The Venetian cuisine represents one of the most important points of this glorious City. It is traditional, various and absolutely special, based on the simplest and freshest ingredients; it reflects of course the Venetian heritage, accumulated in all the many centuries of the City’s history. Needless to say, seafood is the king of the Venetian culinary tradition, but meat too has its important place, not to mention the vegetables, the sweets, the puddings; the choice is endless!
Whether eating in a traditional famous Venetian restaurant, or in a Bacaro, Osteria or Trattoria, the culinary tradition of La Repubblica Serenissima will always be a unique, magic and unforgettable experience. Here is a selection of classics and favourites places.
HARRY’S BAR
San Marco 1323
Calle Vallaresso
Tel. +39-041-528-5777
Always open
This is of course the Venetian legend! Founded by the Great Giuseppe Cipriani in the early 1930’s, Harry’s Bar is universally considered as one of the most famous places in the world; to me it is the most famous place in the world. The unique creativity of Giuseppe Cipriani has made history, such as his legendary Bellini cocktail, which is made of the best Prosecco and peach juice, or his Carpaccio, i.e. raw beef thinly sliced and all his other many wonderful creations! Harry’s Bar has been home to Ernest Hemingway, to Royalties and literally to the most famous people in the world. Entering this place is each time a unique experience. Opening the beautifully old fashioned steamy glassed entrance door, one is immediately wrapped in the cosiness and welcoming hospitality, that magic, fantastic, wonderful and unrepeatable atmosphere found only in Harry’s Bar! If you are in luck, you may have the opportunity to meet, or at least to see, Dr. Arrigo Cipriani, son of Giuseppe, and therefore Mr. Cipriani in person! Harry’s Bar is a place that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The best way to start is to come here before supper for a Bellini at the bar, accompanied by the delicious and tasty Polpette or Crocchette, i.e. fried meat croquettes, as well as the so called Pierini (mouth watering small toasted sandwiches), plus any of the endless other bites and delicacies offered, such as the Baccala’, a traditional Venetian cod recipe. If deciding to stay here for supper, or indeed for lunch, then the Carpaccio or the tuna tartar should be tried to start with, followed by the Tagliolini Gratinati and by the fabulous seafood. Last but not least the Dolci, i.e. the puddings are simply divine. A must!
TRATTORIA ALLA MADONNA
San Polo 594
Calle della Madonna
Tel. +39-041-522-3824
Closed on Wednesdays
My favourite seafood restaurant in Venice! Located few steps away from the Rialto bridge, the Trattoria Alla Madonna is a fantastically traditional Venetian place, with a lively, enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere; the service is excellent and quick. The warm and impeccable hospitality of Lucio Rado, the owner, will make everyone feel at home. The seafood is the freshest and quite simply delicious; my favourite choice is to always start with the Granzeola, the most amazing crab meat served in its own big shell, which I like to complete with some squeezed lemon and a little touch of extra virgin olive oil, followed by either the Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams, where the choice is to have them either “white” or “red“, i.e. with or without tomato sauce and where my personal choice is always red) or the magnificent Risotto di Pesce, i.e. the seafood Risotto, which I consider the best in Venice. Then my choice is either a good grilled sea bass with some seasonal vegetables or the Frittura di Pesce, fried seafood which includes scampi and calamari. As for the wine, the food should be all accompanied by some Prosecco and/or Tocai. For a perfect conclusion I always order a Sgroppino, a drinkable lemon sorbet lightly alcoholic, which will leave the palate fresh and clean. Given that this fantastic place is always very busy, booking is strongly recommended.
OSTERIA AI ASSASSINI
San Marco 3695
Rio Terra’ dei Assassini
Tel. +39-041-099-4435
Closed on Sundays
Located a couple of minutes walk from the Opera House La Fenice, this is a very good fun place with a lively, relaxed and pleasant atmosphere to go to with lots of friends, especially in the evening. Although it has become a famous place, it still maintains its original and genuine Venetian character. The menu changes on a daily basis, with a good choice of meats and seafood dishes. There is also an excellent selection of cheeses and wines.
CASIN DEI NOBILI
Dorsoduro 2765
Sottoportego del Casin dei Nobili
Tel. +39-041-098-6262
Closed on Thursdays
Located just off Campo San Barnaba and few minutes away from the Accademia bridge, this is a good fun, relaxed yet traditional place with great food. The warm and friendly hospitality of the two brothers and owners Ruggero and Damiano, as well as their staff in this family run place, makes it a complete joy to visit! I come here every time I am in Venice not only to enjoy the great food, but also for friendship reasons; Ruggero and I were in fact at school together from age 6 to 10, whereas Damiano was an year below us, and every time we always remember the great fun memories of those years over a good glass of Prosecco.
