The 20 Best Restaurants in Venice in 2023

Venice has some of the most amazing regional cuisines in the world. Their recipes are steeped in deeply held traditions that have been passed down the multitude of generations. But which to choose? Get ready for our ultimate list of the best restaurants in Venice.

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The 20 Absolute Best Restaurants in Venice

Venice is a special city you don’t want to miss. The food, the canals, the vibe—it’s all incredible. If you’re already planning your trip, you’re in for a treat. The culinary scene is booming and there are loads of top restaurants and great places to eat in Venice.

It’s important to note that the word “best” is subjective, particularly when it comes to food. Your best meal in Venice could cost you €10 for a savory crepe at Cocaeta or €300 at Oro Restaurant inside the famed Cipriani hotel. These restaurants will offer you vastly different experiences and come at very different costs, but they could rank equally in flavor. On this list, we include them all.

You’ll find cicchetti and street food options together with fine dining. To help you decide where to eat, we’ve also included the district next to the name of each restaurant, so you can see what’s nearby if you’re already in Venice. And if you love travel and food, we’re certain you’ll enjoy going on our Venice local food tours. Here are the best restaurants in Venice.

Oro Restaurant (Giudecca)

€€€€ | Michelin Star | Fine Dining | Gorgeous Views

Oro Restaurant (which means Gold in Italian) is located inside the famous Cipriani hotel. The hotel is extravagant and so is the restaurant. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Venice and the place to splurge if you can. A tasting menu will set you back around €300 a person.

The menu consists mainly of seafood, but for those who prefer meat, there are plenty of options. The views are beautiful and the ambiance is chic. Even if a super expensive meal is not on your agenda, you should definitely stop by and check out the premises and maybe have a drink. It’s worth it.

Address: Belmont Hotel Cipriani Giudecca

Lineadombra (Dorsoduro)

€€€€ | Fine Dining | Best Dining View Ever

It’s not very often that you can say you dined on the water, but here you can! Lineadombra has created a floating terrace that allows you to have a unique dining experience directly on the lagoon. How can you pass that up?

Their specialty is seafood. They serve some typical Venetian dishes, but with their own twists on them, giving dishes exciting flavors you might not otherwise taste. Come float on water and enjoy paradise!

Address: Dorsoduro, 19

Caffé Florian (San Marco)

€€€€ | Historic | Breakfast | Great Views | Prime Location

Caffé Florian is one of our top picks for breakfast, featured in our video on how to see Venice in a day. It’s one of the city’s most historic cafés, dating back to 1720. The price per cappuccino may make you gasp at around €15, but you’re paying for more than coffee.

When you take a seat at this café, you’ll enjoy epic views of St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica. It’s a prime Venice location! From April to October, you’ll be treated to a “café-concert” by the in-house orchestra playing a variety of pieces from classical and modern music.

From the location to the splendid interior decor, the history, and the cultural sophistication of Caffé Florian, this is the spot to enjoy Venice with a bit of luxury.

Address: P.za San Marco, 57

Riva Rosa Ristorante (Burano Island)

€€€ | Michelin Star | Special Rooftop Experience

Don’t let the Michelin star scare you away as this is a very unassuming Michelin-star restaurant. Expect top-of-the-line quality that doesn’t cost the Earth in a setting that’s anything but overbearing and stuffy.

The pasta is homemade, the fish are caught fresh from the sea on a daily basis, and the wine list is long and inviting. If you’re looking for a truly special experience you can reserve an exclusive dining experience on the rooftop—which only has one table. You’ll have a special tasting menu and your own private waiter!

Address: Via San Mauro, 296, Burano

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Osteria Enoteca San Marco (San Marco)

€€ | Wine Bar | Venetian Comfort Food | Great Atmosphere

Osteria Enoteca San Marco is one of our go-to spots, featured in our video on how to see Venice in a day. While you can drink wine in pretty much any establishment in Venice, an enoteca will give you that local feel. Many enoteca’s started off as just straight-up wine bars. Then, over time, they started serving food, which makes sense. Good wine is naturally well accompanied by good food.

Here, they have the best of both worlds. So, you can walk in and just have a glass of wine with a snack at the bar. Or, you can have a sit-down meal and enjoy one of their classic dishes like spaghetti with tiger prawns or roasted lamb. This is a great place to enjoy Venetian comfort food paired with the perfect wine.

