When dining out try these suggestions:
- Carpaccio – Raw beef sliced thin and served with Parmesan cheese and rocket salad. Invented by Cipriani himself.
- Sarde in Saor – Fried sardines marinated in a sweet and sour mixture of onions, currants and pine nuts. Invented for sailors at sea for long periods of time.
- Fegato alla Veneziana – Calves liver Venetian-style cooked slowly with onions & vinegar.
- Pasta con il Nero di Seppia – Spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce and cuttlefish blackened with ink. A most interesting looking dish.
- Fritto Misto – A combination of the days freshest seasonal fish, usually octopus, shrimp, crab, anchovies,etc... fried in a batter and served with lemon. A big local favorite!
- Baccala Mantecata – Dried salted cod mixed to a paste with olive oil and parsley.
- Risi e Bisi – Risotto with fresh peas and flavoured with bacon. This is a nice soft and tasty dish.
- Spaghetti alle Vongole – Fresh clams served with pasta in a savoury sauce made with hot chili peppers and parsley.
- Grilled vegetables – These are typically served as a side dish and include the verdura of the season.For example zucchini, eggplant, bellpeppers & radicchio.
- Gelato – The famous ice cream of Italy comes in too many wonderful flavours to mention. Try a different flavour each day!
- Amaretti – Small almond biscuits served with coffee....a nice way to end your meal.
As a note: Water is never free...if you ask for water you will be brought a bottle of either naturale or frizzante (plain or sparkling) and it is sold in either 1/2 lt. or liter.
*** Venice Nightlife
Unfortunately Venice doesn’t have alot to offer for nightlife, but if you look hard enough you can always find something to do. There are a few bars and restaurants that stay open ‘til Midnight and later and this is where you will meet up with some of the locals and tourists and young people looking for fun. Then if you feel a bit more adventurous you can always head over to the Lido in the summer where you have bars open on the beach in the evening. But only during the summer season.
Here are a few ideas...
Centrale Restaurant Lounge & Bar – S. Marco 1659/A – off the Frezzeria & close to S. Marks square Tel: 041.296.0664 (Open ‘til 2am) www.centrale-lounge.com/
A stylish happening restaurant and bar that plays great music and serves international food. Come and chill out in a most unique setting.
Piccolo Mondo (El Souk) - Accademia, Dorsoduro 1056/A - Tel: 041.520.0371 (Open late 10pm-4am) www.piccolomondo.biz
This well hidden mysterious club is truly the only disco in town! Founded in 1963, it is full of intrigue and you are guaranteed to have a good time.
Naranzaria - Wine Bar – S. Polo 130 (Next to Rialto) Tel: 041.724.1035 (Open 12pm – 2am) Closed Mondays www.naranzaria.it/eng-home.htm
Located right along the Grand Canal in a charming campo, sit outside enjoy a great glass of wine and laugh the night away. Always a large lively crowd hanging around inside and out. Plus they make SUSHI!!!!!
Pachuka Bar & Disco – Located on the far left beach on the Lido Island – San Nicolo (Open ‘til 4am) Tel: 041.242.0020
Pop, Funk, Techno, guest DJ’s, Live music all on the beach! Take the “A bus” to S.Nicolo and follow the music.
Casino of Venice – Right on the Grand Canal – close to vaporetto stop “S. Marcuola” – Line# 1 Tel: 041.529.7111 (Minors prohibited) Jacket required.
The very first casino of the world was opened right here in Venice in 1638. This was the former palace (Palazzo Vendramin) of the composer Richard Wagner. Come and spend a luxurious evening in a most unique setting and have some fun
RESTAURANTS
Fish, Fish, Fish! That is the emphasis in Venice, but don’t worry, of course you can find meat, poultry and vegetarian dishes too. Wherever you go you will find the cooking simple with dishes that make full use of the traditional local fresh ingredients. Breakfast (colazione) is usually a cup of coffee, croissant or juice. Bars offer these in the morning and of course your hotel will usually have breakfast included. Lunch (pranzo) is from 12:30 -2pm then they close and re-open for Dinner (cena) at 8pm, but many restaurants will open earlier for tourists. Reservations are always recommended but not necessary if you don’t mind waiting. Ask your concierge to make reservations for you to avoid any problems. You can always stop in a bar or cafe for a snack if you don’t want to eat a full meal at lunchtime.
