Almost every tourist will spend a large amount of their budget on eating out in Venice. The restaurants and bars that are only frequented by tourists are generally also the most expensive ones, but that doesn't mean the food quality is high.

Venice has a reputation for being expensive, but the cost of food depends heavily on your "dining strategy." If you eat at a restaurant directly on St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) or overlooking the Grand Canal, you will likely encounter the infamous "tourist tax," where a simple coffee can cost €15 and dinner for two can easily exceed €200. However, savvy travelers in 2026 utilize the "Cicchetti" culture. Cicchetti are small, Venetian tapas-style snacks (like crostini with creamed cod) served in local wine bars called bacari. These typically cost between €1.50 and €3.00 each. By wandering into the quieter residential districts of Cannaregio or Castello, you can find authentic trattorias where a three-course meal with house wine costs around €35–€50 per person. Always check for a coperto (cover charge) on the menu, and avoid places with "tourist menus" featuring photos of food. While Venice is more expensive than southern Italy, it is comparable to London or Paris if you avoid the primary landmarks and eat where the locals do.