The best seafood restaurants in Venice for a taste of the sea
Lagoon authenticity between innovation and tradition
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Venice is a lagoon city with an enviable culinary heritage where seafood takes pride of place, showcased across traditional recipes celebrating the freshest local produce. From the famous cicchetti of the osterie to starters and mains, the lagoon’s catch offers a wealth of flavours, aromas and colours.
Across the city’s alleyways, plenty of dining spots champion fresh, top-quality seafood, from comforting regional classics to contemporary twists designed to delight the senses. Flawless has selected the best seafood restaurants in Venice for an authentic taste of the sea: pick your favourite and raise a glass of fizz!
Antiche Carampane
Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911
In San Polo, near the Rialto fish market, ANTICHE CARAMPANE is a classic trattoria loved by a devoted local crowd. Tucked away in the narrow alleys of what was once the Serenissima’s red light district, the dining room recalls the osterie of yesteryear, with vintage photographs and antique mirrors lining the walls. The menu is strictly seafood; you will not find anything else. Among the traditional dishes, do not miss the “scartosso” of fried fish.
Locanda Cipriani
Piazza Santa Fosca, 29
In 1934 Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the legendary Harry’s Bar, opened a small inn on Torcello, an island just beyond Burano. It is an evocative setting suspended between land and water, where only historic church bell towers interrupt the natural landscape. Surrounded by greenery, the restaurant features rustic, understated interiors with exposed brick and centuries-old wooden beams. Driven by provenance and seasonality, the kitchen serves refined Venetian specialities, with seafood taking centre stage.
Do Forni
Calle Specchieri, 468
For those looking for an exceptional seafood dinner rather than just a quick bite, DO FORNI is an ideal choice. Just steps from Piazza San Marco, this restaurant boasts an elegant setting dominated by warm reds and Art Deco wood panelling. The menu celebrates classic cooking with seafood at its heart: from oysters and assorted raw seafood starters to first courses like the Tiziano risotto with scampi and champagne, right through to mains starring fresh lobster.
Al Covo
Campiello de la Pescaria, 3698
In the Castello neighbourhood, AL COVO is the ideal destination for impeccable seafood of outstanding quality and authenticity. Its cooking reflects the unique character of the Venetian lagoon in a tempting balance of land and sea. Ingredients are selected with meticulous care, favouring certified Slow Food produce, particularly when it comes to fish and vegetables. The wine list is equally noteworthy, spanning local and international bottles with a strong focus on natural wines.
Osteria di Santa Marina
Campo Santa Marina, 5911
The name might suggest something rustic, but OSTERIA DI SANTA MARINA, set close to Rialto with an old-world charm, serves refined, beautifully plated cooking. Simplicity and ingredient purity are the secrets to its finesse. Seafood takes centre stage, served raw, fried, grilled or in saor. Another highlight is the generous selection of desserts, all strictly homemade as tradition demands.
Riviera
Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Lungo, 1473
RIVIERA sits in Dorsoduro overlooking the Giudecca Canal, with tables just metres from the water. Subtitled a “restaurant for omnivores”, it serves creative fine dining that reinterprets local ingredients with modern flair. The result is an engaging dialogue between land and sea, delivered in sleek, minimalist presentations. It is the address to pick if you want to experiment while staying firmly rooted in lagoon flavours.
Trattoria alla Madonna
Calle della Madonna, 594
Opened in the 50’s, Trattoria Alla Madonna is in San Polo, in the heart of the old town. The atmosphere is casual, with the charm of an old-school osteria, and the kitchen focuses entirely on simplicity and top-quality ingredients. It is the perfect spot for dinner with friends, enjoying generous dishes and fresh daily catches from the nearby Rialto market. Highly recommended are the mixed crudités and the grilled fish.
Wildner
Riva degli Schiavoni, Calle Seconda de la Fava, 4161
The restaurant WILDNER, housed inside the hotel of the same name and listed among Italy’s historic establishments, has been run by the Fullin family since 1960. Its history stretches back much further: Henry James stayed here, drawn by its enviable position on Riva degli Schiavoni. It is a wonderful setting for an atmospheric dinner watching the sun set over San Giorgio Maggiore island, with a menu of traditional, predominantly seafood dishes shaped by seasonal produce.
Local
Salizzada dei Greci, Castello, 3303
LOCAL, opened in 2015 by the Fullin siblings, champions a thoroughly contemporary spirit, starting with its refined interiors featuring Venetian terrazzo flooring inlaid with murrine glass and the restaurant logo. The cooking, led by chef Matteo Tagliapietra, takes a modern, experimental approach, yet local ingredients remain the true stars. Every ingredient celebrates its roots and authenticity, bringing distinct character to an ever-evolving menu.
Antico Ristorante Martini
Campo Teatro Fenice, 2007
Right next to Teatro La Fenice, ANTICO RISTORANTE MARTINI is one of the city’s oldest historic establishments. With 18th-century paintings on the walls and soft illumination from Fortuny lamps, it offers an undeniably romantic setting. The menu features Venetian classics, but our advice is to always ask about the daily specials: the day’s catch changes every morning, and if fresh San Pietro is on offer, do not hesitate!
