A Restaurant in Venice | What Should You Not Do?

• Don’t Just Sit at Any Table
• Not Tipping in Venice
• Don’t Expect Free Tap Water
• Avoid the “Tourist Menu”
• Don’t Eat Too Close to Major Landmarks
• Don’t Rush Your Meal
• Don’t Make Too Many Changes to the Menu
• Don’t Use a Fork for Pizza
• Don’t Skip the Seafood
• Special Tips for Tourists

Venice is a magical city known for its canals, stunning architecture, and rich history. But when it comes to dining, it’s important to know a few things about local customs to ensure you have the best possible experience. Here, I’ll guide you on what you shouldn’t do in a restaurant in Venice.

Don’t Just Sit at Any Table

The most common mistake tourists make is taking an empty table outside without asking, which is considered rude, especially in Venice. The first thing you should do is greet the staff by saying “Hi,” “Hello,” or, in Italian, “buongiorno” (Good Morning) or “Buona sera” (Good Evening). They will then ask what you need or show you to your table. In Venice, space is limited, so two people shouldn’t take a table meant for four. If a waiter doesn’t seat you at a larger table, it’s because of space restrictions.

Many tourists get offended when the waiter seats them at a table they don’t want or doesn’t offer a large table meant for more people.

Not Tipping in Venice

In Venice, tipping is not an absolute requirement as it might be in some other countries, but there’s an unspoken expectation that tourists should leave a little extra for good service. The Italian culture, in general, doesn’t have strict tipping rules, and service charges are often included in the bill. However, especially in touristy places like Venice, waiters tend to expect a small gesture of appreciation in the form of a tip.

When dining in Venice, it’s common to find a “coperto” (cover charge) or “servizio” (service charge) already added to your bill. This usually covers the basics like bread and setting the table. While this fee is considered part of the service, it doesn’t necessarily go to the waiter as a personal tip. Because of this, if you feel that your waiter has provided excellent service, it’s a nice gesture to leave something extra.

Typically, a tip of 10/15% is considered generous in Venice. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, but even leaving a few euros shows that you recognize the effort. Waiters in Venice often go out of their way to make sure tourists are comfortable and satisfied, offering recommendations, explaining the menu in English, or even sharing local insights about the city. They do this to ensure that you have a memorable dining experience.

Remember, tipping is always up to your discretion. It’s not something that will get you into trouble if you don’t do it, but if you’ve enjoyed your meal and the service, a small tip can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

Don’t Expect Free Tap Water

When you eat at restaurants in Venice, don’t expect to get free tap water. Unlike in some countries where free water is common, most restaurants in Venice serve only bottled water.

If you ask for water, the waiter will bring you a bottle, either still or sparkling. This will be added to your bill. Many restaurants prefer bottled water because it looks nicer and helps them earn some extra money.

The price of bottled water in Venice can range from about €2 to €5, depending on where you eat. This might not seem like much, but it can add up if you’re dining with family or friends.

Venice has safe tap water, and you can find public fountains around the city where you can fill your water bottle for free. This is a great way to save money. However, inside restaurants, the norm is to serve bottled water. If you ask for tap water, it might confuse the staff.

For those who want to save, consider bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at the public fountains. This way, you can drink for free while exploring the city. Just remember, when dining out in Venice, be ready to pay for your water!

Avoid the “Tourist Menu”

When visiting Venice, it’s important to be cautious about the “Tourist Menu.” Many restaurants offer these special menus that cater to visitors, but they often have downsides.

The “Tourist Menu” usually has a fixed price and includes a few basic dishes like pasta, pizza, and dessert. While it might seem like a good deal, the quality of the food can be disappointing.

Many times, these meals are not made with fresh ingredients, and they don’t represent the true flavors of Venetian cuisine.

Restaurants that rely heavily on tourist menus often focus more on getting customers in and out quickly rather than providing a memorable dining experience. This means you may not get the same level of service or attention that you would in a restaurant that prioritizes quality and authentic food.

Instead of choosing a “Tourist Menu,” it’s better to explore the local restaurants. Look for places where locals eat, as they often have more authentic dishes and better-quality ingredients. You can also ask locals for recommendations or check online reviews to find restaurants that serve traditional Venetian cuisine.

Don’t Eat Too Close to Major Landmarks

If you want to save money while traveling in Venice, it’s best to avoid eating near popular tourist spots like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Restaurants in these areas often charge higher prices because they cater to tourists.

In tourist-heavy locations, you may find menus with inflated prices and smaller portion sizes. While the views may be beautiful, the food quality might not be worth the extra cost. You could end up paying a lot for a simple meal, which can quickly add up.

To save money, try exploring the side streets and neighborhoods away from the main attractions. These places often have local eateries where you can enjoy authentic Venetian dishes at much more reasonable prices. Not only will you find better food, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture.

Look for small trattorias or osterias where locals dine. They often offer daily specials or homemade meals that are both delicious and affordable. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on where to eat; they can guide you to hidden gems that won’t break the bank.

