Table of Contents
Introduction
What to eat in Venice is a question I have been constantly asked since I returned. Everything I ate was all truly amazing. To be fair every time I travel to Italy and eat something new whether is a new dish I’m always surprised by the amazing dishes and flavours.
Today I bring my 3-part series on food in Italy to a close by sharing what to eat in Venice Italy. So far I have shared the following:
- 5 Italian Food Rules You Must Obey
- How to spot the best restaurants in Italy
- The best foods and drinks to try while visiting Venice,Italy (the one you are reading now)
When people think of Venice in Italy they think about canals and gondolas. However I’m here to remind you that Venice is a great city, a paradise for food lovers. Every meal in Italy always feels like an experience, and I wanted to share the dishes that truly captured the taste of Venice. If you are looking for things to eat in Venice or looking for a good place to eat in Venice.
Worth noting that I went on a Venice Italy food tour, which you can also book via Viator here. Food tours are great because you get so many things to eat in Venice.
Related post: The Ultimate Italy Food Guide: Where & What to Eat in Pisa and Florence
What to Eat in Venice: 6 Must-Try Foods & Drinks
1. Mozzarella in Carrozza
If you are looking for what to eat in Venice then this is an absolute comforting snack is actually so good but not so good for the hips! It’s literally “mozzarella in a carriage” and was born in Naples, but today is found all over Italy, especially in Venice’s bacari (local wine bars).
Traditionally, it was a way to use up leftover bread and cheese: slices of mozzarella sandwiched between bread, dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. The perfect start to any Venetian food adventure. I had more than one that’s how much I enjoyed it anything with cheese and bread is a good one for me.
2. An Olive Ascolane
Originating from Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, these deep-fried, meat-stuffed olives became a beloved aperitivo across Italy. You’ll find them in Venice served hot alongside an Aperol Spritz or a glass of red wine because of the meat content.
They are super crunchy on the outside, savoury and juicy on the inside. A delicious contrast of textures that left me surprised.
3. Sarde in Saor
Perhaps the most Venetian dish on this list. “Saor” means flavour in Venetian dialect and this dish dates back to the 14th century, when fishermen preserved sardines in vinegar, onions, and raisins to keep them edible during long voyages. The sweet-and-sour balance reflects Venice’s long history as a trading port between East and West. This dish is a true taste of ‘Venice’ so worth giving it a try.
4. Fritto Misto
Venetians have been frying seafood for centuries, and fritto misto (mixed fry) is a celebration of that coastal heritage. Each restaurant has its own version calamari, shrimp, and octupus. It is then lightly dusted in flour and fried until crisp. Best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a chilled glass of white wine.
5. Pasta with Shrimp & Courgettes (Zucchini)
Another modern Venetian favourite that showcases seasonal simplicity. Courgettes grow abundantly around the Veneto region, and pairing them with local shrimp (prawns) creates a light, balanced dish that feels both homely and elegant. You’ll often see it made with tagliolini or spaghetti always fresh, never heavy.
Fun Fact: The dish was not made with any butter or cream despite it having an amazing creamy texture to the dish. The trick? Using the pasta water gives it that creamy texture. Something I will be using in all my pasta dishes.
6. Venetian Sandwiches (Tramezzini)
Made with crunchy white bread and filled with ham, tuna, or cheese, they’re airy, easy to swallow, and perfect for a quick lunch between sightseeing. Be careful of the seagulls they are very bad and when they are hungry they want have no mercy!
7. Pistachio Gelato
Gelato is a must in Venice, Italy, and pistachio is a true test of quality. The real deal is subtle green (not neon!) and rich in flavour. It should be creamy, nutty, and silky smooth. And if it’s stored in covered tins, you know it’s the authentic stuff.
8. Treats (Amaretti & Lemon Rolls)
Venetians love delicate almond desserts small amaretti biscuits, sometimes infused with lemon zest. soft outside and then chewy on the inside, and perfect alongside an afternoon espresso. Haha if you’re following the Italian food rules of course.
9. Caffè Corretto
So Caffè Corretto literally mean “corrected coffee,”. It’s an espresso spiked with a splash of grappa or sambuca (alcohol). And it’s said to have originated among Venetian dock workers who wanted to “correct” their coffee with a little warmth before starting their very early shifts. Today it’s enjoyed after meals, often with a small lemon-almond biscuit.
Final Views on What to Eat in Venice
And there you have it nine dishes from Venice. This are all things you can easily eat in Venice on a day trip. Thats why I love it so much. The food the different place to eat in Venice truly a mirror of its history rich in trade, coastal influences, and creativity. Every dish has a story to tell, from sailors preserving sardines to locals perfecting fried seafood.
Whether you’re sipping a caffè corretto in a hidden café or snacking on cicchetti by the canals, Venice invites you to slow down, taste, and appreciate every bite. I would also highly recommend doing the Venice, Italy food tour which you can book via here.
This post is Part 3 of my Italian Food Series. Don’t miss Part 1: 5 Italian Food Rules You Must Obey (If You Want to Eat Like a Local) and Part 2: How to spot the best restaurants in Italy
And if you have any questions please do leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram (my average response time is around 4 hours).
Don’t forget to subscribe for foodie adventures around the world. Have you ever done a Venice, Italy food tour and would you? Let me know what things to eat in Venice.
P.S. I thought you might find the photo below quite amusing. I certainly did.
Ciao,
Debs MBV x
