Venice’s Hidden Gem Restaurants
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I would completely understand if someone decides to skip Venice due to the scary headlines about overtourism.
There are so many news stories out there about how crowded and miserable the city can be in the summer.
It became such a problem that the city instituted a 5 euro day pass fee for those not staying in accommodations on the island itself - the so-called day trippers - but early results have shown that this effort did little to deter visitors. (It did collect a pretty penny, though.)
While I understand that overtourism is a real problem and that we should be mindful of how we move around the world, here’s the thing:
THERE IS SIMPLY NO OTHER PLACE LIKE VENICE, ITALY ON EARTH.
Sure, Amsterdam has its canal-adjacent charm, and Florence shares the political intrigue and gilded drama of its history. Regardless of the similarities, Venice remains an unmatched destination.
And if I had one Venice travel tip to offer you, it would be this: seek out the hidden gems of the city, and avoid the tourist traps at all costs.
Wait, what exactly is a “tourist traps” restaurant?
It’s a great question!
There are a lot of reasons that travelers should avoid tourist traps.
One of the most important is their cost. Since tourist traps often have inflated prices, they increase the cost of your trip without providing any added value. Often, that higher price tag comes with noticeably lower quality. (That feeling you experience after leaving these places is disappointment, or worse, exploitation.)
Some tourist traps have done a fantastic job of advertising, and can be overcrowded with other tourists who bought into the (paid) hype. It’s never a good feeling to realize you’ve been underwhelmed because you followed the crowd.
My biggest issue with tourist traps, though, is that they lack authenticity and, in worse cases, can dabble in stereotypes about a destination.
DINING IN A LOCAL RESTAURANT ALLOWS YOU TO INTERACT WITH LOCALS AND GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUE CHARACTER AND WAY OF LIFE OF THE CITY.
There are many subpar restaurants in Venice.
But the restaurants that are hidden gems, ah, they will make your heart sing 🥰.
Why Should Travelers Seek Out Hidden Gem Restaurants in Venice?
Dining at a restaurant beloved by locals will give you a more authentic and immersive experience of a place’s culture, cuisine, and traditions. Visiting hidden gem restaurants allows for more interactions with locals, which can often lead to unique memories or once in a lifetime stories - the kinds of conversations that make a vacation more special and personal!
There is also amazing value to be found in the small mom-and-pop businesses that rely more on locals than they do on tourists. If you want to combat overtourism in Venice but refuse to stay away, seeking out off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and supporting the locals who make their livelihoods from them, is a great place to start.
Here’s my list of the best restaurants, compiled from multiple visits of my own, feedback from friends, and recommendations from a couple superstar hotel concierges 😉.
Venice’s Hidden Gem Restaurants
Osteria Mocenigo
A short walk from the San Stae vaporetto stop, Osteria Mocenigo is an authentic Venetian restaurant with a loyal local following.
Its brick-fronted facade gives way to a charming interior ambiance and a tiny patio in the rear. The menu is seafood heavy, with standouts like the fish and squid ink pasta, one of my favorite dishes. Mocenigo is reasonably priced, and the service is attentive.
Though they don’t have a website, reservations are strongly advised during the summer season, as most of the nearby hotels recommend it to their guests.
OSTERIA MOCENIGO
📍 Salizada San Stae 1919, 30135 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 523 1703
Trattoria Antiche Carampane
This hidden gem in the San Polo area of Venice has been family-owned and operated for more than forty years.
They consistently serve fresh seafood, with star dishes like the spider crab tagliatelle, the fish carpaccio or the grilled octopus, as well as Venetian culinary classics like creamed codfish, soft shell crabs, and frutti di mare.
The atmosphere at Antiche Carampane is unpretentious but lively, and the interior is reminiscent of your eccentric aunt’s parlor, but in a chic, devil-may-care kind of way.
Dinners here stretch past dessert, helped along by the strong wine list of local varietals and the friendly, professional staff.
TRATTORIA ANTICHE CARAMPANE
📍 Rio Terà de le Carampane 1911, 30125 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 524 0165
🌐 Visit Website
La Zucca
Is La Zucca really a hidden gem restaurant anymore?
Most likely not.
The secret was out as soon as discerning diners discovered its vegetarian-focused menu and cozy, wood-laden interiors.
I ate outside here one August night during the first year of the pandemic, when Venice was mostly empty. A quick rainstorm came through and the four occupied outdoor tables were quickly pushed together so that we would all fit under the awning, all of us diners making quick friends in the process.
It was a fantastic meal. I had the vegetarian lasagna, though other dishes like rabbit stew and gorgonzola pasta have also been mentioned as popular menu items.
Be sure to make a reservation - though La Zucca is a gem, she’s not so much hidden these days. And when you’re there, don’t forget to try the pumpkin flan.
Vino Vero
Whenever I’m in Venice, I make a beeline for the cicchetti case.
Though often described as the Venetian answer to tapas, they are so much more! Tiny little bites, entire feasts assembled atop humble bits of bread… I get sentimental just thinking about them.
