Venice has a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of unique and flavorful dishes that reflect the city's history and culture. Here are some local specialties of Venice and where you can find the best places to try them:
Sarde in saor: This is a traditional Venetian dish of sweet and sour sardines that's often served as an appetizer or snack. The sardines are marinated in vinegar, onions, raisins, and pine nuts, giving them a distinctive flavor. One of the best places to try sarde in saor is at Osteria da Alberto in the Castello neighborhood.
Fegato alla veneziana: This is a classic Venetian dish made with calf liver, onions, and white wine. The liver is sautéed until tender and served with polenta. Trattoria al Ponte del Megio in the Dorsoduro neighborhood is known for its excellent fegato alla veneziana.
Risotto al nero di seppia: This is a popular Venetian rice dish made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, savory flavor. You can find delicious risotto al nero di seppia at Antica Osteria Cera near the Rialto Bridge.
Cicchetti: These are small bites or tapas that are often served with drinks in Venice's many wine bars and taverns. Cicchetti can include a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, seafood, and vegetables. Cantina do Spade in the San Polo neighborhood is a historic wine bar that's known for its delicious cicchetti.
Spritz: This is a popular Venetian cocktail made with Aperol or Campari, white wine or Prosecco, and soda water. It's often served with cicchetti or other small snacks. One of the best places to enjoy a spritz in Venice is at Bacaro Jazz near the Rialto Bridge.
These are just a few of the many local specialties of Venice and the best places to try them. Be sure to explore the city's many restaurants and wine bars to discover even more delicious Venetian cuisine.