Venice specialties: cicchetti and authentic Venetian cuisine

The typical specialties of Venice tell a millenary story of unique culinary traditions in the world. The Venetian cuisine is a gastronomic heritage that combines sea flavors and recipes passed down through generations. This guide to Venetian specialties will take you to discover the most authentic typical dishes and the most representative typical specialties, from the famous cicchetti to the traditional recipes that make Venetian gastronomy an unforgettable experience. B&B HOTELS guides you to discover the authentic flavors and typical specialties of the Serenissima with advice to best experience Venetian culinary tradition and the most genuine specialties.

Venetian cicchetti: the art of eating standing up

The cicchetti are undoubtedly the most characteristic typical specialties of Venice and represent the essence of Venetian culinary tradition. These small tastings of local cuisine and typical specialties are enjoyed in bacari, the typical Venetian taverns, accompanied by a glass of wine. The Venetian cicchetti are the equivalent of Spanish tapas but with a unique gastronomic identity that reflects the food culture of the Serenissima and the most authentic typical specialties. Guests of the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna can easily reach the most authentic bacari to experience this tradition in the most genuine way and discover the most representative typical specialties.

Venice's most famous cicchetti

The cicchetti specialties include an infinite variety of Venetian flavors and typical specialties:

Baccalà mantecato: One of the most beloved typical Venetian specialties and most representative specialties, prepared with cod, oil and garlic until obtaining a soft cream. This traditional dish represents the excellence of Venetian cuisine and typical specialties and is found in all authentic bacari as one of the unmissable specialties.

Sarde in saor: Typical specialty that combines fried sardines with onions, raisins and pine nuts in sweet and sour sauce. This historic Venetian recipe was born from the need to preserve fish and has become one of the most representative typical dishes of Venetian gastronomy and typical specialties of Venice. Guests of the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna can try restaurants that serve the most authentic sarde in saor and traditional typical specialties, discovering this specialty in its most traditional versions.

Meat meatballs: The bacari serve meatballs prepared according to traditional Venetian recipes, often accompanied by polenta or typical bread.

Tramezzini: Although not originally from Venice, the tramezzini have become an integral part of cicchetti culture and represent a modern specialty of the city.

First courses of Venetian cuisine

The Venetian first courses reflect the city's unique geographical position, with typical specialties that combine sea and land ingredients according to centuries-old culinary traditions and recipes passed down through generations.

Venetian risottos: rice specialties

The risotto is one of the most important typical specialties of Venetian cuisine and one of the most beloved specialties:

Risotto al nero di seppia: This Venetian specialty with its characteristic black color is prepared with fresh cuttlefish from the lagoon and represents one of the most iconic typical specialties. This typical dish represents the essence of Venetian seafood cuisine and is found in the best restaurants in the city as a flagship specialty, easily reachable with a short water bus ride from the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna.

Risotto di gò: The gò is a typical fish of the Veneto lagoon used to prepare this risotto with ancient culinary traditions. A specialty that few restaurants offer but represents the authenticity of Venetian gastronomy.

Risi e bisi: Traditional Venetian dish made with rice and peas, considered one of the spring specialties of local cuisine. This historic recipe was the Doge's official dish for the feast of St. Mark.

Although less representative, there are pasta specialties in Venetian culinary tradition:

Bigoli in salsa: Typical Veneto pasta served with a sauce of anchovies and onions. This traditional dish represents the simplicity of ancient Venetian cuisine.

Main courses: fish and meat specialties

The main courses of Venetian cuisine mainly celebrate the sea products of the lagoon, with some meat specialties linked to mainland traditions.

Fresh fish from the lagoon

The fish specialties are the heart of Venetian gastronomy and the most representative typical specialties:

Sea bass in salt crust: Lagoon fish prepared according to a traditional recipe that enhances natural flavors and represents one of the typical specialties of fish. This dish is found in the best restaurants in Venice as a high-quality typical specialty.

Black cuttlefish: The cuttlefish cooked in their ink represent one of the oldest typical specialties of Venetian cuisine, often accompanied by white polenta.

Moleche: The soft-shell crabs are a unique seasonal specialty of the Veneto lagoon, available only in spring and autumn. This delicacy represents the excellence of lagoon culinary tradition. Guests of the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna can easily reach restaurants specialized in moleche during appropriate seasons, with the B&B HOTELS reception always available to provide advice on the best venues to taste this rare and precious specialty.

Venetian meat specialties

Although less known, there are meat specialties in Venetian tradition:

Fegato alla veneziana: Calf liver with onions, one of the most popular typical dishes of Venetian mainland cuisine.

Typical Venetian desserts: confectionery traditions

The Venetian desserts represent typical specialties that reflect the commercial influences of the Serenissima:

Tiramisù: Although contested with other regions, tiramisù has origins linked to Veneto and represents one of the most famous desserts of Italian tradition.

Baicoli: Typical Venetian biscuits with an elongated shape, perfect for dipping in coffee or sweet wine and considered typical specialties. This confectionery specialty is found in historic pastry shops of Venice.

