Dining around Venice’s grandest square comes with high prices and tourist traps, but you can find authentic experiences worth your time and money. We especially like the 30-minute private gondola-and-dinner combo at La Caravella – it smartly pairs Venice’s two must-do activities without the usual tourist markup. Another good bet is the evening musical dinner tour, which cleverly combines local cuisine with a concert in a historic church. Both options include quality Venetian dishes and skip the overpriced cafes directly on the square. Neither tour accommodates wheelchairs, but both offer easy-to-find meeting points and flexible cancellation. Let’s explore the best food tours around St. Mark’s Square.
Key Points
- Enjoy a 3-course Venetian dinner at the top-rated Restaurant La Caravella, located on Calle Larga XXII Marzo near Piazza San Marco.
- Combine a 3.5-hour excursion with a fine Italian dinner and a live concert at the historic Church of San Vidal.
- Experience authentic Venetian cuisine, including seafood risotto and tiramisu, with wine and coffee included.
- Explore the cultural highlights of Venice through unique dining experiences that emphasize traditional flavors.
- Convenient booking options with free cancellation, but accessibility may be limited for some experiences.
Venice: Romantic Gondola Tour and Dinner for Two
A fantastic way to experience the romance of Venice is through a private 30-minute gondola ride along the city’s picturesque canals, followed by a 3-course dinner at a top-rated Venetian restaurant.
Priced from $512.53 per person, this 2.5-hour package includes a glass of prosecco, coffee, and mineral water.
The gondola ride departs at either 4 pm (Nov-Mar) or 6 pm (Apr-Oct) from the Campiello Traghetto, Santa Maria del Giglio gondola station. Guests then head to Restaurant La Caravella, located on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, for their elegant dinner at 7 pm.
The experience is perfect for special occasions, as it offers beautiful views and a romantic atmosphere.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour has an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 153 reviews, with high praise for the informative guides and easy meeting point.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Venice: Romantic Gondola Tour and Dinner for Two Review
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Venice: Dinner & Concert
For a truly captivating evening in Venice, travelers can enjoy a Dinner & Concert experience that blends fine Italian cuisine with the stirring melodies of the city’s musical heritage.
This 3.5-hour excursion takes guests to a typical Venetian restaurant near St. Mark’s Square, where they can savor a selection of authentic dishes, including Italian cold cuts, seafood risotto, and the iconic tiramisu, all complemented by wine and coffee.
The experience continues at the historic Church of San Vidal, where a concert showcases the works of renowned Venetian composers, such as Vivaldi and Albinoni, in a stunning Baroque setting that enhances the musical performance.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this dinner and concert package offers a convenient and memorable way to enjoy the best of Venice’s culinary and cultural offerings.
However, it’s important to note that the experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with certain dietary restrictions.
Read our full review: Venice: Dinner & Concert Review
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The Sum Up
Visiting Piazza San Marco in Venice offers a range of captivating dining experiences. From romantic gondola tours with dinner to classical concerts complemented by fine cuisine, these options provide unforgettable moments amidst the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether seeking a leisurely evening or a cultural adventure, travelers can find enchanting experiences to savor the essence of Venetian hospitality.