The streets of Venice feel a world apart from Rome, Milan, or anywhere else in Italy. So it’s no surprise that what to eat in Venice is completely different, too. Venice, in Italy’s Veneto region, has a completely different style of food made with completely different ingredients than the rest of the country.
Many dishes traditionally found in the Veneto region draw inspiration from its northern neighbor, Austria. But they are also heavily influenced by the sea, too. So think lots of seafood, pasta, and plenty of Prosecco. (And don’t forget many Italian-American dishes aren’t found in Italy at all!)
What to Eat in Venice :: 5 Must Eat Venetian Dishes
The Veneto region is divided into three regions (coastal, mountains, and plains) with the cuisine varying between each one. But here we’re talking about Venice — which is obviously the coastal region — and more specifically, what to eat in Venice. As always, the best way to learn all about Venetian food is by taking a food tour. This tour covers Venetian favorites with historic sites while this tour focuses on Cicchetti and wine.
In Venice, meal times aren’t quite as late as southern Italy. In fact, the entire city seemed to shut down pretty early (especially compared to Rome, which is a late night city!). Like in other parts of Italy, restaurants usually charge coperto, a bread/cover charge (even if you don’t eat the bread).
But now to the good stuff: here are five Venetian dishes you can’t leave Venice without eating.
1. Cicchetti
Cicchetti (pronounced chi-KET-tee) is often called the Venetian version of Spanish tapas. The small dishes include everything from octopus, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. But the most famous cicchetti are small toasts topped with various ingredients. Seafood, vegetables, or cheese, served cold or warm depending on the variation, are the classics.
Served alongside a glass of wine, the mini dishes are usually enjoyed in appetizer fashion. But don’t be afraid to order a handful to create a whole meal for breakfast or lunch. Historically they are enjoyed standing up at a bar, and the best one is Bar All’arco. Known for incredible (and affordable!) cicchetti, the tiny, standing-room only spot is a local and tourist favorite. Or take this cicchetti and wine tour to decide for yourself!
2. Seafood
It’s no surprise that a city surrounded by the sea has excellent seafood. So whether it’s oysters, shrimp pasta, or fish soup, seafood is a must eat in Venice. Don’t forget razor clams, fish-topped cicchetti, and cuttlefish. It’s all amazing and worth eating as much as possible!
Seafood isn’t hard to find in Venice, so try as much of it as you can in as many variations as possible. Rusteghi Wine Bar served fantastic shrimp pasta, razor clams, and steamed oysters. At Chat Qui Rit, the passatelli pasta in smoked sea broth with raw scampi, sea urchin, and clams was incredible. And at Bar All’arco, the seafood cicchetti paired perfectly a baby octopus and a glass of wine.
3. Risotto
Besides pasta, risotto is Italy’s other famously favorite dish. It sounds simple — rice cooked in olive oil or butter, then broth — but anyone who’s tried to make it can attest that getting it right takes talent. Topped with everything from seafood and sausage to vegetables, the risotto variations never end in the Veneto region.
Classic risotto dishes to eat in Venice include risotto with asparagus, risotto with mushrooms and shaved truffles, risotto with pumpkin, and seafood risotto. Called Risotto alla pescatora, it’s served with clams, mussels, prawns, and more.
4. Tiramisu
One of Italy’s most famous desserts calls the Veneto region home: tiramisu. Translated as “pick me up,” a Treviso restaurant created the coffee-laced sweet in the 1960s. Made with layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, cocoa-flavored mascarpone cheese, and sugar, it’s even more delicious in its hometown.
While you’ll spot tiramisu all over Italy, it’s definitely something to eat in Venice. Traditional tiramisu is a must, but also look for creative versions. La Caravella served a fancy deconstructed version called Tiramisu Three Ways, with a classic version and two “innovative” versions. (All were delicious!)
5. Prosecco
Another famous Italian export calls the Veneto region home: Prosecco wine. The sparkling wine is named after the Prosecco grape, which itself is named after the Prosecco village in the Veneto region. Like Champagne, in order for a wine to be called Prosecco, the wine must be made in the designated region. And yes, you can take a day trip to Prosecco wineries from Venice!
Prosecco is most popular as a sparkling wine, but semi-sparkling (frizzante) and non-sparkling (tranquillo) are also available. The sparkling version is also the basis of the Spritz, one of the most popular cocktails in northern Italy. Made with Prosecco, soda water and Aperol or Campari, the Spritz has been a popular summer drink since the 1800s.
• • •
Venice is packed with incredible food. It’s practically impossible to taste everything in a few days, but it’s worth trying!
Related :: A Guide to Two Days in Venice and What to Eat in Rome.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission from them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.
