Venice Restaurants: It Can Be Tricky to Find a Good One...
Venice offers a plethora of exceptional dining options to suit every style and palate. From casual, laid-back eateries to refined, sophisticated establishments, there’s something for everyone.
Many of the city’s most famous venues are clustered in tourist hotspots like the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. Lately, however, readers have been asking me to recommend places where they can escape the crowds and dine like a true local. Admittedly, this can be a challenge. Venetians rarely eat at the same places as tourists—they tend to favor cozy, unpretentious establishments with reasonable prices, unless they’re planning a special night out, in which case they’re happy to indulge.
If you're searching for the best restaurants in Venice, I encourage you to check out my recommendations in Venice for the Shameless Hedonist 2025. But if you’re in the mood for a charming, homey spot, here are a few excellent options to consider:
Vini da Gigio has earned its reputation as one of Venice's most beloved and consistently fully booked restaurants—and for good reason. Its romantic yet unpretentious ambiance, paired with a sleek, understated interior, immediately puts diners at ease. While the service can occasionally feel a bit frantic, that's no reason to exclude this venue from your list, in my opinio. And its prime location, just minutes from Ca’ d’Oro, is yet another reason to come here.
When I visit, I usually start with the mixed Venetian platter for antipasto. Generally speaking, antipasti platters in Venice are a good introduction to the region's classic flavors. I've always enjoyed their polenta topped with tiny shrimp, the luscious creamed baccalà, the scallops in a tangy sauce, and the sarde in saor. The pasta here is particularily good. It's also a good idea to ask for the day’s specials; on my last visit here, they had some delicious ravioli with a creamy fish filling topped with a delicate tomato and langoustine sauce.
Vini da Gigio, Calle Stua Cannaregio, 3628A, Venezia. Tel: 041.528.5140
Best Restaurants in Venice if You Want to Eat Like a Local (Nothing Fancy!)
Trattoria da’a Marisa is a charming, zero-frills spot. It offers simple yet authentic cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting, tucked away from the bustling tourist-filled streets and main attractions. Their fixed lunch menu, and the generous seafood antipasti platters, make them a reliable, if slightly straightforward, dining option in the area. Take a look at the clientele, and you'll see I wasn’t kidding—this spot is truly a local favorite. Many Venetians working nearby, from shopkeepers to handymen, regularly stop in for lunch!
Trattoria da'a Marisa, Fondamenta S. Giobbe, 652b Calle Canna, Venezia. Tel: 041.720.211
Venice Restaurant Recommendation in the Canareggio District
Agli Archi may be slightly off the beaten path, but it’s just a quick 10-minute stroll from the Jewish Ghetto, so it's easy to get here. Tucked away in Cannaregio, this charming spot offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco. It’s one of my favorite places in this part of Venice for both cicheti and dinner. Their generous antipasti platter is a must-try, featuring delicious bruschette topped with perfectly whipped baccalà mantecato (they make their own!), grilled cuttlefish, and crispy fried polenta. The pasta and the secondi (main courses) are also very good, and are prepared with fresh ingredients sourced daily from the local fish market. In season, it's best to book your table in advance!
Agli Archi, Fondamenta Cannaregio, 965, Venezia. Tel: 041.419.0717
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