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A Local's Quick Guide to Dining in Venice, Italy

Updated: Apr 2

Location: Venice, Italy

Great for: Singles, Couples, Groups, Families, and Honeymooners


Gondolas Outside Piazza San Marco in Venice Italy
Gondolas Outside Piazza San Marco in Venice Italy


Welcome to Venice Island, where each district holds its own unique charm and allure. Let's take a stroll through this enchanting city and discover its distinct neighborhoods and a few favorite dining and bacaro spots I received from a local while taking a Murano and Burano tour. She even included a "$" to help you decide. I"ve included a few places I tried too!


A description and the link to that tour is posted at the bottom. I highly recommend it and if you get Silvia as your tour guide, you are in for a treat!

 


Academia Bridge in the Dorsoduro District taken from the Vaporetto
Academia Bridge in the Dorsoduro District

Dorsoduro District 

Prepare to be enchanted by the bohemian vibes of Dorsoduro! I love staying in this area and recommend it to my clients as well. This artsy district is home to the renowned Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcasing modern masterpieces in a picturesque setting along the Grand Canal. Stroll along the lively Zattere promenade (with a Vaporetto stop), where locals and visitors alike enjoy gelato with a view of the Giudecca Island. Don't forget to visit the imposing Santa Maria della Salute church, an iconic landmark of Venice's skyline.

 

Restaurants

  • Il Palazzo Experimental $$ LineadOmbra

  • Pizzeria Ristorante Da Gianni (I ate here, on the water, and enjoyed the view and the food.)

    • Address: Fondamenta Cannaregio, 2929, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

 

Bacaro, Gelato, Bakery

  • Cantine del Vino Gia Schiavi (for Bacaro) $

  • Al Doge Gelateria

    • Address: Calle de la Mandola, 3815, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Tonolo Pastry Shop

    • Address: Calle San Pantalon, 3764, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

 

A Restaurant that is Not Recommended

  • Terrazza Del Nobili - (Near Da Gianni)

    • Doughy gnocci and cold pasta with clams and a rude waiter. It may have been a bad day for the waiter but it certainly doesn't take 5 minutes to make pasta with clams. That should have been my first clue


 

Rialto Bridge taken from teh Vaporetto in Venice Italy
Rialto Bridge

San Polo District

Welcome to the bustling district of San Polo, where Venetian traditions blend seamlessly with modern life! Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and vibrant market squares, such as the iconic Rialto Market, where locals gather to buy fresh produce and seafood. You'll also find a crazy number of tourist stands offering souvenirs here and the prices are reasonable. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking architecture of the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest and most recognizable bridges spanning the Grand Canal. For a taste of Venetian culinary delights, be sure to stop by a traditional osteria and indulge in some mouthwatering seafood risotto. 


Restaurants

 

  • Birraria La Corte - Pizzeria and Restaurant $

    • Address: Campiello della Birreria, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • All'Arco -This restaurant appears on many "lists" of places to eat,  It's a renowned local eatery known for its cicchetti.

    • If you love Stanly Tucci food shows, he went here.

    • Address: Calle Arco, 436, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Sepa $

    • Address: Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2612, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

    • Try the risotto!

 

Bacaro, Gelato, Bakery

 

  • Cantina Do Mori (Oldest Bacaro in Venice) $

    • Address: Sestiere San Polo, 429, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • La Bottiglia (Cold Cuts and Cheese, Natural Wines) $

    • Address: Calle Crosera, 2327, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

 



Piazza San Marco from the Lagoon
Piazza San Marco from the Lagoon

San Marco & Castello Districts

Everyone knows San Marco is the beating heart of Venice! This district is famous for its stunning piazza, Piazza San Marco, where you can sip on espresso while being serenaded by live music. Don't forget to visit the majestic St. Mark's Basilica, adorned with intricate mosaics that dazzle under the Venetian sun. If you're in the mood for some high-end shopping, the nearby Mercerie will satisfy your cravings for luxury goods. You'll find Prada, Versace and the like in this area.


Step back in time as you explore San Marco's neighbor, the historic district of Castello! Known for its labyrinthine streets and hidden squares, Castello offers a glimpse into Venice's rich maritime past. Marvel at the grandeur of the Arsenal, once the heart of Venetian shipbuilding and now a fascinating museum. Take a leisurely walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni, where you can soak in panoramic views of the Venetian lagoon and catch a glimpse of the iconic Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the New Prison.


Restaurants:

  • Al Covo Restaurant $$$

  • Covino Restaurant $$

  • Caffee Florian - $$$

    • The oldest caffe in St Marks Square.  This is a tourist spot but also a must-do even if you just have coffee and dessert like I did. 

    • Address: Piazza San Marco

 

Bacaro, Gelato, Bakery

  • Al Portego (Bacaro) $

    • Address: Calle della Malvasia, 6014, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Ai Do Leoni (Chicchetti and Cocktail Bar) $

    • Address: Piazza San Marco, 401, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None.

  • Suso Gelateria

    • Address: Salizada San Lio, 5727, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Ponte delle Paste (Pastry Shop)

    • Address: Sestiere Castello, 6732, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None



View from the stairs Outside Santa Lucia Station in the Cannaregio District
Outside Santa Lucia Station in the Cannaregio District

Cannaregio District

Welcome to Cannaregio, the epitome of Venetian authenticity! Known for its charming canals and quiet alleyways, this district offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians. Make sure to wander through the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in the world, and sample some traditional Venetian cicchetti (small snacks) at local bacari (wine bars). For a bit of culture, don't miss the Gothic gem, Madonna dell'Orto church, housing masterpieces by Tintoretto.


Restaurants:

  • Da Rioba $$

    • Address: Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2553, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Paradiso Perduto $

    • Address: Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2540, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

  • Anice Stellato $$

    • Address: Fondamenta della Sensa, 3272, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: Anice Stellato

  • Antico Gatoleto (Restaurant and Pizzeria near Rialto Bridge) $$

    • Address: Sestiere San Polo, 1503, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None

 

Bacaro, Gelato, Bakery:

  • Bacaro Ae Bricoe

    • Address: Cannaregio, 5482, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

    • Website: None.

 

 

As you navigate through Venice's charming districts, each corner holds a new discovery, a new pastry :-). and a piece of the city's rich history. So, put on your best walking shoes, grab a gelato, and get ready to embark on a magical adventure through the floating city of Venice!


Peace Hands Sculpture in Venice Italy taken from the lagoon
Peace Hands Sculpture in Venice Italy

This tour was really fun, and we enjoyed the trip across the lagoon where the private water taxi driver brought us close to the "peace hand" sculpture. I felt it was a great mix of tour and free time allowing for personal exploration of the two islands. The trip across the lagoon itself makes this budget-friendly tour worth every penny.


See our open tours of Italy here





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