Where to Eat & Drink in Venice

Get off the beaten path - into side alleys and back streets. The best places to eat and Drink in Venice are hidden gems. After travelling to Venice for over 20 years, I want to share my love of Venice with you through these wonderful places to Eat and Drink.

Check out a list of our favorite restaurants and Bacari in the six districts of Venice and the Venetian Lagoon.

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1. San Marco District

Bistrot de Venise

One of my best dining experiences in Italy was at Bistrot de Venise—just a three-minute walk from Piazza San Marco.  This elegant location is ideal for lunch or dinner—incredible service with a delicious seasonal menu. That even has options for Vegans.

Hotel Monaco & Grand

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An ideal stop in the springtime where you can enjoy a shrimp risotto with a Bellini for lunch at the Hotel Monaco & Grand, where you can watch the world go by on the most beautiful avenue in the world, 'The Grand Canal.'

The Library Bar at Nolinski Venezia

Located on the third floor at Nolinski Venezia, the bar is a curated library of more than four thousand books with a ceiling fresco by artist Simon Buret. This warm convivial atmosphere overlooks the stunning bar with one of the best cocktail selections I have ever seen! Divine mixology by head bar man Jeremy Bacquet,

‍‍Aqua Pazza

An ideal location if you have kids who feel like a pizza! Plus, after the kids have enjoyed their food, they can play in the main square where the restaurant is located in Campo Sant'Angelo while you enjoy another glass of wine!

Neopolitan owners Ivana, her husband Antonio, and their children welcome you to a delicious menu of classic meals.

Caffe Florian

Just when you thought it was impossible to find a quality drink and meal in an Italian Square - St Marks Square changes everything! or is the exception to the rule

Head over to Europes oldest Coffee house that was founded in 1720 - a stunning location where you can mesmerize over the cities iconic monuments and beauty. A great place to also people watch!

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Quadri

On the opposite side of the square, Giorgio Quadri founded the coffee house in 1775 named 'Caffe Quadri.' Directly on the opposite side of Gran Caffe Quadri, you can find the oldest coffee house in Europe. Florian was founded in 1720. Giorgio Quadri introduced Turkish Coffee to Venice.

In 2018, The Alajmo Brothers - Massimilano & Raffaele purchased the property to render Gran Caffe Quadri to its original splendor.   The Alajmo brothers contracted French Industrial designer and architect Phillippe Starck and Marino Folin, former rector of the University Luav di Venezia.

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Marino Folin reclaimed a team of Venetian master artisans and restorers to bring Gran Caffe Quadri to its current splendor. Phillippe Starck added his contemporary & famous pop -style. Together they created a marvelous location you can not miss on your next visit to the Serenissima.

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Quadri in Piazza San Marco is a three-locationlocations in one complex. Gran Caffe Quadri offers a classic and traditional cocktail and caffe bar with views over Piazza San Marco and its Basilica.  Quadrino, located inside on the ground floor, provides an easy Bistrot-typeAt the same time,While ,Ristorante Quadri is the traditional contemporary with a twist one-star Michelin dining experience.

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The Riva Lounge - The Gritti Palace

The most beautiful location on the Grand Canal would have to be with out a doubt The Gritti Palace. Once the residence of 'Doge' Andrea Gritti in the 15th century. Today a five star luxury Hotel. The Gritti palace has hosted a long list of personalities since the palace was converted in to a Hotel in 1825. Famous people who have frequented the Gritti include Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor, Peggy Guggenheim and William Somerset Maugham.

Sitting out on the Riva Lounge as the sunsets over the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is with out a doubt the most memorable aperitivo you will ever have! Head barman Cristiano Luciani and his team a some of the best mixologists on the lagoon

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‍Gastrosteria Ai Mercanti

A family-run restaurant only a five-minute walk from Piazza San Marco.

They were founded in 1980 by Chef Nadia & Diego Locatello.  In 2013 the owner's son Simone and his wife Ania added a touch of international style - offering both bistrot and gastronomy (delicatessen) 'Gastrosteria, ' offering delicious seasonal plates at a great price.

Bacaro e Osteria d Fiore

After visiting Venice for the past 23 years, I always try to experience a new restaurant and Bacaro. However, it is almost impossible for me to walk past Da Fiore and not go inside! at least for a Cicchetti.

Taste original medieval Venetian recipes that include 'Le Sarde in Saor.' Saor is an ancient recipe with three main ingredients onion, raisin, and pine nuts. The plate translates to sardine marinated in Saor.

2. San Polo District

Antiche Carampane

This is one those restaurants that as soon as you arrive you know its going to be great. From the tiny glassed kitchen to the wait staff and owners bustling from table to table. You know that what plate you order is going to be fantastic. In fact Antiche Carampane is a place I will return every time I visit Venice.

Only the fresh catch at the Rialto Market is available. Plates are regional and seasonal. If you go for lunch you will be tempted to make a booking for dinner!

Osteria Banco Giro

In Venice we see more squares called 'Campo' rather than a 'Piazza'. The is a Campo is in every district of Venice. They are super charming and places where locals like to people watch, kids play soccer, and hang out.

The name 'campo' refers to the origins of the space. In ancient times these spaces were meadows used for grazing or cultivated for vegetable gardens like Campo dei Fiori in Roma.

Campo San Giacometto is hidden just behind the famous Rialto Bridge. It is the perfect location to watch the world go by along the canals with spectacular views.

You could people-watch all day. Grab a Bellini with Cicchetti next door at Naranzaria, then head to Osteria Banco Giro for some fresh fish!

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Al Merca

A delightful 'Baccari.' with a tiny bench where you can stand around to enjoy the original Venetian spritz with Petit snacks - Cicchetti.

