Best Food in Venice, Italy: 27 Dishes You Must Try

Food in Venice, Italy isn’t just a meal—it’s centuries of history served on a plate

Venice may be celebrated as a city of art, culture, and history, but for me, it will always be a city of unforgettable flavors. Each visit feels like peeling back a new layer of its charm—whether it’s drifting along the Grand Canal on a gondola or stepping into the mystery of Carnival, experiences I often include in my guide to the best things to do in Venice. Yet no matter how many itineraries I design or neighborhoods I explore (Read: The Best Places to Stay in Venice, Italy), it’s the food that always takes center stage.

Growing up in Dalmatia, the coastal region of Croatia, Venetian cuisine has always felt close to home. Centuries of Venetian rule left their mark on our tables, and many of the dishes I grew up with—risi e bisi, scampi alla busara, pasta e fagioli—are as Venetian as they are Dalmatian. That blend of familiarity and discovery is what makes Venetian food so compelling: every bite carries a story of empire, trade, and cultural exchange.

This is the Venice I come back for—not just the postcard views, but the plates.

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Explore 27 Must-Try Food in Venice, Italy

Click any dish below to jump straight to that section and savor the flavors of Venice:

Traditional Venetian Dishes Seafood Dishes Street Food Desserts Drinks

Traditional Food in Venice, Italy

Venetian cuisine is as layered as the city itself—rich with history, bold in flavor, and always tied to place. Here are the must-try dishes when exploring food in Venice, Italy, showcasing some of the best Italian food the region has to offer:

1. Fegato alla Veneziana (Venetian Liver and Onions)

For meat lovers, nothing beats fegato alla veneziana, thinly sliced calf’s liver cooked with sweet onions and served with creamy polenta. It’s one of Venice’s signature meat dishes, balancing richness and sweetness perfectly. You’ll find it at Cantina Do Spade, where it’s been served for centuries, and at Vecio Fritolin, a Venetian institution. If you’re booking a food tour with Viator, ask if fegato is included—it often appears on menus designed for more traditional tastings.

2. Risi e Bisi (Venetian Rice and Peas)

For something more comforting, try risi e bisi, a dish that’s somewhere between a risotto and a soup, made with rice, peas, and pancetta. Once reserved for the Doge of Venice during the Feast of St. Mark, today it’s served in traditional osterias across the city. Ristorante da Fiore is known for its refined take, while Osteria ai Promessi Sposi keeps it hearty and rustic. Since the dish is often seasonal, tours like the “Venice Sunset Traditional Food and Wine Tour” or Viator’s “Authentic Venice Food Experience” are the best way to find out if it’s available during your visit.

3. Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Bean Soup)

Of course, Venetian comfort food extends beyond seafood. Pasta e fagioli, a thick soup of pasta and beans, is a hearty reminder of Venice’s peasant traditions. It’s a dish that warms you on a cool evening, and it often appears on menus in winter. Osteria La Zucca, though famous for its vegetarian dishes, makes a particularly good version, while Trattoria Alla Rivetta keeps it classic. To taste it in context, try a market-focused tour like GetYourGuide’s “Rialto Market and Food Tour,” which highlights the city’s seasonal staples.

4. Carpaccio (Thinly Sliced Raw Beef)

Venice is also credited with popularizing Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw beef dressed with olive oil, lemon, and a hint of Parmesan. Originally created at Harry’s Bar in 1950, it has become a Venetian classic for elegant dining and is often served as a starter in traditional trattorias. Carpaccio pairs beautifully with a glass of Venetian white wine and is perfect for those seeking a lighter, yet flavorful, introduction to Venetian meat dishes.

Best Seafood Dishes in Venice, Italy

Surrounded by water, Venice is famous for its incredibly fresh and diverse seafood dishes. From rich risottos to lightly fried specialties, seafood is at the heart of Venetian cuisine.

5. Sarde in Saor (Sweet and Sour Sardines)

One of the most intriguing dishes you’ll encounter is sarde in saor. At first bite, it surprises you—fried sardines marinated in onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts, balancing sweet, sour, and savory in a way that feels both unusual and addictive. This recipe was born centuries ago, when Venetian sailors needed a way to preserve fish during long voyages. Today, you can enjoy it at Al Timon, a lively canal-side spot, or Cantina Do Spade, a bacaro that has been around since the 15th century. If you’re curious to hear the stories behind these dishes as you taste them, the “Venice Food Tasting Tour at Rialto Market” on GetYourGuide or Viator’s “Eat Like a Local: Venice Food Tour” are excellent choices.

