Perfect date night: Best restaurants for a romantic evening in Venice

Venice, with its winding canals and romantic atmosphere, is a dream destination for couples. The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of romantic restaurants to choose from. From Michelin-starred dining to traditional trattorias, Venice has it all. We've rounded up the top 10 most romantic restaurants in Venice, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

1 - Ristorante Quadri - Located on the first floor of the historic Palazzo Quadri, Ristorante Quadri offers breathtaking views of Piazza San Marco and the surrounding architecture. The restaurant features a chic, contemporary design, with white tablecloths, comfortable seating, and soft lighting that creates a romantic ambiance. The menu showcases traditional Venetian cuisine with a modern twist, featuring dishes like saffron risotto with scallops, and tiramisu with passionfruit. Ristorante Quadri also has an extensive wine list, with over 600 labels from Italy and beyond.

Address: Piazza San Marco, 121, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.

2 - Osteria da Fiore - This Michelin-starred restaurant is housed in a historic 16th-century building in the heart of Venice's San Polo neighborhood. The decor is elegant and refined, with antique furnishings, Venetian glass chandeliers, and beautiful frescoes on the ceiling. The menu is focused on seafood, with dishes like tagliolini with lobster, and seared scallops with caviar. The wine list is equally impressive, with over 1,200 labels from Italy and beyond.

Address: Calle del Scaleter, 2202, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

3 - Antiche Carampane - Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice's San Polo neighborhood, Antiche Carampane is a cozy, family-run trattoria that serves some of the best seafood in the city. The decor is simple and rustic, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. The menu changes daily depending on what's fresh at the market, but highlights include the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) and the spaghetti with clams. The wine list is small but well-curated, featuring mostly Italian wines.

Address: Calle de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

4 - La Zucca - This charming restaurant is located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, just a short walk from the Jewish Ghetto. The decor is cozy and rustic, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and plenty of candles. The menu is focused on vegetarian and vegan dishes, with highlights including the pumpkin gnocchi and the grilled eggplant with pesto. The wine list is small but thoughtful, featuring mostly organic and biodynamic wines.

Address: Santa Croce, 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy.

5 - Al Covo - This intimate restaurant is located in the Castello neighborhood of Venice, just a stone's throw from the Arsenale. The decor is simple and elegant, with white tablecloths and soft lighting. The menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, with dishes like the spaghetti with clams and bottarga, and the grilled sea bass with vegetables. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, featuring a mix of Italian and international labels.

Address: Castello, 3968, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.

6 - Alle Testiere - This small, cozy restaurant is located in the Castello neighborhood of Venice, just a short walk from the Arsenale. The decor is simple and understated, with white walls and wooden tables. The menu is focused on seafood, with dishes like the tagliolini with scampi and the grilled octopus. The wine list is small but well-curated, featuring mostly Italian wines.

Address: Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.

7 - Il Ridotto - Located in the Castello neighborhood of Venice, Il Ridotto is a small, elegant restaurant that specializes in creative, contemporary Italian cuisine. The decor is stylish and modern, with sleek white walls and black leather chairs. The menu changes frequently, but highlights include the risotto with squid ink and cuttlefish, and the venison with juniper berries. The wine list is extensive, with over 1,000 labels from Italy and beyond.

Address: Campo SS. Filippo e Giacomo, 4509, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.

8 - La Colonna - Located in the charming Dorsoduro neighborhood of Venice, La Colonna is a cozy, family-run restaurant that specializes in traditional Venetian cuisine. The decor is rustic and charming, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. The menu features dishes like the spaghetti with clams, and the grilled sea bream with vegetables. The wine list is small but well-curated, featuring mostly Italian wines.

Address: Calle dei Boteri, 1566, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.

9 - La Piscina - Located on the island of Lido di Venezia, just a short ferry ride from Venice proper, La Piscina is a stylish, modern restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood. The decor is sleek and contemporary, with white walls, minimalist furnishings, and a stunning view of the sea. The menu features dishes like the grilled prawns, and the tuna tartare with avocado. The wine list is extensive, with a focus on Italian labels.

Address: Gran Viale S.M.Elisabetta, 22, 30126 Lido VE, Italy.

10 - Anice Stellato - Tucked away in the quiet, residential neighborhood of Cannaregio, Anice Stellato is a charming restaurant that serves inventive Venetian cuisine. The decor is cozy and rustic, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. The menu changes frequently, but highlights include the risotto with asparagus and gorgonzola, and the tagliolini with razor clams. The wine list is small but well-curated, featuring mostly Italian wines.

Address: Fondamenta de la Sensa, 3272, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy.

Italian Holiday Guide.

Perfect date night: Best restaurants for a romantic evening in Venice

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