Venice is a city that feeds all the senses — the shimmer of the canals, the hum of gondoliers, and, of course, the aroma of freshly cooked pizza and pasta drifting through narrow alleyways. But beyond the postcard-perfect views lies a culinary scene that’s deeply local, proudly traditional, and full of surprises.

Whether you’re wandering through the markets of Cannaregio, sipping wine in a tucked-away bacaro, or dining along the Grand Canal, Venice offers flavours that tell the story of its history and people. Here’s your essential guide to what to eat and drink in Venice — the dishes, drinks, and traditions you can’t miss.

1. Cicchetti – Venice’s Answer to Tapas

If you try just one local tradition, make it cicchetti (pronounced chee-keh-tee). These small, snack-sized dishes are served in bacari — traditional Venetian wine bars where locals gather after work for a spritz and a chat.

Typical cicchetti might include:

• Baccalà mantecato – whipped salt cod served on crusty bread

• Sarde in saor – sweet-and-sour sardines with onions, pine nuts, and raisins

• Polpette – fried meatballs (sometimes made with tuna or aubergine)

• Crostini – small toasts with toppings like anchovies or gorgonzola

To experience cicchetti culture properly, hop from bar to bar in Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most authentic neighborhoods. It’s less touristy, and you’ll find locals shoulder-to-shoulder inside places like Al Timon or Cantina Aziende Agricole.

For more hidden gems in this area, check out What to Do in Castello and Cannaregio, Venice — a perfect complement to your foodie adventure.

2. Venetian Seafood Specialities

Being built on water, it’s no surprise that Venice’s cuisine revolves around fresh seafood. The city’s markets, like the iconic Rialto Fish Market, have supplied Venetians for centuries with everything from lagoon shrimp to cuttlefish and eel.

Top seafood dishes to try include:

• Spaghetti al nero di seppia – pasta in rich black squid ink sauce

• Risotto al nero di seppia – the rice version, equally flavorful and strikingly dark

• Moeche fritte – soft-shell crabs from the lagoon, lightly fried and perfectly crispy

• Bigoli in salsa – thick spaghetti with anchovies, onions, and white wine

Seafood is best enjoyed in local trattorias rather than tourist-heavy spots along the main canals. Head a few streets back and follow your nose — or better yet, ask the waiter what’s fresh that day.

3. Traditional Venetian Dishes Beyond the Sea

Venice isn’t only about fish. Thanks to its long history as a maritime power trading with the East, its cuisine borrows from many influences. Look for these hearty, traditional plates:

• Fegato alla veneziana – liver cooked with onions, usually served with creamy polenta

• Risi e bisi – a comforting dish somewhere between risotto and soup, made with rice and peas

• Polenta e schie – soft polenta topped with tiny gray lagoon shrimp

These recipes showcase Venice’s ability to blend land and sea, sweet and savory — a reflection of its cultural crossroads between Europe and the Orient.

4. Venetian Street Food

Venice’s narrow streets and bridges make sit-down dining optional. Street food is everywhere, and it’s a perfect way to eat like a local on the go.

Must-try Venetian street foods:

• Tramezzini – crustless sandwiches filled with tuna, artichokes, or prosciutto

• Arancini – fried rice balls (a Sicilian import, but popular across Italy)

• Fritto misto – paper cones filled with fried seafood or vegetables

• Gelato artigianale – handmade gelato in flavors like pistachio or gianduja

Pair your snack with a quick espresso, or if it’s evening, a glass of wine at a canal-side bar. The best part? You can enjoy a full Venetian food experience for just a few euros.

5. Sweet Treats and Desserts

Venetian desserts are indulgent yet rooted in tradition. Try these sweet classics during your visit:

• Tiramisù – though it originated in Treviso (just north of Venice), it’s a staple here too

• Fritole – small fried doughnuts filled with raisins or custard, especially around Carnival

• Baicoli – crisp, twice-baked biscuits once made for sailors to last long voyages

• Zaleti – cornmeal cookies with raisins, perfect with a coffee

You’ll find these in pasticcerie (bakeries) across the city — don’t be afraid to step inside and point to whatever looks irresistible.

6. What to Drink in Venice

No Venetian meal is complete without the right drink in hand. The city’s drinking culture is as lively as its canals, and you’ll find a few local icons worth toasting with:

Spritz Veneziano

Perhaps Venice’s most famous drink. The classic Venetian spritz mixes Prosecco, Aperol (or Select, the local favorite), and soda water, garnished with an orange slice. It’s the perfect afternoon refreshment while people-watching at a café in St. Mark’s Square.

Ombra di Vino

An ombra literally means “a shadow” — referring to the shade of the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square where wine sellers once set up shop. Today, ordering un’ombra di vino simply means “a small glass of wine,” often enjoyed standing at a bar alongside cicchetti.

Bellini

Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini blends Prosecco with fresh white peach purée. It’s light, fruity, and steeped in history — Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles were regulars here.

Grappa or Limoncello

After dinner, do as Venetians do: order a digestivo. Grappa is a strong, grape-based spirit, while Limoncello offers a sweeter citrus kick.

7. When and Where to Eat in Venice

Venetians eat on a relaxed schedule.

• Breakfast (colazione): A quick cappuccino and pastry at the counter.

• Lunch (pranzo): Usually around 1–2 PM. Look for daily menus at local trattorias.

• Aperitivo hour: From 5–7 PM, join locals for cicchetti and a spritz.

• Dinner (cena): Around 8 PM or later — linger over seafood risotto and a glass of wine.

If you’re only in Venice for a short time, don’t worry — it’s possible to experience the best of its food culture in a single day. This guide pairs perfectly with What to Do in Venice: A 1-Day Itinerary, which covers top sights to enjoy between your culinary stops.

8. Extend Your Italian Food Adventure

If this taste of Venice leaves you hungry for more, consider expanding your journey beyond the lagoon. From Tuscan vineyards to Roman trattorias, Italy’s regions each tell their own food story.

For inspiration, explore Italy: The Ultimate Seven-Day Trip — a curated itinerary that takes you through Italy’s most delicious destinations.

Final Thoughts

Venice’s cuisine is more than a checklist of dishes — it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and connect with a centuries-old culture that values flavor, tradition, and community. Whether you’re savoring cicchetti in Cannaregio, tasting squid ink pasta by candlelight, or sipping a spritz beside the Grand Canal, every bite tells the story of this floating city.

So next time you wonder what to eat in Venice, remember: the best meal might be waiting just around the next quiet corner.