Visiting Venice without indulging in its cuisine would be a crime. The seafood specialties alone will leave you enchanted, and surviving an Italian summer without gelato? Impossible. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of dishes that are exceptionally well-prepared in Venice. And don’t forget to try the street food — it’s an essential part of the local culinary experience.
» READ MORE – 15 main sights of Venice
Cicchetti
No aperitif is complete without cicchetti, small Venetian-style sandwiches. These appetizers are made with prosciutto (a dry-cured Italian ham), cheeses, Venetian baccalà, and other delicacies.
Cicchetti pair perfectly with Italian wines. While this snack may not be as common in winter, it’s the ideal companion for a warm summer evening.
By the way, we’ve prepared a special vineyard tour near Venice, featuring tastings of Prosecco and other exquisite wines.
Moleche
Seafood is omnipresent in Venice — sold in open-air markets, supermarkets, snack bars, and high-end restaurants. One must-try delicacy is moleche, small fried soft-shell crabs served with various sides and sauces, typically polenta, tomato sauce, or potatoes.
Looking for a gourmet experience? Book a four-course dinner paired with four premium wines at one of Venice’s top restaurants.
Venetian-Style Liver
Venetians have a deep appreciation for liver, and their method of preparation transforms this ingredient into something special. First, the liver is stewed on low heat, then lightly fried and infused with white wine. The result — Fegato alla Veneziana — is incredibly soft and tender. It’s typically served with parsley and cheese or with green onions and cream.
If you think you dislike liver, you probably haven’t had it prepared this way before. Give the Italian version a try — you might just fall in love with it.
» READ MORE – What to Bring from Venice
Ravioli
No Italian restaurant is complete without ravioli. These stuffed pasta pockets come with a variety of fillings — fish, meat, vegetables, cheeses, and even fruits.
Shapes vary, but one of the most delicious versions is filled with ricotta and spinach.
Black Risotto
Venice, blessed by the Adriatic Sea, boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. You’ll find mussels, shrimp, fish, squid, cuttlefish, oysters, and tuna in nearly every restaurant.
A must-try dish is risotto with cuttlefish ink (Risotto al Nero di Seppia). This unique ingredient gives the dish its deep black color and a rich, distinctive flavor. Don’t worry about getting messy — restaurants provide protective aprons for those eager to indulge in this culinary masterpiece.
Gelato
No food list would be complete without gelato. Italians craft this frozen delight exclusively from seasonal ingredients, ensuring exceptional quality and freshness. For the ultimate summer refreshment, try granita or sorbetto, which are both cooling and revitalizing.
Tiramisu
Venice is where the world-famous tiramisu was born. Italian restaurants offer a range of variations — strawberry, pistachio, Nutella, and more. We recommend trying the classic version first, then exploring different flavors based on your preferences.
If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen, why not make tiramisu yourself? Take a cooking class with a local chef and bring a piece of Venice into your own kitchen.
Baicoli
A symbol of traditional Venetian cuisine, baicoli are dry biscuits that pair beautifully with coffee. Often served with creamy desserts like zabaglione, these biscuits are particularly popular during the Christmas season.
Take a stroll through traditional cafes and pastry shops to sample the finest Venetian sweets on a guided tour featuring coffee, tiramisu, and other delights.
Once you experience the flavors of Venice, you’ll fall in love with the city forever. From the Grand Canal to the vibrant carnival masks, every detail is steeped in beauty and tradition.
Venetian cuisine awaits — wishing you a delightful and flavorful journey!
» READ MORE – Gondolas in Venice: how to ride through the canals?
gttfcad / pixabay.com 
Nan Palmero / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!