Restaurants, what a passion! Trattorias and osterias? Perhaps, even more so. If, when you travel, you want to savour the true character of a city, you simply can’t miss the spots that have preserved their traditional charm and are ready to share their stories with you, dish by dish. Venice is ready to welcome you with its trattorias — nostalgic yet consistently loved.
The best trattorias in Venice
Codroma
As soon as you arrive in Venice, you can’t miss a visit to Codroma. The bovoetti (snails) with garlic, oil and parsley represent the local tradition in all its glory, while the fried blue crab moeca with salad and wasabi mayo reflects that spirit of experimentation that is also part of Venetian culture. The bigoli in salsa are a must, of course, but Codroma truly shines with its local seafood. Try it and see for yourself.
Osteria da Codroma, Fondamenta Briati, 2540 – Venice
Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto
Here, it's always fish—freshly caught and brought straight to the osteria to be prepared in traditional ways. The spaghetti with clams still smell of the sea, while the fried fish is always gloriously greasy—just as we like it. A stone’s throw from the Rialto market, believe me when I say there’s nothing better than stopping here for a quick aperitif followed by a truly exceptional dinner.
Antica Ostaria Ruga Rialto, San Polo, 692 – Venice
Trattoria Pontini
If you think Pontini is only known for its canal view, you're quite mistaken. Here, you’ll find a selection of seafood dishes that will win over even the most sceptical. The menu features traditional fare—from mixed fried seafood to various preparations of baccalà, sarde in saor, and fish ravioli with prawns and cherry tomatoes. Everything feels wonderfully frozen in time, and stepping inside feels like entering a quiet, slightly nostalgic world.
Trattoria Bar Pontini, Cannaregio, 1268 – Venice
Osteria ai Promessi Sposi
The authentic flavours of Venice as told by hosts Caio and Nick. Every dish is steeped in tradition, and the food is rich and flavourful—like something your grandmother might cook when you visit after a long absence. The bigoli with slow-cooked ossobuco ragù are hearty and wonderful after a long journey, but if you prefer something lighter, the risotto of the day might be perfect.
Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi, Calle dell’Oca, 4367 – Venice
Trattoria da’ Marisa
If there’s one place that has shaped the history of Cannaregio, it’s probably Marisa. Here, you’ll find everyone—and I mean everyone—from tourists drawn by the venue’s rustic authenticity, to gondoliers, to students from the nearby economics faculty, all stopping in for a hearty, affordable lunch.
Trattoria da’a Marisa, Fondamenta S. Giobbe, 652 – Venice
Vini da Gigio
Over forty years of history to share. A tradition that extends from the table to the rich wine cellar, just waiting to be discovered: the tagliolini with granseola (spider crab) are a precious tribute to tradition, but don’t overlook the lemon linguine with prawns, or the cuttlefish with polenta, fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver), and all those must-have local classics.
Vini da Gigio, Calle Stua, 3628A – Venice
Bepi Antico 54 da Loris
While it might be difficult to speak of traditional osterias in the heart of Venice, Bepi Antico still proudly upholds local pride. Loris is a unique host and his team are just as charming. Here, you’ll find little gems like zottoli (a type of cuttlefish, served fried with polenta) in black ink, moeche (when in season!), and cuttlefish gnocchi.
Bepi Antico 54 da Loris, Salizada del Pistor, 4550 – Venice
Ca’ D’oro Alla Vedova
130 years of tradition behind it. Don’t be put off by the narrow, slightly dark alley: the historic Osteria Alla Vedova is famous for its meatballs and is a must-stop on any bacaro tour. But if you decide to stay for dinner, the kitchen will surprise you with expertly executed local dishes. Just be aware—it’s incredibly hard to get a table.
Ca’ d’oro Alla Vedova, Ramo Ca’ d’Oro, 3912 – Venice
Al Nono Risorto
What strikes you first is the rustic, traditional vibe—but above all, the inner courtyard, a lovely place to retreat after a long walk through Venice to enjoy an octopus and potato salad or a squid ink spaghetti, just as tradition dictates. Got a vegetarian guest? The penne with pesto is the perfect choice, especially since the pesto is homemade.
Osteria Trattoria Al Nono Risorto, Sotoportego de Siora Bettina, 2338 – Venice
Ai Nevodi
In Venetian dialect, it means “the nephews”—and the name comes from the fact that you can often find uncle and nephews running the restaurant, which they’ve managed for nearly a decade. There are plenty of daily specials based on fresh produce from the nearby Rialto market and the vegetable gardens of the Venetian lagoon. Be sure to try the baccalà trio (creamed, Vicenza-style, and stewed with polenta), but also the polenta with schie (tiny grey shrimp) and the vegan offerings.
Nevodi, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1533 – Venice
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
Away from the usual tourist paths, but rich in tradition and full of stories to tell. The risotto alla buranella is definitely the house speciality, but the pappardelle with scampi and smoked ricotta have that extra special touch. You won’t find meat dishes here, but there’s a great selection of vegetarian recipes.
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, Via Giudecca, 88 – Venice (Burano)
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