The Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Venice for a True Local Experience

Venice, the floating city of romance and canals, is famous for its stunning architecture and rich history. But let's be honest - one of the biggest draws to this Italian gem is undoubtedly its food. With fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea and a unique blend of influences from neighboring regions, Venetian cuisine is truly something special. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for some delicious local eats, we've got you covered with our top 5 must-try dishes in Venice for an authentic taste of la dolce vita! If you're planning a trip to Venice, make sure to try some of the city's most iconic dishes. From simple seafood fare to decadent desserts, these are the dishes that you won't want to miss during your stay.

Some of the must-try dishes in Venice include:

1. Cicchetti - Small bites or appetizers typically served in bars or cafes. Common cicchetti include crostini (toasted bread with toppings), baccala (salt cod), and polpette (meatballs).

2. Risotto alla Veneta - A creamy rice dish made with regional ingredients like squid, shrimp, and scallops.

3. Bigoli in Salsa - Thick spaghetti-like noodles served with a anchovy and onion sauce. This dish is said to date back to the 14th century!

4. Fegato alla Veneziana - Liver and onions cooked in a white wine sauce. While this may not sound appealing to everyone, it's definitely worth a try if you're adventurous eater.

5. Tiramisu - A classic Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder

Cicchetti: Bite-sized Appetizers Savored in Venetian Wine Bars

Cicchetti are small, bite-sized appetizers typically served in Venetian wine bars. These little dishes are often made with simple ingredients like bread, cheese, and cured meats, but they can also be quite elaborate.

Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a more substantial meal, cicchetti are a great way to sample the local cuisine. And since they're usually served with a glass of wine, it's easy to make an evening of it.

Here are some of our favorite cicchetti dishes:

-Baccalà mantecato: This creamy cod dish is one of the most popular cicchetti in Venice. It's often served on little pieces of toast or polenta crostini.

-Sarde in saor: Sardines are a staple of Venetian cuisine, and this dish is a great way to try them. The sardines are marinated in vinegar and onions, then fried and served with raisins and pine nuts.

-Crostoni with chicken livers: Chicken livers may not sound appealing, but trust us - they're delicious! They're usually cooked in a Marsala wine sauce and served on top of grilled bread.

-Mozzarella in carrozza: This fried mozzarella sandwich is another classic cicchetto dish. The bread is dipped in egg batter and then fried until golden brown. The mo

Risi e Bisi: Rice and Pea Soup, a Venetian Classic

Risi e bisi is a popular dish from Venice, Italy that consists of rice and peas cooked in broth. It is a traditional springtime dish that is often served as a first course or as a main course. The dish is said to have originated in the 16th century, and its name comes from the Venetian dialect word for peas, “risi”.

The ingredients in risi e bisi are simple, but the dish is full of flavor. The rice is cooked in broth made from chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, and the peas are added towards the end of cooking. Parmesan cheese is usually grated on top of the soup before serving.

While risi e bisi is traditionally a springtime dish, it can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re looking for a true taste of Venice, be sure to try this classic rice and pea soup!

Bigoli al Sugo d’Anatra: Long Pasta Served with Duck Sauce

If you want to try a truly unique and local dish while in Venice, then be sure to order bigoli al sugo d’anatra. This dish is made with long pasta that is served with duck sauce. The duck sauce is made with a variety of different spices and herbs, which gives it a unique flavor that you won’t find in any other sauce.

Sarde in Saor: Marinated Sardines

For a true Venetian experience, you must try sarde in saor – marinated sardines. This dish is a Venetian staple, often served as an appetizer or main course. The sardines are first marinated in a sweet and sour sauce made with white wine, vinegar, onions, and raisins. They are then fried and served with the same sauce.

The sweetness of the raisins pairs perfectly with the salty sardines, and the acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the dish. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine – preferably from Veneto!

Tiramisu: The Iconic Venetian

Tiramisu is a Venetian dessert that is made with layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. It is thought to have originated in the city of Treviso in the Veneto region of Italy. Tiramisu means "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in Italian, and it is said to be named after the city's famous opera house, Teatro La Fenice.

This creamy dessert has become one of the most popular desserts in the world, and it is often imitated but never duplicated. When you're in Venice, be sure to try tiramisu at one of the city's many cafes or restaurants. You won't be disappointed!

I hope this helps you on your next trip to the beautiful Venice Italy. Let me know you’re favorites when you get back from your magical trip.