Trattoria, Osteria and Ristorante are pretty similar in terms of price and cooking and ambience although Trattoria were usually considered to be more homely and run by families. You now have Pizzeria, Enoteca and Birreria to add to the list to confuse you. Here we will try to break it down as easily as possible.
There are many restaurants that will offer a fixed price menu/ tourist menu. This is an inexpensive way to go, but not always the tastiest or most interesting. While you are here why not order something different and typical of the region. You may only get to Venice once in your lifetime, so have fun and try something new!
Wine can many times be cheaper than water or soft drinks. You can many times order the house wine by the glass (red or white) and be quite satisfied with what they have to offer. A few producers of the area include: Valpolicella, Soave & Bardolino. You can’t go wrong with any of these.
If you want to try a variety of wines along with some snacks cicheti to accompany it, then stop in at an Enoteca where you will find many locals. They have a large selection of wines to taste and buy along with wonderful little bit sized snacks at affordable prices that wont break your budget. This is a great way to tide yourself over until dinner time and get into the Venetian culture.
Smoking is no longer allowed in any public place, so you wont find a smoking section in any restaurant or bar.
Below you will find some of the restaurants we highly recommend located throughout the island. Reservations are always recommended.
*** GELATO / ICE CREAM
Try a new flavor each day and you still won’t be able to try them all !!!
Gelateria Ca’ D’ Oro Strada Nova - Cannaregio, 4273
Wonderful flavors made fresh daily to tantalize your taste buds!!!
Gelateria on Burano Island - On the main street. Look for the big Ice Cream cone out front.
If you are going to Burano for the day, be sure to stop in at the gelateria there. Unbelievably good!! Next door they have a wonderful little shop that sells the local Buranello cookies. They even give out free samples....mmm!!!
Gelateria next to the Hotel Da Bruno – located on Salizzada S. Lio
They give you the biggest scoops at the best prices. Don’t pass this one by or you will regret it.
***COFFEE (Cafe) & SWEETS
ZANIN S. Marco, located in Campo S. Luca, across from Burger King
Amazing little sweets to accompany a quick Cafe or hot chocolate. Soooo yummy!
Pasticceria Ballarin Cannaregio - 5794 041.528.5273
This small quaint pastry shop offers some of the best mini sweets, chocolates and cappucino’s in town. Not too far from Rialto either.
*** SNACKS-Cicetti & SANDWICHES-Tramezzini
Birreria Forst – 4540 Calle delle Rasse S. Marco (to the right of the Doges Palace) 041.523.0557
Sandwiches like no where else to be found....mmm!! Small but fun place to stop for a quick bite.
Osteria Al Portego 6015 Calle Malvasia – Castello
Situated in a small square not too far from Marco Polos’ house is where you will find some of the best cichetti in town. Come by for a drink and a snack before dinner
***PIZZERIA’S
Alle Botte – Grand Viale/main street on the island of Lido (Next door to the Pharmacy)
This tiny pizzeria without a doubt makes the best pizza in all of Lido. Prepared in a wood burning oven, makes it soo flavorful!! Charming seating outside or inside. Excellent service too.
Jazz 900 - 900 S. POLO 041.522.6565 (closed Mondays) www.jazz900.com/prg/club.asp
This famous pizzeria has been named one of the top 100 in all of Italy for it’s food and atmosphere. Jazz concerts all summer long, make this a happening spot!
Malibran Ristorante – Pizzeria - 5864 Cannaregio 041.296.0768
Located in a quaint little square nearby the Malibran theatre. Good food at reasonable prices.
