Visiting Italy comes hand in hand with indulging in the local cuisine and its abundance of eclectic dishes. No matter where you choose to go throughout the country, you'll get an entirely new dining experience. For instance, when you head towards the lagoon, you'll get to enjoy Venetian cuisine. If you head towards the shores of the Adriatic Sea, you'll get to experience traditional seafood dishes.
Dishes That Are Unique to Venice
Of course, upon visiting Venice, you must try some of their most authentic, delicious dishes. There are restaurants and trattorias on every corner of the city that offer a local cuisine menu. In case you're not sure where to begin, here is a list of the most popular delights for you to try.
Spaghetti in Nero di Seppia
This charcoal-colored pasta-looking dish is pieces of squid slow-cooked in tomato sauce. The charcoal color comes from the squid's ink, which is added after the preparation is complete.
Sarde in Saor
Over a reduced flame, onions are cooked until they become transparent and fragrant. Pine nuts, raisins, and lastly sardines are then mixed in with the onions to create this delightfully tasty dish.
Piedmont (Italy)
This divine dish is simply shrimp, fishballs, and calamari, all breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Although many restaurants serve this dish, they all add their own flavors, bread topping, and touches, so don't hesitate to try them all!
TAKE A WINE RIVER CRUISE
Whether you are a wine novice or an oenophile with your own wine cellar, board one of hundreds of river cruises dedicated to Europe's most celebrated wine regions. These wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.
Baccala Mantecato
For hours, dried codfish is cooked until the bone is nearly dissolved. It is then creamed with oil to the most impeccable consistency. This makes a great late-night spread for bread and is even better paired with some Venetian wine.
Bigoli in salsa
Onions, anchovies, and fennel seeds are added to the sauce of this magnificent Venetian whole wheat pasta dish. This is one of Venice's signature cuisines and a must-try!
Frittelle
Overfilled with cream or raisins and candied orange peel and dipped in sugar, these delectable doughnuts are the perfect mid-day treat.
Tramezzino
This snack entails using pieces of bread in the shape of a triangle and filling them with all sorts of delicious foods such as cheese, tomatoes, artichoke, olives, and more. The options are endless!
Moeche Fritte
These small crabs are breaded and fried whole without the shell. You will find this delicacy served at many fancy Venetian restaurants.
Fegato Alla Veneziana
This dish is a Venetian past-time. In fact, it's a past-time for many cultures. It is liver fried up and laid over a bed of slow-cooked onions.
Castraure
These vibrant-colored violet artichokes are picked prematurely then boiled. So you won't even have to peel it, take a bite, and enjoy!
While the sites and history of Venice are what draw most people to the city, the food is certainly worth traveling for!
Every part of Italy has its own popular meals and ways of preparing local dishes, and Venice is no exception. Whether you are a gourmet traveler looking for a unique experience or a visitor who just wants to try something authentic, the Venetian trattorias will be easier to navigate if you know what you can look for.
If you need help preparing the trip and designing an itinerary that will fit all your family members, reach out to me today! With years of experience as a European travel specialist, I have tips that will make your vacation stress-free.