Destination Venice

restauranter & caféer

Venice has a large range of restaurants. As is usual in Italian towns, the best place to go is a simple, local trattoria. Venice has many culinary specialities, like bigoli in an anchovy and mushroom sauce, or castraure, small artichokes with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.

Da Fiore

This used to be a neighbourhood bar that served una ombra (a shadow), a Venetian colloquialism for a glass of wine. Today, it is arguably the best restaurant in the city, with a plain interior and dishes like misto crudo (marinated raw fish) and pennette with crayfish tails and broccoli. Address: Calle del Scaleter, San Polo

Locanda Cipriani

This is part of the world renowned 5-star Hotel Cipriani, even if it is not immediately obvious. The decor is simple, the atmosphere is relaxed and the menu contains traditional dishes like the pappardelle with calf’s liver. Address: 29 Piazza Santa Fosca

Osteria vini da Pinto

Baccarias are simple venues for eating cicchetti, a type of Venetian tapas. Da Pinto is located close to the Rialto fish market. Courageous gourmands can try the masanelle, small green crabs that are eaten in their entirety, shell and all. Address: Rialto Pescheria, San Polo

Gatto Nero

The Black Cat, located on the island of Burano, is a sightseeing destination in itself. The restaurant serves many typically Venetian dishes, like the fegato alla Veneziana (calf’s liver with white polenta) and of course the traditional range of anchovies and shellfish. Address: Via Giudecca, Burano

Cafés

Rosa Salva

One of the best pastry shops in town. Good for breakfast, a cup of coffee and some of the local specialities like zaleti, made with cornflour, or the crunchy baicoli. There are also tables to sit in the square. Address: Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Castello

Causin

This ice cream shop has been around since 1928. The zabaione is worth trying, as is the chocolate ice cream. The ideal destination for late summer evenings. Address: Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro 2929