6. Bigoli in Salsa (Classic Venetian Pasta)

One of the most traditional pastas you’ll encounter in Venice is bigoli in salsa. Bigoli is a thick, rustic spaghetti made with whole wheat, and in this dish it’s tossed with an anchovy and onion sauce that’s briny, comforting, and deeply Venetian. It’s a humble meal, but one that speaks volumes about the city’s love affair with seafood. Osteria Anice Stellato in Cannaregio does a beautiful version, and so does Ristorante alla Madonna near the Rialto. If you’re joining a food tour like GetYourGuide’s “Venice Food & Wine Discovery,” you might just find this dish on the menu, especially if your guide knows you’re eager to try it.

7. Risotto de Gò (Venetian Goby Fish Risotto)

Another local treasure is risotto de gò, a creamy risotto made with goby fish, a small species found in the Venetian lagoon. It’s not something you’ll see on every menu, but that’s what makes it so special—it’s pure lagoon cuisine. Locals often recommend Antica Osteria Cera, a Michelin-starred restaurant just outside Venice, for an elevated version, while smaller family-run trattorias around the lagoon islands serve it in its most authentic form. Booking a lagoon food tour on Viator is a great way to track down risotto de gò, since it often takes you beyond the main tourist paths.

8. Scampi alla Busara (Lobster-Style Scampi in Tomato Sauce)

From the sea comes another Venetian favorite: scampi alla busara. This dish of scampi simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and white wine originated in nearby Istria but became a Venetian staple centuries ago. The sauce is rich yet delicate, perfect for scooping up with bread. I love it at Trattoria Antiche Carampane, where seafood is always the star, and at Osteria alle Testiere, an intimate spot with just a handful of tables. For a guided seafood journey, GetYourGuide’s “Venice Seafood Lovers Tour” includes tastings of scampi dishes paired with regional wines.

9. Baccalà Mantecato (Creamed Salted Cod on Polenta)

Another must-try is baccalà mantecato, a Venetian delicacy made from salted cod whipped into a light, velvety spread. Served on polenta, it’s simple, elegant, and pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine. I love ordering it at Osteria Bancogiro, which comes with a bonus view of the Grand Canal, or at Alla Vedova, a cozy tavern known for its atmosphere as much as its food. To taste it as part of a wider bacaro crawl, you might enjoy Viator’s “Venice Bacaro Food Tour” or “Venice Evening Food & Wine Tour,” both of which highlight the ritual of cicchetti and wine.

10. Risotto con Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Risotto)

If you’re ready for something a little more dramatic, order risotto al nero di seppia, Venice’s famous squid ink risotto. Jet black and rich in flavor, it captures the soul of the lagoon in every forkful. Trattoria alla Madonna near the Rialto Market does a beautiful version, while Antiche Carampane, a hidden gem away from the tourist crowds, has a reputation for perfecting it. Food lovers can also dive deeper with tours like the “Traditional Food Tour of Venice” on GetYourGuide, which often includes risotto tastings, or Viator’s “Seafood Lover’s Tour,” an excellent choice for those who want to explore Venetian fish traditions. Don't think twice, but order it in Venice! Risotto al nero di seppia is a top traditional Italian dish!

11. Lasagnette con Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Lasagnette)

For those who can’t get enough squid ink, try lasagnette con nero di seppia. Unlike the risotto, this dish layers pasta ribbons with a rich squid ink sauce, creating an earthy, briny explosion of flavor. You’ll find it at Ristorante da Fiore, known for blending tradition with refinement, and at Osteria Al Mascaron, where portions are hearty and the atmosphere pure Venetian. Viator’s “Venice Evening Food & Wine Tour” often features squid ink dishes in its tasting stops, especially when the season is right.

12. Granseola alla Veneziana (Venetian Spider Crab)

Seafood lovers should also seek out granseola alla veneziana, a simple yet luxurious dish of spider crab, served cold and dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. It’s best enjoyed in the autumn when the crabs are at their peak. Try it at Alle Testiere, which specializes in fresh shellfish, or at Trattoria da Fiore, where it’s served with elegance. Food tours that focus on Venetian seafood, such as GetYourGuide’s “Venice Lagoon Tasting Tour,” often include granseola when in season.

13. Moeche (also, Moeche Fritte, Moeche Col Pien) (Fried Soft-Shell Crabs)

Then there are moeche, tiny green crabs eaten only during their molting season in spring and fall. They can be fried (moleche fritte) until crisp and golden or stuffed (moeche col pien) for an even richer bite. This is one of the most seasonal delicacies in Venice, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find it year-round. When it’s available, Trattoria da Remigio is a local favorite for trying moleche. Viator even offers seasonal seafood tours that revolve around rare lagoon specialties like this.

