The 6 Most Romantic Restaurants in Venice

If there’s one thing Venice has in spades, it’s romantic restaurants offering intimate and memorable dining experiences. With its picturesque streets, canal-side terraces, and cozy hideaways, few places are quite as ambient and enchanting as the Floating City.

I often tell people on my Venice food tours that all it takes is to move slightly further away from the main tourist hubs to uncover the more inviting, serene spots. In truth, this is a general rule of thumb for finding the best foods in Italy, but it’s certainly fitting in Venice.

For heavenly waterfront views and whimsical candlelit dinners, these are my picks for the most romantic restaurants in Venice, Italy.

Osteria Al Cantinon

Photo credit: Osteria Al Cantinon

Watching the gondolas going to and from the Grand Canal from the terrace at Osteria Al Cantinon is a pretty perfect way to spend an evening. However, if you’re planning a romantic dinner at this Cannaregio haunt, I suggest making a booking to secure outdoor seating.

I don’t think it gets any dreamier than the arch-lined patio, but there’s not a bad seat in the house here. Had I not gotten a table outside, I would have happily lapped up the laid-back atmosphere in the chic but homely indoor area.

Their menu features a mix of quirky and traditional Venetian dishes. As I was super hungry when I sat down, I decided to start with the sea bass carpaccio and followed it up with truffle risotto.

While I loved both, the carpaccio was the winner for me. The fish’s flavor was elevated but not overshadowed by the addition of sour lemon and spicy red chili. Shortly after, I devoured the risotto, which had a gorgeous creamy texture and deep umami notes.

Osteria Al Cantinon (€€) – Sottoportego delle, Calle de le Colonete, 2152, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every Monday, Tuesday and from Friday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, closed every Wednesday and Thursday.

Trattoria Antiche Carampane

 

Photo credit: Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Once a hidden gem, Trattoria Antiche Carampane near the Rialto Bridge in San Polo is now considered by many to be among the best restaurants in town. It’s not quite a Michelin-star spot yet, but it’s made its way onto the Michelin Guide. 

Although it’s an upmarket restaurant, it’s held onto its romantic old-world charm. Every white-washed wall was full of mirrors and photo frames, contrasting with the dark, refined furniture. 

There were so many things I wanted to try here that I wished they had a tasting menu so I didn’t have to decide! Seafood seemed to be a central feature on the menu, and I narrowed it down to the spaghetti with clams or the cuttlefish with polenta. Seeing as I was in Venice, I went for the cuttlefish.

I chose a fruity and herby verdicchio from the wine list, as the tart peach and apple flavors enhanced the minerality of the fish. The stewed cuttlefish was tender and salty from being soaked in its ink, and it teamed beautifully with the wispy, buttery polenta.

Trattoria Antiche Carampane (€€€) – Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Ristorante Da Carletto

Photo credit: Ristorante Da Carletto

Just a short walk from the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square is Ristorante Da Carletto in Castello, one of the most romantic Venice restaurants.

The chunky wood beams, vintage decor, and brick-covered fireplaces wouldn’t look out of place in medieval times. At the same time, the gentle lighting and cave-like setting make it feel so intimate and snug.

I knew before I arrived that I was looking for something nourishing and wholesome, so it took me just a few minutes to settle on the gnocchi.

Despite the plethora of busy tables, the waiter served up my meal in no time. Every bite was packed with comforting flavors and textures from the smooth, delicate gnocchi and the rich, thick tomato and cheese-based sauce.

Ristorante Da Carletto (€€) – Calle de le Bande, 5272, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every Monday, Tuesday, and from Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Ristorante Lineadombra

Photo credit: Ristorante Lineadombra

Ristorante Lineadombra in Dorsoduro is a Venetian restaurant I’d been dying to visit for some time, but it took me a few visits to the city to make it here. With a spacious patio overlooking the island of Giudecca, it’s the ultimate date-night spot in the area.

The indoor dining room is sleek and modern, but if it’s a romantic vibe you’re after, it doesn’t get any better than the outdoor area. I came here after dark, and each elegant table was illuminated with mellow, golden lights.

While I was flicking through the menu, I started with a glass of wine, opting for an acidic and berry-like pinot noir. Thankfully, this turned out to be a good match for the mushroom ravioli I chose to order.

Here, the ravioli is infused with charcoal, giving it some earthy notes. Inside each doughy pocket was a blend of mild-tasting but meaty cardoncelli mushrooms and mellow zucchini.

Ristorante Lineadombra (€€€€) – Dorsoduro, 19, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 2:15 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm.

Locanda Cipriani

Photo credit: Locanda Cipriani

The island of Torcello is less explored than neighboring islands like Murano and Burano. Yet, it’s also where I came across one of the most romantic restaurants in Venice, Locanda Cipriani.

It’s a quintessentially Italian nook inside a hotel of the same name. Surrounded by manicured landscapes with colorful flowers and white garden furniture, the dining area here is the kind of place that’ll surely impress your other half. Moreover, the staff is superb.

They’ve got a rather lengthy menu with a balance of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. I don’t tend to eat much meat in Venice and often stick to fish, but the beef filet sounded incredible.

To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. This succulent steak was bursting with mouthwatering juices and robust grassy flavors. It was served with nutty porcini mushrooms and soft, garlicky potatoes.

Locanda Cipriani (€€€) – Piazza Santa Fosca, 29, 30142 Torcello VE, Italy – Open every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11:45 am to 3:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:45 am to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, closed every Tuesday.

Bistrot de Venise

Photo credit: Bistrot de Venise

Bistrot de Venise is arguably San Marco‘s most famous eatery. It’s close to both Piazza San Marco and Campo Manin and is easy to find due to its red-toned lighting and interiors.

Inside, there’s a calm, understated vibe, and the main dining area is filled with candlelit corners and swanky leather seating. The patio was just as stylish but a little livelier, which I preferred.

Before I got to the food menu, I was taken aback by the wine selection, which could rival any wine bar or cicchetti hotspot! I was slightly overwhelmed by the range of regional and European wines, but the sommelier took the reins and selected a pinot grigio to complement the smoked eel I chose.

Both the food and wine were divine, with the wine’s citrus and honey notes adding some zest to the eel’s intense, savory flavors. With the addition of floral but pungent laurel and sweet polenta, this dish boasted a diverse but irresistible flavor palette.

Bistrot de Venise (€€€€) – Calle dei Fabbri, 4685, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Conclusion

Those hoping to plan an unforgettable date night in the City of Canals have to check out these spots, which I think are easily the most romantic restaurants in Venice, Italy. Prepare to feast on delectable Venetian cuisine while soaking up staggering views and atmospheric settings.