Romantic Restaurants Venice: 7 Spots for Dreamy Dining

With its iconic Gondola rides, narrow winding streets, and magical atmosphere, Venice is the perfect romantic getaway for an anniversary, marriage proposal, honeymoon, or simply to celebrate love. And a dinner in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the canals with your special someone is the icing on the cake.

Read along for our favorite romantic restaurants in Venice.

gondolas in canal romantic restaurants venice
Is there a more romantic place to eat dinner than in Venice? Photo credit: Trey Ratcliff

Your guide to Romantic restaurants Venice

Ai Barbacani

This is an intimate, warm, and emblematic restaurant in Venice. When you think about how you want your romantic occasion to be, Ai Barbacani fits the bill. It has the perfect location among the narrow streets of the city and overlooks one of the canals. This charming restaurant also has some of the best traditional Venetian dishes. 

Spaghetti carbonara served on a white plate with a stemless glass of red wine in the background
Ai Barbacani is named after barbacani shelves that come out of the wall structure to allow the houses on the upper floors to be larger than those on the ground floor.

Club del Doge Terraza

Club del Doge Terraza is one of those pleasures that anyone who enjoys good cuisine and a sophisticated atmosphere would appreciate. The Club del Doge is located along the Grand Canal and offers a unique and romantic environment, combined with top-notch food. Dining here is more than a pleasure; it is an experience. 

large church over water
The terrese at Club del Doge Terraza overlooks St. Mark’s Basilica. Photo credit: Wolfgang

Terrazza Sommariva

With a spectacular view of one of Venice’s quintessential monuments, the Rialto Bridge, Terrazza Sommariva offers fresh and innovative cuisine without losing its traditional roots. With its beautifully decorated terrace, warm atmosphere, and welcoming service this restaurant provides an unforgettable romantic meal.

shellfish and pasta in white plate
Terrazza Sommariva is located near the open-air market of Rialto, from which they procure the freshest seafood. Photo credit: Alex Favali

La Zucca

La Zucca is a small restaurant located in Piazza San Giacomo. Its warm wood-paneled walls give it an informal vibe but with enough personality to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Venice. Its gastronomic offer is not based on typical Italian food but rather on the extraordinary ingenuity of the chef. Although it is not a vegetarian restaurant, the menu offers several veggie-focused dishes, ideal for those looking for a meatless romantic meal. 

Insider’s Tip: for the ultimate romantic experience, you can get to the restaurant by gondola through its small terrace.

Red wine being poured into a glass
La Zucca pairs their delicious dishes with outstanding local wines. Photo credit: Louis Hansel

Porticciolo Restaurant

Carrying the Belmond seal is synonymous with quality, luxury, and elegance. Porticciolo, located inside the Belmond Cipriani hotel, has an intimate and romantic dining space with a gastronomic offering based on fresh local fish and seafood. On its terrace, you can admire a spectacular view of one of the canals, which you can access through a private boat. Just remember that the restaurant is only open for lunch.

fresh raw oysters
Porticciolo is famous for its oyster bar and Crudo dishes. Photo credit: Elle Hughes

Trattoria Al Ponte Del Megio

Trattoria Al Ponte Del Megio (Calle Larga, 1666) is everything a quintessential romantic restaurant in Venice should be: quaint, cute, along a canal. Located right across the bridge from La Zucca, this spot is a great option for aperitivo or dinner in Venice.

people seating at restaurant at night by canal
These romantic restaurants in Venice will give you and your loved one an unforgettable experience. Photo credit: Mark Longair

Terrazza Danieli 

Terrazza Danieli has one of the most romantic atmospheres in Venice. The location is stunning, overlooking the Grand Canal. It’s an elegant, old-world setting with a modern twist that feels right at home in Venice. The food is excellent, and the service is impeccable; it’s clear that they care about providing guests with a truly memorable experience. The menu is seasonal and features local ingredients whenever possible.

Update Notice: This post was updated on March 8, 2024.