Venice : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Venice : Enjoying yourself

Timetable Venice

Restaurants generally serve from 12:30 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 22:00 or 23:00. More touristy addresses may offer non-stop catering.

Budget & Tips Venice

Eating good and cheap in Venice is possible. Even though most restaurants have very high prices, you can still find good places to eat at low prices in a street corner, or where you can take your time with a plate of pasta in a local trattoria. If you don't have a big appetite, you can also have a snack at aperitif time. Indeed, in many bacari and wine bars, the happy hour formula often includes appetizers to accompany the aperitif drink. A good gelato at one of the city's ice cream parlours is a good complement.

What costs extra Venice

Coperto. Don't be surprised if, at the end of your meal, you see a few extra euros on the bill with the word "coperto". This is simply the place setting, which Italians charge extra for. The amount varies according to the quality of the establishment, between €2 and €5 per person.

Mineral water. Order frizzante (sparkling) or liscia (still). Unlike the French, Italians rarely drink tap water, preferring bottled water. So don't be surprised if people look at you sideways when you ask for a carafe of water in a restaurant! In any case, mineral water is sold at a lower price than in France: a large bottle costs between €1.50 and €4.

The local way Venice

On the Cannareggio side, you will find not only kosher restaurants (presence of the Ghetto obliges) but also many traditional restaurants whose charm has not yet been lost. The addresses of the Fondamenta degli Ormesini and the Fondamenta della Misericordia are particularly indicated for their enchanting position on the banks of the canals: the ideal place to dine with friends or to meet cheerful groups of young Venetians.

Kids Venice

Venice is no exception: Italians are very fond of children, so they're generally very welcome everywhere, even in the fanciest restaurants. Highchairs are generally available in all establishments. On the menu, it's not usual to find children's menus, but between pasta, rice, gnocchi and pizza, it's always easy to find something suitable for the little ones. Don't hesitate to ask for them to be prepared with a simpler seasoning than the one on the menu (tomato sauce, pesto or just olive oil), perhaps sprinkled with grated parmesan. Similarly, you'll always find grilled fish filleted with oil and potatoes. And last but not least, children are sure to find their sweet tooth in the land of ice cream!

Smokers Venice

Smoking is forbidden in enclosed spaces in Italy as in France, so no cigars or cigarettes in Venetian restaurants and bistros.

Tourist traps Venice

Many touristy restaurants and bars have invaded the center of Venice, particularly around landmarks such as St. Mark's Square. Needless to say, you'll be disappointed if you come across establishments displaying photos of touristy menus featuring lasagne and cappuccino... Fortunately, in each of the sestieri, you'll find a number of addresses that are less popular with mass tourism and have retained their authenticity.

Venice : Take a break

Timetable Venice

Cafés are generally open from 7am to 9pm; those in Piazza San Marco close later, and may also offer evening concerts. Ice-cream parlors are open in season from 11am to 11pm or midnight.

Budget & Tips Venice

Generally speaking, a coffee at the counter in Venice should not exceed €1.50. However, historic cafés (especially those in St. Mark's Square) are not above charging for their fame and setting. Prices can therefore skyrocket very quickly. So, if the high prices of these little architectural jewels prevent you from stopping off for a bite to eat, at least take the time to contemplate their interiors; the pleasure of the eyes will more than make up for the unfulfilled pleasure of the palate.

What's very local Venice

In Venice, as in the rest of Italy, the coffee break is a very special ritual. In fact, whatever the weather and at any time of day, Venetians enter a café to sip an espresso at the counter, before returning to their daily routine. More family-oriented,gelato is a must as soon as the weather turns warm, with or without children, usually in the afternoon or after dinner. Everyone enjoys their ice cream, cone in hand, while pacing the neighborhood.

Kids Venice

A creamy hot chocolate at Florian's is a magical moment that little travelers won't want to miss, despite its price. The setting is well worth it! Otherwise, all the cafés offer brioches and pizzettes, enough to satisfy the little ones while the older ones sip their drinks (even at the counter). And what could be better than a delicious homemade ice cream to offer as a snack after your Venetian discoveries, in one of the city's many gelaterias?

Smokers Venice

As in France, smoking is banned inside restaurants in Venice and the surrounding area.

Tourist traps Venice

As for restaurants, apart from the legendary addresses in Piazza San Marco (mentioned in this guide), beware of tourist cafés, where drinks can be very disappointing.