14. Polenta Schie (Polenta with Baby Shrimps)

Another beloved dish is polenta schie, small gray shrimp from the lagoon served atop a soft mound of polenta. It’s rustic, filling, and distinctly Venetian. Al Gatto Nero on Burano is famous for its schie, and Osteria ai Promessi Sposi in Venice offers a hearty, traditional version. Joining a lagoon food tour on Viator often brings you straight to places like Burano, where dishes like polenta schie are part of the daily rhythm.

15. Moscardini alla Diavola (Spicy Baby Octopus)

For something with a little spice, try moscardini alla diavola, baby octopus cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. This dish adds a fiery kick to Venice’s seafood repertoire and pairs wonderfully with a glass of local red wine. Osteria alle Testiere does a refined version, while more casual trattorias around Cannaregio serve it with rustic charm. If you’re adventurous, check out Viator’s “Hidden Venice Food Tour,” which sometimes includes spicier Venetian specialties like this.

Best Street Food in Venice, Italy

Street food in Venice, Italy offers quick, affordable bites packed with authentic local flavor. From small snacks to on-the-go classics, these foods are perfect for exploring the city like a local.

16. Cicchetti (Venetian Tapas, Traditional Venetian Street Food)

When it comes to Venetian food, nothing captures the spirit of the city better than cicchetti. These bite-sized snacks are the heartbeat of local food culture, best enjoyed standing at the counter of a tiny bacaro with a glass of house wine, or as Venetians call it, an ombra de vin. My favorite spot is All’Arco, just steps away from the Rialto Market, where the owners serve up fresh crostini topped with marinated seafood and creamy spreads. For history, you can’t beat Cantina Do Mori, which has been pouring wine and serving cicchetti since 1462. And if you want cicchetti with a view, head to Osteria al Squero, where you can snack across the canal from a gondola workshop. If you’d rather skip the guesswork, book a guided experience like the “Venice Street Food Tour with Cicchetti and Wine” on GetYourGuide, or try Viator’s “Venetian Food and Wine Tour,” which introduces you to several bacari in one evening.

17. Tramezzini Veneziani (Venetian Sandwiches)

No exploration of food in Venice, Italy would be complete without mentioning tramezzini veneziani. These are not your average sandwiches. Soft, crustless white bread is cut into triangles and filled with creamy tuna, egg and artichoke, or ham and cheese. They’re light, affordable, and absolutely addictive—perfect for grabbing between a museum visit and a gondola ride. For the best, step into Bar alla Toletta near the Accademia, a tiny local favorite, or Caffè Rosso in lively Campo Santa Margherita. They’re also easy to discover on casual food tours that focus on Venetian street food.

18. Fritto Misto (Mixed Fried Seafood)

If you’d rather snack by the canals, a cone of fritto misto is just the thing. Fresh squid, shrimp, and small fish are fried until crisp and wrapped in paper, a Venetian answer to fast food. It’s salty, hot, and meant to be eaten with your fingers as you wander through narrow streets. The fish market at Rialto is the best place to track it down, while street-side stalls and bacari across Cannaregio keep it coming all day long. On a GetYourGuide “Rialto Market Food Tour,” fritto misto is often one of the highlights.

Venetian Desserts You Must Try

Venice is home to a variety of traditional desserts that perfectly balance sweetness and regional ingredients. These treats are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the softer side of food in Venice, Italy.

19. Frittelle (also, Fritole Veneziane) (Carnival Doughnuts with Cream or Raisins)

Sweet tooth travelers won’t be disappointed. During Carnival season, pastry shops fill their windows with frittelle (also called fritole veneziane). These golden, sugar-dusted doughnuts are often stuffed with cream, zabaglione, or raisins soaked in grappa, and they’re every bit as decadent as they sound. The best come from Pasticceria Tonolo, where locals line up during Carnival, or from Rosa Salva, one of Venice’s oldest pastry shops.

20. Baicoli (Traditional Venetian Ship Biscuits)

For a taste of history, try baicoli, the crisp, oval-shaped biscuits that were once a staple on Venetian ships. Light, dry, and long-lasting, they were carried by sailors during the Republic’s trading voyages. Today, locals often dip them into coffee or zabaglione, turning a simple biscuit into a small moment of indulgence. Beautifully packaged tins can be found at traditional bakeries and gourmet shops across Venice—perfect as an edible souvenir.

