There's so much to do in Venice that sometimes it's impossible to squeeze everything into one vacation. The historical buildings, the romance of a gondola ride, the thrill of finding hidden shops along tiny streets, and the vibrant cultural explosion, make Venice a much-desired destination in the world, and for a good reason. Thanks to the fact that we need food to survive, it's the one aspect of Venice that every tourist can relish, no matter how short their holiday. To help you pick the very best, here are seven amazing restaurants in Venice that guarantee a meal to remember.
Ristorante Glam
It took Glam a couple of years to move from being a Michelin one-star restaurant to picking up its second. But in 2019, it did just that and with elan. Chef Enrico Bartolini's tempting creation, Glam, has an intimate ambiance with only 40 covers, making it an in-demand spot on any day of the week. The food here highlights local Venetian cuisine, albeit with a modern touch. Chef Donato Ascani oversees the day to day functioning of the restaurant that serves an exquisite nine-course tasting menu comprising of mouthwatering preparations like smoked cuttlefish with myrtle and spaghetti with shallots and tarragon. Make sure you ask the resident sommelier for wine parings to accentuate your gourmet encounter even more.
Address: Calle Tron, 1961, 30135 Venezia VE
Eolo
If you are in search of offbeat experiences in Venice, look no further. A 56-foot fishing barge from the 1940s, Eolo, under the captainship of Mauro Stoppa, is a short and customizable excursion that takes visitors island hopping in the lagoon around Venice. Food, as with most things Venetian, is an integral part of the entire trip where the captain, who happens to be a remarkable chef, cooks up delicious dishes made with the freshest of ingredients. What's truly novel about Eolo is that whether it is the route of the sail or the menu, everything changes on a day-to-day basis depending on the weather, the winds, and what is in season. Moreover, since guests stay in hotels on land during the night, it's possible to explore local restaurants on the islands for a change.
Address: Via Longhin 23, 35129 Padova (PD)
Terrazza Danieli
Situated on the roof of Hotel Danieli near St Mark's Square, Terrazza Danieli is a fine-dining institution that comes with a promise of sophisticated gastronomic delights and impressive views of Venice. The food here features a combination of Venetian classics along with select dishes that highlight the diversity of Mediterranean as well as Far Eastern cuisine. With alfresco dining, available during the pleasant summer months, Terrazza Danieli takes on a whole new persona, creating an environment full of romance, perfect for indulging in an unforgettable dinner, while watching a gorgeous sunset.
Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venezia VE
La Zucca
Imagine the quintessential Venetian restaurant, and you'll most probably picture La Zucca, a quaint little eatery with distinctly Italian charm, situated near the canal, with outside seating, an open kitchen, and a menu that boasts of seasonal dishes highlighting local specialties. Furthermore, there's even direct access to the restaurant from the canal, in case you want to arrive in style via a boat. Another unique aspect of La Zucca is that it favors vegetarian food. There are a few exotic non-vegetarian dishes with rabbit or duck as the primary proteins, but gourmands in search of exclusive flavors should opt for their famous pumpkin flan or the zucchini and almond lasagne. Since dinner at La Zucca doesn't pinch the pocket, it's recommended that you book a table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: S. Croce, 1762, 30135 Venezia VE
Osteria Alla Frasca
A genuine hidden gem, one that carries a vintage charm, Osteria Alla Frasca, is a tiny restaurant situated in Corte Della Carità. A tavern in the early 1900s, it has meticulously been restored by Bruno Natural into a beautiful establishment that celebrates Venice's culinary heritage. So proud is Osteria Alla Frasca of its past that they serve mostly Venetian preparations alongside locally procured wine and coffee. Surprisingly enough, while the menu reflects the petiteness of the restaurant, it comes with a selection of bold flavors, whether it is grilled octopus you are eating or cod with black polenta. Not the easiest of places to find, Osteria Alla Frasca is where you go to savor home-like food, in a quiet atmosphere, away from the touristy parts of the city.
Address: Cannaregio, 5176, 30121 Venezia VE
Paradiso Perduto
The "Lost Paradise" comes across as a busy and loud tavern on most days. It's not a place where you go to get away from people. Instead, this is where you get to immerse yourself into the art, music, and various culinary offerings of Venice. The tavern is undoubtedly a favored gastronomic destination for the residents. Still, it is also a place where artists and authors come to participate in live events, creating a lively and energetic setting. Eating at Paradiso Perduto is all about traditional homemade cooking. The ever-changing menu features what chef Maurizio Adamo finds in the markets of Venice daily. However, do try the seafood which is available here in abundance. Paradiso Perduto remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making it all the more popular during the rest of the week.
Address: Della Misericordia, 2540, Fondamenta Cannaregio, 30100 Venezia VE
Antica Osteria Ardenghi
Antica Osteria Ardenghi is a cute little rustic restaurant that gives the impression of eating in someone's colorful living room. Traveler-friendly, the staff here is welcoming and more than happy to recommend dishes based on customer preferences. Slightly removed from the typical tourist areas, the restaurant is still popular with locals and those in the know-how. While the seafood served is always fresh, it's worth ordering the crab gnocchi here, as well as the truffle pasta, which according to many, is the best in Venice.
Address: Calle Testa 6369, Close to Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, 30170 Venice
Conclusion
The perfect way to enjoy the food in Venice is to take your time with it. The experience of eating in what is the most romantic city of Italy is about engaging with its pleasant yet sometimes moody disposition. However, when the surroundings are so fascinating, the food is nothing short of heavenly.