Looking for the best New Year's Eve restaurants in Venice 2025 / 2026?
Hey travelers, welcome to this guide from Venice Insider Guide - we're stoked to share our insider knowledge on the best places to eat out in Venice for New Year's Eve.
When you start looking for the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve, you'll quickly realize that the whole city takes on an otherworldly atmosphere on the last night of the year. This is our guide to help you navigate the Venice that comes alive on NYE.
If you're planning New Year's Eve in Venice, get ready for the ultimate show: the city becomes a twinkling spectacle where art, food, and tradition all come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration. And for this special night, what you eat really does make a difference.
In this comprehensive guide - geared towards travelers from all over the world - you'll discover everything you need to know for a memorable New Year's Eve in Venice, with a focus on our top picks for the top restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve. Expect sophisticated menus, cozy dining rooms, authentic local dishes and practical tips for a perfect celebration.
Let's get started with this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
Restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve: things you should know
When searching for the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve, understanding the local dining culture will make all the difference.
On December 31, Venice becomes a celebratory feast, where local traditions, seasonal dishes and the unique culture of the lagoon come together to create a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Eating out in Venice on December 31 is like nothing else. The twinkling alleys, the reflections on the lagoon, and the lively atmosphere all come together to create a magical setting, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind before choosing your restaurant.
Many places have special tasting menus - often with limited spots - and you'll want to book ahead of time. Prices run the gamut from casual to high-end gourmet, and each restaurant brings its own take on the Venetian New Year's Eve. The key is to figure out what kind of vibe you're after: intimate, elegant, traditional or innovative.
New Year's Eve dinner in Venice: what to expect
When it comes to the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve, you'll discover that this night is about much more than just a meal - it's an event. Venetian New Year's dinners are long, carefully paced, and built around traditional foods that bring good luck and prosperity.
The New Year's Eve dinner in Venice is a fusion of old and new. Some common features you can expect to find include:
- 4-7 course tasting menus
- Local dishes re-imagined by talented Venetian chefs
- Wine pairings from local wineries
- Upscale settings, from classic Venetian decor to modern design
- Live music or entertainment in some venues
It all comes together in Venice's six sestieri - each with its own unique vibe: Castello is authentic, Dorsoduro is artistic, San Marco is iconic, Cannaregio is lively.
Pick a sestiere that's a little off the beaten path
If you're looking for a more laid-back, elegant dinner, consider Castello or Dorsoduro. These areas have some of the best, intimate restaurants - perfect if you want to experience the authentic side of Venice without sacrificing quality.
Check out the menu in advance
Lots of restaurants publish their NYE menu in November, so take a look ahead of time to see if the focus is on seafood, meat, creative cuisine or traditional Venetian dishes.
Typical Venetian dishes to try
New Year's Eve is the perfect time to taste the signature flavors of the city:
- Baccalà mantecato
- Sarde in saor
- Risotto al nero di seppia
- Fegato alla veneziana with polenta
- Moeche (in season)
- Bigoli in salsa
Choose restaurants that serve up these dishes for a truly authentic experience.
Venice restaurants New Year's Eve: the food
The best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve showcase a culinary identity that's all about simplicity and tradition. Expect menus that are crafted with respect for the lagoon, the seasons, and symbolic tradition.
New Year's Eve is when Venetian restaurants really get creative.
Expect:
- Seafood appetizers that are simply stunning
- Gourmet risottos
- Main courses that blend the flavors of the lagoon with the mainland
- Desserts that draw on Venetian heritage
Lagoon cuisine is all about using the freshest ingredients: sea bass, turbot, cuttlefish, crustaceans, wild herbs from the barene, and creamy polenta. Modern touches add a bit of personality and elegance.
Restaurants in Venice for New Year’s Eve dinner
A true New Year's Eve dinner in Venice is more than just a meal: it's a culinary journey that's intertwined with the city's art and history.
