My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. In my last blog about Venice, I said that it is a city that I always feel in awe of – every time I visit. And I visit regularly. As I explained, there are lots of reasons for that – the architecture, the Grand Canal, the music, the art. But I also think it’s because of the food that’s available here. It has got better and better in recent years. Having spent time in the city regularly, here are what I think are the best restaurants in Venice Italy. I’ve chosen them, as they are great to try when you are here on your Italian holidays.

Trattoria e Bacaro Da Fiore

This elegant yet rustic trattoria based in San Marco at Calla delle Botteghe is famous for its seafood dishes, which it sources locally. It’s known for using a select number of local producers and using their produce to make beautiful and traditional Venetian meals. Its approach is simple but makes it one of the best restaurants in Venice Italy. www.dafiore.it

Trattoria Altanella

This small family run trattoria overlooks the Rio di Ponto Longo. The fourth generation of the Stradella family serve traditional Venetian cooking today inside their vintage restaurant. Since it started trading in 1889, the place has been very popular with artists, musicians and writers – as you will see from the memorabilia on the walls. Over the generations Trattoria Altanella has been best known for its traditional seafood dishes. Beautiful. Definitely one of Venice’s best restaurants. facebook.com/pages/Trattoria-Altanella

Trattoria Dalla Marisa

This trattoria is nothing short of a Venetian institution and has been so since it opened around 50 years ago. It is based on the banks of the Canale di Cannaregio – and you can sit outside or inside in the oak panelled restaurant. It is always busy, particularly at lunchtime, because it is very reasonable priced and very popular with locals. You can get a starter, main, vegetables, wine and coffee for €15. Dinner is obviously more expensive but it is still very reasonable at €35 per head – house wine is included in the fixed price. It is a really popular place with locals and tourists alike so advance booking is recommended!

Trattoria Corte Sconta

It’s a good sign when a restaurant is popular with locals – and this one is, too. This trattoria is based on the edge of the Castello district on Calle del Pestrin amongst a leafy courtyard. It is known for its seafood, particularly its antipasti and unusual flavour pairings – like clams in ginger. Dinner is regularly fully booked so make sure you make your reservations early. Consistently gives a warm welcome and great service, as well as fantastic food. cortescontavenezia.com

Quadri

This restaurant is on the upper end of the scale and is one to consider if you are celebrating something special when you are on your Italian vacation. Taken over by the Alajmo brothers a few years ago, it won a Michelin star in 2012 for their contemporary take on traditional Venetian dining. They are based in St. Mark’s Square – so right in the beating heart of Venice, and their menu features fish from the Rialto fish market and locally available seasonal produce. If you are looking for a restaurant befitting of a special occasion, then this is it. But you must book ahead such is its popularity. alajmo.it

Osteria Santa Marina

Osteria Santa Marina is based just north of the Rialto Bridge and district at Campo Santa Marina. It’s a special restaurant because it cooks the usual Venetian type of meals but with a slight twist and creativity that makes it distinct and superior. The menu is not extensive but that can be a good thing because it focuses on what it does so very well. You will always find meat, fish and pasta on offer and to a very high standard. It has a great wine menu – with many local options. And although it is always busy, the service is unfailingly good. It’s a great choice. osteriadisantamarina.com

Osteria Alle Testiere

This small restaurant is located right in the heart of Venice near Saint Mark’s square and the Rialto Bridge, yet it is almost hidden away and is therefore quite popular with those looking to get away from it all. However it only has nine tables, so you would be wise to book ahead. The food and the philosophy are simple – catch of the day, cooked very well. As a result it has been listed in the Michelin guide for almost twenty years. An achievement which speaks for itself. osterialletestiere.it

So, as you can see, in Venice you are spoiled for choice in almost everything – including the food and wine. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of helping visitors to Italy explore Venice. We offer some of the best Italian tours and fantastic tours of Venice – whether it is a half-day sightseeing tour, a tour of the city’s wine bars to see how Venetians live, our walking and gondola tour of the city or excursions to the famous Murano, Burano and Torcello islands – the famous islands of the Venice Lagoon. Visit us at ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

Seeing and experiencing Venice, as we say at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours, is creating memories of a lifetime. And I am proud to say that I have handpicked all of our tours in Venice and Italy as well as our Italian vacations. They are based on my own experiences of this country. Please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com I am sure your Italian vacation will be one you’ll never forget.

If you would like more information like these Venice travel tips on where to eat in Venice Italy, or information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.