OSTERIA AL BACARETO
San Marco 3447
Calle de le Boteghe
Tel. +39-041-528-9336
Closed on Sundays
Just off Campo Santo Stefano, this historical place preserves its Venetian tradition both in its atmosphere and in its menu. The service is polite and professional. Both the selection of Cicheti and the menu are mouth watering. For a perfect conclusion of a meal, it is suggested to try the Baicoli, famous Venetian dry biscuits, which can be dipped into the house’ pudding wines.
RISTORANTE AI GONDOLIERI
Dorsoduro 366
Fondamenta di San Vio
Tel. +39-041-528-6396
Closed on Tuesdays
One of the most famous meat restaurants in Venice. Located a few steps away from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, along the quiet Calli and the Fondamenta, this place offers traditional meat, game and vegetable recipes which reflect one of the many aspects and traditions of the Venetian cuisine. This places also offers a Tasting Menu, which is made of several courses plus the pudding! It does not include beverages and the cost is in the region of 85 Euros per person. Last but not least, the wine list matches the quality of the food. Booking is strongly recommended.
ANTICA LOCANDA MONTIN
Dorsoduro 1147
Fondamenta Borgo
Telephone: 041-522-7151
Open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday for supper only and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for both lunch and supper. Closed on Tuesdays.
Just three minutes off Campo San Barnaba and very close to the Accademia bridge, this Restaurant is a Venetian milestone. It still preserves its original name Locanda (“Inn“) as it can also offer 12 bedrooms, but it is recommended to book well in advance. Although this place has always been loved by famous people from all over the world, it still maintains its original genuine Venetian character, both in its atmosphere and its cuisine. Absolutely magic to sit in the garden for lunch or supper in fine weather. The menu is traditional and it offers an excellent and complete selection of dishes. The service is exquisite. Booking is recommended.
AL PROFETA
Dorsoduro 2671
Calle Lunga San Barnaba
Tel. +39-041-523-7466
WhatsApp +39-388-171-6221
Always open
In between the Church of San Sebastiano and Campo San Barnaba, in one of the longest Calli of Venice, this laid back place with an enjoyable atmosphere is very good both for lunch and supper. The menu offers a fantastic variety of food; from generous antipasti to fresh pasta, a lot of great seafood and meat dishes and last but not least very good Pizzas. When warm you can sit outside at the back.
And now, for the sweet tooth…
VENETIAN PATISSERIES
There is another Venetian tradition which must be quickly mentioned; the Venetian Pasticcerie make the most irresistible selection of sweets which must be tried! Here are my two favourites.
DAL NONO COLUSSI
Dorsoduro 2867/A
Calle lunga San Barnaba
Telephone: 041-523-1871
Closed Sundays and Mondays
This place is just wonderful! It is a traditional Venetian patisserie, run for many, many years by the same Family. It is always a joy and a pleasure to return here! The owner, who is the master baker, is nicknamed among the locals as the Nono, which in Venetian means the Grandpa; in fact the atmosphere here is completely and genuinely homely. The choice of the delicious Pastine is endless. My favourite here is the Fugassa Venesiana, an amazing and unique sweet bread cake with a lightly crusty sugar top; the shape is similar to a Panettone and it comes in different sizes. To die for! Not to mention the Fritole and the Galani during Carnival. A must.
ROSA SALVA
San Marco 950
Ponte Ferai
Closed on Sundays
A Venetian institution for more than a century. With three patisseries in Venice, located respectively near St. Mark’s square, the Rialto bridge and Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Rosa Salva makes the most delicious patisserie products as well as their famous sandwiches and other exquisite savoury delicacies, which must be all tried! Last but not least, they can provide a first class catering service for any occasion. Although it is very famous, it always maintains its original and traditional Venetian style.
GELATERIA NICO
Dorsoduro
Zattere 922
Telephone: 041-522-5293
Always open
My favourite ice cream haunt in Venice. Located just five minutes walk from the Accademia bridge on the beautiful sunny Zattere riverside walk, this Gelateria is so well known to all Venetians. The famous ice cream here is the Gianduiotto, which is simply made of hazelnut chocolate and fresh whipped cream full of sugary bits. It is a classic to come here in hot weather, to enjoy whatever you chose, either sitting in the fixed pontoon on the water or taking it away with you.