Where to eat and stay in Venice

From the exquisite mosaics of Basilica di San Marco to the pink-tinged patterned façade of the Palazzo Ducale, Venice proudly boasts some of Italy’s greatest cultural treasures. Yet the city’s lip-smacking cuisine is undoubtedly one of its greatest draws.

Coffee-laced slabs of tiramisu, mountains of creamy risotto and steaming bowls of bigoli are all Venetian staples. There’s no arguing that the star in its culinary crown, however, is seafood. Venice’s lagoon location means there are plenty of fish dishes to be found across the floating city, with all the soft-shell crab, fresh anchovies and mantis shrimp you could ever dream of.

Roam Venice’s maze of romantic waterways and you’ll find hundreds of restaurants tucked away in quaint back streets or at the heart of bustling piazzas. Begin a love affair with Venetian cuisine with our guide to the best places to eat in Venice, as well as the best hotels to stay at for a trip you’ll never forget.

Where to eat in Venice

For superb seafood: Alle Testiere

At this tiny restaurant, the menu works in symphony with whatever fish has been plucked from the lagoon that day. Intimate Alle Testiere seats just 24 people and its dishes change daily, but you can expect Pellestrina mussels, eggplant and ricotta ravioli and John Dory fillet. Buon appetite!

For cicchetti: Cantina Do Mori

Cicchetti is the Italian answer to bar snacks. Walk into the dark and compact Cantina Do Mori, with gleaming copper pans hanging from the ceiling, and graze on scrumptious small plates of fried tuna, mini meatballs, and tramezzini (mini sandwiches). Dating back to 1462, it’s thought to be the oldest bacaro, or wine bar, in the city. You’ll find it in the vibrant San Polo district near Rialto Bridge.

For street food: Acqua e Mais Venezia

Forget pizza slices – this is the best way to enjoy street food in Venice. Acqua e Mais Venezia  doles out paper cones brimming with mixed deep-fried fish, brandade and polenta. Wash this authentic Venetian treat down in local style with a glass of bubbly prosecco.

For a quick bite to eat: La Bottiglia

Picking up grub on the go? Head off the beaten track to La Bottiglia. This unsuspecting canal-side bistro draws in crowds at lunchtime for a reason. Their legendary, freshly made, meat-stuffed sandwiches have long been winning hearts in Venice. Ask for the chef’s choice and you’ll be handed a delicious concoction oozing cheese and filled with delicious, marinated veggies and smoked meat.

For gluten-free goodness: Vecia Cavana

Coeliacs, rejoice. It may come as a surprise, but Italy is a great place to eat gluten-free – and Venice is no different. Try Vecia Cavana with its dedicated gluten-free menu. Dine in a former 16th-century boathouse, serenaded by the tinkle of a live piano player, and let your tastebuds come to life thanks to their comprehensive menu.

For coffee and pastries: Pasticceria Dal Mas

Kickstart a day of sightseeing with great coffee and mouth-watering croissants – known as cornetti – from Pasticceria Dal Mas. As well as pastries and freshly baked brioche, there are gorgeous macarons, biscotti and cannoli to sample. Give in to temptation and ask for a box filled with sweet goodies to take away.

For a traditional trattoria: Trattoria Altanella

Escape the bustling city crowds and speed out to Giudecca in pursuit of Trattoria Altanella. Don’t expect to see lasagna or pizza on the menu at this family-run Venetian tavern – instead, sample mouth-watering fish dishes, from cuttlefish ink gnocchi to Mamma Paola’s John Dory fillet.

For gelato: Suso Gelatoteca

Prepare to indulge in mind-blowing ice cream. Rows of rainbow-hued flavors beckon from behind the glass counter at Suso Gelatoteca. Enjoy an assortment of extraordinary tastes including lemon, coffee, vanilla, pistachio and chocolate. Don’t worry, there’s also gelato on offer to suit vegans and gluten-free diets.

For a Michelin-starred dinner: Quadri

If you’re looking to top off your Venetian trip with an indulgent dining experience, Quadri is the place to do it. With incredible views over the Piazza San Marco and a seriously ornate dining room, this ristorante pulls out all the stops to impress its guests. Dishes are a blend of modern Italian cooking and Venetian classics – tuck into Venetian go’ fish risotto, soft pumpkin gnocchi or burrata ravioli with seafood.

Where to stay in Venice

For ultimate luxury: Hotel Danieli, Venice

This pink-tinged hotel is spread across three palaces dating back to the 14^th, 17^th and 19^th centuries. This magical hotel is perfectly situated, overlooking the glittering Venice lagoon, and is just 200 yards from St. Mark’s Square. Opening again in mid-February, Hotel Danieli is a premium place to rest weary feet.

For contemporary cool: Hotel L’Orologio

Behind the vintage exterior is a contemporary hotel boasting handy mod cons, avant-garde lighting and bright artwork. Hotel L’Orologio is ideally located right next to the Grand Canal and only a few minutes from the Rialto Bridge.

For boutique hotel beauty: Hotel Corte Di Gabriela

Live out your Venetian fairy tale at Hotel Corte Di Gabriela. Disguised as a 19^th century palace, the hotel offers rooms with a balance of historic features and contemporary design. Its enviable location is hidden away from the busy streets, but central enough to reach all of Venice’s jaw-dropping sights.

For a relaxing retreat: JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa

Start the pampering experience from the moment you arrive – you’ll be transferred by a private water shuttle from St. Mark’s Square to the 40-acre resort on the private island of Isola delle Rose. This little pocket of heaven is an ideal respite from the excitement of the exuberant city.

For a romantic getaway: Hotel Al Ponte Antico

Enter this recently renovated palace from the 1500s and see for yourself the granulose fusion of regality and traditional Venetian residence charm. Enjoy its incomparable location and look out across the Grand Canal, the perfect backdrop for memorable moments with the ones you love.

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