Address: Calle Frezzaria, 1610

Osteria Al Duomo (Murano Island)

€€ | Garden Terrace | Seafood, Pizza, Pasta

Space is a luxury here in Venice, but this little restaurant has a wonderful garden terrace where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. It’s away from the busy street, which makes for a nice break. There’s indoor seating too if you’d rather be indoors.

What’s also great about this restaurant in Murano is that it serves incredible seafood dishes and great pizza and pasta. Everyone in your group will find something to enjoy here. Definitely try the spaghetti ala vongole, or just ask the waiter for the daily special. That’s the best way to enjoy a meal in Italy!

Address: Fondamenta Andrea Navagero, 20/21, Murano

Al Timon (Cannaregio)

€€ | Aperitivo | Steakhouse

Have you ever walked up to a bar and seen lots of people hanging out without a care in the world? That’s what you’ll find when you go to Al Timon. The establishment is on a canal and they have boats out front, so you can sit on them and have a chat with your friends.

You have two options when you come here. You can grab some snacks and a glass of wine and head outside, sit on a boat, and enjoy the super chill atmosphere. Or, if you’re hungry, head inside and have a sit-down meal. I highly recommend the steak here. Enjoy!

Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754

Cocaeta (Cannaregio)

€ | Crepes | Hole in the wall

Most people associate crepes with a sweet dessert after a meal. And they wouldn’t be wrong. However, it’s also possible to get savory crepes and they’re simply amazing. That’s why Cocaeta is one of the best restaurants in Venice.

You have to be careful or you might walk right past it, though the line should be a good indicator. Once inside, it’s a one-man show and the owner is super friendly. You can tell that he’s passionate about what he does. Pop in for a snack or a hearty crepe that’ll keep you full for hours.

Address: 549, Fondamenta S. Giobbe

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Ai Gondolieri (Dorsoduro)

€€€€ | Fine Dining | Rub with celebrity

There are some restaurants you visit if you want to rub elbows with politicians and the elite. Come to Ai Gondolieri if that’s your thing. Or if you happen to have just finished a visit to the Guggenheim and are hungry, then it’s also a good option.

As for the cuisine, you can go with local favorites like Fegato alla Veneziana (liver with onions) or something more unique like cream of pumpkin with toasted almonds. The menu is varied enough with meat and fish for everyone to find something they like. There are even vegetarian and vegan options.

Address: Calle S. Domenico Dorsoduro, 366

Cantina Do Spade (San Polo)

€€ | Cicchetti | Historic | True Venetian Experience

Cantina Do Spade is a historic cicchetteria established in 1448. If you’re looking to try Venice’s famous cicchetti (small plates or finger food, often seafood), this place comes highly recommended.

Enjoy a variety of traditional small dishes washed down with an ombra (glass of red wine) for a true Venetian experience. Come to Cantina Do Spade for a snack and a short break as you explore Venice. Try the anchovy and mozzarella cicchetti for a bite of heaven.

Address: San Polo, 859

Bacaromi (Giudecca)

€€€€ | Hotel Restaurant | Beautiful Terrace Seating

As with Oro Restaurant (above), this restaurant is connected to the Hilton, which is on the other side of the island. The idea was a set up like a typical baccaro (traditional Venetian bar) but with a contemporary style. As you can imagine, the price will be higher than at a typical baccaro as well!

The menu is mostly seafood and the service is impeccable. When dining here, make sure you sit outside with a view of the sunset. There’s nothing more epic (or romantic) than watching the sun set over the lagoon in Venice while enjoying a great meal.

Address: Giudecca, 810

Osteria Al Merca (Lido Island)

€€ | Busy Spot | Local

This osteria is extremely popular with locals. So if you’re planning to go on the weekend, I highly recommend that you reserve in advance. During the week, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Their specialty is seafood recipes typical of the area. One of my favorites here is the fritto misto, which is a mix of various fried seafood. Splash some lemon on it and go to food heaven. For nonseafood lovers, there are great options like pasta with pesto or lasagna, among other treats.

Address: Via E. Dandolo, 17B, Lido

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Antico Gatoleto (Cannaregio)

€€ | Classic Venetian Cuisine | Hidden Gem | Quiet Square Setting

For classic Venetian dishes away from the crowds of tourists, Antico Gatoleto is the place to go. It’s a gem of a restaurant set in a lovely, quiet square serving good food. Try the clams and spaghetti together with a glass of prosecco.