Many restaurants craft tasting menus that tell the story of Venice through its food - the sea, the mainland, tradition - all come together in a delicious way.
If you want a top-notch evening out, then a gourmet restaurant is probably your best bet. But if you're after an authentic experience, think about heading for historic osterias or modern bacari. Just don't forget: New Years Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year, so make sure you book ahead.
Where to go for New Year's Eve dinner in Venice 2025 / 2026?
New Year's Eve 2025 & 2026 in Venice is all about a return to tradition, but with a modern twist. When it comes to the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve, it's the ones that really bring the city to life through food, architecture and atmosphere that are going to impress.
Choosing the right restaurant for New Year's Eve in Venice is all about finding the right vibe. What are you looking for? A romantic dinner for two? A night out with friends that's going to be a bit more lively? Or something really, really special?
Which type of restaurant?
When it comes to choosing the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve, you've got a few options:
- Osterie: these are great if you want a low-key, intimate night out;
- Bacari: these lively wine bars are perfect for a more upbeat evening, with their cicchetti and wine;
- Michelin restaurants: for a real treat, and a night you'll never forget.
Ultimately, the right choice is the one that suits your mood: laid-back and authentic, warm and convivial, or luxurious and over-the-top.
Best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve
Here's our pick of the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve - each one offering a unique experience, from fine dining to more laid-back hangouts.
1 Hostaria Castello
This is a top choice for those looking for elegance, atmosphere and top-notch food.
Hostaria Castello is one of Venice's top restaurants for New Year's Eve, thanks to its stylish atmosphere and culinary expertise that's on a par with the Michelin stars it's been awarded.
You'll be blown away by the level of polish and sophistication at Hostaria Castello. It's one of those places where everything - from the lighting to the decor, the food to the service - all comes together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. The chef, Luca Veritti, has taken the best of Venice and stripped it back to its essentials, letting the real heroes of the lagoon - its food - shine through.
The menu is all about blending tradition with innovation, so you might find yourself enjoying a modern take on baccala mantecato, or a seafood risotto that really showcases the local herbs and seafood. Each dish is like a little vignette of Venice - not just something to eat, but a tiny piece of the city itself.
The interior design is inspired by the legendary Orient Express and it's seriously cool. The polished wood, elegant brass details, deep colours and soft lighting all combine to transport you to a different time and place. It feels like you're stepping into a movie, not just a restaurant. And when you're having dinner on New Year's Eve, that's exactly what you want.
A taste of the real Venice
Hostaria Castello is all about celebrating the real Venice - using the best local ingredients, and cooking them with a level of skill and flair that's hard to find anywhere else. Expect to find dishes like reimagined baccala, gourmet risottos, and seafood that's simply cooked to perfection.
Michelin-starred chef (Luca Veritti)
The kitchen is run by Michelin-starred chef Luca Veritti - who's known for his creative and elegant take on traditional Venetian cuisine. His food is going to blow your mind, and leave you feeling like you've really experienced something special.
Inspired by the iconic Orient Express
The decor is a real throwback to the golden age of travel - with its polished wood, elegant brass details, and vintage atmosphere. It's the perfect setting for a night out that's going to be memorable for all the right reasons.
Great location
Located in the heart of Castello, just a short stroll from St Mark's but far enough away from the crowds, it's the perfect combination of convenience and tranquility.
2 Bakarò
Bakarò is a real standout when it comes to the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve - and it's all about its lively spirit and commitment to the traditional bacaro culture.
Great for groups of friends looking for a really authentic Venetian experience, conviviality and a solid dose of tradition.Bakarò - the perfect expression of Venice at its most lively, authentic and heartwarmingly social. It's a restaurant that embodies the bacaro - the historic Venetian tavern - and reinvents it with style, yet never loses the soul that makes this tradition so very special. Try to imagine New Year's Eve as a night of real camaraderie, delicious shared plates and relaxed yet energetic celebration - that's what Bakarò is all about.
