We tried the TOP LOCAL food spots in VENICE (so affordable!)
The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Venice - Top Local Spots You Must Try
Venice, with its iconic canals and historic architecture, is also a culinary paradise for food lovers. On our second day in this stunning city, we set out on a mission to explore some of the best local food spots. From delectable cicchetti (Venetian tapas) to mouthwatering pizza, this guide will take you through our journey of discovering authentic Venetian flavours that won't break the bank.
First Stop: C’è Pizza e Pizza – For a Quick and Delicious Bite: Our day started with a visit to C’è Pizza e Pizza, a local pizzeria just a short walk from our apartment. As the name suggests, this spot knows how to do pizza right. We tried two different types: a classic Diavola with spicy salami and a refreshing spinach and tomato option. The dough was thick yet chewy, bursting with flavour, making it a perfect grab-and-go meal for just €2.50 (~$2.75 USD). Whether you're craving a quick snack or a light meal, this spot is definitely worth a visit.
Bar All’Arco – Cicchetti Heaven: No food tour in Venice is complete without indulging in some cicchetti, and Bar All’Arco is the place to do it. This hidden gem is famous for its delicious Venetian tapas and local wine. We sampled a variety of cicchetti, from truffle-infused cheese to traditional baccalà (cream cod). The highlight was a cicchetti with anchovy and capers – a flavour explosion that perfectly balanced savoury and tangy notes. The best part? Four pieces of cicchetti and a glass of wine only set us back €15 (~$16.50 USD). Just remember to get there early, as they close by 2:30 PM!
Cantina Do Mori – A Sip of Tradition: Next up was Cantina Do Mori, a historic wine bar known for its extensive wine list and more Venetian tapas. This spot offers a cozy, authentic experience where you can enjoy a glass of fine wine for as little as €1 (~$1.10 USD). We tried a few more cicchetti, including sardines marinated in vinegar – a light and refreshing dish that perfectly complemented the rich wines. If you're a wine connoisseur or simply want to experience Venetian tradition, this is a must-visit.
Acqua e Mais – The Perfect Fritto Misto: For a taste of Venice's famous fritto misto, head to Acqua e Mais. This street food spot serves up generous portions of fried seafood, including sardines, shrimp, and calamari, all perfectly seasoned and crispy. At €10 (~$11 USD), it’s a steal for the amount of food you get. The added bonus? Fried polenta sticks – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Be warned, though: this dish is heavy, so make sure to come with an appetite!
Gelateria Gallonetto – Sweet, Creamy Gelato: No trip to Italy is complete without gelato, and Gelateria Gallonetto delivered one of the best we've ever had. We opted for pistachio and mascarpone with figs, both incredibly creamy and flavourful. The pistachio, in particular, stood out with its rich, nutty taste. This gelato was so good that we ranked it in our top five ever – a must-try when in Venice!
SEPA – A Twist on Tiramisu: As tiramisu enthusiasts, we couldn't resist trying the unique pistachio tiramisu at SEPA. Unlike the traditional coffee-flavoured version, this dessert was a gooey, creamy delight with a subtle pistachio flavour. It was so good that we declared it a 10 out of 10 – a dessert worth every calorie!
Osteria Al Squero – Cicchetti with a View: Located near a picturesque canal, Osteria Al Squero offers not only delicious cicchetti but also stunning views. We enjoyed cicchetti with tuna, caramelized onions, and mortadella – all incredibly fresh and flavourful. The best part? This spot is super affordable, with cicchetti priced at just €1.50 (~$1.65 USD) each. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal with a local vibe, this is the place to be.
Enoteca Al Volto – The Perfect Crocchette: Our next stop was Enoteca Al Volto, where we tried their famous crocchette – a deep-fried delicacy filled with fish, pine nuts, and raisins. Despite not being a fan of raisins, I found this dish absolutely delicious, and it quickly became my favourite crocchette ever. For just €2.50 (~$2.75 USD), it’s an unbeatable deal.
Cantina Do Spade – Spaghetti with Squid Ink: To end our food journey, we made our way to Cantina Do Spade for some classic Venetian pasta. We ordered the spaghetti with squid ink, a Venetian specialty, and it did not disappoint. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the rich, savoury sauce made it one of the best dishes of the day. If you’re a pasta lover, this is a dish you can't miss.
Final Thoughts
Venice is a city that truly knows how to do food. From budget-friendly cicchetti bars to indulgent gelato spots, there's something for every palate. Whether you're a foodie on a budget or looking for a more upscale dining experience, Venice has it all. We hope this guide inspires you to explore the local food scene and discover the incredible flavours of this magical city.
Buon Appetito!
Plan Your Trip to Venice: Be sure to bookmark this guide and check out our other posts in our Italy travel series for more tips on making the most of your visit to Venice. And if you loved this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends!