From fine dining at a leading Venice hotel with canalside tables to an island restaurant with its own vineyard, there are some truly exceptional Michelin star restaurants in Venice. I have no doubt that dining out in Venice is guaranteed to delight any keen foodie.
Whether you prefer fish and seafood, vegetarian fare, or rustic meat dishes, there’s an eatery with your name on it in the City of Canals.
My pick of the very best restaurants in Venice includes a couple with two Michelin stars, half-a-dozen eateries with one star to their name, and a pair of Bib Gourmand establishments.
I’ve chosen each because they offer something truly outstanding, and come highly recommended from either myself or fellow travellers and seasoned foodies.
So whether you’re after a glitzy Venetian restaurant or a homely trattoria just outside of the city, here is my pick of the best Michelin restaurants in Venice.
1. Antica Osteria Cera
Best for: Fish and seafood
Address: Via Marghera, 24, 30010 Lughetto VE
Accolade: Two Michelin Stars
The simple, modern interior of Antica Osteria Cera allows the food to take centre stage.
This is one of Italy’s finest fish restaurants, serving a mix of classic and contemporary dishes to tickle any seafood-lover’s taste buds. Sourcing top quality ingredients is always a priority.
If you try only one dish, make it the Venetian-style spider crab.
Warm salads and chilled raw fish dishes help to keep the menu interesting, and the white wines in particular have been carefully chosen to complement the food.
2. Glam Enrico Bartolini
Best for: Outdoor dining
Address: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, Calle Tron 1961, 30135 Venezia VE
Accolade: Two Michelin Stars
Also proudly boasting a pair of Michelin stars is Glam Enrico Bartolini.
This Venice fine dining venue can be found at the Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, and has a couple of gardens used as outdoor spaces for dining and post-dinner drinks.
I highly recommend the tasting menus here. These commence with a selection of cicchetti, the Venetian answer to Spanish tapas.
The flavoursome food attracts visitors here from far-flung locations, and drinks after dinner with Grand Canal views are the icing on the cake.
3. Wistèria
Best for: A waterside setting
Address: San Polo 2908, 30125 Venezia VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star
Whether you prioritise fine food, a wonderful waterside location, or contemporary yet characterful decor, Wistèria in Venice ticks a lot of boxes.
You can find it by the tranquil Rio de la Frescada canal, and of course there is indeed an outdoor, wisteria-draped terrace.
Tasting menus again offer the best experience and value for money, and feature six or eight courses.
The chef combines years at the helm with the finest local ingredients to produce dishes with both flair and a local flavour.
4. San Martino
Best for: An exclusive feel
Address: Piazza Cesare Cappelletto 1, 30037 Scorzè VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star
If the last thing you want is to be too close to other diners while savouring a delicious meal, book one of the generously-spaced tables at San Martino.
The refined, minimalist decor is offset by a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a good selection of sparkling wines to mark any special occasion.
Fish is something of a speciality, though there’s also plenty of meat-based cuisine for committed carnivores.
Both presentation and flavours are exquisite, and colourful Venetian glassware provides a local feel.
5. Local
Best for: A Venetian experience
Address: Salizzada dei Greci, 3303, 30122 Venezia VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star
If you value a true sense of place while dining out in style, then Local offers an authentic Venetian experience.
Dishes are crafted from lagoon ingredients, while the rustic decor offers an unpretentious charm.
A youthful team brings bags of enthusiasm and energy, yet their experience is reflected in the impeccable food and service.
They’re not afraid to play with flavour and texture, resulting in both pleasing contrasts and perfectly-balanced platefuls.
6. Venissa
Best for: A magical location
Address: Fondamenta di Santa Caterina 3, 30142 Mazzorbo VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star and a Green Star
Imagine a small, walled vineyard established during the Middle Ages set on the little lagoon island of Mazzorbo, and you can picture the very special location of Venissa.
There’s even an on-site kitchen garden, plus a belltower dating from the 14th century.
Before or after dinner, you’ll love the fact that you can wander across the connecting bridge to Burano, to see the colourful buildings and local lacemakers.
Sustainable, flavoursome fare made from Upper Adriatic and lagoon ingredients is the name of the game back at the restaurant, and the delicious dishes centre on vegetables and fish.
7. Oro Restaurant
Best for: A boat ride
Address: Hotel Cipriani, Cipriani Giudecca 10, 30133 Venezia VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star
Oro Restaurant enjoys a prestigious location within the magnificent Hotel Cipriani.
For non-residents the experience begins with a boat trip from Piazza San Marco to Giudecca island.
Though the views over the water threaten to steal the limelight – and are framed by gorgeous arched windows – the food is fabulous enough to divert your attention.
The dining room is sublime, too, with marble floors, polished wood panelling and shining chandeliers.
8. Quadri
Best for: A St. Mark’s Square location
Address: Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Piazza San Marco 123, 30124 Venezia VE
Accolade: One Michelin Star
Piazza San Marco – or St. Mark’s Square – has to be the most iconic address in the city, giving Quadri the edge when it comes to iconic views.
Located inside the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, it’s also a landmark address.
If you want to sample creative, contemporary interpretations of Italian and Venetian classics, Quadri is the place to do just that.
The setting is suitably opulent and atmospheric, too, with elaborate wallpaper, restored original features, and glittering chandeliers.
9. Il Sogno
Best for: Surrounding countryside
Address: Via Vetrego 8, 30035 Scaltenigo VE
Accolade: Bib Gourmand
Whether you don’t want to splash too much cash or would like to sample everything Venice’s Michelin-recommended dining scene has to offer, Il Sogno is a very worthy Bib Gourmand winner.
It’s family-friendly, too, with high chairs and a garden for kids to run around in.
Il Sogno is all about traditional, no-frills fare, and in winter you can even choose from boiled meats served with mostada and homemade sauces.
If you don’t mind a 20-minute trip into the Miranese countryside, a meal here can be very memorable indeed.
10. Trattoria da Paeto
Best for: A homely feel
Address: Via Patriarcato 78, 30030 Pianiga VE
Accolade: Bib Gourmand
Offering a simple, homely feel and a setting among the canals of the Italian countryside, Trattoria da Paeto offers a rustic dining experience.
This is the place to try regional cuisine at its finest.
For value for money and quality, this one’s also worth making a detour for. Especially if you have a penchant for delicious fish-based dishes.
Let me know any of your favourite restaurants in Venice in the comments below!
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