Dinners in Venice

What better way to spend an evening in the ‘floating city’ than by enjoying a delicious meal in a local restaurant alongside your travel companions? When it comes to dinners in Venice, you have dozens of fantastic dining options available to you — just make sure you book in advance!

No matter what sort of dining experience you’re after, you’ll certainly find it in Venice. The city is filled with everything from quaint canal-side pizzerias to 5-star fine dining restaurants and everything in between!

Here's everything you need to know about Venetian dinners, one of the most timeless gastronomic experiences in Venice.

What are the best dinners in Venice?

Galleon dinner cruise on the Venetian Lagoon

Be welcomed aboard a traditional Venetian Galleon and discover the peace and quiet of Venice’s lagoon with this unforgettable dining experience. Admire the city from a completely new perspective as you indulge in a gourmet meal paired with local wine.

Start at the Museo Navale, where you’ll meet your host and be escorted to your reserved table aboard the majestic boat. Enjoy a glass of prosecco upon arrival as you wait for your starters to be served by the crew.

When you book your table, you’ll get to choose between the central deck, the prow or the stern — each of which comes with its own charms. You’ll sail toward Burano, Murano and Vignole and get to see picturesque views of the islands before you head back to Venice.

Hard Rock Café with set dinner in Venice

With well over 100 restaurants around the world, the Hard Rock Café is always a popular destination and makes for an enjoyable dining experience. Book your Hard Rock Café dinner in advance to enjoy priority access and skip the line.

You’ll be able to choose between two delicious menu options, namely the Gold Menu or the Diamond Menu. While the food is not typically Italian, Hard Rock Café is known for the high quality of its dishes and its talented chefs.

In addition to your delicious meal, you’ll get to enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of Venice’s Hard Rock Café, browse the iconic rock ‘n roll memorabilia and shop for souvenirs. Best of all, tables on the mezzanine level offer incredible views over the canal.

Four-course food and wine pairing in Venice

Gain an introduction to the iconic flavors of Venice as you sit back, relax and enjoy an elegant four-course dinner. Your dining experience takes place at one of Venice’s top-rated restaurants conveniently located in the heart of the city.

Each course will be paired with a local wine, and a professional sommelier will be there to offer advice and provide further information about the wines. For each course, you’ll be presented with two different options to choose from.

Whichever options you end up choosing, you can rest assured that you’ll be treated to some of the best food available in Venice! If you're craving another course of something sweet, consider booking a chocolate tasting to end the evening.

Cabaret dinner show in Venice

Feast on the finest Italian cuisine as you’re enchanted by the talented performers of the cabaret show. The variety show is made up of a number of international acts, ensuring that you’ll never be bored while sipping on wine and enjoying your gala dinner.

As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary drink in the foyer, where you’ll have some time to admire the Baroque architecture before making your way to the hall and taking your seat.

While enjoying the 3-hour show, you’ll be served four delicious courses alongside wine, coffee and water. If you're hungry for more shows, there are also classical music concerts and traveling opera shows to check out in Venice.

Are there any dinner combos in Venice?

Gondola ride and romantic dinner in Venice

There are few activities as typically Venetian as going for a gondola ride through the city’s famous canals. Pair a romantic dinner at a canal-side restaurant with a ride in an authentic wooden gondola to make for an evening you’ll never forget.

Pasta-making class with dinner in Venice

Learn how to make one of Italy’s most famous dishes from a local chef at a cooking class before you sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Enjoy a rewarding and unique dinner experience in Italy and learn cooking skills and techniques to last a lifetime.

How much do dinners in Venice cost?

No matter how much you are looking to spend, there is a dinner option in Venice to suit your budget. One of the most affordable options available is the set dinner at the Hard Rock Café, which costs just €30 per person for a two or three-course meal.

Basic two-course dinners at local restaurants typically cost around €70 per person, while cabaret dinner shows and galleon dinner cruises cost closer to €100 per person for these unique experiences.

Comprehensive four-course dinners, complete with wine pairings, usually cost around €180 per person and take place in Venice’s top-rated restaurants.

What do they include?

When you book a dinner in Venice, the cost of multiple courses as well as a drink or two is usually included in the cost. However, some dinners do not include drinks, and this may be an expense that is added to your bill at the end of the night.

Gratuities are also not usually included, so you may want to carry a little extra cash for tipping your waiter at the end of the evening.

Where can I get dinner in Venice?

Dinners in Venice usually take place at top-rated restaurants in the city, although there are dinners that take place in local homes as well as theaters and even on boats!

For example, if you choose to book the galleon dinner experience, you’ll have to meet your host at the Museo Navale. In most cases, hotel transfers are not included in your dinner experience, so you’ll have to make your own way to stipulated meeting points.

Make sure that you know how to get to your dinner’s location and arrive 5 minutes ahead of time so that you do not keep anyone waiting. If you are late, you could miss out on a part of your experience.

How long do they last?

Dinner experiences in Venice typically last anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the type of experience you book. Dinners that include a cabaret show or a gondola ride are usually at least an hour longer than a basic dinner experience.

Keep in mind that dinner in Venice usually takes place roughly between 8 PM and 10 PM, which is quite a lot later than in places like the UK. For this reason, you may want to have a late lunch to see you through to dinnertime. You could also keep your belly from growling by having some Venetian tapas called cicchetti or visiting the Rialto Market.

When is the best time to plan a dinner experience in Venice?

The best time for a dinner experience in Venice is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to September. These months offer pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying outdoor dining along the canals. Evenings are particularly magical, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Opt for a dinner around sunset to witness the city's enchanting transition from day to night, enhancing the overall culinary and scenic experience.

Travel tips

• Especially for popular or high-end restaurants, make reservations to ensure a table, particularly for dinner.
• During high water ("acqua alta") seasons, some restaurants may be less accessible. Check forecasts and plan accordingly.
• Some high-end restaurants might have a dress code, so it’s wise to check in advance and dress accordingly.
• Venice is renowned for its seafood, so try local specialties like "sarde in saor" (sweet and sour sardines), "risi e bisi" (rice and peas), and "fegato alla veneziana" (Venetian-style liver).
• Pair your meal with a local Venetian or Veneto wine, such as Prosecco or a Valpolicella.
• Don’t rush your meal. Enjoy the food, ambiance, and company, embracing the Italian dining culture.