Dorsoduro Restaurants: Venice’s Best Kept Culinary Secrets

Discover the culinary treasures of the restaurants in Dorsoduro Venice. From seafood delights to vegetarian options, explore the best restaurants and savor authentic Venetian food.

When you’re in Dorsoduro, you’re in for a treat. 

This area is famous for its restaurants that offer a taste of true Venetian cuisine. From cozy eateries tucked away in narrow lanes to bustling spots by the grand canal itself, Dorsoduro has something for every food lover.

The best part is that there are no tourist traps concentrated in this area, so finding an authentic restaurant with good food and honest prices is very easy.

If you’re looking for a great restaurant to experience the flavors of Venice, Dorsoduro is the place to be.

My Top Picks for Best Restaurants in Dorsoduro

Osteria al Squero

In the heart of Venice’s Dorsoduro district, just a brief stroll from the Accademia bridge, you’ll find the delightful Osteria al Squero. Not only is this spot a stone’s throw from prime gondola ride boarding points, but it also offers a unique view of the gondola workshop.

As you savor their ever-changing cicchetti menu, you can enjoy seasonal delights like honey-drizzled gorgonzola crostini, roasted squash bites, and the classic bacala mantecato.

It’s a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Pizzeria al Profeta

I generally stay away from pizza in Venice as it is hard to find a good pie there. I always make an exception for al Profeta, however, since it serves up delicious and authentic pizza. Stand out options are the 4 Seasons (Quattro Stagioni), the Four Cheese (Quattro Formaggi), and the Tuna with Onions (Tonno e Cipolla).

It isn’t just pizza on the menu here. Come also for the meat dishes such as venison with porcini mushrooms. Pasta is also served and are a great option if you are not looking for main courses after since the portions are very generous.

Unlike many eateries that cater predominantly to tourists, this is a place where Venetian locals themselves dine. On one particularly rainy evening, the restaurant buzzed with the chatter of local workers and tourists alike, a testament to its genuine appeal.

The restaurant located on the beautiful cobbled street called Calle Lunga San Barnaba boasts a serene garden area, which, even in the midst of Venice’s hustle and bustle, offers a tranquil oasis. 

Casin Dei Nobili

Nestled near the iconic Campo San Barnaba and the esteemed Galleria dell’Accademia, this restaurant is a delightful fusion of Roman and Venetian culinary traditions, thanks to its talented Roman chef.

The menu, ever-evolving with the seasons, offers diners a unique opportunity to savor dishes that blend the rich flavors of both cities.

One of the standout features of Casin dei Nobili is its terrace. Perfectly designed to offer a break from the summer’s heat, it provides a shady ambiance that invites guests to relax and indulge.

The wine list is pretty good, catering to both casual sippers and connoisseurs. Guests have the option to enjoy house wine either by the carafe or bottle, ensuring flexibility to suit any occasion. While one might find the prices leaning towards the higher side, it’s essential to consider the holistic dining experience.

The impeccable service, combined with the restaurant’s unmatched atmosphere and prime location, justifies every penny spent. In essence, this restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Roman and Venetian flavors, all set in a backdrop that exudes Venetian charm.

Lineadombra

Lineadombra stands as one of Dorsoduro’s most refined restaurants. Its elegant terrace offers amazing views of iconic Palladian churches of the Redentore and San Giorgio Maggiore, while the modern interiors, characterized by wooden ceilings and minimalist decor, exude sophistication. The wine selection is impeccable, and the seafood dishes are celebrated as among Venice’s finest. 

Rest assured that the quality of the food and the imagination of the chef equal the views. Dishes such as homemade fusilli with squid ink, calamari, clams, fennel and yellow tomato for a primo are a standout right now. And, for main courses, take a look at the baked veal chop with pistachio cream, served with potato pie and honey mustard mousse.

It’s located toward the eastern end of the district near the Punta della Dogana with a view of the Giudecca canal and Giudecca island. After a few hours of walking around the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, you are a stone’s throw away from a great place to unwind with some fantastic food and wine.

Prices are quite high, but not over the top. 

Impronta

Getting a breakfast in Italy that is not a shot of espresso followed by a sweet croissant is very difficult. Impronta Caffè is a breath of fresh air in that regard because they have a wonderful breakfast where they serve things like scrambled eggs with local cheeses and prosciutto and a wide range of teas alongside coffee.

