Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
In Venice the Italian list is led by Glam Enrico Bartolini in Santa Croce (Two MICHELIN Stars, €240-300 | $260-325 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Wistèria at €130-180 | $140-195 is the value pick.
- 1.
Glam Enrico Bartolini
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Italian · Santa Croce · €240-300 | $260-325
Donato Ascani
Set within the elegant Palazzo Venart, Glam offers a sophisticated gastronomic journey under the guidance of Donato Ascani. The menu showcases refined, contemporary Italian dishes with Venetian influences, prepared with exceptional technical precision and presented beautifully. Dining here provides an intimate, luxurious experience within a stunning garden setting.
Order: Lagoon Turbot; Carbonara with Red Prawns
- 2.
Oro Restaurant
One MICHELIN StarModern Italian · Giudecca · €190-260 | $205-280
Ettore Botrini
Located within the Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Oro offers stunning lagoon views and a lavish dining room. Chef Ettore Botrini creates innovative Italian dishes with a strong Mediterranean identity, emphasizing quality ingredients and sophisticated presentation. It's a grand, luxurious setting for a memorable culinary journey with impeccable service.
Order: Risotto with Red Prawns; Roasted Pigeon
- 3.
Wistèria
One MICHELIN StarContemporary Italian · San Polo · €130-180 | $140-195
Luca Natalini
Tucked away in a quiet San Polo calle, Wistèria offers an intimate and modern dining experience. Chef Luca Natalini crafts contemporary dishes using seasonal ingredients, blending Italian traditions with creative flair. The menu is a delightful surprise, showcasing bold flavors and a commitment to quality in a welcoming setting.
Order: Baccalà Mantecato; Risotto with Sea Urchin
Booking a Italian table in Venice
- · For MICHELIN-starred venues, book at least 1-3 months ahead, especially for weekend evenings or high season. Summer and holidays demand even earlier reservations.
- · Many upscale restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for reservations, especially for larger groups or tasting menus.
- · Consider lunch menus at starred restaurants; they often offer a more accessible price point to experience the chef's cuisine, typically €60-120 for a set menu.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; late cancellations or no-shows can incur significant charges, often the full cost of the tasting menu. Confirm policies upon booking.
And the local dishes in Venice
Sarde in saor
This classic Venetian appetizer features fried sardines marinated in vinegar, onions, pine nuts, and raisins. The sweet and sour balance is characteristic of Venetian cuisine, rooted in preserving fish for long sea voyages. It's a staple found in bacari and traditional restaurants throughout the city, offering a taste of history.
Risotto al nero di seppia
A striking and flavorful dish, this risotto is made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a dramatic black color and a rich, briny taste. The cuttlefish itself is often finely chopped and incorporated, creating a creamy, intensely oceanic experience. It's a true Venetian specialty, not to be missed for seafood lovers.
Bigoli in salsa
Bigoli is a thick, whole-wheat spaghetti-like pasta typical of the Veneto region. 'In salsa' traditionally refers to a sauce made from anchovies or sardines, slowly cooked until they dissolve into a rich, savory paste with onions. It’s a humble yet deeply satisfying dish, representing Venetian culinary tradition.
Fegato alla veneziana
A quintessential Venetian dish, this involves thinly sliced calf's liver gently pan-fried with liberal amounts of caramelized onions and a splash of vinegar. The sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the rich flavor of the liver. It's a surprisingly delicate and flavorful meal, often served with polenta.
Other cuisines in Venice
Seven days in Venice
Pair these Italian tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the Venice travel guide