Venice Italy Restaurants

Osteria Anice Stellato is a small Venice treasure—modest in size, immense in character.

From the moment you step inside, you feel it: something rare and genuine. Tucked into the quiet backstreets of Cannaregio, far from the rush of tourist Venice, this intimate osteria is run with palpable passion by its owners, who welcome each guest like a long-lost friend.

What sets Anice Stellato apart—beyond its exceptional cooking—is its unhurried rhythm. The food is thoughtful, seasonal, and inventive, often reimagining Venetian classics with a playful touch. Every plate arrives with obvious pride, served alongside warm conversation and generous pours of local wine. No one rushes you; you’re encouraged to settle in, linger, and savor.

Unsurprisingly, this is a local favorite—and that means tables are hard to come by without booking well ahead. Plan accordingly.

Above all, the kitchen shines through its devotion to freshness. Menus shift daily, shaped by whatever the markets offer that morning, ensuring each dish is as vibrant and pristine as the ingredients themselves.

If you're looking for a classic Venetian dish, then be sure to try the cicchetti, an excellent mix of small, traditional antipasti dishes. The sardines in saor, which is a traditional local dish, are a standout.

For starters, primi piatti in Italian, the seafood risotto is a great choice. It's followed up by the fish of the day, which is always perfectly cooked and fresh. The desserts are also superb, with a traditional twist. The zabaglione is a particular favorite, but if they have tiramisu on the menu, that's what I'm going for. Their tiramisu is the best and tiramisu originates not far from Venice in nearby Treviso.

The wine list is comprehensive, with some of the best wines from the Veneto region. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that it will be eminently drinkable and a great match for your meal.

Of course, quality like this doesn't come cheap, but the prices are fair for what you get. Expect to pay around 100 euros for a three-course meal for two, including a bottle of the excellent house wine. Considering that this is Venice, that's not too bad at all.

The small size of the restaurant means that the staff can give more personalized attention to each guest, making the dining experience feel so much more welcoming.

In addition to the excellent food and service, the location of the restaurant is also a big plus. It's situated away from the crowded tourist areas, right on the edge of the historically fascinating Ghetto area, giving you a chance to explore a less crowded and more authentic part of Venice.