Top Tables: Venice’s Best Restaurants

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Venice, for any occasion.

Cip’s Club, by Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, has hands-down the best view of Venice. From its alfresco terrace, diners see a gorgeous panorama of the city, including San Marco and its Campanile (clock tower). Cipriani Giudecca, 10

Within walking distance of the Arsenale, Corte Sconta serves homemade cucina della nonna in a garden setting. Calle del Pestrin, 3886

Late food critic Gael Greene declared Il Refolo to be home to the best pizza in Venice. Santa Croce 1459

Specializing in creative vegetable dishes (though it’s not all-vegetarian), the small La Zucca is a local favorite. Sestiere Santa Croce 1762

Local should be at the top of any foodie’s list and is great for lunch or dinner. All the ingredients on the often-changing menu are sourced from suppliers nearby, and dishes are heavily inspired by traditional Venetian fare but with contemporary touches. Salizzada dei Greci, 3303

On the island of Mazzorbo, Venissa celebrates seasonal ingredients and regional specialities with a daily menu—it’s a great spot for lunch when touring the nearby islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello, or for a special dinner (water taxi transfer required). Fondamenta di Santa Caterina, 3

Diners receive a warm welcome here thanks to owner Diane Rankin’s Texas hospitality, which in turn may be why Al Covo is a perennial favorite with American food writers. But in the end, its popularity is due to its great food, which focuses on fish. Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968

Arguably Venice’s best neighborhood trattoria, Antiche Carampane has no menu because what’s prepared depends on what looked best at the market that morning (though the emphasis is on fresh seafood.) Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911

This small fish restaurant has only eight tables, and the menu reflects the day’s catch. Grilled swordfish and sautéed tuna are brought to exquisite heights by the light touch of the cook and the ultra-fresh fish. Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801

At the end of a narrow alley, this restaurant is a no-frills fisherman’s tavern. The bar-cum-restaurant is dimly lit, with hardwood floors and wooden seating; there is live music most evenings. Roma de L'oca, 5701

This tiny family-run trattoria with delicious pasta and meat dishes (one of the rare local spots that serves no seafood) is ideal for families with parents who like to eat well with their children in a casual atmosphere. Calle dei Assassini, 3656

Top Tables: Coffee & Dessert

This classic on the Piazza San Marco has wonderful old world interiors and iconic square-side seating, but is best for just coffee or a drink as it is touristy and expensive. Piazza San Marco, 57

Gelateria Nico is Venice’s “it” gelateria near the Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim museums. Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 922

Pasticceria Tonolo is famous for its lemon cookies from Burano. Calle S. Pantalon, 3764

This off-the-beaten-path café always has a local crowd. Campo S.S. Giovanni e Paolo, 6780

This ultra-traditional, fun Venetian spot has hearty cicchetti and is a good spot to purchase wine. Fondamenta Nani, 992

Cantina Do Spade is a local favorite for cicchetti and aperitivo. San Polo, 859

With both a canal-side terrace and an atmospheric arched dining room, Bancogiro makes for an enjoyable spot for cicchetti and aperitivo. Ponte di Rialto, 122

Estro Vino e Cucina is a cute wine bar with excellent Italian cuisine (with tasting menus or à la carte options available). Crosera, Calle S. Pantalon, 3778

In a chic lounge in this modern hotel, Experimental Bar serves inventive cocktails crafted with local ingredients. Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1410

Harry’s Bar is Venice’s classic bar (where the Bellini was invented) that feels like a sojourn into the past—touristy, yes, but also legendary. Calle Vallaresso, 1323

This two-story bar has mid-1900s vibes and tasty cocktails. Fondamenta Frari, 2564