By venturing away from the main tourist spots, you can enjoy a more authentic dining experience and save money, allowing you to spend more on other activities during your trip!

Don’t Rush Your Meal

In Venice, it’s common to see tourists asking for the bill while there’s still food left on their plates. However, this habit doesn’t match how people eat in Venice and can seem rude.

In Italy, meals are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. After finishing your main course, it’s typical for the waiter to come by and clear your plates, often asking if you’d like dessert or coffee. This moment is part of the experience, allowing you to savor the meal and decide if you want to continue with something sweet or a nice espresso.

If you’re finished and don’t want any more food or drink, it’s best to wait until the waiter checks on you. Then, you can politely ask for the bill. This approach shows respect for the dining experience and the staff, making your meal more enjoyable.

Rushing to get the bill can disrupt the flow of the meal and might even give the impression that you’re not enjoying the experience. So, take your time, relax, and enjoy your food. When you’re ready to leave, simply ask for the bill in a friendly manner. This will help you blend into the local culture and truly appreciate your dining experience in Venice.

Don’t Make Too Many Changes to the Menu

When dining in Venice, it’s best to avoid making too many changes to your meal when ordering. Italian chefs take pride in their dishes, and they often create them with specific ingredients and flavors in mind. Changing too much can alter the dish significantly and may not result in the best dining experience.

Many restaurants in Venice offer traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. These recipes highlight the unique flavors of local ingredients, and when you start asking for many changes, it can be seen as disrespectful to the chef’s work.

For example, if you order a pasta dish that comes with a specific sauce and vegetables, asking to change the sauce or remove certain ingredients can change the whole taste. Instead, it’s better to try the dish as it is. You might discover new flavors that you enjoy!

It’s important to embrace the local food culture and enjoy the cuisine the way it’s meant to be experienced. Each region in Italy has its own unique flavors and traditional dishes, so expecting the same tastes as you have back home isn’t fair.

Instead of comparing the food to what you know from your country, allow yourself to appreciate the uniqueness of Venetian dishes. For example, you might find that the pasta is cooked differently, or the sauces have ingredients you’ve never tried before. This variety is what makes dining in Venice special.

So, when in Venice, embrace the menu and enjoy the wonderful dishes just as the chefs designed them!

Don’t Use a Fork for Pizza

When you’re in Venice and enjoying a delicious slice of pizza, remember to avoid using a fork! In Italy, it’s customary to eat pizza with your hands, and this tradition adds to the experience of enjoying this popular dish.

Eating pizza with your hands allows you to appreciate the crust’s texture and the toppings’ flavors fully. Italians often pick up a slice, fold it slightly, and take a big bite. This is the way pizza was meant to be enjoyed!

Using a fork can be seen as unusual or even a bit rude, as it suggests that you don’t fully appreciate the way the dish is served. While it may be tempting to cut your pizza with a fork, especially if it’s loaded with toppings, try to resist the urge.

If you’re worried about getting messy, don’t be! Eating pizza with your hands is part of the fun. Just grab a napkin, and enjoy the deliciousness of your pizza without worrying about utensils.

So, when you find yourself in a pizzeria in Venice, remember: embrace the local customs and eat your pizza the Italian way—handheld and full of flavor!

Don’t Skip the Seafood

When you’re in Venice, don’t miss out on the incredible seafood! The city is surrounded by water, which means it has access to some of the freshest seafood in Italy. From fish to shellfish, Venetian cuisine offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes that you simply can’t ignore.

Venice is famous for its seafood, and you’ll find it featured in many traditional recipes. Try dishes like “Spaghetti alle Vongole” (spaghetti with clams) or “Sarde in Saor” (sweet and sour sardines). These dishes highlight the natural flavors of the seafood and often use simple, fresh ingredients that enhance the taste.

Venice is surrounded by water, so it’s no surprise that seafood plays a big role in the local cuisine. Dishes like Risotto al Nero di Seppia (squid ink risotto) and Baccalà Mantecato (creamed cod) are local specialties that you won’t want to miss. If you’re unsure what to try, just ask the waiter for recommendations on the freshest catch of the day.

Special Tips for Tourists

When dining in Venice, it’s important to respect the local customs regarding food, especially when it comes to certain dishes. For example, if you order seafood spaghetti, don’t ask for cheese to be added. In Italian cuisine, cheese and seafood are not typically paired together, and asking for it can be seen as a misunderstanding of the traditional dish.

Similarly, if you order pizza, avoid asking for ketchup or mayonnaise as condiments. Italians take pride in their pizza, and adding these sauces can be considered disrespectful to the chef’s creation. Pizza in Italy is meant to be enjoyed as it is, with the perfect balance of flavors from the sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Venice offers an incredible variety of food, and knowing a few of these tips can help make your dining experience more authentic and enjoyable. Take your time, avoid the tourist traps, and savor the wonderful flavors of this unique city. Following these simple guidelines will ensure that your meals in Venice are as memorable as the city itself!