21. Buranelli (Butter Ring Cookies from Burano)

Buranelli are buttery, ring-shaped cookies from the colorful island of Burano, sometimes called bussolà buranello. Their rich, eggy dough melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with a glass of sweet dessert wine. Originally taken to sea by Burano’s fishermen, today picking up a fresh bag of buranelli from a local bakery is a sweet ritual for visitors exploring the lagoon islands.

22. Gelato (Artisanal Venetian Ice Cream)

No Italian food journey is complete without gelato. Venice may not be as famous for gelato as Florence, but it has some outstanding artisanal gelaterias. Gelatoteca Suso, near the Rialto, is a popular choice with inventive flavors like pistachio and salted caramel, while La Mela Verde, near the Basilica di San Marco, is known for its natural ingredients and creamy textures. On hot days, there’s no better way to wander the calli than with a cone in hand.

23. Tiramisu (Famous Traditional Italian Dessert from Treviso)

Venice also has its own take on tiramisu, one of the most famous traditional Italian desserts, made with layered mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa. While widely enjoyed across Venice, tiramisu actually originated in nearby Treviso, a town in the Veneto region. For the authentic Venetian experience, visit Le Beccherie, where modern tiramisu was popularized, or try Pasticceria Tonolo for a refined, local version. This iconic dessert is a perfect way to end a Venetian meal, balancing creamy sweetness with a hint of coffee flavor, and is a must-try for anyone exploring food in Venice, Italy.

Drinks to Try in Venice, Italy

No food in Venice, Italy experience is complete without trying its iconic local drinks. From refreshing aperitifs to classic Italian wines, these beverages are an essential part of enjoying dining in Venice.

24. Ombra di Vin (Small Glass of Venetian Wine)

Of course, no Venetian meal is complete without a drink. Start with an ombra di vin, literally a “shadow of wine.” Venetians have been sipping these small glasses of house wine since the days when merchants sold them under the shadow of the bell tower in Piazza San Marco. Today, the tradition lives on in every bacaro across town. Slip into Cantina Do Mori or Al Prosecco in Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio for the real experience.

25. Spritz (Aperol or Campari Venetian Aperitif with Aperol or Campari)

Then there’s the iconic spritz, Venice’s most famous aperitivo. Whether you prefer Aperol for its bright orange sweetness or Campari for a more bitter kick, it’s always served with a slice of orange and plenty of ice. Order one at a canal-side bar in Cannaregio at sunset, and you’ll understand why Venetians treasure this ritual. Tours like Viator’s “Venice Aperitivo Experience” are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how spritz became a cultural symbol.

26. Prosecco (Sparkling Italian Wine from Veneto)

And since we’re in Veneto, the home of sparkling wine, you must try Prosecco. Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly celebratory, it’s poured everywhere—from casual bacari to elegant restaurants. A glass of chilled Prosecco feels right at home with cicchetti, seafood, or simply on its own. The Prosecco hills are less than an hour by train from Venice. You can visit their wineries on this day tour from Venice!

27. Bellini (Peach and Prosecco Cocktail from Venice)

For something more indulgent, order a Bellini, the peach-and-Prosecco cocktail invented right here at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1940s. Sipping a Bellini in Venice isn’t just a drink—it’s a tradition.

Where to Eat in Venice, Italy (Bacari, Trattorias, Osterias, Pasticcerie & Gelaterie)

When it comes to food in Venice, Italy, the experience is just as important as the flavors. From cozy bacari and traditional trattorias to charming pasticcerie and gelaterie, the city offers countless opportunities to taste authentic Venetian dishes while soaking in the local atmosphere.

Best Bacari in Venice, Italy

Dining in Venice isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. To eat like a local, start with a visit to a bacaro, a cozy Venetian wine bar where locals sip an ombra (a small glass of wine) and enjoy cicchetti, the city’s version of tapas. These small plates range from fried mozzarella to marinated sardines, offering a perfect introduction to Venetian flavors.

Some of the best bacari in Venice include Cantina Do Spade and Cantina Do Mori, which has been serving cicchetti since the 15th century, making it one of the city’s oldest and most authentic spots.

Traditional Trattorias in Venice, Italy

For a full meal, trattorias and osterias provide an authentic taste of traditional Venetian cuisine. Recipes are often passed down through generations, combining fresh seafood, local produce, and flavors influenced by Venice’s centuries of trade. A meal at a trattoria is the perfect way to experience classic dishes like fegato alla Veneziana, risi e bisi, or baccalà mantecato in a warm, welcoming setting.

