Veneto Food Guide

From the snow-capped Dolomites in the north to the romantic waterways of Venice in the south, fairytale settings epitomise the charming region of Veneto. Its cuisine is equally diverse, from fresh seafood to hearty mountain fare. In summer, vibrant markets and trattorias showcase the region's delicious seasonal produce.

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What to eat, see and do in Veneto

Veneto's picturesque islands, like Burano, are home to long-established fishing communities. This maritime heritage is reflected in the region's cuisine, where fresh seafood is a cornerstone. But Veneto's culinary scene extends beyond the sea. The region's fertile plains produce a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and grains, while its mountains offer opportunities for grazing livestock, leading to delicious charcuterie and dairy products, used in irresistible pasta dishes and desserts.

Taste

Bigoli

Bigoli are a long, thick pasta native to Veneto. Similar to Tuscany's pici, but made with egg.

Duck Ragu

Sugo D'Anatra, or Duck Ragù, is one of the few meat-based dishes enjoyed traditionally in Venice.

Pumpkin

Venetians, like their neighbours in Lombardy, relish zucca, or pumpkin.

Seafood

With a large stretch of Adriatic coastline, it’s little surprise that seafood makes up a large part of the Venetian diet.

Cicchetti

Ciccetti are small, tapas-style bites, usually enjoyed whilst standing, laughing and enjoying a spritz overlooking the canal.

Casunziei

A traditional half-moon shaped pasta, usually stuffed with beetroot and topped with poppy seeds.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic dessert of the region, known internationally for its distinctive, espresso-infused flavour.

Radicchio di Treviso

Radicchio di Treviso is one of the greats of the vegetable world. Bitter and best enjoyed as part of a salad with hints of gorgonzola.

See

Juliet's Balcony

In Verona, Juliet's balcony looks over the town.

Doge's Palace

Built in Venetian Gothic style, Venice's Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) housed the Doge of Venice for centuries.

Rialto Bridge

The Ponte di Rialto, or Rialto Bridge, is one of Venice's most recognisable landmarks, and the oldest bridge of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal, or "Canal Grando" as it's called in Venetian, is Venice's biggest waterway.

Venice Carnival

The historic glamour of Venice is brought to life through beautiful costumes and traditional Venetian masks.

La Fenice

The exquisite La Fenice (or 'The Phoenix'), Venice's Opera House, is so-called after being restored after several fires.

Burano

Burano is one of the several islands making up Venice. It's a riot of brightly coloured fishermen's huts & casual eateries.

Venice Biennale

Venice Biennale is a large arts exhibition that happens every two years.

Learn

The Merchant of Venice

Venice's Jewish Ghetto inspired Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice". Today, few Jews live here, but several synagogues remain.

Gondolas

The gondola, a small rowing boat ubiquitous on Venice's canals, is, by law, black.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a traditional mode of private transport here.

Casanova

Casanova, the notorious adventurer and Lothario, hailed from Venice.

Acqua Alta Library

Lover of books? You'll be enamoured of Venice's Acqua Alta Library, perhaps the world's most original.

Venetian Masks

Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition, typically worn during the Carnival of Venice.

Murano Glass

Venetian glass hails from Murano island, a short distance from the centre of Venice, where it's been made since the 13th century.

Floods

Forced out by flooding and rising costs of living, native Venetians are, sadly, leaving their city.

Discover Venetian delicacies

Craving a little more Italian immersion? Why not bring a taste of Veneto to your kitchen with one of our authentic recipes or treat yourself to a traditional Aperol Spritz, a classic regional aperitivo. Travel vicariously to Veneto with us and discover more about this beautiful region.

Taste of Veneto: Ragù d'Anatra Recipe

Tipple of Veneto: Aperol Spritz Recipe

Taste of Veneto: Seafood Linguine Recipe

A Guide to Venetian Cicchetti

A guide to the wines of Veneto

KEEP TRAVELLING

Don’t stop there – there’s so much more to see! Continue your Italian odyssey and explore other regions below.

Summer Tour of Italy

Winter Tour of Italy

BECOME A PRO PASTAIO

PASTA MAKING KITS

Take your Italian education one step further by learning to make your own pasta at home. Our pasta making kits come complete with specialist tools and flours, and if you’re a complete newbie, don’t worry – we have a range of gift sets that cater for all abilities. Once you’ve perfected the basics, you’ll become a pasta pro in no time!

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