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Venice is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from Japan and around the world. Wandering its canals and alleyways is a joy in itself—but you’ll enjoy it even more with the right food. Below are seven must-eat Venetian specialties and dependable places to try them, so you don’t waste a precious meal in this touristy (and sometimes hit-or-miss) city.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- The 7 essential foods to try in Venice
- Where to eat them (restaurants, bacari, and gelato)
7 Must-Eat Venetian Foods
At a glance
- Squid-ink pasta (~ nero di seppia)
- Scampi pasta (~ con scampi)
- Fritto misto (mixed fried seafood)
- Sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines)
- Baccalà mantecato (whipped salt cod)
- Cicchetti (Venetian bar bites)
- Bellini (peach & Prosecco cocktail)
1) Squid-Ink Pasta (~ nero di seppia)
Made with the ink of local cuttlefish, this pasta looks jet-black but is typically tomato-based. The ink adds umami depth to the sauce. On menus, look for nero di seppia (Italian) or “squid/cuttlefish ink.” The word before it is usually the pasta shape (spaghetti, linguine, bavette, etc.).
2) Scampi Pasta (~ con scampi)
Scampi (Norway lobster/lanoustine) are a Venetian staple. In a light tomato base enriched with seafood stock, this is a can’t-miss flavor profile for Japanese palates. You’ll also find scampi folded into mixed frutti di mare pastas—another great choice.
3) Fritto Misto (Mixed Fried Seafood)
Also called scartosso in Venice, this paper-cone mix might include shrimp, squid, sardines, and—if you’re lucky—tiny seasonal crabs. Venetian frying is light and crisp; squeeze a wedge of Italy’s fragrant lemon and you’re golden. It’s hard to go wrong with fritto misto anywhere in town.
4) Sarde in Saor (Sweet-and-Sour Sardines)
Ubiquitous in restaurants and bacari, this Venetian classic pairs fried sardines with onions, vinegar, and often raisins and pine nuts. If you know Japanese-style nanban-zuke, you’ll recognize the sweet-sour comfort here—give the Venetian version a try.
5) Baccalà Mantecato (Whipped Salt Cod)
A flagship of the Veneto, salt cod is rehydrated, gently simmered with milk/water, flaked and emulsified with olive oil until silky. Enjoy it on crusty bread or polenta; some versions include a hint of garlic.
6) Cicchetti (Venetian Bar Bites)
Less a single dish than a style: small crostini, fried morsels, marinated seafood, and more—paired with an ombra (small glass of wine) or a Spritz at a standing bar (bacaro). Affordable, varied, and very Venetian—perfect for a casual crawl.
7) The Bellini
Venice’s most famous peach cocktail—fresh peach purée (or nectar) topped with Prosecco—was born at Harry’s Bar, a Hemingway haunt. Prices are steep, but if you want the original, it’s worth a pilgrimage.
Read more:
Recommended Restaurants
First, a reality check: Venice has many tourist traps. Prices are high and overall restaurant quality trends lower than Rome, Florence, or Naples. Keep expectations realistic and lean on reliable spots—and book or go early.
Trattoria Cà d’Oro alla Vedova
Famous among visitors and locals. Start with house white and the mixed antipasti plate (changes daily: octopus salad, baccalà on polenta, fritti, etc.). The popular bavette al nero di seppia is good—though not mind-blowing. We often prefer Spaghetti alla Busara (spicy scampi-tomato) or Bigoli in salsa (anchovy & onion).
Tip: if you still want the iconic squid-ink, order it for the table and share different pastas for maximum satisfaction.
Timing: Peak hours sell out; reserve or arrive early. Italians dine ~8pm, so showing up around 6pm often works without a booking.
Vini da Gigio
Small, calm, and listed in the Michelin Guide. Excellent antipasti, pasta, and desserts—warm service and a cozy wood-toned interior. Slightly pricier but consistently satisfying. Reserve or go early.
Trattoria Bar Pontini
Recommended by trusted Japan-based friends: the seafood tomato pastas are said to outshine the squid-ink here, and the fritto is a safe, tasty bet. As always in Venice, reserve or arrive early.
Recommended Bacari (for Cicchetti)
Venice’s casual standing bars are perfect for grazing on cicchetti with a glass of wine or a Spritz. For a deeper dive, see the dedicated guide:
Best Gelato Pick
SUSO
Famous for a reason: reliably good, photo-friendly gelato. Venice has plenty of mediocre gelaterie—if you’re unsure, start with SUSO.
More details here:
Summary
Here’s a quick recap of what to eat and where:
7 Must-Eat Foods
- Squid-ink pasta (nero di seppia)
- Scampi pasta (con scampi)
- Fritto misto
- Sarde in saor
- Baccalà mantecato
- Cicchetti
- Bellini
Where to try them
- Restaurants: Cà d’Oro alla Vedova / Vini da Gigio / Trattoria Bar Pontini
- Bacari: Cantine del Vino già Schiavi / Osteria Al Squero / Bar All’Arco
- Gelato: SUSO
More to Plan Your Trip
If you’d like an easy way to add unique experiences to your Venice itinerary, browse activities on GetYourGuide—cooking classes, gondola add-ons, and more.
Want to go deeper into Venetian flavors? Join a local class or tasting via GetYourGuide.
“Make pasta and tiramisu while sipping wine” is a stylish pick—plus many more activities to explore.
Have an amazing time in Venice—and buon appetito!
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