The heart of Venice and home to the most visited sites in the city, San Marco is a bustling neighborhood that is full of many delicious restaurants. Here is a list of the best restaurants in the area to enjoy a break from a busy day sightseeing or to spend a relaxing meal under the stars.
With a magical courtyard garden complete with bright yellow table cloths and ship-like interior decor, a romantic night out is practically guaranteed at La Caravella. This gorgeous restaurant opened in the 1960s, and has proudly been serving the citizens of Venice since. The menu is seasonal and is made from the freshest ingredients available for maximum flavor.
Ristorante Quadri
The only restaurant overlooking Saint Mark’s Square, Quadri provides a once in a lifetime view to diners. With a range of contemporary Italian and Venetian dishes made from ingredients sourced directly from the lagoon, each bite offers a taste of Venice’s history and influence as a foreign trade port. The restaurant received a Michelin star in 2012.
If you’re looking for a place to relax in the evening and share a meal with friends or family, then Ai Mercanti is the place to go. The restaurant is small and cozy, and features a menu of creative seasonal cuisine that focuses on making simple ingredients stand-out. Pair a glass of fine Italian wine with an order of cod ravioli, risotto or duck with cranberries and enjoy.
Bar Longhi
Bar, Italian, Beer
Located in the elegant Gritti Palace Hotel, Bar Longhi is intimate and elegant, with a magical view of the Grand Canal. The bar is decorated with hand-sculpted mirrors, murano glass lamps, a gorgeous polychromatic marble counter, and six paintings by famed 18th century Venetian painter, Pietro Longhi. Guests can enjoy the light fare and vast selection of wine or cocktails while taking in the culture of Venice.
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Al Chianti
Restaurant, Italian
A small restaurant with a loyal group of returning customers from near and far, the people at Al Chianti are friendly and the food is satisfying. With a wide selection of Italian favorites such as pizza, pasta, veal and bruschetta as well as a vegetarian menu and a few homemade desserts, there is certain to be something for everyone. The outdoor seating is also the perfect place to eat lunch and people watch.
A Taverna located in the heart of Venice, Osteria Enoteca San Marco boasts an extensive wine list of over 300 labels to pair with any of their entrees. The menu is full of dishes made from high quality ingredients, and it changes with the season and the market offerings. The elegantly arranged plates of meat, fish, game and veggies are equally as beautiful as they are delicious.
Trattoria Vini da Arturo
With only 10 tables, Trattoria Vini da Arturo is surprisingly lively, and features a friendly and attentive staff. Unlike most restaurants in Venice, this one doesn’t offer seafood, instead focusing on meat and vegetables dishes, providing a nice break from the endless selection of fish. A popular spot for locals, this is the place to go for a true Italian experience.
A small restaurant with affordable prices, Al Vaporetto offers delicious Italian cuisine in a calm and stress-free setting. Visitors can try seafood risotto and pizza, then complete the meal with a wonderful selection of desserts such as the classic tiramisu or profiteroles.
Palazzetto Pisani
Hotel Restaurant, Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Italian
With a view overlooking the Palazzo Barbarigo, Guggenheim Museum and Accademia Bridge, there is no mistaking that Palazzetto Pisani is a true Venetian treasure. The restaurant offers a menu complete with fresh local cuisine, granting diners a taste of the city’s best. The decor sends diners back in time with all the beautiful antique furniture and dishware, as well as the 14th century setting.
A small quiet restaurant near Saint Mark’s Square, L’Opera specializes in a mix of Mediterranean and Venetian cuisine. This family friendly restaurant’s menu features a selection of calamari spaghetti, liver and crawfish, showcasing Venice’s staple of seafood, and with perfectly sized portions, visitors are sure to leave full and happy.
Riley is a recent graduate from the George Washington University with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Communication, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. An aspiring travel writer and editor, she has a passion for learning about cultures and loves food, rock climbing and cycling.
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