Indulge in Venice: The Top 10 Must-Try Dishes for Food Lovers

Having wandered (and gotten lost in) Venice’s winding alleys and hidden piazzas more than a few times, I’ve developed a deep appreciation not just for its breathtaking canals and Renaissance art, but also for its culinary treasures that are as rich and layered as the city itself. Venice isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a feast for the palate. To truly experience this city, you need to dive fork-first into its gastronomic culture, savoring dishes that tell stories of the lagoon, the sea, and centuries-old traditions.

Allow me to share with you my personal favorites—the top 10 must-try Venetian dishes—and some insider tips on where to find the most authentic bites. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, Foster Perry Travel can curate recommendations tailored to your tastes, ensuring your food journey in Venice is as unforgettable as the city itself.

1. Spaghetti in Nero di Seppia: The Enchanting Black Ink Pasta

When I first tried Spaghetti in Nero di Seppia, I was captivated (read: freaked out) by its striking ebony color—and the flavors were even more mesmerizing. This dish celebrates Venice’s maritime heritage, with tender squid cooked in a rich sauce infused with its inky essence, lending the pasta a unique briny depth. It’s almost like tasting the sea itself. I recommend ordering this at a trusted local trattoria in Cannaregio, a neighborhood where this specialty is still prepared with age-old recipes.

2. Sarde in Saor: Sweet and Sour Sardines That Dance on Your Palate

Sarde in Saor perfectly captures Venice’s love affair with preserving fish. The sardines are marinated in a delicate balance of caramelized onions, pine nuts, and raisins, bathing in a sweet-and-sour melody that elevates what might otherwise be a humble dish. From my many visits, I’ve discovered that enjoying this alongside a crisp Venetian white wine is a match made in heaven. Try it at small cicchetti bars—the Venetian equivalent of tapas spots—which I’ve handpicked for their authentic ambiance and vibrant crowds.

A tantalizing dish of Fritto Misto featuring an array of crispy seafood, beautifully presented with lemon wedges and fresh greens.

3. Fritto Misto: A Symphony of Crispy Seafood

This mixed fry features the freshest shrimp, squid, and local fish, lightly breaded and cooked to golden perfection. It’s a straightforward dish, but when done right, it’s heavenly—crispy on the outside, tender inside. Over the years, I’ve sampled Fritto Misto at a variety of venues, from upscale Osterias to rustic bacari. A tip: pair it with a sparkling Prosecco for a refreshing counterpoint to the rich crunch.

4. Baccalà Mantecato: Creamy Cod Spread That’s Pure Comfort

One of my late-night favorites, Baccalà Mantecato is whipped salted cod that transforms into an airy, creamy spread, perfect when slathered on crusty Venetian bread. It’s traditionally enjoyed as part of a cicchetti experience and pairs beautifully with a glass of local red wine. I’ve found a handful of bars where this humble dish turns into a luxury treat—the kind of places only a seasoned traveler would know.

5. Bigoli in Salsa: Hearty Pasta with Anchovy Sauce

Bigoli is a thick whole-wheat pasta native to the Veneto region, and Bigoli in Salsa is a straightforward yet immensely satisfying dish where the pasta is tossed with a sauce of sautéed onions and salted anchovies. Its humble roots belies the depth of flavor and comfort it offers. I’ve enjoyed this in small family-run restaurants that have been serving it for generations—something I can arrange with Foster Perry’s local connections whenever you’re ready to explore.

6. Frittelle: Venetian Sweet Doughnuts Worth Indulging

If you ever find yourself wandering Venice during Carnival season, don’t miss Frittelle—light, airy doughnuts often filled with raisins or cream, and coated in powdered sugar. Even beyond Carnival, these treats are hugely popular and perfect for a sweet pit stop. Having sampled countless versions, I can steer you to the best bakeries, ensuring you taste the most authentic flavors.

A tempting display of Tramezzini and a variety of other freshly made sandwiches in a Venetian deli offers a feast for the senses, featuring soft breads and savory fillings.

7. Tramezzino: Venetian Sandwiches on Soft Bread

These triangular sandwiches, soft and crustless, come with myriad fillings like artichoke hearts, olives, or fresh mozzarella, making them ideal for a light snack while wandering Venice’s labyrinth streets. I often recommend grabbing one from a revered deli in Dorsoduro when clients want an easy-to-carry, delicious bite between museums or gondola rides.

8. Moeche Fritte: A Local Crab Delicacy

Moeche Fritte, or soft-shell crabs breaded and fried whole, are a Venetian speciality not widely available except during molting season. There are small festivals dedicated just to this dish—and some exceptional spots that serve them crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a phenomenal dish that links you to Venice’s fishing traditions.

9. Fegato alla Veneziana: Liver with Sweet Onions

Liver may sound intimidating, and it’s never been my go-to, but Fegato alla Veneziana is a Venetian comfort food classic. The thinly sliced calf’s liver is cooked with an abundance of slowly caramelized onions, offering a sweet-savory balance that’s utterly irresistible. The key is uncovering places where this dish is a standout—perfect for guests wanting to try a traditional, local favorite.

10. Castraure: Venice’s Signature Violet Artichokes

Castraure are small violet artichokes harvested prematurely, prized for their tender texture and delicate flavor. They’re often simply boiled and served as a first course or side. I love recommending this dish in spring, when these gems are in season—it’s a fresh, seasonal taste that reminds you how closely Venetian cuisine is connected to the Veneto countryside.

Strawberry and currant tart in a Venetian patisserie.

Why Venice is a City of Many Flavors—and Many Visits

I can say from experience that no single trip covers all the culinary jewels Venice offers. With its neighborhoods, seasons, and specialties, Venice invites multiple visits, each revealing new tastes and experiences. From hidden bacari with centuries-old recipes to contemporary eateries pushing culinary boundaries, there’s always something fresh to discover.

That’s where Foster Perry Travel steps in. We use our personal knowledge and local network to design dining experiences that fit your palate and travel style—whether it's a private cicchetti crawl, exclusive cooking classes in a Renaissance palace, or a sunset dinner overlooking the Grand Canal. Our goal is to turn your Venice culinary journey into a bespoke adventure that’s as personal as it is delicious.

Venice is a city best savored slowly—one bite, one canal, and one serene moment at a time. Ready to explore Venice’s rich gastronomy beyond the guidebooks? Contact Foster Perry Travel, and together we’ll craft a personalized itinerary brimming with insider recommendations, authentic flavors, and exquisite experiences—because when it comes to Venice, every meal should be a memory.