Venice Restaurant Recommendations
The emblematic canals of Venice are lined with outstanding restaurants offering up some of the best dining experiences in all of Italy. Whether you’re seeking an elegant dinner or somewhere to simply grab a bite to eat and watch the gondolas float by, these Venice restaurant recommendations will steer you toward the perfect option for your needs.
Osteria di Santa Marina
Campo Santa Marina, 5911, Venice 30122 – +39 041 528 5239 – Website
A proudly Venetian restaurant, Osteria di Santa Marina serves traditional cuisine, as well as some modern updates to classic dishes. The decor is sophisticated, but not extravagant, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion. You can opt for one of their carefully-crafted tasting menus or select from their a la carte menu that contains dishes like scallop carpaccio, linguine with crab sauce and turbot with porcini mushrooms.
Ristorante Ai Mercanti
Calle Fuseri, 4346/a, San Marco, Venice 30011 – +39 041 523 8269 – Website
Ristorante Ai Mercanti is situated in the heart of Venice, between San Marco square and Rialto Bridge, yet tucked away just enough to get an escape from the crowds. Both typical Venetian as well as international dishes are available, from black cuttlefish risotto to beef burgers. They also have an extensive wine list, including a variety of options from small local producers.
Lineadombra
Dorsoduro, 19, Venice 30123 – +39 041 241 1881 – Website
One of Venice’s sleekest restaurants, Lineadombra is Michelin-starred and well deserving of its fine reputation. Order the sea-bass fillet cooked in a salt crust and enjoy it with views of the Giudecca from the outdoor deck. Pair your meal with any option off of their vast, award-winning wine list, and you’re in for a stunningly sumptuous evening.
© Osteria al Cantinon
Osteria al Cantinon
Sottoportego Delle Colonete, 2152, Venice 30121 – +39 041 524 3801 – Website
An intimate restaurant with a passionate staff, the Osteria al Cantinon is one of the best Venice restaurant recommendations for a romantic evening. Tables dressed in white linens border the canal; guests sip local wines under the cream-colored archways; the aromas of pasta, cheeses, and grilled seafood fill the air. Take appetizers and dinner at leisure, then end with an evening cocktail as the sun slowly sets in the Floating City. Closed Wednesday.
Wisteria Restaurant
San Polo 2908, Venice 30125 – +39 041 524 3373 – Website
With flavors of the Upper Adiatic Sea, Wisteria Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine plated in a delicate and artistic manner. With vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes, this stylish restaurant has options that will lend to any palate. A recent renovation followed an environmental low-impact approach, and the terrace garden next to the canal gives bloom to wisteria from spring to summer.
Taverna Scalinetto
Campo Bandiera e Moro, 3803, Venice 30122 – +39 041 520 0776 – Website
Close to the Piazza San Marco and tucked on the side of the promenade Riva degli Schiavoni, Taverna Scalinetto is a tavern like no other. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful Venetian courtyard, waiting to welcome you under the sun dappled vine covering. Inside, the soaring ceilings, rustic nautical décor, and wooden paneling create a casual atmosphere mimicking that of a boat’s cabin. With a menu that leans heavily on seafood and pasta, you’ll be served the freshest mussels, octopus, black ink pasta, and gnocchi.
Featured image: © Ekaterinabelova | Dreamstime