Best Restaurants in Venice to Suit Every Craving

Venice, Italy, is a city like no other—built on water and steeped in centuries of romance, art, and mystery. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the serenity of the Grand Canal, it’s a place where every alley and bridge hides a story waiting to be discovered.

But beyond gondolas and Gothic palaces, Venice is also a haven for food lovers. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best places to eat in Venice, covering everything from budget-friendly osterias and creative vegetarian spots to candlelit date-night destinations and world-renowned Michelin-starred establishments. Whether you’re exploring hidden churches in Dorsoduro or admiring Murano glass, you’re never far from a meal worth remembering.

To explore Venice at its best without dragging your bags along cobbled lanes or up canal bridges, you can use Qeepl, a convenient luggage storage service available around the city. Leave your suitcases behind and enjoy every bite, bridge, and bacaro hands-free.

What Should You Know About Food in Venice?

The best food in Venice is distinctly shaped by its maritime heritage and trade-driven history. Unlike Tuscan or Roman cuisine, Venetian dishes highlight fish, shellfish, polenta, seasonal vegetables, and spices from the East. The results are recipes like sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines), bigoli in salsa (whole-wheat pasta with anchovy sauce), and risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).

Venetians also treasure their cicchetti culture—small, tapas-like bites served in local wine bars known as bacari. Think fried mozzarella, octopus salad, or cod mousse on bread, best paired with a glass of ombra, the house wine. Whether you’re looking for casual bites or sophisticated flavors, Venetian cuisine is as layered and fascinating as the city itself.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Venice

Despite its fame, Venice still offers good meals that don’t require a hefty price tag. Here are five wallet-friendly restaurants that deliver authenticity and quality.

1. Osteria Al Squero

Right by the Squero di San Trovaso, one of the last gondola boatyards in Venice, this tiny, beloved bacaro serves fantastic cicchetti for just a few euros apiece. Locals line up for their tuna-stuffed peppers, mortadella tramezzini, and creamy cod on toast.

Each bite costs around €1.50–€3, and glasses of wine start at €2.50. Sit on the canal wall with your snack and enjoy views of gondolas being repaired in a setting far from the tourist crowds of San Marco.

2. Trattoria Alla Rampa

Located in Castello, not far from the Giardini della Biennale, this old-school trattoria is packed with locals during lunch hours, especially dockworkers and artists. The daily changing menu offers dishes like spaghetti with clams, gnocchi, or grilled sardines.

You’ll find full meals (including wine) for under €15, with hearty portions and a welcoming, no-fuss atmosphere. It’s especially good before or after a visit to the Venice Biennale exhibitions.

3. Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go

Hidden in a narrow street near St. Mark’s Basilica, this standing-room-only spot serves high-quality, freshly made pasta in takeaway containers. Choose your pasta, sauce, and toppings, and watch your order come together in minutes.

Dishes range from €7–€10, making it one of the cheapest ways to enjoy restaurant-grade pasta in the heart of the city. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Piazza San Marco with your box of pasta in hand.

4. Antico Forno

Near Rialto Bridge, Antico Forno serves some of Venice’s best pizza. Whether you prefer thick, focaccia-style slices or thin crusts with creative toppings, this place is a crowd-pleaser.

Slices start at €3.50, and combo deals are available. You can grab a seat by the window and people-watch or take your pizza down to the Grand Canal steps for a scenic bite.

5. Cocaeta

For a sweet or savory crepe on the go, Cocaeta in Cannaregio is a must. This tiny hole-in-the-wall has a loyal fanbase for its creative fillings—from vegan options with hummus and veggies to sweet crepes with mascarpone and fruit.

Prices range from €5–€9, and everything is made fresh. It’s located near the Guglie Bridge, just a short walk from Venice Santa Lucia train station, making it an ideal pit stop when arriving or departing the city.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Venice

Vegetarian dining in Venice has improved greatly in recent years. Here are five restaurants where plant-based food shines just as brightly as seafood.

1. La Tecia Vegana

This fully vegan trattoria in Dorsoduro reimagines Venetian classics without animal products. You’ll find lentil versions of fegato alla veneziana (traditionally liver and onions), eggplant lasagna, and seasonal soups with local vegetables.

Prices range from €12–€20 per entrée, and the staff is passionate about sustainability and health. The restaurant is tucked in a quiet neighborhood not far from the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

2. La Zucca

La Zucca, which means “the pumpkin,” is a cozy, canal-side restaurant in Santa Croce that focuses heavily on vegetables—even though it’s not entirely vegetarian. Dishes like pumpkin flan with parmesan, carrot and ginger soup, or radicchio lasagna are deeply satisfying.

