The best seafood restaurants in Venice, Italy

Today, the history of this bright city is still visible everywhere. Every winding alley, every deep courtyard, and every ancient square silently tells stories of the past. The various restaurants and bars have a unique Venetian flavor. Avoid the crowded tourists and savor the taste of Venice between sips and bites.

Nestled between the Santa Maria Formosa church and picturesque canals and bridges, there is a must-visit small restaurant. The cozy and unique Osteria alle Testiere treats guests daily with fresh fish from the lagoon. In fact, every ingredient is handpicked by the restaurant. The grilled squid cold soup, pumpkin, sea crayfish, and cheese dumplings are all delicious.

Riviera Venexia

'You are what you eat'—this saying takes on a deeper meaning when you dine facing one of the world's most magnificent views, the Giudecca Canal. From the waterfront terrace of Riviera Venexia restaurant, you can enjoy gourmet dishes while admiring the spectacular skyline of this luminous city. The dishes are crafted from top-quality ingredients and fresh seafood of the day, embodying the rich tradition and innovation of Venice.

Osteria da Fiore

The Martin family, Mara, Maurizio, and their son Damiano, invite you to taste authentic Venetian cuisine at their small restaurant. Enjoy dishes like raw fish, sea bass with balsamic vinegar, rosemary tuna, and desserts such as chocolate pie and lemon licorice sorbet. Their menu features their family recipes. Dine on the terrace while enjoying the picturesque view of Rio de le Do Torre.
Next to the San Giacomo di Rialto church, you can see some outdoor seating, which is the waterside Naranzaria restaurant. You can come here a bit earlier to slowly savor their grilled swordfish, fresh marinated fish, and mint shrimp millet, along with wines from the Veneto region. It's a perfect location to enjoy breakfast and coffee before starting your day's itinerary.

Il Ridotto Restaurant

The owner and head chef Gianni Bonaccorsi goes to the market every day to purchase seafood and ingredients. In their hands, these ingredients are transformed into colorful Venetian-style works of art. Each dish has a unique color palette. Squid, cuttlefish, and shellfish are favorites for seafood lovers, while Amarone red wine risotto and beef or pigeon dumplings cater to meat lovers. Beneath its understated exterior lies a gem of Venetian cuisine.

Venissa Ristorante

Detour to the island of Mazzorbo, where Venissa's spacious grounds feature a vineyard and a vegetable garden. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers fine wine and cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the garden right beside you. While ordering, sip a glass of Venissa 2010 wine. Don't forget to visit the more relaxed bar to enjoy fine wines and delicious snacks.