Everyone says Venice is expensive, but that’s not my experience, at least not for eating and drinking. My top tip for enjoying one of my favourite cities at a good price is to go in winter or early spring, when there are fewer tourists.
It’s also worth taking a few days to explore Verona and Venice’s neighbouring provinces in the wider Veneto region before heading to the lagoon. Once there, stay in the best hotel you can afford – ideally on the Grand Canal – then eat in the simplest, out-of-the-way, holes-in-the-wall you can find (often in Cannaregio at the back of the island where many real Venetians live). These osterie and trattorie are everywhere – and visiting traditional Venetian bàcari (bars) to feast on cicchetti is another smart way to find Venice’s best cheap eats. Here are a few of my favourite cheap eats in Venice along with a couple of not-to-be-missed experiences that cost a little more but are still worth every euro.
Al Mercà San Polo
A favourite with locals for a cheap breakfast or lunch near Rialto Market, Al Mercà is built around two things: tiny stuffed panini and polpette (meatballs). The panini come simply filled – prosciutto, soppressa, gorgonzola, or meltingly sweet lardo – while polpette varieties include meat, tuna or eggplant, at around €1.50 each. There’s no seating, so nab the wine barrel outside and eat standing, Rialto-market-style, for just a few euros all up.
Trattoria da’a Marisa Cannaregio
Opened in the mid-60s by Maria Luisa ‘Marisa’ Bertolini, Trattoria da’a Marisa is a Cannaregio institution where local workers go for a lunch of traditional home-style Venetian cooking. This tiny out-of-the-way spot simply serves a pasta and secondo from a limited spoken menu with carafes of house white or red wine and a coffee to finish. A true Venetian cheap eat that’s great value and an authentic experience.
Vini da Gigio Cannaregio
Several adjoining rooms with ancient-looking walls, packed with locals every night, this family-run restaurant is slightly more formal (so dearer) than the local bars and osterie, yet very friendly and excellent value. The crudo (raw seafood), razor clams and other dishes inspired by the lagoon’s harvest is some of the best-value seafood you’ll have in Venice. Explore their wonderful wine list too.
Bar Ducale San Marco
On my first visit to Venice, I asked the hotel concierge where he goes for coffee, not where he sends the tourists. He pointed me around the corner to Bar Ducale. I’ve been coming back ever since, leaning on the small outside counter for a canal-side panino, mozzarella in carrozza or folded pizzetta, paired with a glass of local wine for a tiny fraction of what I’d pay sitting down in nearby Piazza San Marco.
Pietra Rossa Castello
Fa’ ti is Venetian dialect for ‘it’s up to you’ or ‘I’ll leave it to you’ – it’s also the name of the great value 3-course set menu at this welcoming restaurant a short walk from Piazza San Marco. The ever-changing wine list has a firm focus on natural wines, they’ll open any bottle for two glasses and their wines by the glass start at €5. They host regular wine tastings too.
Updated 21 Jul 2026
