The 10 best seafood restaurants in Verona
A river bringing the flavours of the Adriatic, and a city that knows its seafood better than you might expect
Verona has a deep connection with water, even if it might not seem so at first glance. The Adige river runs right through the city, lending it a breezy charm that has long shaped the local food scene, alongside nearby Lake Garda. If you are planning a seafood dinner around Verona, book a table at one of these top addresses bringing the sea inland.
Vecio Macello
Via Macello, 8
Ristorante Vecio Macello sits right on the banks of the Adige, in the heart of Verona. Specialised in seafood, the restaurant draws inspiration from the city’s history, from the lively trading markets linked with nearby Venice to the heritage of the building itself. The menu offers both fish and meat dishes, ranging from impeccably fresh raw seafood to mezzo pacchero with braised beef and Monte Veronese fondue. A stop you cannot miss.
Pescheria i Masenini
Piazzetta Pescheria, 9
Verona’s famous Piazzetta Pescheria is the natural home for an exceptional seafood restaurant. Just past Juliet’s House, heading towards the river, lies this charming square that once hosted an open-air fish market right by the water. Here, Pescheria I Masenini opened in 2009, bringing together tradition and modern flair. Overseeing the project, which complements the existing Trattoria Masenini, is two-Michelin-starred chef Elia Rizzo alongside a dynamic young team devoted to seafood.
Al Capitan della Cittadella
Piazza Cittadella, 7/a
‘Flavours of freshly caught fish, quality ingredients and light Mediterranean scents introduce original dishes with clean tastes and refined pairings. The sea, in the heart of Verona.’ With an introduction like that, we cannot help but recommend Al Capitan della Cittadella, an upscale contemporary venue in the city centre serving fresh catch alongside seasonal kitchen-garden vegetables. Sophisticated dishes feature à la carte or across tasting menus such as Turchese, inspired by the colours of the sea.
Ristorante Beluga
Stradone Porta Palio, 27
The name calls to mind the rare, prized caviar harvested from sturgeon in icy waters. Here, water evokes purity and the mysterious depths of the open sea. Renowned as one of Verona’s benchmark addresses for seafood, Beluga offers an intimate setting made for a romantic dinner.
L’Oste Scuro
Vicolo San Silvestro, 10
Another address in the heart of Verona where elegance takes centre stage. L’Oste Scuro, refined and welcoming with warm lighting, is ideal for an intimate dinner of raw seafood, pasta and fish mains. Named best seafood restaurant in 2020 by Alpe Adria, it guarantees superb quality across both prized and lesser-known species. If you are looking for a candlelit dinner for two, be sure to pre-order their signature Grande Piatto dell’Oste Scuro.
Fishing Lab Verona
Vicolo Dietro Santissimi Apostoli, 7
Fishing Lab: the seafood spot you never knew you needed and now cannot do without. Just behind Porta Borsari, this lively, stylish venue bridges the gap between casual street food and high-quality raw produce. It is the sort of place where you can turn up dressed however you like, catch up with friends and enjoy a good glass of wine. The secret to prolonging the evening? Order half portions tapas-style and share the whole spread across the table.
Mare Nostro
Via Giambattista Moschini, 26
You cannot go wrong here. Mare Nostro is a welcoming local seafood restaurant where generous portions and friendly staff make you feel right at home. The flavour of the cooking speaks for itself. If you are unsure what to choose, ask for Tracy, the owner’s daughter, who will talk you through the day’s specials and off-menu dishes. House favourites include linguine with lobster and cherry tomatoes, and freshly caught sea urchins.