Entrees range from €14–€22, and the rustic, wooden-beamed dining room is ideal for a relaxing lunch after visiting the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art nearby.

3. VgOloso

This bright and modern vegan café is located in Cannaregio, not far from the Jewish Ghetto. It offers colorful salads, smoothies, burgers made from legumes and seitan, and delicious raw desserts.

Meals are around €10–€16, and it’s a great option for health-conscious travelers who want something quick and fresh before a walk along the Fondamenta della Misericordia.

4. Ristorante Giorgione

This elegant spot in Castello, close to the Arsenale, offers a separate vegetarian and vegan menu with items like zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, pumpkin risotto, and gnocchi with walnut sauce.

Meals range from €15–€25, and the quiet garden seating area makes it a relaxing dinner choice after visiting Venice Naval History Museum or the Biennale gardens.

5. Bio Sound System

Located in Mestre, just across the lagoon from Venice proper, this vegetarian and organic restaurant has a groovy vibe and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Think risottos with fresh herbs, veggie carpaccio, and lentil polpette.

Entrées range between €10 and €18, and it’s a popular evening spot for locals. It’s a good dining choice if you’re staying near Venice Mestre train station.

Romantic Restaurants in Venice

Few cities in the world are more romantic than Venice, and these restaurants take full advantage of the city’s charm and intimacy.

1. Antiche Carampane

Hidden in San Polo, just a few minutes from the Rialto Fish Market, this family-run osteria oozes charm. Known for traditional dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, fried soft-shell crab, and fig tarts, it’s an old-school favorite with attentive service.

Dinner for two runs around €90–€120. The dim lighting and historic building make it feel like you’ve stepped into a Venetian love story.

2. Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

In the heart of Dorsoduro, near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, this intimate enoteca (wine bar) offers a curated menu of fresh seafood, hand-rolled pasta, and vegetable-forward plates.

Dishes are €20–€35, and the wine list is impressive. With just a few candle-lit tables and a serene atmosphere, it’s an ideal date night after a gallery visit or gondola ride.

3. Ristorante Quadri

Overlooking Piazza San Marco, Ristorante Quadri is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering panoramic views and haute Venetian cuisine. The refined dishes include local lagoon fish, saffron-infused risottos, and delicate desserts.

Tasting menus start at €170, and the setting—under glittering Murano chandeliers—is pure romance. After dinner, enjoy a moonlit walk under the arches of St. Mark’s Square.

4. Lineadombra

This waterfront restaurant on Giudecca Canal is a hidden gem offering one of the most stunning sunset dining experiences in the city. Seafood is the star, with standout dishes like grilled octopus and risotto with red prawns.

Mains are €28–€50, and the terrace over the water is unforgettable. Located near the Zattere promenade, it’s perfect for couples looking for views and privacy.

5. Ristorante Riviera

Right along the Giudecca Canal, near Campo San Basilio, Riviera offers a tasting-menu-only format focused on seasonal, slow-cooked ingredients. The owner personally explains each dish and its story, adding a personal touch to every meal.

Prices range from €120–€150 per person, but the experience is intimate and unforgettable. Book in time for sunset to watch the light dance across the water.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Venice?

Yes—Venice has a strong presence in the Michelin Guide, with a total of 9 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2025. While none currently hold three stars, several one- and two-star venues consistently rank among the finest in Italy.

Here are three of the most notable:

• Quadri (1 star): Located in St. Mark’s Square, this historic restaurant is led by Chef Silvio Giavedoni and the Alajmo family. It blends traditional Venetian dishes with modern presentation, such as langoustine with caviar or squid ink gnocchi. Expect to spend €170–€250 per person. Its central location makes it ideal after visiting Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace.
• Wistèria (1 star): Near Campo Santo Stefano, this modern and quietly elegant restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu with artistic plating and unexpected pairings—such as eel with beetroot or duck with elderflower. Dinner is around €130–€160, and it’s within walking distance of the Accademia Bridge and Gallerie dell’Accademia.
• Glam Enrico Bartolini (2 stars): Set within Palazzo Venart in Santa Croce, Glam is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Venice. Chef Donato Ascani blends Venice’s maritime flavors with modern culinary philosophy. Enjoy dishes like red mullet with bell pepper, or lemon risotto with smoked eel. Tasting menus start at €180. It’s a short walk from the Ca’ Pesaro Museum and Riva de Biasio vaporetto stop.

Venice continues to shine as a culinary destination, offering visitors everything from street food indulgences to haute cuisine. No matter your budget or dietary preference, the city delivers unforgettable meals to match its timeless beauty.