You can’t go to Venice without sampling its famed freshly caught seafood. Find the best of the best in the city of romance with our guide to its best restaurants.
Antiche Carampane
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
This family-run trattoria Antiche Carampane specialises in seafood, which is a crucial element in Venetian cuisine, but also offers a wide variety of non-seafood based dishes. They use fresh fish for their dishes (Antiche Carampane was founded by a fish wholesaler’s son), which makes a huge difference, and are adamant about the quality of their crabs. The cosy atmosphere makes the delicious meal all the more enjoyable. Previous guests include Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek, Bill Murray and Yoko Ono among others. We advise booking well in advance.
This tiny but sophisticated seafood restaurant is located near Santa Maria Formosa. The chef decides on the menu each day depending on the fresh produce he can find in the market, which makes for a delightful and organic meal. It is well known in Venice for its excellent service and informal yet agreeable atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city.
Although Venice has no shortage of seafood, it can be difficult to find restaurants here that really specialize in the preparation of fish. Al Fontego dei Pescatori in Canareggio is one of the best places to find fresh, excellently presented seafood in the city. Chef Adriana is passionate about her fish and visits the market daily to hand select the best quality products. The decor at Al Fontego dei Pescatori is clean and simple yet boasts a fisherman theme that matches the menu. On the white walls hang multiple wood carvings of fish and diagrams indicating various types of sea life, while the wooden bar has been designed in the form of a boat.
Lineadombra is one of Venice’s most elegant restaurants. It has a sleek terrace overlooking the water, and a modern interior with wooden ceilings and a minimalist decor. Their wine list is excellent and the seafood dishes are some of the best in the city. The presentation is very sophisticated and the professional attitude of the waiters compliments this singular culinary experience. Burrata with artichokes, cod-filled ravioli or wines costing hundreds of euros are amongst the many options on the menu at this unique restaurant.
Ristorante Ribot welcomes guests daily into their beautiful courtyard and spacious indoor area, where they can try some of the flavorsome concoctions that this great restaurant has to offer. Their curated wine list is up to par with the wonderful dishes, and will be enjoyable even for those with the finest wine palate. The recipes here are mostly fish based, which is an underlying trend in Venice due to the influence of its traditional gastronomy and the proximity to the sea. But there is also usually at least one delicious meat based option
An authentic trattoria pizzeria, Al Nono Risorto is located at the entrance of a small covered alley, making it a bit of a challenge to find. Al Nono Risorto serves traditional, simple yet tasty Italian dishes, think pasta, pizza and seafood, in a very authentic atmosphere. Another great thing about this locale is the fact that it has outdoor seating in a garden courtyard so visitors will be able to enjoy the nice weather.
Villa Laguna has a spectacular view across the Venetian lagoon and the Piazza San Marco. It is the perfect place to enjoy a great dinner and watch the stunning sunset over Venice. The menu includes seafood specialities and the restaurant is known for its sea bass. Alternatively, combine salmon, clam and mussel starters or order pasta dishes. Order a glass of wine with your dinner and enjoy the beautiful views. Villa Laguna also offers a selection of cocktails, if you decide to stay longer.
The traditional and family owned Trattoria Andri has a welcoming atmosphere and delicious Venetian seafood specialities. The décor is full of pictures of celebrities eating in the restaurant displayed on the walls and water pitchers made from Murano glass. The restaurant has a large indoor space and a small garden, where you can sit in the summer months. Don’t miss out on traditional Venetian dishes, such as squid and ink over polenta.
A former wine shop located near Rialto Bridge during the late 1800s, Fiaschetteria Toscana now proudly features a classic Venetian menu with a focus on seafood. Each dish is prepared from local Venetian produce, giving customers the chance to try the flavors of the city, and can be paired with one of their 600 wines. To finish the meal, try the Rovesciata di Mele al Carnello for dessert. Open Wednesday to Monday 12:30-2:30pm and 7:30-10:30pm.
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A restaurant frequented by locals, whether on their lunch break or enjoying a dinner with friends, Alla Rivetta is the perfect location to fully experience the culture of Venice and sample a wide range of different pasta dishes. The restaurant also features a delicious seafood menu and even offers a seafood lasagna.
You’ll find a range of incredible dishes served up cicchetti-style, with an emphasis on local seafood. It’s a favourite of gondoliers working nearby. If you want to have a quick but scrumptious lunch this is the place, but get there early or all the tastiest morsels will be gone.
This extravagant restaurant is located on the roof of the Hotel Danieli, offering a panoramic view of Venice. Guests can enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine with the menu offering seafood such as turbot, risotto with clams, or equally delicious vegetarian options. The red velvet chairs and the white table cloths of Terrazza Danieli makes this a perfect location for a lavish evening out. Open daily 12-3pm and 7-10:30pm.
A relatively new restaurant- osteria in Murano, Acquastanca is characterized by modern, captivating decor that will not fail to mesmerize most visitors. The menu is heavily reliant on seafood, featuring local fish caught in the lagoon, combined in wonderful dishes with the freshest ingredients. The staff are more than happy to guide their customers through the various possibilities on the specials card and are very professional and passionate about what they do.
