Oh, the magic of Venice! With its 118 islands and over 400 bridges, it certainly is a walker’s paradise. Beautiful historic buildings and centuries old markets, gondolas with charismatic singing gondolieri, canal front cafés where you can spend aperitivo hour watching to see if someone will fall out of their gondola headfirst into the grand canal. There’s just so much to see and do in Venice that you might overlook trying some of the most the unique and ancient street food Italy has to offer. But fret not, that’s why this installment of the Pancia Piena! blog will focus on Venetian cuisine in all its glory!

As we all know, aperitivo culture in Italy is a dominant force of nature with each city putting its own style and flair into their offerings. In Venice, it’s no different – except for the name! “Cicchetti” is what you eat for aperitivo, and “Bacaro” are the little wine bars where you eat them. These small bites pack a punch of lagoon flavor. You won’t see mini pizzas or potato chips here like you do in other cities. Instead, you’ll find items like Baccala Mantecato on fried polenta or locally fished lagoon shrimp (small and sweet!) or some local fried fish bites. One of the best places to sample these items is Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso that has a restaurant but also its own “Cicchetteria” or Cantina Do Spade with their fried specialties.

For a main meal, if you’re looking for an off the path, hidden local treasure that used to be an old historic boat house, then you must try Vecia Cavana for lunch or dinner. With its traditional venetian menu and flavors, this locale will give you all the non-touristy vibes you need. Another local gem in Dorsoduro is Ristorante Cantinone Storico – set yourself at an outdoor table on the small canal and enjoy your view with a serving of their delicious Branzino.

For more bourgeois vibes, we love to sit, and people watch on the grand canal at Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace at the St. Regis. A little less traditional and local, but the location and vibe can’t be beat! It’s worth going at sunset especially if you can snag a table right on the canal.

And of course, you can’t have a day in Italy go by without eating gelato so you can try your luck with lines at Suso or try and stop by one of our favorites Gelateria Gallonetto for true artisanal delights.

We’ve been eating our way through Rome, Florence and Venice, but we’re still hungry! See you next in Milano!