Fresh pasta and a canal-view terrace are the desires of most when it comes to restaurants in Venice, but it can be difficult to separate the tourist traps from the truly great. Thankfully, whether you’re craving a simple, authentic meal or a more luxurious dining experience with silver service, our cherry-picked edit has all bases covered.

Best For: Old-School Romance

Left to Right: Trattoria al Gatto Nero & Quadri.

Trattoria al Gatto Nero

An intimate family-owned establishment, formerly Burano's oldest osteria, Trattoria al Gatto Nero was established by Ruggero Bovo in the 1960s. With only a few tables along the canal, we suggest calling ahead for an outdoor seat, but if you can’t get lucky, its interiors are just as delightful, adorned with framed paintings and prints and featuring crisp white tablecloths. The menu, a family endeavour, includes Venetian seafood classics, homemade tagliolini with spider crab, grilled sea scallops, freshly caught razor clams and a light tiramisu for dessert.

Quadri

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply want a reason to don your best glad rags, Quadri should be your first port of call. The only fine dining establishment in Piazza San Marco, boasting a Michelin star and run by the renowned Alajmo family, this is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city (coming with prices to match). Indulge in the likes of burrata ravioli with clams, cuttlefish and tiny shrimp, as well as decadent beef carpaccio sprinkled with pearls of caviar, all washed down with a bottle from the restaurant’s impressive wine list includes, which includes grapes from eastern Europe and the UK, as well as 19 of Italy’s 20 regions.

Best For: Spectacular Views

Left to Right: Terrazza Danieli & The Gritti Terrace

Terrazza Danieli

An iconic city landmark, Hotel Danieli is the epitome of Venetian luxury. It’s no surprise then that there’s no better place to indulge in the breathtaking vistas of the Venetian lagoon while savouring a cocktail and an exquisite meal than atop rooftop restaurant Terrazza Danieli, where outdoor seating is available from April until October. All about simple but thoughtful Venetian dishes like wild sea bass fillet in a light sauce of sea urchin, or a veal cutlet with caramelised milk bread, time your arrival for sunset when the scenes are at their prettiest.

The Gritti Terrace

For the finest in al fresco dining, The Gritti Terrace never fails to disappoint. Despite its high prices, this enchanting space remains one of the city’s most popular dining experiences, with its historic deck overlooking the Grand Canal perhaps the most delightful spot to enjoy a meal, especially on a sunny day or a clear evening. The view of Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute is breathtaking (the signature “Basil-i-ca” cocktail is inspired by the latter church), while the menu includes light salads, pasta, risotto and seasonal seafood platters. Alternatively opt for the delightful afternoon tea along with a selection of Champagne, Bellini and Negroni cocktails. Don’t mind if we do.

Best For: Families

Left to Right: Oke & Antico Pizzo

Oke

Travelling with the grandkids in tow? The heavily seafood-oriented menu of local Venetian cuisine can sometimes be a bit much for young children, and while the city isn't typically famed for its pizza, Oke is an exception. While there's regular seating inside, a small extra fee allows you to dine outside on the renowned Zattere waterfront, with the Giudecca canal's waters at your feet and boats gliding by as you enjoy your meal. The pizza here is outstanding, available with wholewheat, khorasan wheat, spelt or gluten-free bases, in addition to the regular options, with toppings including the likes of caramelised Tropea onions, aged Asiago cheese and homemade sopressa salami.

Antico Pizzo

The varied menu at this casual restaurant is perfect for families, with adults able to savour authentic ‘Cucina Veneziana’, while little ones have simpler options like pizza and milder antipasti, ideal for those who may not be fans of fish. The location is also excellent — situated on a quiet street near the Rialto market in a historic building that has been an Osteria for over 150 years - and if the weather is nice, be sure to reserve an outdoor table.

Best For: Those On a Budget

Left to Right: Osteria Alla Ciurma & Enoteca Al Volto

Osteria Alla Ciurma

The morning Rialto market is the heart of the Serenissima, bustling with locals shopping for food and enjoying a drink and snack at the nearby bars in the winding side streets. A must-visit spot is Alla Ciurma, a historic storeroom transformed into a cosy bar that mimics the interior of a boat, fittingly named The Crew. Here owner Marco Paola crafts dishes like tuna polpette (meatballs) and courgette flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, while also experimenting with marinating raw fish in fruity olive oil and herbs—creating dishes such as monkfish with olives and mint, sea bream with basil and lemon and mackerel with laurel leaves and onion. The house wine is cheap as chips, too.

Enoteca Al Volto

Reputed to be the oldest wine bar in Venice (whether or not that’s true, no-one knows), Enoteca Al Volto has been serving reasonably priced wine, beer and cicchetti since before World War II, all in a cosy and unpretentious atmosphere. Enthusiasts of baccalà mantecato, the classic Venetian cicchetti of creamed codfish on polenta, often claim that Al Volto does it best, while diners can also enjoy a simple ombra (a local term for a glass of wine) and a few small plates at the bar, or choose to have a full sit-down meal if the cravings come a-calling.