Amo

Who else but the Alajmo brothers could house this fantastic eatery, Amo is a cocktail bar and restaurant located in the Atrium of the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi.  A luxury department store just minutes from the Rialto Bridge.

A Philippe Stark design collaborating with Venetian artisans, including Master Glass Artist Ariside Najean

3. Dorsoduro District

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

This ancient tavern was opened in the late 19th century and is run today by the De Respinis family. They continue making daily seasonal recipes that arrive at around 70 types of Cicchetti.  With over 500 wine labels, it is hard to resist not remaining at this epic bar for the entire day to enjoy Cicchetti and a prosecco.

Even though to enjoy the best of Venetian cuisine, be sure to pace yourself. The Baccari is not a cheap place for a meal - it is a location for an aperitif - a couple of Cicchetti and your favorite spritz or prosecco is perfect. You then move on to your lunch or dinner reservation.

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Ai Gondolieri

You can enjoy fresh fish in Venice, primarily raw carpaccio and risotto. You are pairing perfectly with the Glera grape varietal Prosecco. There are many fish options in the Veneto, but that does not mean you can't enjoy meat! Typically served with Polenta, you will find pork and veal with nose-to-tail traditional recipes in many restaurants. One of my favorite Restaurants for meat dishes is Ai Gondolieri.

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Estro Vino e Cucina

The alternative to a Bacari and a Ristorante is an Enoteca.  An Enoteca is typically a  'wine bar,' but you can also find Enoteca with a kitchen where they serve meals, not only charcuterie.  That is the case at Estro Vino e Cucina

Estro offers a delicious seasonal contemporary menu. It is the ideal location for a starter of raw fish and oysters followed by a first course of delightful pasta, or you may prefer a second course of protein meats or fish like tuna.  You can choose from a degustation menu to alla carte.  Wine lovers will especially love their curated wine list.

Ristorante Linedombra

This restaurant offers one of the most beautiful terraces for dining in Venice, with views over Giudecca Island and the church by the great Venetian architect Andrea Palladio - Redentore.

The ideal location if you happen to be in Venice on the third Sunday of July to celebrate the Redentore (Redeemer), the feast day that began in 1576 to celebrate the end of the plague. A bridge is constructed from Venice to the island of Giudecca in front of the Redentore church.  The evening is celebrated with festivities and fireworks!

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4. Cannaregio District

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L'Hosteria Venetika

Seasonality is key in any good local restaurant in Italy. This is exactly what you get at Venetika a charming restaurant located in the Sestiere of Cannaregio. The ideal place for fish lovers where you can taste the true flavors from Venices lagoon. Owners Marino and Lele share their passion for fresh local produce.

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Bacaro & Osteria Ca' D'oro alla Vedova

The authentic traditional Venetian restaurants like Osteria Ca'd'oro alla Vedova, hidden behind the main roads, is a great lunch stop.

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Ristorante Algiubagio

An original tavern that dates back to the 1900s, where locals would stop for an 'ombra.' The location is still a lovely bar that is perfect for aperitivo.

Algiubagio is also an Elegant location in a delightful area Fondamente Nove, with a gorgeous terrace that overlooks the lagoon.  That is superb for a romantic dinner. The menu includes typical Venetian cuisine with a modern twist.

Cantina Vecia Carbonera

Rio Terà de la Maddalena, 2329, 30121 Venezia VE

A memorable stop with multiple varieties of Cicchetti. This charchterisic traditional tavern is frequented by Venetians and is located on the corner of Rio della Maddalena by the S.Antonio Bridge.

Enjoy tasty 'tramezzini' typical Venetian petite sandwich, fried options of original medieval recipes accompanied with prosecco on tap, or your favorite spritz.

5. Castello

Vero Restaurant

Enjoy the magic views over the lagoon facing the island of San Giorgio.  At  Vero Restaurant's outdoor patio.   Located inside Five Star Hotel Ca di Dio designed by architect Patricia Urquiola.

Dandolo Bar Hotel Danieli

The tradition of refined cocktails and mixology are typically found in Venices Five Star Luxury Hotels. Their terraces are perfect to enjoy the forever beauty of Floating City. Ideal for Martini or Negroni Lovers be sure to check out the incredible menu at Bar Terrazza Danieli and Dandolo Bar located at Hotel Danieli

Ristorante alle Corone

Enjoy an epic tasting meny at Alle Corone. This delicious seasonal tasting menu that can also be paired perfectly with the wine selected by the sommelier (check out the awesome wine list) A formal dining experience that is the place for any celebration!

6. Santa Croce

Glam Enrico Bartolini

‍A two star michelin experience with Chef Donato Asciani. Praised by his Venetian Lagoon ingredients. Set in a secluded and dreamy courtyard at Historical Luxury Hotel Palazzo Venart part of Italian Hotel Group Chain LDV.

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Beyond Venice - There are over 100 islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Here are some great restaurants that you can enjoy.

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San Giorgio Island

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Caffe San Giorgio

Thanks to the amazing Ilaria D'uva my dear friend who runs this island and many other famous and iconic museums and galleries around Italy. Runs one of the best hidden gems in Venice 'Caffe San Giorgio' The magic Island of San Giorgio that is located just infront of St Marks Square has the perfect place to enjoy a meal or aperitivo. Every morning the fishing boats and vegetable growers from the island of St Erasmo pass to deliver fresh seasonal and local produce that you can enjoy daily at this wonderful location.

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Giudecca Island

Trattoria Altanella

A true gem Trattoria Altanella is located on the island of Giudecca. Where you can enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine on their lovely terrace. The Penzo family founded the restaurant in 1889 and this property has been their home since 1840.