The restaurant takes the best bits of traditional Venetian cuisine and gives them a modern twist, resulting in a menu that is both bold & exciting. You might start with cicchetti that put a fresh spin on classic combinations, move on to scrumptious renditions of sarde in saor or polpette, and finish off with hearty dishes like bigoli in salsa, or risottos packed full of seasonal ingredients, and comforting seafood dishes that will have you feeling right at home. The kitchen knows exactly when to hold on to the old ways and when to inject a bit of freshness and some modern flair into the mix.
The atmosphere inside is warm and laid back, with a design that somehow manages to marry rustic character with sleek modern lines. The wooden tables, soft lighting, contemporary Venetian artwork and a layout that makes you want to sit and stay a while all combine to create a super welcoming vibe. It's the kind of place where locals and visitors hang out together - a real rarity in a city where dining often feels like a very formal or touristy affair.
On New Year's Eve, Bakarò really comes into its own, with a lively atmosphere that never gets in the way of a top notch meal. Perfect for those who want to experience the real Venice, in all its glory, - you know the Venice that's all about living in the moment and feeling part of the local rhythm. For visitors who are after a more laid back, authentic New Year's Eve dinner experience, Bakarò is the place to be - it's all about feeling the heart of Venice.
Right in the heart of the Serenissima
Bakarò is situated in a picture-perfect area, so you can combine dinner with a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood afterwards.
Venetian tradition up close
The restaurant's all about local roots - cicchetti, classic Venetian dishes re-interpreted with a modern twist, local wines and a really warm atmosphere. Perfect for a really relaxed yet super curated New Year's Eve experience.
A true taste of the bacaro
Bakarò is all about the soul of the Venetian bacari - a perfect blend of conviviality, tradition and modern style.
3 Hostaria Sant'Aponal
A hidden gem for a super intimate and cozy New Year's Eve, Hostaria Sant'Aponal is often counted among the very best places to eat in Venice on New Year's Eve - thanks to its lovely rooms, super attentive staff and refined take on local tradition.
Hostaria Sant'Aponal is a whole different vibe to Bakarò: intimate, slow paced and deeply rooted in the emotional side of Venetian osterias. Situated near the famous Rialto Bridge, it somehow manages to stay peaceful and atmospheric, sheltered from all the festive throngs that take over the area at this time of year. The restaurant feels like a retreat - a place where the night unfolds slowly, lit by warm light and quiet conversations.
The dining room is small and super welcoming - with carefully laid out tables, wooden details and a subdued décor that prioritises comfort over flashy spectacle. This is the Venice of local families, of quiet evenings and recipes passed down through generations. The atmosphere makes Sant'Aponal perfect for couples, small groups or anyone wanting a New Year's Eve that's all about warmth rather than extravagance.
The menu is all about old school Venetian dishes, done with real sincerity and technical skill. Expect rich seasonal risottos, delicate seafood courses, and staples like fegato alla veneziana or fresh fish of the day cooked according to local methods. It's all about a deep appreciation for local ingredients - from the fish from the lagoon to the herbs, from artisanal pastas to classic desserts. The flavours are familiar, comforting and deeply evocative of home-style Venetian cooking - presented with the professionalism of an expert host.
Being right near Rialto adds a real charm: after dinner, guests can step directly into one of Venice's most fascinating nighttime settings. The narrow alleys around Sant'Aponal, lit up by the holiday glow, create a super memorable backdrop to the transition into the new year.
For those looking for a New Year's Eve experience that feels personal, cozy and truly Venetian, Hostaria Sant'Aponal is the perfect choice - a place where tradition is not just a style, but a way of life, where the evening wraps you up in quiet elegance.
A really intimate atmosphere
Soft lighting, warm interiors and a limited number of tables make it ideal for a romantic or super peaceful evening.
