Food, drinks, restaurants

Venice has its own regional cuisine with traditional dishes and ingredients characteristic of the lagoon and surrounding areas. Here are a few must-try specialties:

Risotto - Venice is known for various types of risotto. Some of the most famous include Risotto al Gamberi (shrimp risotto), Risotto ai Funghi (mushroom risotto), and Risotto ai Frutti di Mare (seafood risotto). Try a local specialty, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, made with cuttlefish ink for a deep, savory flavor.

Try it at Antica Trattoria Bandiera (Calle dei Botteri, 5067, Venice) – a hidden gem with excellent seafood risotto.

Polenta - a staple dish made from cornmeal, often served as a side with venison, mushrooms, or seafood. It pairs perfectly with traditional Venetian stews.

Sarde in Saor - a unique Venetian dish of fried sardines marinated in sweet and sour caramelized onions, raisins, and vinegar. A must-try for lovers of bold flavors.

Taste this dish at Trattoria Alla Madonna (Calle della Madonna, 594, Venice) – a classic Venetian spot with great seafood.

Seppie al Nero - cuttlefish cooked in its own ink, giving the dish a rich black color and deep umami taste. Often served with polenta.

Fegato alla Veneziana – thinly sliced veal liver cooked with onions and white wine, usually served with creamy polenta.

One of the best places to try it is Osteria Do Farai (Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3278, Venice) – a cozy spot loved by locals.

Bigoli - thick Venetian pasta similar to spaghetti, often served with duck or sardine-based sauces.

Cicchetti - Venetian tapas-style snacks, such as small sandwiches, fried seafood, or marinated vegetables. Enjoy them with a glass of wine.

For an authentic cicchetti experience, visit Alla Bifora (Campo Santa Margherita, 2930, Venice) – a charming wine bar with a great selection.

Desserts - Venice has delicious sweets, including Tiramisu, Frittelle (fried dough balls, especially popular during Carnival), and Zaletti (cornmeal biscuits with raisins).

Try the best tiramisu at I Tre Mercanti (Calle al Ponte de la Guerra, 5364, Venice) – they make it fresh daily in different flavors.

Wine - The Veneto region is famous for wines like Prosecco, Valpolicella, and Soave. A glass of prosecco is the perfect way to start a Venetian meal.

Enjoy great wine at Osteria al Portego (Calle della Malvasia, 6014, Venice) – a small but vibrant wine bar with a great selection of Venetian wines.

Venetian cuisine is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet bold flavors. Don't miss the chance to explore local restaurants, try cicchetti, and enjoy a glass of prosecco by the canal.