Contemporary art is on the menu at the Venice Biennale, but some of the greatest experiences in La Serenissima are culinary. Giovanni Cellerino, General Manager of The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, shares his favorite ristoranti, trattorie and osterie in a local’s guide to the restaurant scene of this magical city.
Club del Doge Restaurant at The Gritti Palace
Helmed by Executive Chef Alberto Fol, Club del Doge presents authentic gourmet Venetian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients drawn from Venice’s lagoon, the Adriatic Sea and the nearby Dolomite mountains. The restaurant’s stunning location in a historic palazzo, luxuriously appointed dining room and outdoor terrace on the Grand Canal make it the ultimate place to meet and celebrate in Venice.
Open daily
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2467
30124, Venice
Tel. +39 041 794 611
restaurantclubdeldoge@luxurycollection.com
clubdeldoge.com
Harry’s Bar
One of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Harry’s Bar opened in 1931 and was declared a national landmark in 2001 by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs. It has long been a favorite among writers, artists, celebrities and aristocrats who have gathered in its intimate interior, where warm lighting and polished wood exude an old-world charm. Located in the San Marco district and run by the Cipriani family, the bar is best known for inventing the Bellini and beef carpaccio, both still on a menu of Italian favorites and house specialties. Upstairs, an elegant dining room offers full service, though true Venetian regulars prefer to sit downstairs by the bar.
Open daily
Calle Vallaresso, 1323
30124, Venice
Tel. +39 041 528 5777
harrysbar@cipriani.com
cipriani.com/harrys-bar
Antiche Carampane
With its local spirit and intimate dining room full of character, this Venetian establishment is hidden down a side street in the San Polo neighborhood — a journey well worth the effort. Rooted in Venetian tradition and seasonality, the seafood-based menu changes daily depending on the fresh catch from the nearby Rialto Market. A selection of regional wines favors small producers and natural cultivation methods.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Reservations suggested
San Polo, 1911
30125, Venice
Tel. +39 041 524 0165
antichecarampane.com
Hostaria da Franz
Hostaria da Franz, now nestled in Castello, was founded by Austrian soldier Franz Habeler in the 19th century. Since 1984, it has been run by the Gasparini family, who source fish and produce daily from Rialto Market. The seafood-focused menu is a delightful mix of past and present, with traditional Italian fare given a contemporary twist. Situated on an accessible corner near the Arsenale, da Franz is an elegant yet relaxed Venetian institution popular among locals.
Closed Tuesday
Reservations suggested
Salizada San Antonin, 3499
30122, Venice
Tel. +39 041 522 0861
info@hostariadafranz.com
hostariadafranz.com
Ristorante La Feluca
Established in 1990 and just steps away from Teatro La Fenice, La Feluca blends authentic Venetian dining with modern innovation. Seasonal catch features prominently on the menu with an ample selection of oysters and crustaceans. For those craving something richer, premium cuts of the finest dry-aged meats offer compelling alternatives.
Open daily
Calle della Mandola, 3648
30124, Venice
Tel. +39 041 241 2785
info@ristorantelafeluca.com
ristorantelafeluca.com
Ristorante da Ivo
Operating since 1976, this intimate Venetian institution offers specialties from Tuscany and Venice. Its cozy atmosphere with distinctive red tablecloths is a favorite among the jet set, mainly due to the signature dish of tagliolini with truffle. The extensive menu features standout homemade pasta with gluten-free options, complemented by daily specials drawn from seasonal ingredients.
Closed Sunday
Online reservations only
Calle Fuseri, 1809
30124, Venice
Tel. +39 041 528 5004
ristorantedaivo.it
Ristorante Quadri
The only fine dining restaurant located in Piazza San Marco is also one of Venice’s most famous. Run by the Alajmo family, owners of the three-Michelin-star Le Calandre in Padua, it serves traditional Venetian and Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. The Philippe Starck-designed interior provides an opulent stage for one of Quadri’s three tasting menus, also available à la carte.
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Online reservations only
Piazza San Marco, 121
30124, Venice
Tel. +39 041 522 2105
booking@alajmo.it
alajmo.it