A welcoming osteria
The service is friendly yet discreet, with an atmosphere that's reminiscent of classic Venetian osterias,
Traditional Venetian menu
Expect to find top notch traditional dishes: seasonal risottos, fresh fish and recipes rooted in local culinary culture.
Right near the Rialto Bridge
Located just a short step from Rialto, it's perfectly positioned for exploring one of Venice's most historic areas before or after dinner.
Recommendations from Venice Insider Guide
Our recommendations aren't just a few throw away suggestions - they're the result of years spent wandering the Venetian calli, taking in all the little details that most visitors miss, and talking to the chefs and restaurateurs who call this city home day in and day out. A New Year's Eve dinner in Venice is more than just a meal - it's a cultural ritual - and choosing the right restaurant can turn the whole night into a memory that'll last a lifetime.
Below you'll find a closer look at the three places we've picked out - each one is different, but all of them are authentic and offer a unique perspective on Venice.
Best Restaurants in Venice for New Year’s Eve? Hostaria Castello, Hostaria Sant'Aponal, and Bakarò.
Looking for elegance and a touch of exclusivity? Hostaria Castello
If you're the kind of traveler who imagines New Year's Eve as a night when every single thing is just right, then Castello is the place for you.
It's not just somewhere to eat - it's an experience. Chef Luca Veritti, who's got a Michelin star to his name, creates dishes that are like a love letter to the city - a celebration of the sea, the city's merchant past and all the cultures that have shaped it over the years. And the decor? It's like stepping into a film set - inspired by the legendary Orient Express, with the glamour and romance of a bygone era.
New Year's Eve here is all about exclusivity, luxury and atmosphere. It's perfect for anyone who's looking for a night to remember.
Want a warm and welcoming spot right near the Rialto Bridge? Hostaria Sant'Aponal
If you're looking for a place that feels like it's a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Sant'Aponal is your place.
This tiny little restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner near the Rialto Bridge, and it's like stumbling upon a hidden gem.
The lighting is soft and intimate, the tables are cozy and the whole vibe is just so relaxed. And the food? It's the real deal - proper Venetian home cooking that's been elevated to new heights by the chef's skill and care. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience the real Venice on New Year's Eve.
A spot that's full of character and Venetian charm? Bakarò
If you want a night that's a little more laid back, a little more fun, and a lot more authentic, then Bakarò is the place to be.
This place is the real deal - the kind of spot where locals come to hang out, to meet friends and to enjoy some of the city's best food and drink.
The menu is a love letter to traditional Venetian cuisine - think meatballs, sardines in a sweet and sour sauce, and baccala - but with a modern twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting. And the atmosphere? It's like stepping into the heart of the city - lively, relaxed and totally in the mood for a party.
FAQ
Is Venice still open on New Year's Day?
Yeah, Venice is buzzing on January 1st - so you can still get out and explore, and many of the cafes, museums and restaurants will even have special hours.
How do I find the perfect place to eat?
Book in advance, check out the menus online, pick a sestiere that matches your style, read some recent reviews and think about whether you prefer fine dining or traditional food.
What do you do in Venice on New Year's Eve?
Walks along the canals at night, gourmet dinners, concerts, private parties, toasting in St. Mark's Square and taking a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal.
Where can I watch fireworks in Venice on New Year's Eve?
Traditionally in St. Mark's Basin - but it always depends on the official program. The Grand Canal and Riva degli Schiavoni are the best viewing spots.
Where else can I watch fireworks in Venice on New Year's Eve?
Some of the hotel rooftops and panoramic terraces in the area have amazing views. Just check the updated program before the big night.
Conclusion
New Year's Eve in Venice - it's all about the taste, the culture and the atmosphere. Pick a restaurant that matches your style, follow the rhythm of Venetian food and tradition, and enjoy a night you'll never forget
Now that you know all about the best restaurants in Venice for New Year's Eve - it's time to start making your plans.
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