Galani: Carnival sweets typically Venetian, thin fried sheets sprinkled with sugar. This seasonal specialty represents the confectionery tradition of the carnival period.

Pinza: Traditional Epiphany dessert, prepared with simple ingredients according to recipes passed down through generations in Venetian families.

Typical Venetian wines and beverages

The beverages complete the experience of Venetian specialties:

Prosecco: The most representative wine of Veneto, perfect for accompanying cicchetti and fish specialties.

Spritz: The quintessential Venetian aperitif, prepared with Aperol, Prosecco and soda water. This drink has become a symbol of Venetian aperitif culture. Spritz is particularly appreciated during events in Venice and local celebrations, when bacari fill with Venetians and tourists to share this centuries-old tradition that is an integral part of the city's culture.

Ombra de vin: Traditional glass of wine drunk in bacari accompanying cicchetti. The ombra represents the true Venetian drinking tradition.

Where to taste typical specialties in Venice

To savor authentic Venetian specialties and discover the most genuine flavors of culinary tradition, it's essential to know the right places to taste cicchetti, typical dishes and authentic specialties. The historic bacari, traditional osterias and quality restaurants offer the best typical specialties in authentic locations that preserve the true Venetian gastronomic culture.

For a complete guide to the best restaurants, bacari and venues where to taste the most authentic typical Venetian specialties, with advice on where to eat the most genuine specialties, check our complete guide to Venice restaurants that will take you to discover the truest flavors of the Serenissima.

After tasting the typical specialties and authentic flavors of Venetian cuisine, don't miss the opportunity to experience the traditional experience of the Serenissima. Discover our guide to gondola tours in Venice to admire palaces where noble banquets once took place and where the recipes that today constitute the heritage of Venetian gastronomy were prepared.

Markets and typical Venetian products

The markets of Venice offer the best ingredients for local specialties:

Rialto Market: The historic market where you can buy fresh fish and products to prepare homemade Venetian specialties. From the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna you reach the market in just 10 minutes by water bus, allowing B&B HOTELS guests to experience the authentic morning shopping experience like true Venetians. Exploring the markets represents a perfect way to discover what to see in Venice from a cultural point of view, combining observation of local traditions with discovery of authentic flavors that characterize lagoon gastronomy.

Campo Santa Margherita Market: Dorsoduro district market with local products and artisan specialties, also easily accessible from the strategic position of the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna, with the B&B HOTELS reception always ready to provide directions and updated hours.

The gastronomy represents only one of the many facets of Venice's rich heritage. To complete your experience in Venice and discover all aspects of Serenissima culture, from artisan traditions to artistic treasures, check our guide to cultural experiences in Venice that will allow you to immerse yourself in art, history and traditions that have made Venice one of the world's most fascinating cities.

To best organize your gastronomic experiences and reach all the most authentic venues, check our guides on how to reach Venice and how to get around Venice to move easily between different gastronomic districts.

Where to stay to discover typical specialties in Venice

To best experience Venetian gastronomy and taste all typical specialties, from cicchetti to traditional dishes, the hotel location is fundamental for accessing the best restaurants and bacari in the city. The B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna offers ideal accommodation for gastronomic tourism and discovery of Venetian specialties: strategically located on Tronchetto island, this Venice hotel guarantees direct connection with Venice's historic center and all gastronomic districts while maintaining affordable prices. B&B HOTELS is the perfect choice for those seeking authentic culinary experiences and wanting to discover the typical specialties of the Serenissima, offering a Venice hotel ideal for gastronomy lovers.

Tronchetto position advantages for gastronomic experiences:

• Direct connection to gastronomic districts: Water bus every 10 minutes to Rialto and its historic bacari and restaurants
• Easy access to specialties: Easily reach Castello for authentic cicchetti, Cannaregio for traditional osterias and San Polo for the best fish specialties from your Venice hotel
• Quiet hotel to rest after intense gastronomic days discovering Venetian specialties - a Venice hotel perfect for your relaxation
• Competitive rates: Affordable prices to dedicate more budget to culinary specialties and gastronomic experiences in Venice

From the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna you can easily reach all Venetian gastronomy venues and the best specialties: Rialto Market for fresh products and local specialties, the historic bacari for authentic cicchetti, the traditional osterias for Venetian typical dishes, the fish restaurants for lagoon specialties, and all markets and shops offering typical products and artisan specialties. The position of this Venice hotel allows you to avoid historic center confusion while remaining perfectly connected to all flavors and specialties that Venice offers. 

Book your stay at the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna and immerse yourself in the most authentic culinary specialties of Venice, with the peace of mind of returning to a welcoming and affordable environment after tasting cicchetti, traditional dishes and typical specialties of the Serenissima: the perfect combination of gastronomic accessibility and hotel comfort B&B HOTELS for your culinary experience in Venice discovering the best specialties of the city. Choose this Venice hotel for a stay that combines comfort, convenience and privileged access to the most authentic Venetian gastronomic traditions.