L'Anfora is perpetually filled with a gesticulating gaggle of students and professors pressing…

  • Ristorante Da'Aurelio

    Veneto Dolomites

    Located at an altitude of 2175m, on the road between Cortina and Selva (SP638), Da'Aurelio serves Michelin-starred mountain cuisine in a classic chalet…

  • Trattoria Caprini

    The Veneto

    A little north of Negrar in the hamlet of Torbe, family-run Caprini serves heart-warming fare you wish your mamma could make. Many menu items are homemade…

  • Osteria alla Caneva

    The Veneto

    This is an old-school favourite, featuring hanging pots, worn wooden tables and inter-generational regulars washing down rustic regional grub with a glass…

  • Vini da Gigio

    Venice

    Both boats and time drift by at this characterful canalside osteria, where diners sit deep in conversation at linen-draped tables beneath centuries-old…

  • Osteria al Bacareto

    Venice

    This traditional tavern remains untouched by fashion fads and fussy menus and instead remains rooted in Venetian food traditions. Expect bowls of…

  • Torcolo

    Verona

    Savour some no-nonsense Veronese home cooking in the cosily low-lit, beautifully laid out hotel restaurant near Piazza Brà. Try the pappardelle or beef…

  • Enotavola

    Padua

    This swish wine bar and fish restaurant is atypical for Padua's traditional dining scene. A contemporary interior sets the scene for inventive fish dishes…

  • Osteria ai 4 Feri

    Venice

    Adorned with artworks by some well-known creative fans, this honest, good-humoured osteria (casual tavern) is well known for its simple, classic seafood…

  • Sullaluna

    Venice

    Flowers on the windowsill are just one of the thoughtful touches that characterise this bistro and bookshop lined with gorgeous graphic novels, children’s…

  • Busa alla Torre

    Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands

    Glassy-eyed shoppers are drawn to this classic eatery for its sunny disposition and great-value two-course set menu (not available Sunday). Arrive early…

  • Didovich

    Venice

    With outside seating on pretty Campo Santa Marina, cheerful Didovich offers the rare opportunity to sit down for a cooked breakfast. Otherwise you join…

  • Rosa Salva

    Venice

    With just-baked strudel and reliable cappuccino, Rosa Salva has provided Venetians with fresh reasons to roll out of bed for more than a century…

  • Osteria da Pampo

    Venice

    This vintage osteria (casual tavern) is largely the preserve of Sant’Elena residents who come for the friendly vibe and good seafood. Start with the warm…

  • Do Farai

    Venice

    Venetian regulars pack this crimson wood-panelled room, decorated with Regata Storica victory pendants and Murano glass decanters. The mixed antipasto is…

  • Trattoria al Pompiere

    Verona

    Named for its former owner, a pompiere (fireman; note the fireman's hat on the wall), this local hotspot is known for its vast cheese selection and house…

  • Ai Mercanti

    Venice

    With its pumpkin-coloured walls, gleaming golden fixtures and jet-black tables and chairs, Ai Mercanti effortlessly conjures up a romantic mood. No wonder…

  • Da Fiore

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Dire Straits was on high rotation last time we visited this Michelin-starred restaurant, which somewhat distracted from the refined ambience created by…

  • Locanda Cipriani

    Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands

    Run by the Cipriani family since 1935, the Locanda is Harry’s Bar gone rustic, with a wood-beamed dining room opening onto a pretty garden. But standards…

  • TIPIC ficusbar

    The Veneto

    This hipster bar gets everything right, from the cool industrial decor to the organic cicheti (Venetian tapas) and the 30 top-quality wines by the glass,…

  • Wildner

    Venice

    Occupying a glass pavilion on the Riva, Pensione Wildner's longstanding restaurant serves delicious takes on traditional Venetian dishes, such as octopus…

  • Osteria Ruga di Jaffa

    Venice

    Set on busy Ruga Giuffa, this osteria has artsy Murano lamps and seafaring paraphernalia. You should be able to spot it by the gondoliers packing out the…

  • Mirai

    Venice

    Despite its historic role as a gateway to the East, Venice has surprisingly few good Asian restaurants. An exception is elegant Mirai, the first Japanese…

  • Villa Cipriani

    The Veneto

    The Ciprianis behind this Renaissance villa are the same as those in Venice, and they are just the latest in a long line of illustrious owners including…

  • Osteria di Santa Marina

    Venice

    Don’t be fooled by the casual piazza seating: this restaurant saves all the drama for your plate. Each course of the tasting menu brings two bites of…

  • Osteria al Guerriero

    The Veneto

    This cosy tavern with its winter fire and streetside summer seating is everyone’s favourite spot in Arquà. The menu features Venetian cuisine with…

  • Panificio Volpe Giovanni

    Venice

    In addition to unleavened pumpkin and radicchio bread, this kosher bakery sells unusual treats such as crumbly impade (biscuity logs flavoured with ground…

  • Osteria Il Cursore

    Vicenza

    A short walk from the city centre, behind a stained-glass door, this local institution serves up a thoroughly local scene where walls are hung with family…

  • Alle Due Gondolette

    Venice

    On Fridays it's worth walking the extra mile to this working-class diner for its generous servings of baccalà (cod), either creamed with olive oil, lemon…

  • Grom

    Venice

    Part of chain with branches as far afield as Jakarta and Los Angeles, Grom nonetheless offers authentic gelato in a range of interesting flavours using…