Where do locals eat in Venice, Italy?
By Tully Luxury Travel | 07-06-2023 |
Venice is a glorious maze of waterways and little alleys – which can make it an adventure to discern the places where Venetians themselves like to eat. Private travel to Venice has always been a rarified world of finding out-of-the-way restaurants and wine bars to cherish. This guide will help you see why the food in Venice is a step above – and keep you out of the tourist traps.
Many traditional restaurants in Venice have the cherished regional culinary staples on their menus. Keep an eye out for sarde in saor (deep-fried sardines marinated with onions), baccalà mantecato (traditional cod dish, generally served with grilled polenta), polenta e schie (small shrimps served with soft polenta) and bigoli in salsa (pasta with onions and anchovies). Keep in mind that dinner is normally from 8 to 10 p.m.
• Osteria da Alberto in Cannaregio has been in business for more than 100 years. This is a great place for all the traditional Venetian seafood dishes, including many classic Venetian small plates.
• Ristorante da’a Marisa, just north of the Cannaregio district, serves very typical Venetian food in generous portions. There is no menu here – the chefs dream up the three-course menu on a daily basis. Find a place among the locals and students and dig in.
• Ristorante da Ivo satisfies the need for spaghetti with clams, seafood risotto and their famous cuttlefish. This restaurant has a higher price point, but it is well worth it – particularly for indulging in a romantic dinner.
• Osteria alla Bifora sits among the popular student hangouts in Campo Santa Margherita and has a large patio, which is usually hopping. This cozy spot specializes in the usual Venetian culinary suspects, including amazing charcuterie and cheese.
• Rosticceria Gislon serves incredible street food like its famous mozzarella in carrozza, a fried cheese sandwich. This restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike. You will find it right behind the Rialto Bridge.
• Cantina Do Mori has the distinction of being the city’s oldest wine bar, dating back more than 500 years. That’s a solid pedigree! Also near the Rialto Bridge, this place is busy all day. Small plates rule here, too, as does the significant selection of wines by the glass.
• La Palanca on the Giudecca is a top spot for morning coffee, but also for a fabulous lunch. Go for the view, and stay for the squid ink pasta and the violet artichoke flowers.
• Trattoria alla Rampa in the Castello district is open very early in the morning to cater to the working crowd and closes by mid-afternoon. A visit at lunch will see you taking advantage of the daily special, which normally includes pasta, a main, wine and coffee. Squid ink pasta, rice and peas (risi e bisi ) and tiramisu are the key Venetian dishes here.
Working a little gastronomic adventure into luxury cruises to Italy is also a great way to enjoy a visit to Venice. The Tully Luxury Travel Designers are well-versed in curating bespoke vacations to Italy , which are certain to include tips on where to eat in Venice. Be sure to pack your appetite!
