Fantastico! The Best Dishes in Venice

You must be thinking that I like to talk about food. I do! And not only because I enjoy tasting new things, but because there is usually a story that goes along with the dish. While watching the late Anthony Bourdain and Philip Rosenthal travel the world trying everything under the sun, you learn little tidbits about a country's history or a family's journey with each bite. Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying by Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

Italy is abundant in eclectic dishes. No matter where you choose to go throughout the country, you'll get an entirely new dining experience, which is the premise to Stanley Tucci's journey. Each region has its own regional specialties. I watched Mr. Tucci eat buffalo mozzarella in Campagnia, parmigiano and mortadella in Emilia-Romana, and Bitto Storico Ribelle (a rare cheese) in the Lombardy region. I am still waiting to see his episode on Venice! Why Venice? Let's take a look.

Dishes That Are Unique to Venice

Of course, upon visiting Venice, you must try some of their most authentic, delicious dishes. So, in case you’re not sure where to begin, here is a list of the most popular delights.

Spaghetti in Nero di Seppia

This charcoal-colored pasta-looking dish is pieces of squid slow-cooked in tomato sauce. The charcoal color comes from the ink of the squid, which is added after the preparation is complete.

Sarde in Saor

Over a reduced flame, onions are cooked until they become transparent and fragrant. Pine nuts, raisins, and lastly, sardines are then mixed in with the onions to create this delightfully tasty dish.

Fritto Misto

This divine dish is simply shrimp, fishballs, and calamari, all breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Although many restaurants serve this dish, they all add their own flavors, bread topping, and touches, so don't hesitate to try them all!

Baccala Mantecato

For hours, dried codfish is cooked until the bone is nearly dissolved. It is them creamed with oil to the most impeccable consistency. This makes a great late-night spread for bread and is even better paired with some Venetian wine.

Bigoli in salsa

Onions, anchovies, and fennel seeds are added to the sauce of this magnificent Venetian whole wheat pasta dish. This is one of Venice’s signature cuisines and a must-try!

Frittelle

Overfilled with cream or raisins and candied orange peel, and dipped in sugar, these delectable doughnuts are the perfect mid-day treat.

Tramezzino

This snack entails using pieces of bread in the shape of a triangle and filling them with all sorts of delicious foods such as cheese, tomatoes, artichoke, olives, and more. The options are endless!

Moeche Fritte

These small crabs are breaded and fried whole without the shell. You will find this delicacy served at many fancy Venetian restaurants.

Fegato Alla Veneziana

This dish is a Venetian past-time. In fact, it's a past-time for many cultures. It is liver fried up and laid over a bed of slow-cooked onions.

Castraure

These vibrant colored violet artichokes are picked prematurely then boiled. You won’t even have to peel it, take a bite, and enjoy!

While the sites and history of Venice are what draw most people to the city, the food is certainly worth traveling for! Are you ready to indulge in some authentic and mouth-watering Italian cuisine? Let me prepare your itinerary, including restaurant recommendations and reservations.