The Rialto bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Venice. That also means that the area is very touristy, so it can be difficult to find a non-touristy restaurant. Have no fear, however, since we have asked out local guides to compile a list of their favorite restaurants near the Rialto Bridge. By going where the locals go you cannot go wrong. Buon Appetito!
10 Best Places to Eat and Drink Near the Rialto Bridge
There are over 400 bridges that connect the canals together, but the Rialto bridge rules them all! It is by far one of the most iconic spots for a photo as the bridge spans majestically over the Grand Canal. As you can imagine, this also means that there will be a heavy presence of tourists here. As a result, many tourist traps have sprung up around this area.
Since nobody likes tourist traps ( myself included) we have asked our local Venetian guides to put together a list of their favorite places when they are in this part of town. We hope it helps you take the guesswork out of your decision and focus on enjoying your vacation.
Acqua e Mais
€ | Street food | Unique Twist
Sometimes you don’t feel like sitting down at a table and having a long lunch. Or you simply don’t have enough time. This is where Acqua e Mais comes in. Run by a group of young guys, they are taking the new trend of street food to the next level.
Fried Calamari is of course on the menu, but how about creamed codfish, black cuttlefish or sardines in a sauce? And all of this to go in a coned newspaper. The price is more than right and the taste is outstanding. A nice, quick treat that all should try when in the Rialto area.
Address: Campiello dei Meloni, 1411-1412, 30125 Venezia
Hours: 9:30 AM- 7:30 PM. Open every day
Sepa
€ | Seafood | Take away
So if we were to classify this kind of place in English it would be a cross between a cafeteria and a bar. This place is not meant as somewhere to sit down, but to grab a plastic plate of delicious food, find a barrel to put your food on and dig in.
From various seafood dishes to vegetable risotto to tiramisu you can find it all. When you walk up, you will be staring at a display of dishes to choose from. The price to quality ratio is great. Remember to wash it all down with some vino and your life is complete.
Address: Calle de la Bissa, 5482, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Hours: 11:30 AM- 8:30 PM. Open every day
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Pizzeria Megaone
€ | Pizza Slice | Best in Venice
So I’ll be honest when I say that Venice is not really known for their pizza. Out of all our articles on the best restaurants in Venice, this will probably be the only pizzeria. We are very fussy about our pizza and I have to say that Pizzeria Megaone is the best pizzeria restaurant near the Rialto Bridge.
The establishment is mostly for take-out and the slices are big, so 1 or 2 slices usually does the trick. What to wash it down with? In Italy you order beer with pizza and it’s usually a Moretti beer. If you prefer wine then go for it, but know that if you want to pass off as an Italian then order a birra!
Address: Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 5367, 30124 Venezia
Hours: 10 AM- 8 PM. Open every day
Al Mercá
€ | Hole in the wall | Locals & Tourists
If you find yourself close to the Rialto bridge or the Rialto market, then I highly recommend you pass by for a drink and a snack. The two owners are super nice and outgoing and make a killer spritz.
What most people do is grab a few cichetti here from them and a glass of wine ( or spritz) and go sit down in the piazza and people watch. Have your quick respite then head back to your sightseeing with a full belly and a lighter head.
Address: Campo Bella Vienna, 213, 30125 Venezia
Hours: 10 AM- 2:30 PM, 6 PM- 8 PM Closed Sundays
Cantina Do Spade
€-€€ | Local | A Bit of Everything
This is one of the historical Osterie in Venice which supposedly dates back to the 1400s. I happened to pop into this place not too long ago and have to admit that I had a great time! It is very popular with locals and tourists alike so you might not find a seat right away. You can always sit outside or plop your food on one of the barrels.
For food, you can opt for their delicious array of Cichetti and wash them down with an Aperol spritz. If you are really hungry they also make pasta dishes like gnocchi and Venetian specials like Bigoli in salsa or spaghetti al Nero di Seppia.
Address: San Polo, 859, 30125 Venezia
Hours: 10 AM- 10 PM Open every day
Cantina do Mori
€ | Local hangout | Authentic
One of the older Bacari in the city. Some would say that this kind of Bacaro is dying out, but I personally feel that there are still plenty great ones and we have been adding them to our lists around the city.
Service is friendly and brisk. The cichetti are delicious and the wine is high quality. What else do you need?
Address: Calle Do Mori, 429, 30125 Venezia
Hours: 8 AM- 7:30 PM Closed Sundays
Baccarando
€-€€ | Local favorite | Quick bite or Dine In
I would say that this Bacaro has it all. You can come in just for a drink, so it’s a bar. You can come in and have some cicchetti so it is a Baccaro. They also have a separate room as a restaurant for dining, so you get the best of all three worlds and you can choose!
The history of the establishment goes back well over 100 years under different names. The current bar has been around for around 30 years and is a hot spot with locals. Take your pick if you want to just have a snack or dine in. Either way you will be happy that you did.
Address: Sestiere di S. Marco, 5495, 30124 Venezia
Hours: 11:30 AM- Midnight. Open every day
Al Gobbo di Rialto
€€ | Cozy Atmosphere | Outdoor Seating
As you walk into Al Gobbo you will feel immediately at home. You can choose to sit inside or there is an outdoor garden seating which is always lovely. This is one of your best options as a restaurant near the Rialto Bridge.
This is the place I recommend you come to when you are with a group of people and everyone likes something different. Their extensive menu will most definitely have something to everyone’s taste. They have a delectable variety of fish like Tuna Tartare and Fish Lasagna. For those who don’t want fish, not to worry, as you can try their pasta in meat sauce or a Filet steak. If there is one person in your party who doesn’t like anything, they also have pizza. There!
Address: San. Polo, 649, 30125 Venezia
Hours: 11 AM- 11 PM Open every day
Osteria all’ Alba
€€ | Cocktail Bar | Fun Times
Sometimes you don’t feel like eating. All you want to do is find a place that has a good atmosphere and makes killer drinks. Well, my friends, you have found the best place in Venice. While it is easy to miss, like many great places in this city, once you found it it’s time to have a great cocktail.
While you can always order your favorite cocktail, I highly recommend speaking with the bartender and seeing what he has up his sleeves for that day. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Address: Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 380, 30124 Venezia
Hours: 4 PM- Midnight Open every day
Ristorante da Mario alla Fava
€€€ | Fine Dining | Vegan Friendly
There will come a time when you have eaten as many cichetti and snacks that you can. At this point, you will be ready for a nice, sit-down meal with a nice surrounding. Well, if you happen to be around the Rialto bridge then this is your place. They even have a menu that is Vegan Friendly!
Da Mario specializes in seafood. you can try some classics like Bigoli in salsa or the black ink squid risotto. I highly recommend their mixed grill plate which is with shrimp, scampi, and calamari with a gazpacho sauce. If you would prefer meat, you can try their steak or lamb. Definitely one of the best restaurants by the Rialto bridge.
Address: Calle dei stagneri 5242, e Calle Galiazzo, 5265, 30124 Venezia
Hours: 12 PM- 2:45 PM, 7 PM- 10 PM Closed Monday and Tuesday
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