Visiting Venice isn’t just about seeing canals and riding gondolas — it’s also about respecting local culture. Dining in Venice is an experience, and to make sure tourists enjoy it fully without making common mistakes, here’s a complete guide to what not to do in a Venetian restaurant.
Don’t Sit Without Being Seated
In many Venetian restaurants — especially in tourist-heavy areas — you should wait to be seated. It’s considered rude to just walk in and choose a table yourself, especially if it’s a full-service restaurant. A host will usually greet you and guide you to a proper seat.
If it’s a casual bacaro or small bar with no staff at the entrance, you may seat yourself — but still observe what locals are doing.
Don’t Rush the Meal
In Venice, meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly. Locals spend time talking, laughing, and enjoying each course. Don’t expect fast service like in fast food chains. This is a part of the culture — not bad service.
📌 Tip: If you’re short on time, go for smaller spots like cicchetti bars where the service is naturally quicker.
Don’t Expect Free Tap Water
When you eat at restaurants in Venice, don’t expect to get free tap water. Unlike in some countries where free water is common, most restaurants in Venice serve only bottled water.
If you ask for water, the waiter will bring you a bottle, either still or sparkling. This will be added to your bill. Many restaurants prefer bottled water because it looks nicer and helps them earn some extra money.
The price of bottled water in Venice can range from about €2 to €5, depending on where you eat. This might not seem like much, but it can add up if you’re dining with family or friends.
Venice has safe tap water, and you can find public fountains around the city where you can fill your own water bottle for free. This is a great way to save money. However, inside restaurants, the norm is to serve bottled water. If you ask for tap water, it might confuse the staff.
For those who want to save, consider bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at the public fountains. This way, you can drink for free while exploring the city. Just remember, when dining out in Venice, be ready to pay for your water!
Don’t Make Too Many Changes to the Menu
When dining in Venice, it’s best to avoid making too many changes to your meal when ordering. Italian chefs take pride in their dishes, and they often create them with specific ingredients and flavors in mind. Changing too much can alter the dish significantly and may not result in the best dining experience.
Many restaurants in Venice offer traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. These recipes highlight the unique flavors of local ingredients, and when you start asking for many changes, it can be seen as disrespectful to the chef’s work.
For example, if you order a pasta dish that comes with a specific sauce and vegetables, asking to change the sauce or remove certain ingredients can change the whole taste. Instead, it’s better to try the dish as it is. You might discover new flavors that you enjoy!
It’s important to embrace the local food culture and enjoy the cuisine the way it’s meant to be experienced. Each region in Italy has its own unique flavors and traditional dishes, so expecting the same tastes as you have back home isn’t really fair.
Instead of comparing the food to what you know from your country, allow yourself to appreciate the uniqueness of Venetian dishes. For example, you might find that the pasta is cooked differently, or the sauces have ingredients you’ve never tried before. This variety is what makes dining in Venice special.
So, when in Venice, embrace the menu and enjoy the wonderful dishes just as the chefs designed them!
Don’t Ignore the Coperto
In Italy, many restaurants charge a coperto, or cover charge, per person. This isn’t a scam — it’s normal. It usually covers the bread and table service. It’s usually around €2–€3 per person.
📌 You don’t need to tip like in the US — but if service is great, leaving some coins is appreciated.
Don’t Use Phones Loudly
While photos are okay, being loud on a video call, playing music, or scrolling reels on loud volume can be disturbing. Venetian locals prefer a quieter, more relaxed dining environment.
If you must take a call, politely step outside.
Don’t Leave Without Asking for “Il Conto”
In Venice, your waiter won’t bring the bill unless you ask for it — this is part of their culture to not rush your meal. If you want to pay, raise your hand and say, “Il conto, per favore” (the bill, please).
And yes — you usually go to the front counter to pay in casual restaurants.
📍 Bonus: Learn a Few Words in Italian
Saying simple words like:
- Grazie – Thank you
- Per favore – Please
- Buongiorno – Good day
can go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort.
Dining in Venice as a Tourist
A: During peak season, yes. Especially for popular spots or canal-view seating.
A: In formal restaurants, it’s not common. In casual places, it’s more acceptable.
A: At a café, yes. But at a full-service restaurant during meal hours, it’s better to order food too.