You walk up to the case, point out the three or four that caught your eye: baccalà mantecato, (creamed cod), gorgonzola with walnuts, cured tuna with citrus zest. Then you order a glass of wine to enjoy while you languidly feast on your selected small bites.
Vino Vero rarely shows up on the list of Venice’s best bacari, or cicchetti spots, and that’s all the better.
This natural wine bar is a hidden culinary gem thanks to its extensive wine list from mostly small natural wine producers. Their friendly staff is amazingly knowledgeable about all the wines they have on offer, and its location in Cannaregio imbues it with an unhurried, laid-back vibe.
VINO VERO
📍 Fondamenta de la Misericordia 2497, 30100 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 275 0044
🌐 Visit Website
Luna Sentada
Luna Sentada is the kind of Venice restaurant that most travelers are likely to miss unless a local has specifically recommended it to them. It sits canal-side, off the beaten path on a back alley. Easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, but delightful to stumble upon, as well.
This confident kitchen takes delicious liberties with Venetian cuisine, remixing the classics with unexpected touches of Asian and Mediterranean influences. (Think spaghetti vongole with fresh ginger, soba noodles with scallops.)
I love sitting outside at Luna Sentada on a warm night, sipping on a glass of wine, watching Venice slip into darkness.
Il Refolo
Nestled away from the bustling tourist paths near Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, Il Refolo offers a serene escape with its picturesque canal-side location.
The ambiance is charming and intimate, with outdoor seating that allows diners to enjoy a tranquil view of the passing gondolas.
Known for its high-quality, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood, the food is consistently authentic and flavorful.
Try the cuttlefish with polenta, burrata, or the truffle and porcini pizza.
The service is warm and welcoming, and together with the atmosphere and food, Il Refolo is a must-visit for those seeking a more authentic Venetian dining experience.
IL REFOLO
📍 Ramo Quinto Gallion O del Pezzetto 1459, 30135 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 524 0016
La Bitta
This restaurant stands out for its focus on meat-based dishes, a rarity in Venice.
La Bitta consistently receives praise for the quality of its kitchen, particularly the tender steaks and creative starters that it sends out nightly.
Tucked away in a quiet area near Campo Santa Margherita, La Bitta has a cozy ambiance and rustic charm that makes guests feel right at home.
The staff adds a personal touch to each visit with their friendly and attentive service.
Those seeking a meat-forward dining experience in Venice will find that La Bitta offers a delightful escape from the ordinary.
LA BITTA
📍 C. Lunga S. Barnaba 2753/A, 30123 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 523 0531
Osteria l'Orto dei Mori
Osteria l'Orto dei Mori in Venice is a true hidden gem located in the quiet Cannaregio neighborhood, away from the typical tourist crowds.
The ambiance is cozy yet refined, with rustic wooden beams and intimate lighting that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening.
It gets top marks for its seasonal menu, particularly the authentic Venetian seafood dishes like cuttlefish with black ink sauce and fresh pasta with clams.
The staff is known for their attention to detail and ability to help guests navigate the restaurant’s excellent wine list.
Osteria l'Orto dei Mori is a great choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path dining experience with exquisite local flavors.
OSTERIA L’ORTO DEI MORI
📍 Sestiere Cannaregio 3386, 30121 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 524 3677
🌐 Visit Website
Osteria Enotecta Ai Artisti
It’s not uncommon for Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti to be cited as among the best meals in Venice.
Situated along a quiet canal in the Dorsoduro district, it offers an intimate dining experience, with only a handful of tables adding to the exclusive and personal atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its innovative interpretations of Venetian classics, particularly the fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
The wine selection is another highlight, with knowledgeable staff who provide expert pairings to elevate the dining experience.
What truly sets Ai Artisti apart is its blend of artistic charm, exceptional food, and a serene location, making it a special retreat for food lovers seeking something truly unique in Venice.
OSTERIA ENOTECA AI ARTISTI
📍 Fondamenta Toletta 1169/abc, 30123 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 523 8944
🌐 Visit Website
Ristorante Al Covo
Tucked away near the Riva degli Schiavoni, Al Covo serves up an authentic and intimate dining experience just steps from the bustling waterfront.
The restaurant exudes a warm, inviting ambiance with its cozy, family-run atmosphere, making guests feel like they’ve discovered a secret corner of the city.
The kitchen reliably turns out impeccable seafood, especially the soft shell crabs and daily catch, which are prepared with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
The wine list is carefully curated, and the knowledgeable staff often provide excellent recommendations to complement the dishes.
What truly sets Al Covo apart is its dedication to preserving Venetian culinary traditions while delivering exceptional, heartfelt service.
It’s a must-visit those seeking out Venice’s hidden gem restaurants.
RISTORANTE AL COVO
📍 Campiello de la Pescaria 3968, 30122 Venezia, Italy
📞 +39 041 522 3812
🌐 Visit Website
Until next time,
Angela 🍝
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