Aside from the delicious breakfast they also serve homemade pasta such as sweet potato gnocchi with duck ragù and spaghetti carbonara with seafood. 

They also make it a point to have at least one vegetarian option for every course. 

Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

In the heart of Dorsoduro Venice lies Enoteca Ai Artisti, a testament to simplicity and authenticity. This cherished tavern, which opens its doors early for breakfast, offers food anytime of day from finger food like cicchetti to more substantial meals for lunch and dinner. 

The chef sources fresh meat, fish, and vegetables daily from the iconic Rialto market. She masterfully blends local Venetian cuisine with the rich traditions of Campania and Trentino. Each dish, marked by freshness and genuine creativity, promises a culinary delight. The wine cellar boasts an impressive range, from rare gems to renowned Italian labels.

Seating inside is limited, adding to its intimate charm. Reservations are recommended, not just for a guaranteed spot, but for the unique experience of dining close to the counter. For those who prefer the outdoors, a quaint seating area awaits by the Rio della Toletta, especially serene during the warmer months.

Salus Grill

Seafood is obviously going to be prominent cuisine on an island city. However, when you’re sick of eating it or prefer meat there is the Salus Grill. 

They specialize in grilled meats of all kinds, from the classic Florentine T-Bone to grilled duck breast. 

There are plenty of pasta options and antipasti to meet every taste making it so there is something for everybody. 

With a location in the Campo Santa Margherita across from some of the best gelato in Venice, the Gelateria il Doge, you can take a nice break from sightseeing with a great meal and ice cream after. 

Al Bottegon Cantine Vino già Schiavi

Located along a tranquil canal-side path, it offers a slice of Venice that seems untouched since the 1950’s, ensuring a genuine dining experience. The interior boasts rustic brick walls adorned with vintage Italian relics and shelves lined with aged wine bottles.

Originally a wine cellar and store, Al Bottegon (Note that the signs says Vino già Schiavi and not Al Bottegon) boasts an impressive wine list. Skip the usual spritz and instead savor the daily wine recommendation from the owner. The selection includes rare Italian wines, often overlooked in contemporary eateries.

Cicchetti are the real star here where you have options such as grilled octopus, olive ascolane (mince stuffed olives) and so much more. 

Bacaro dai Fioi

If you’re looking for a cozy and warm spot for a bite to eat that is also welcoming for dogs, you need to make your way to Bacaro dai Fioi. It’s conveniently located on the Calle Lunga San Barnaba, and of all the restaurants in Dorsoduro Venice it feels the most like a peaceful oasis far from the crush of tourists. 

The outdoor patio seating is cozy and inviting, but inside the brick walls ooze charm and warmth. 

They specialize in cicchetti as most of the places on this list also do, but they feature plenty of dishes for a meal for lunch or dinner as well. For instance, they are famous for their beef tartar and small sandwiches. 

This is the ideal location for a mid afternoon Spritz when you want to take a break from walking and sightseeing along with some light snacks and people watching. You’ll find good prices also since the sandwiches are decently sized and only cost 1.50 euro with glasses of wine costing the same.

Ristorante Oniga

Down home cooking like a Venetian nonna makes is the highlight of this restaurant located in the heart of Dorsoduro Venice. Inside the decor and ambiance feels like a throwback to the simple yet cozy trattorias that could be found all over Italy.

The menu features whatever is in season at the moment so make sure to take advantage. They are famous for one pasta in particular that was invented there decades ago. It’s called the Bucintoro and is made with fresh, homemade spaghetti with mussels, clams, scallops, and shrimp fished straight out of the lagoon and redolent with a bright tomato sauce.

It’s finished with a glass of sweet Friulian wine alongside Venetian biscotti. Not to be missed if you are looking for one of the best seafood pasta dishes in all of Venice. 

Wrapping it Up

These restaurants in Dorsoduro Venice are a culinary treasure trove, offering both locals and travelers a genuine taste of Venetian gastronomy. From timeless bacari that echo the charm of yesteryears to modern eateries that blend tradition with innovation, Dorsoduro Venice promises a dining experience like no other.

Whether you’re savoring cicchetti by a serene canal, indulging in seafood dishes that celebrate Venice’s maritime heritage, or exploring wine cellars brimming with Italian gems, every meal here is a journey into the soul of Venetian culture.

As the sun sets over the city’s iconic waterways, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Venice than by dining in the enchanting district of Dorsoduro Venice.