***RISTORANTE
Favorita Via Francesco Duodo, 33 Lido Tel/Fax 041.526.1626 (Closed Mondays and Tuesday mornings)
The name says it all! If you are tired of the crowds in Venice or are staying on the Lido this is a great restaurant to escape from it all. Extremely charming outside garden for dining in the Spring or Summer as well as quaint interior. But you better like fish, cause that is what they do and they do it well.
L’ Osteria di Santa Marina Campo S. Marina, 5911 Castello Tel/Fax 041.528.5239 (Closed Sundays and Monday mornings) www.osteriadisantamarina.it
One of the best little tucked away secrets in Venice . A wonderful menu with Venetian flair and reservations are a must!
Trattoria Tre Spiedi 5906, Cannaregio (between Rialto & Strada Nova) 041.520.8035 Closed Mondays
This charming family friendly trattoria has been here since 1975, serving some of the best seafood and dishes around. Great service and a warm atmosphere.
Alle Testiere 5801 Calle del Mondo Novo, Castello (nearby Campo S. Maria Formosa) 041.522.7220 Closed Mondays
It’s all about the freshest fish possible at this tiny osteria. Great reputation. Get away from the typical tourist places and come here. Only 9 tables and 2 seatings, make it a must for a reservation. Unique, Innovative and yet Venetian.
La Rivista 979/A Dorsoduro (Next to the hotel Ca’ Pisani – by Accademia) 041.240.1425 Closed Mondays
Not your typical restaurant/bar. A sleek setting and a creative menu if you are looking for someplace a bit more like New York or L.A.
Fiaschetteria Toscana Cannaregio, 5719 041.528.5281 (Closed Tues)
If you don’t get to make it to Tuscany while in Italy, you can atleast try their regional cuisine here in Venice. Very GOOD!
Ristorante Al Fontego dei Pescaori Cannaregio, 3711-3712 Sottoportego del Tagiapiera 041.520.0538 (Closed Mondays)
Their every changing seasonal menu along with excellent fish dishes make this a restaurant worth finding.
Aciugheta Castello, 4357 Campo S.S. Filippo e Giacomo 041.522.4292 Info@aciugheta-hotelrio.it
A really lively modern restaurant/Bar in a campo where many Venetians hang out. Dine outside in the campo and have some fun!
Algiubagio – 5039 Cannaregio - Fondamente Nove 041.523.6084 www.algiubagio.com
This restaurant located by the water is so special. Excellent wine list and food to be enjoyed in a most unusual setting. Great for special occassions.
Ristorante Canaletto - 5450 Castello 041-521.2661 Open ‘til midnight
Excellent wines by the glass or bottle (over 1000 to chose from) and wonderful cuisine made with fresh herbs grown from their own garden.
Ristorante Al Giardinetto – 2910 San Toma – Rio della Frescada 041-522.4100
A lively restaurant where their specialty is grilled meats prepared in a wood fire oven.
Taverna San Trovaso – 1016 Dorsoduro (near Accademia) 041-520.3703 (closed Mondays)
This is a warm inviting restaurant with plenty of seating and ideal for groups.
Casin dei Nobili – 2765 Dorsoduro 041-241.1841 (closed Mondays)
Restaurant and Pizzeria with a charming atmosphere, not far from Campo San Barnaba.
Hosteria ai Coristi – 1995 San Marco 041-522.6677
Just steps away from the Fenice Theatre, this is a typical Venetian restaurant with old world charm.
La Zucca – 1762 Santa Croce 041-524.1570 (closed Sundays) reservations a must!
This is a picturesque restaurant with seating inside and outside in the Spring and Summer. Pumpkin pie lovers should order their house specialty “Flan di Zucca”, you wont be disappointed.
Ristorante da Carletto – 5272 Castello 041-522.7944 (closed Mondays)
For excellent food and attentive service in a quaint cozy restaurant, this is the place. For starters try the Panzarotti...mmmm!!!
Osteria Oliva Nera – 3417 Castello 041-522.2170 (closed Wednesdays)
A family run osteria with attention to detail, nestled in a little campo. Save room for dessert!!
