elcome to Flowery House's Insider Guide to Venice, a special roadmap born out of countless requests from our awesome guests.
When visiting Venice, finding the right place to eat can make all the difference in your experience. While the city is filled with dining options, the best meals are often found in hidden gems known only to locals. These restaurants capture the true essence of Venetian cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional pasta dishes. With local recommendations, you’ll not only enjoy authentic flavors but also discover charming spots away from the tourist crowds, ensuring a more memorable and genuine culinary experience in Venice.
Osteria di Santa Marina
Osteria Santa Marina (Cannaregio) – This elegant yet cozy restaurant in the Cannaregio district offers a fine dining experience with a price range of €40-€80 per person. Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Venetian dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), Osteria Santa Marina delivers a refined take on Venetian cuisine, perfect for a special evening.
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Osteria alla Staffa
Osteria Alla Staffa (Castello) – Located in the quiet Castello district, Osteria Alla Staffa provides a more laid-back dining experience with a price range of €20-€40. It’s well-loved for its affordable, authentic Venetian dishes such as bigoli in salsa (thick pasta with anchovy sauce) and hearty meat dishes like Venetian-style liver (fegato alla veneziana), making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
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La Tecia Vegana
La Tecia Vegana (Dorsoduro) – For plant-based eaters, La Tecia Vegana in Dorsoduro is a hidden gem, offering delicious vegan versions of Italian classics. With a price range of €15-€30, the menu features creative dishes like vegan lasagna and polpette di verdure (vegetable patties), providing a fresh, sustainable take on traditional Venetian flavors in a welcoming and budget-friendly setting.
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Al Mariner
Al Mariner (Cannaregio) – A traditional Venetian restaurant in the Cannaregio district, Al Mariner offers authentic, seafood-focused dishes at a mid-range price of €25-€45 per person. Diners can enjoy local specialties such as fritto misto (fried seafood) and risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), making it a go-to spot for seafood lovers.
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Osteria ae Saracche
Osteria Ae Saracche (San Polo) – Nestled in the San Polo district, Osteria Ae Saracche provides a cozy atmosphere with a price range of €20-€40. This rustic eatery is known for traditional Venetian comfort food like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) and pasta e fasoi (pasta with beans), offering a warm and inviting local experience.
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Ca' D'oro alla Vedova
Ca’ d’Oro alla Vedova (Cannaregio) – A beloved institution in Cannaregio, Ca’ d’Oro alla Vedova is famed for its mouthwatering polpette (meatballs) and classic Venetian dishes like seppie in umido (stewed cuttlefish). With prices around €20-€40, this osteria blends history and flavor in a charming, historic setting.
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Il Diavolo e l'Acqua Santa
Il Diavolo e l’Acqua Santa (San Marco) – Located in the heart of San Marco, Il Diavolo e l’Acqua Santa serves a wide variety of Italian dishes, including pizza and seafood, with a price range of €30-€50. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy Venetian favorites like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) alongside classic Italian staples.
Osteria al Cantinon
Osteria Al Cantinon (Cannaregio) – Tucked away in a quiet corner of Cannaregio, Osteria Al Cantinon offers a relaxed, canal-side dining experience with prices ranging from €25-€50. This osteria is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes like branzino al forno (oven-baked sea bass) and local pasta specialties, perfect for a peaceful, authentic Venetian meal.