Must-see restaurants in Venice

  • Top Choice
    Trattoria Corte Sconta

    Well-informed visitors and celebrating locals seek out this vine-covered corte sconta (hidden courtyard) for its trademark seafood antipasti and…

  • Top Choice
    Trattoria al Gatto Nero

    Don't expect fancy tricks from this 'Black Cat' – just excellent, traditional fare. Once you’ve tried the homemade tagliolini (ribbon pasta) with spider…

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    Zanze XVI

    These sophisticated culinary adventurers offer a contemporary spin on Venetian traditions. Opt for a 'surprise' five-course mare (seafood; €70) or terra …

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    Anice Stellato

    Tin lamps, unadorned rustic tables and a small wooden bar set the scene for quality seafood and other Venetian specialities at this excellent canalside…

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    Osteria Bakán

    A strange mix of local drinking den and surprisingly adventurous restaurant, Bakán has bucketloads of atmosphere – with old beams and soft jazz inside,…

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    Salvmeria

    Fashioned from an old deli, Marco Ginepri’s cool cichetteria serves accomplished food and excellent Veneto wines by the glass. Gourmet cicheti (Venetian…

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    La Palanca

    Locals of all ages pour into this humble bar for cicheti (Venetian tapas), coffee and a spritz (prosecco cocktail). However, it's at lunchtime that it…

  • Top Choice
    Pasticceria Dal Mas

    This historic Venetian bakery-cafe sparkles with mirrors, marble and metal trim, fitting for the pastries displayed within. Despite the perpetual morning…

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    Ristorante da Guido

    Dine beneath the umbrella pines in Guido's garden which supplies the raw materials for the restaurant's refined dishes. At this family-run restaurant,…

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    CoVino

    Tiny CoVino has only 14 seats but demonstrates bags of ambition with its inventive, seasonal menu inspired by the Venetian terroir. Speciality products…

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    Osteria Boccadoro

    The sweetly singing birds in this campo (square) are probably angling for your leftovers, but they don’t stand a chance. Chef-owner Luciano and son Simone…

  • Top Choice
    Trattoria Maddalena

    Just a footbridge away from Burano’s photo-snapping crowds, this pretty Mazzorbo restaurant is a great place for a lazy seafood lunch. Relax by the canal…

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    Taverna La Fenice

    Step back in time at this historic dining room with a coffered wooden ceiling, gleaming terrazzo floors and red-and-gold wallpaper. The official caterers…

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    Trattoria Altanella

    Founded by fisherfolk in 1920 and still run by the same family, this cosy restaurant serves classic Venetian fare such as potato gnocchi with cuttlefish,…

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    Ristorante Quadri

    When it comes to Venetian glamour, nothing beats this historic Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Piazza San Marco. A small swarm of servers greets…

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    Osteria al Duomo

    Opened in 1903 by the parish priest as a co-op grocery shop, this osteria (casual tavern) is still collectively owned by 50 Muranese families. Don't be…

  • Top Choice
    Osteria Trefanti

    La Serenissima's spice trade lives on at simple, elegant Trefanti, where gnocchi might get an intriguing kick from cinnamon, and turbot is flavoured with…

  • Top Choice
    Glam

    Step out of your water taxi into the canalside garden of this inventive Michelin-starred restaurant in the Hotel Palazzo Venart. The contemporary menu…

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    Venissa Osteria

    A more affordable companion piece to its Michelin-starred sister, this upmarket osteria offers updates on Venetian classics such as marinated fish, duck…

  • Top Choice
    Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

    It may look like a wine shop and function as a bar, but this legendary canalside spot also serves the best cicheti (Venetian tapas) on this side of the…