Some of the top trattorias in Venice include:

• Trattoria da Remigio – a local favorite, perfect for trying seasonal specialties like moleche (soft-shell crabs)
• Trattoria Antiche Carampane – a quiet spot away from the tourist crowds
• Trattoria alla Madonna – near the Rialto Market, famous for fresh seafood
• Trattoria da Fiore – classic Venetian dishes in a charming atmosphere

Local Osterias to Try in Venice, Italy

Venice is filled with charming osterias, ranging from casual family-run spots to Michelin-starred experiences. Some top choices include:

• Osteria Al Mascaron – classic Venetian flavors with friendly service
• Al Timon Osteria – famous for cicchetti and lively canal-side dining
• Osteria La Zucca – vegetarian-friendly, seasonal menus
• Osteria Anice Stellato – intimate dining with traditional Venetian dishes
• Antica Osteria Cera – a Michelin-starred restaurant just outside Venice
• Osteria alle Testiere – seafood-focused, hidden gem
• Osteria Bancogiro – next to the Grand Canal, perfect for a scenic meal

Food Market in Venice, Italy

No culinary journey is complete without a stroll through the Rialto Market, a bustling hub of fresh produce and seafood since the 11th century. The Rialto Market is one of the best places to visit in Venice for food lovers! Join the Rialto Market and Food Tour to explore daily catches, local vegetables, and traditional ingredients used in Venice’s iconic dishes. This is also a great spot to pick up fresh ingredients if you’re cooking during your trip.

Pasticcerie in Venice, Italy

Venetian pastry shops, or pasticcerie, are a must for sweet lovers. Stop by Pasticceria Tonolo or Rosa Salva, one of Venice’s oldest pastry shops, for delicious treats such as frittelle, baicoli, and other regional pastries.

Best Gelaterie in Venice, Italy

For gelato enthusiasts, Venice offers some of the most authentic and creamy options in Italy. Two standout gelaterie are Gelatoteca Suso, near the Rialto, and La Mela Verde, near the Basilica di San Marco, both serving artisanal gelato made with fresh, local ingredients.

Venetian Cuisine: History and Influences

Venice is more than gondolas and Renaissance art—it’s a city where food tells the story of centuries. At its height, the Venetian Republic controlled major trade routes across the Mediterranean and beyond, shaping not only politics but also cuisine. Ships returned with saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and rice, forever changing the flavors of Venetian kitchens. Marco Polo, Venice’s legendary merchant, is credited with bringing rice back from the East in the 14th century—today, it’s impossible to imagine food in Venice, Italy without creamy risottos.

Seafood naturally plays a starring role, thanks to the city’s position on the Adriatic. Anchovies, sardines, squid, and clams remain staples, often paired with seasonal vegetables like artichokes, radishes, and zucchini flowers. This marriage of local ingredients and exotic imports created the foundation of Venetian cuisine that continues to thrive in trattorias, osterias, and the city’s beloved bacari (wine bars).

Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Venice, Italy (Quick Picks)

Looking for a fast but authentic taste of Venice? These are the must-try quick bites that locals love and travelers dream about:

1. Cicchetti at a Bacaro

Venetian tapas-style bites like polpette (meatballs) or mozzarella in carrozza. Pair with an ombra (small glass of wine).

2. Sarde in Saor

Sweet-and-sour sardines with onions, raisins, and pine nuts—an iconic Venetian flavor.

3. Baccalà Mantecato on Polenta

Creamy salted cod spread served on warm polenta or bread.

4. Fritto Misto

A paper cone filled with crispy fried squid, shrimp, and small fish, perfect for snacking by the canals.

5. Tramezzini Veneziani

Soft triangular sandwiches with fillings like tuna, egg, or prosciutto—classic Venetian street food.

Whether you’re bar-hopping through bacari or grabbing a cone of fried seafood at the market, these bites are the quickest way to fall in love with food in Venice, Italy.

Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure in Venice Awaits

Exploring food in Venice, Italy is more than dining—it’s a journey into the city’s soul. Every dish carries a story, from centuries of spice trade to fishermen on the lagoon. Whether you’re enjoying cicchetti in a bustling bacaro, savoring risotto al nero di seppia by the Grand Canal, or indulging in sweet fritelle during Carnival, Venice proves again and again that its magic is found not only in its canals, but also on its plates.

So next time you visit, let your appetite lead the way. Buon appetito!

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