Best Restaurants in Venice

With all kinds of eateries mushrooming all around the city, it’s quite understandable if visitors have difficulties finding their bearings and picking the best restaurants in Venice. These suggestions come from my own experience so please be understanding if you’re not as satisfied as I have been with these establishments. 

For good pizzas and delicious baccalà mantecato, your best bet is Vecia Gina  (closed on Wednesdays), a bar and restaurant on the former island of Sant’Elena, at the eastern tip of Venice.  Barbara and Andrea, the kind hosts, will do their best to make you feel at home. 

For a taste of Sicily and Venice in one place, Vecio Portal (closed on Tuesdays) behind the Hotel Gabrielli, just off the Riva degli Schiavoni, offers tasty dishes from both lands,  thanks to its owner and cook,  Pino, who comes from Sicily, and his wife Daniela, who comes from Venice.   You can dine inside or al fresco in its fine garden. Consider also the day’s suggestions.

Rosa Salva is not only one of the best patisseries in Venice but they also prepare great food. As such, their main venue in Calle Fiubera, close to St. Mark’s, can get quite busy.  The canteen in Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti, next to the Accademia Bridge, is less hectic and more pleasant to have your meal. For a set price, you can help yourselves to a buffet. Both establishments are closed Sundays.

Rosticceria Gislon (open 7 days) close to Campo San Bortolo and the Rialto Bridge, is a cherished place for Venetians. It is excellent for a quick meal, and unequalled for their mozzarella in carrozza and baccalà mantecato or alla cappuccina.

Trattoria Alla Madonna (closed on Wednesdays)  counts among the best of traditional Venice. Near the Rialto Bridge and the fish market, their risotto is celebrated as is their seafood. Reservations ahead of time is recommended.

For Italian style happy hour, Taverna Al Remer (open 7 days) near the Fontego dei Tedeschi, in a characteristic campiello overlooking the Grand Canal, serves aperitivo and cicchetti at your table from 4 to 7 pm.  Main meals here are good too.

Vegetarians and vegans should hit La Tecia Vegana (closed on Mondays and at dinnertime on Sundays) in the peripheral area of Santa Marta. Their cuisine is 100% vegan with only organic products. So finger licking good, even sceptics will swear by it.

For a memorable meal—at an equally memorable price—Ristorante Da Fiore (closed on Sundays and Mondays) is the choice. The service, food, and drinks, courtesy of the Martin family, and Signora Mara, its matriarch and chef, are top quality. The setting is elegant with a few tables (in good weather, an extra table is available on the balcony overlooking a small canal). Booking is compulsory.