‍

There truly is nowhere quite like Venice - unique in so many ways from its architecture and history to its culture and food. Not to mention the fact that it is quite literally a floating city! 

‍

I could go on for days about the colourful quirks of this city but today I am here to discuss one thing: Food. 

‍

If there’s one thing you should be doing during your stay in Venice, it's eating… and drinking. Okay, two things. 

‍

When it comes to popular destinations like this, it can be daunting choosing where to eat and drink, especially if you are only staying for a few days. Read on for our ultimate guide to food and drink in Venice.

‍

‍Did you know that the history of coffee is linked to Venice? In the 17th century, Venetian merchants brought back a mysterious powder from Istanbul, sparking excitement in the city. Initially considered a medicinal elixir for various ailments, from headaches to smallpox, it later transformed into an exotic beverage. The merchants cleverly marketed it exclusively to affluent residents, imposing high mark-ups on the product.

‍

If you’re a fan of coffee, you won’t want to pass these cafes by:

‍

Caffè Florian

P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Established in 1720, this cafe has welcomed guests such as Lord Byron, Marcel Proust, and Charles Dickens. Today, you can enjoy exceptional coffee, traditional Venetian treats and picturesque interiors. 

Please note that this cafe is famous and is often busy. It is also a little on the pricey side when you include food. I would recommend stopping by for a Caffè Freddo Florian (the best iced coffee I’ve ever had) and taking it outside into the Piazza to people-watch. 

Torrefazione Cannaregio

Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2804, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

A laid-back coffee shop located on the Northern Ormesini Canal. This is the place to come for a traditional Italian espresso and an almond croissant (name a better way to start the day, I’ll wait). Even though this cafe is well established, it feels a bit more like a hidden gem and if you can grab a seat outside on a sunny day, you are in for a glorious morning.

Caffe Brasilia

Rio Terrà dei Assassini, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Now, this one really is a hidden gem - meaning that if you blink, you’ll miss it! Caffe Brasilia is a hole-in-the-wall spot with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Creamy cappuccinos, fresh juice and some of the friendliest members of staff in Europe (bold statement but I’m going with it)

‍In Italy, lunch is a big deal. Traditionally, it’s the main meal of the day and is best enjoyed slowly. A typical Italian lunch consists of a primo (pasta, risotto or soup), a secondo (meat or fish) and a contorno (side dish). You can find lunch spots in Venice that offer this, of course - but while you’re spending time in the floating city, you MUST experience Cicchetti - a sort of Venetian tapas. I don’t know about you but I always have trouble choosing from menus as I want to try EVERYTHING. Cicchetti, much like Spanish tapas, allows you to try so many wonderful things, so here are my favourite (mostly cicchetti) lunch spots in Venice…

‍

Il Paradiso Perduto

della Misericordia, Fondamenta Cannaregio, 2540, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

A beautifully shabby, bohemian establishment serving fresh seafood, amazing wines and a wide range of Cicchetti. Although this is a great place for lunch, they also host live jazz nights in the evenings!

Tends to get very busy but you can reserve a table!

Bar alla Toletta

Dorsoduro, 1191, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

The unofficial home of tramezzini, (triangle sandwiches) this unique spot is not to be missed. If you’re into tightly packed, mayo-heavy sandwiches, this is the place for you. Classic fillings include caprese, spinach and ricotta and prosciutto, olives and philadelphia (YUM)

Cà D’Oro alla Vedova

Ramo Ca' d'Oro, 3912, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

A cosy Bacaro serving outstanding cicchetti - the meatballs being the most popular dish. Typically, a visit to a Bacaro will consist of wine and small plates while standing but there is plenty of seating available. This place is another popular one and tends to get very busy at dinner but you are likely to get a table for lunch. The food is simple but delicious and the prices are low - it’s no wonder this place is so popular

In Venice, most cafes and restaurants close after lunch service and reopen again at night. Depending on how heavy your lunch was, you might want to opt for something casual and light. One thing I will suggest when it comes to dinner in Venice is to avoid pizza (leave that to Naples). Firstly, there are no wood fire pizza ovens due to fire hazards and secondly, it would be a crime not to immerse yourself in the fresh seafood and unique traditions this floating city has to offer. There are plenty of fishless options too if this isn’t your forte. 

‍

Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy

Arguably the best seafood in Burano. This family-run restaurant serves homemade pasta, delicious antipasti and world-class seafood in an informal, relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating in an Italian family home. This place is easily recognised by its bright blue exterior and the small metal tables and chairs outside by the water make it feel unbelievably European. Just imagine yourself sitting outside on a warm evening, eating seafood caught that very morning and sipping an ice-cold white wine. 

La Zucca

Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

Offering a new menu every day, La Zucca prides itself on its use of seasonal vegetables. Basically, whatever is thriving at that time, it's going on the menu. As a former vegetarian, I understand the pain of having limited options while travelling abroad - there’s only so much mushroom risotto a woman can take. This place, however, provides beautiful and thoughtful vegetarian dishes that even meat eaters will adore. La Zucca means Pumpkin so make sure you check out the pumpkin flan while you’re here. 

Antiche Carampane

Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

This family run restaurant  located in the San Polo district is loved by tourists and locals alike. The walls inside are adorned with mirrors and paintings in ornate frames and the food is skillfully crafted but traditional. It is clear that this restaurant is well-loved as it is always buzzing with life. That being said, it is always recommended to book in advance. Signature dishes include sarde in saor (sardines), salted cod, fried soft-shell crab and cuttlefish in black ink.

‍

Arrive in Venice in style with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Click here for more details