Top Foods to Eat in Venice: A Travey Club Culinary Guide

Venice isn’t just stunning — it’s a paradise for food lovers. With seafood straight from the lagoon, centuries-old culinary traditions, and cozy wine bars where locals mingle, eating in Venice is an experience in itself. At Travey Club, we believe that tasting Venice is one of the best parts of visiting.

Here’s your guide to the top iconic Venetian foods — paired with our favorite places to eat them.

Cicchetti — Venetian Small Bites

Cicchetti are Venice’s answer to tapas — tiny, flavourful bites best enjoyed with a glass of ombra (wine).

Must-visit bacari for cicchetti:

• Cantine del Vino già Schiavi – Classic Venetian wine bar with great bites and a lively local crowd.
• Cantina Do Mori – One of the oldest bacari in Venice — perfect for traditional cicchetti.
• Arcicchetti Bakaro – Great for affordable, top-quality snacks.
• Osteria Al Tappo - Vin e Cicheti. – Cannaregio favourite with delicious bites and wine pairings.
• Osteria Al Squero – Unique canalside spot by a gondola workshop, perfect for a casual snack.

Travey Tip: Cicchetti culture is all about hopping from bar to bar — don’t be afraid to graze a little everywhere you go.

Baccalà Mantecato

A creamy whipped cod spread that’s a Venetian staple — simple, rich, and unforgettable when done right.

Where to try it:

• Hostaria Osottoosopra – Highly rated local favourite serving refined versions of Venetian classics, including seafood.
• Hostaria Sant'Aponal – Great everyday Venetian restaurant where you can dive into traditional dishes.

Bigoli in Salsa

Hearty, rustic, and quintessentially Venetian — thick bigoli pasta with anchovy-onion sauce.

Excellent spots for this dish:

• Impronta Restaurant Venice – Stylish restaurant focusing on local ingredients and traditional flavours.
• La Nuova Perla – Local favourite known for classic Venetian dishes.

Fresh Seafood (Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Sarde in Saor)

Venice’s seafood is legendary — from risotto with cuttlefish ink to sweet-and-sour sardines.

Top seafood spots:

• Rio Novo – Fantastic choice for fresh seafood with lagoon views.
• La Piazza – Classic Venetian restaurant steps from Piazza San Marco, great for seafood and local dishes.
• La Lanterna Da Gas – Highly rated for both seafood and classic Venetian fare.

La Zucca (Vegetable-Forward Venetian Cuisine)

A favourite for vegetarians and anyone craving something lighter — fresh, seasonal dishes that still taste like Venice.

• La Zucca – Famous for creative vegetable dishes and a refreshing break from heavier meals.

Dinner & Fine Dining Experiences

For a more elevated Venetian meal — perfect for special occasions.

• Bistrot de Venise – Elegant fine-dining classic.
• Alle Corone – Refined Italian cuisine in a luxurious setting.
• Ristorante Wistèria – Perfect for a romantic Venetian dinner.
• Restaurant La caravella – Beloved Venetian restaurant focused on quality and tradition.

Sweet Endings & Aperitivo Spots

No meal is complete without dessert or drinks.

Pair your cicchetti circuit with a spritz at canal-side bars, or save room for gelato and tiramisu at local cafés.

Great spots to sip and snack:

• Bacarotto – Perfect for a late-day drink + bite.
• Il Mercante – Stylish cocktail bar to cap off the night.

Travey Club’s Food Philosophy in Venice

Venetian cuisine celebrates freshness, simplicity, and history — from the salty lagoon flavours to the convivial spirit of cicchetti bars. Skip the tourist traps and follow the locals: wander off the beaten path, sit where Venetians sip wine, and savour every bite.

Whether you’re grazing through wine bars or enjoying a seafood feast with a view, Venice is a culinary adventure you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Buon appetito — and happy eating from Travey Club!

 Travey Club specializes in creating custom travel plans tailored to individual interests, travel styles, and schedules. From curated itineraries to detailed logistics, our team helps travelers navigate destinations with confidence and ease. For a fully bespoke experience, contact us or become a Travey Club member and allow us to design a personalized journey based on your preferences. The itinerary below highlights key activities, while our custom planning ensures every detail is thoughtfully arranged to suit you.

Look at our three days Venice Itinerary: Travey Club