Venetian cuisine is a delightful blend of the sea and the land, filled with flavors that evoke the city’s unique history and cultural fusion. Unlike traditional Italian fare, Venice brings its own twist with dishes that reflect its maritime heritage and trade history. If you're visiting or just looking to bring a bit of Venice to your kitchen, here are some must-try dishes.

1. Bigoli in Salsa

Bigoli, a thick whole-wheat pasta similar to spaghetti but rougher in texture, holds onto sauces exceptionally well. This dish features a rich sauce of onions and anchovies, simmered together until they’re velvety and full of flavor. This traditional dish captures the essence of Venice, with its simple yet intense flavors, and is perfect for seafood lovers.

2. Nero di Seppia

Known as “squid ink pasta,” this dish is as visually striking as it is delicious. Squid ink not only gives the pasta a deep, black hue but also adds a briny, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh squid. This is a Venetian classic that’s both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the city’s fishing traditions. Don’t worry about the black ink on your teeth – it’s all part of the experience!

3. Fegato alla Veneziana

This dish is a must for those looking to dive into classic Venetian home cooking. Venetian-style liver pairs thinly sliced veal liver with sweet caramelized onions, white wine, and a touch of vinegar, all served over a creamy polenta. It’s a hearty dish with a beautiful balance of flavors, where the sweetness of the onions tempers the liver’s strong taste. This dish highlights Venice’s ability to turn simple ingredients into something memorable.

4. Sarde in Saor

A favorite among locals, this dish features sardines marinated in a tangy and sweet sauce made from onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins. Sarde in saor originated as a way to preserve fish, and the result is a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness with acidity. Served as an antipasto, it’s an authentic taste of Venice that encapsulates its history as a city of merchants and mariners.

5. Risi e Bisi

This Venetian-style risotto of rice and peas might seem simple, but it’s a comforting dish that showcases local ingredients. Made with fresh spring peas and flavored with pancetta, onions, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, Risi e Bisi is traditionally eaten on April 25th, St. Mark’s Day, but you’ll find it served year-round. The dish is slightly soupy and falls between a risotto and a hearty rice stew, making it unique in both texture and taste.

6. Baccalà Mantecato

Venice takes cod to another level with this whipped salt cod dish. Baccalà Mantecato is made by slow-cooking salt cod until it’s tender and then whipping it into a creamy spread with olive oil. Typically served on toasted polenta or crostini, it’s a light yet flavorful appetizer that captures the essence of Venetian simplicity and elegance.

7. Fritto Misto alla Veneziana

Last but not least, Venetian-style fried seafood is a feast for the senses. Fritto Misto includes a mix of calamari, shrimp, and small fish, lightly battered and fried until crispy. It’s served with a squeeze of lemon, letting the freshness of the seafood shine. You’ll find this dish on many Venetian menus, often served in a paper cone as street food.

Bringing Venice to Your Table

Venetian cuisine might not be as widely known as that of Tuscany or Rome, but its unique flavors are unforgettable. Each dish tells a story of the city’s connection to the sea, its resourcefulness, and its ability to elevate humble ingredients. Whether you’re in Venice or cooking at home, these dishes bring a taste of la Serenissima to your table.