Angel Castellanos stops here in his how to see Venice in a day video, so you know you won’t regret stopping by for a meal here. In fact, many come back more than once on the same trip to Venice! The food and service are that good.

Address: Cannaregio, 6055

Trattoria Da Primo (Burano Island)

€€ | Family Owned | Something for everyone

As I have mentioned before, a trattoria is traditionally a family-owned restaurant and no place epitomizes this as much as Da Primo. The owner Paolo works the restaurant together with his wife and three daughters. It’s a great place to get a home-cooked meal and is one of the best restaurants in Venice.

As for the menu, you can try some typical Venetian starters like the sardines with onions or the famous fish dish in Burano, Risotto di Gó (a risotto made with a local fish Ghiozzo). If you want to avoid seafood, they have plenty of options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Here, you’ll find it all and feel at home!

Address: Via Baldassarre Galuppi, Burano

Ristorante La Bitta (Dorsoduro)

€€ | Homestyle | No Seafood

People come to La Bitta when they want a homemade-style meal. It’s a quaint establishment with a cozy atmosphere that puts you at ease. There are very few places like this left in Venice, which is why it’s on our list of the best restaurants in Venice.

As for the menu, there’s no seafood! It may seem strange, but it’s true. Instead of seafood, sit down to enjoy radicchio in a cream sauce or the artichoke salad. Then, move on to the pasta and meat dishes. If you’re tired of seafood or want to be a bit more local, this is the place.

Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A

Majer (Giudecca)

€€ | Modern | Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner | For Meat Lovers

As you walk around Venice, you might see Majer in a few places, but they’ll only be serving breakfast. At the Majer in Giudecca, they’ve decided to experiment a bit by offering lunch and dinner at this location.

In almost every restaurant you’ll visit in Venice, their specialty will be seafood. Surprisingly, when you show up here for dinner, the main courses are almost all meat! From a Waygu ribeye to a Florentine steak, if you’re a meat eater, you have to try this place.

Address: Fondamenta Sant’Eufemia

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La Tavernetta (Lido Island)

€€€ | Historical Establishment | Modern Cuisine

This restaurant is an interesting mix of Venetian and Tuscan cuisine. That’s because the owners come from both places, creating a unique twist of flavors. You’ll find this restaurant a favorite among the locals and one of the best restaurants in Venice.

How about a scallop tartar with mint and coriander mousse? Or maybe a risotto with San Marzano tomatoes, burrata, and pesto? Wash it down with one of their 200 labels of wine and have an awesome night.

Address: Via F.Morosini, 4, Lido

Antico Martini (San Marco)

€€€ | Historic Restaurant | Truffles | Fenice Theater

While it doesn’t look like anything special when you walk past, this historic restaurant has been welcoming guests from all over the world since 1720. Enjoy high-class local cuisine on the idyllic Teatro Fenice square, home to the city’s most important opera house, La Fenice.

Specialties in this restaurant include black truffle pasta and celery and coriander fish soup. You’ll get all this just 5 minutes from St. Mark’s Square. The unique characteristic of this place is the romantic atmosphere on the piazza while still being sheltered from the sun.

Address: Campo Teatro Fenice, 2007

Ristorante Favorita (Lido Island)

€€€ | Outdoor Seating | Favorite Among Locals

If you ask people from Lido which is the best restaurant on the island, many of them will say Ristorante Favorita. This family-run restaurant has been here for many generations. You can choose to eat inside or sit outside on the terrace.

They specialize in seafood from the lagoon as with all typical Venetian restaurants. The fish is always very fresh and the quality-to-price ratio is fair. If you’re looking for a meal that everyone will like, this is the place.

Address: Via Francesco Duodo, 33, Lido

Bra’s Cocktail Bar (Castello)

€€€ | Cocktail Bar | Fun Atmosphere | Unique Decor

If you’re looking for a place to try out Venice’s nightlife, this is a fun place to enjoy a few drinks after dinner. At Bra’s Bar, hang out and have a cocktail or two handcrafted by their mixologists.

You’ll find very few places with this kind of decor—hundreds of bras hanging from the ceiling! Service is super friendly and you’re sure to have a good time and a few laughs.

Address: Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo, 4294