Hosteria Al Vecio Bragosso – 4386 Strada Nova (nearby Campo S.S. Apostoli) 041-523.7277
Located on one of the most popular streets in Venice, with dining inside & outside. Great for the Summertime and full of ambience. Venetian cuisine with a great fish selection.
Osteria alla Vedova – 3912 Strada Nova
A little out of the way but worth searching for. Old style, with great snacks/cicheti.
Harry’s Dolci – 773 Fondamenta S. Biagio (Guidecca) 041-522.4844
Wonderful terrace overlooking the Guidecca Canal & Venice, serving the best cakes and desserts in all of Venice. Plus the food is very good too. A very relaxing place to dine in the Spring and Summer.
***ETHNIC
El Argentino Dorsoduro 2344 Fondamente Barbarigo 041.241.2697 www.elargentino.it
A modern setting for dining on some of the most delicious food in the city. Try something new!
Frary’s – 2559 S.Polo (Fondamenta dei Frari – across from Frari church) 041-720.050
Specializing in Arab and Greek food, this place is full of personality and the food is delicious! It gets packed, so come early. It wont blow your budget either. Lively bars located right next door.
Ganesh Ji – Indian restaurant 2426 S. Polo – Rio Marin 041-719.804 (closed Wednesdays)
The owner is crazy about India, and has brought her version of the country to her beloved restaurant. Fresh ingredients and alot of love go into every dish they make. Dining inside and out on the terrace along the canal in the summertime.
Gam Gam – Kosher restaurant 1122 Cannaregio (under the entrance to the ghetto near Cannaregio Canal) 041-717.538
Located in the Old Ghetto, this is the only Jewish restaurant around. Locals and tourists alike dine here along the canal.
Iguana – Mexican restaurant & Bar 2515 Cannaregio 041-713.571
A bit of Mexico here in Italy.. This is a fun place to eat in the Summertime when it’s hot and you want a margarita! Dine outside along the canal and enjoy chatting about your day in Venice. A lot of young people hang out here and socialize and eat too.
Mirai – Japanese restaurant 227 Cannaregio 041-220.6517 (closed Mondays)
Creative sushi and sashimi await you just steps away from the Train Station. High quality and excellent service.
***Bars
Devils Forest Pub - Campo S. Bartolomeo – Rialto S. Marco, 5185 041.520.0623 (Open Til’ Midnight) www.devilsforest.com
A true authentic English pub right in the heart of Venice!! Stouts, Wine, Real Ale, English Breakfast, Darts, food, etc...
Dogado San Felice - Cannaregio 3660/A 041.520.8544 Wine Bar/Lounge Cafe/Restaurant (daily 11-1:30am)
Settled in an old Venetian Palace and filled with over 150 types of wine. Temptations await. Not too far off of Strada Nova.
Enoteca “Gia Schiavi” – Wine Bar & Osteria 992 S. Trovaso, Dorsoduo 041-523.0034
This small yet friendly neighbourhood bar offers an amazing selection of wines by the glass along with cichetti “snacks” made in house. Feel like a real local and come around 5pm for an early dinner drink. Large wall full of bottles of wine for sale at reasonable prices.
Caffe dei Frari - 2564 S. Polo 041-524.1877
This bar located near the Frari church is a place where the local young people and students hang out, inside and outside on the bridge. Always lively and it dates back to 1870.
Bacaro – Calle Large XXII Marzo (next to Etro shop nearby San Marco Square) Open Late
A large modern bar with restaurant too, this is a place where the gondoliers stop for their cafe and spritz throughout the day.
Harry’s Bar - infront of the S. Marco vaporetto stop. (dress code requirements)
Why not stop in for a Bellini at the most famous bar in all of Venice. A national landmark, Harry’s Bar is small but charming and where Ernest Hemingway spent many an hour. You might even catch a glimpse of Mr. Cipriani himself.
Campo Santa Margherita – This is one of the most popular squares in all of Venice and you will see why, with many bars lining the campo and gelaterias and restaurants to chose from, you will find yourself spending hours hanging out and truly enjoying the Italian way of life. After 8 is when people start coming and many times there is live music too.