Venice Food Guide: These are the must-try dishes in Venice

Winding waterways, flowing clear waves, Venice seems like a romantic dream floating on the sea, with poetic beauty that lingers endlessly. When visiting Venice, food lovers are in luck. Here is a list of must-try delicacies in Venice, eating these is a must when in Venice!

Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Spider crab salad (Grancevola) is a traditional local dish in Venice. The crab shell is used as a container, filled with mashed crab meat, potatoes, celery, and other ingredients, then mixed with olive oil and vinegar before serving. Some restaurants also add asparagus. Freshness is very important for this dish; if the crab is not bought on the same day, the restaurant will inform you that it cannot be served today. It is recommended to make a reservation one day in advance.
Squid ink pasta (Spaghetti Neri) is a unique delicacy of Venice. When you come to Venice, you must try squid ink pasta. Squid ink is added during the dough-making process, resulting in black noodles that are quite chewy and rich in protein. Although it may look like a 'dark cuisine,' it tastes fantastic. The squid ink is very fresh, and the texture of the squid is also excellent—fresh without being fishy, very delicious!

Bar All'Arco

In Venice, Cicchetti is definitely the favorite local delicacy of seasoned foodies. If you have tried the famous Spanish 'Tapas', you will understand the essence of 'small bites'. These small, exquisitely presented dishes are the best choice for pairing with drinks and chatting. Usually, you go to the counter to choose.
Seafood Risotto (Risotto ai Frutti di Mare) and Black Rice Risotto (Risotto Nero) are must-try delicacies in Venice, and almost all the restaurants along the canal offer them. It is worth mentioning that Italian seafood risotto generally has a very different texture compared to Spanish paella. The local Venetian version is softer and more tender, unlike the Western style which tends to be harder and slightly undercooked.
Venetian-style sautéed calf liver (Fegato alla Veneziana) is a very local delicacy in Venice. The local method involves sautéing onions in olive oil until fragrant, then quickly pan-frying small pieces of tender calf liver. Locals sometimes order a traditional white polenta to pair with the tender and juicy liver. It is highly recommended to accompany this dish with a local Valpolicella or Bardolino red wine for a perfect finishing touch!

Bacareto da lele

The white sandwich (Tramezzino) is a delicious and affordable Venetian specialty snack. It contains various fillings, and unlike the sandwiches we are familiar with, this one is truly packed with fillings because the fillings are needed to prop up the sandwich and give it its shape.