Venice food guide: The best restaurants in Venice

With a maze of canals threaded through the city and hints of history to be found on every corner, it’s easy to see why Venice is considered one of the most beautiful and charming destinations in the world. With so many incredible sights to see, you’re certain to work up an appetite while exploring this incredible destination. Stop off at one of these breakfast, lunch or dinner spots as you explore: 

• Farini Venezia
• Pasticceria Dal Mas
• Pasticceria Nobile 

Multiple venues

With four venues in Venice, it’s easy to see why Farini Venezia is so popular. Born following the acquisition of a historic Venetian bakery, Farini Venezia’s original store is situated within a beautiful building that dates back to the 1300s, close to the Rialto Bridge. 

Starting early in the morning, Farini Venezia serves fresh food all day but is probably best known for its delicious breakfast and brunch. The pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup are a real hit, as is the Eggs Avocado, which is served with toasted bread, poached eggs, mashed avocado and chives. What a delicious way to start the day! 

Rio Terà Lista di Spagna, 149/B, 30121 

Located just a few minutes from the Santa Lucia train station, Pasticceria Dal Mas is not only an artisan pastry shop but an artisan chocolate shop too. Since 1965, the Balestra family have been crafting a wide assortment of delicious pastries using only the highest quality ingredients. 

Following the Venetian tradition of pastry making, you can enjoy brioches every morning, accompanied by excellent coffee, cappuccinos and other delicious hot and cold drinks. The Dal Mas chocolate shop is dedicated to macarons, ganaches, pralines and more, for those that wish to start the day on a sweeter note. 

Multiple venues  

Just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district, Pasticceria Nobile is a well-known cake shop perfect for meeting friends or stopping by for a tasty breakfast. On the menu, you’ll find a multitude of croissants, krapfens and classic Italian pastries served alongside delicious coffee.  

If it’s brunch you’re after, try one of Pasticceria Nobile’s pizzettes. Made using a top-secret recipe, the pizzettes are one of the café's most popular options. Grab one for a delectable on-the-go snack. 

• Al Covo
• Osteria alle Testiere
• Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Ristorante al Covo, Castello, 3968, 30122

Expect to receive the best welcome in the city from Chef Cesare Benelli and his wife Diane who have been running Al Covo, a much-loved Venetian restaurant, since 1987. 

The menu at Al Covo is closely tied to the territory, with produce from local farmers and slow food presidiums. The dishes created by Chef Cesare have evolved from a mission to research, appreciate, defend and propose local products. The restaurant is tried and tested by locals so believe us when we say the bigoli (a wholewheat spaghetti served with a very simple anchovy and onion sauce) is the best thing on the menu.

Calle del Mondo Novo, Castello, 5801, 30122 

Tucked away on a Castello backstreet near Saint Marks and the Rialto Bridge sits Osteria alle Testiere, a market-to-table restaurant in the purest sense of the expression. The restaurant only has 9 tables and is very popular with locals, which is always a good sign. 

The menu here depends on the availability of fresh fish at the local market, so it’s best not to return to Osteria alle Testiere hoping to eat the simple but exquisite dish you enjoyed last time. Instead, look forward to what you can have this time around. 

Via Giudecca, 88 - 30142

Founded in 1965 by Chef Ruggero Bovo, and led by his son, Massimiliano Bovo, Trattoria al Gatto Nero is an institution on the brilliantly coloured lagoon island of Burano. Little has changed on Chef Ruggero Bovo’s seafood-dominated menu for many years - but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? 

The menu features plenty of fresh seafood and homemade pasta but the Risotto alla Buranella, with locally sourced goby fish, is a Trattoria al Gatto Nero classic. Enjoy the views of this canalside location as you dine on delicious traditional Italian cuisine. 

• Il Paradiso Perduto
• Osteria La Zucca
• Venissa

Cannaregio, Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2540, 30100

Il Paradiso Perduto is a lively osteria located in the historic rowing club in Sestrier di Cannaregio. Founded in the 1980s, the restaurant has built a reputation for its inviting Cicchetti bar, which often has crowds of people lining up outside for a vibrant and authentic taste of Italy.  

With live music to keep you entertained, seafood dishes, vegetable platters and hearty pasta dishes to keep your tummy happy, you’re certain to enjoy an experience that feels both rustic and local. What more could you ask for? 

Sestiere Santa Croce, 1762, 30135 

Popular with travelling vegetarians, Osteria La Zucca is a small but charming restaurant that offers an incredible variety of vegetarian dishes. Named one of the best restaurants in Venice, it prides itself on only using the freshest ingredients to create sensational dishes inspired by authentic Italian cuisine. 

If you try anything here, try the pumpkin flan - it’s truly the star of the show and what puts this restaurant on the map for tourists and locals alike. After all, ‘la zucca’ translates to ‘the pumpkin.’ 

Fondamenta S. Caterina, 3 30142 

Venissa is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on Mazzorbo island. Nestled between gardens and vineyards, the restaurant is immersed in greenery. This greenery is represented in the menu, which features dishes that utilise authentic fresh ingredients, locally grown vegetables and wild herbs. 

Every dish is paired with the perfect glass of wine, which makes sense as Venissa is owned by the Bisol family who are prosecco magnates. The laidback trattoria overlooks the vineyard, evoking a peaceful environment and a wonderful ambience.