Every place in this guide comes from my own experience in Venice.
I actually ate the fritto misto in all of them, and these are the ones I would personally recommend if you are looking for a delicious plate of fried seafood in Venice — plus one bonus spot just outside the city that is well worth knowing about.
And yes, I also tried the tiramisù along the way. It is not the main reason we are here, but when there is a good one on the menu, it would be a shame to skip dessert.
What Is Fritto Misto?
If you have never ordered fritto misto in Italy before, the name literally means “mixed fried”, and when you are by the sea it usually refers to a mix of freshly fried seafood.
Depending on the restaurant and what is available, your plate might include calamari, shrimp or prawns, small fish and other local seafood, sometimes accompanied by fried vegetables.
Piera Alta
Campiello de la Cason, 4506, 30121 Venezia
The fritto misto here is generous, wonderfully crispy, and surprisingly light!
The plate offers a really nice variety of fish and shellfish, together with very thinly sliced and Crunchy vegetables.
The real standout, though, is what comes on the side: a refined coral mayonnaise that feels almost like a fine-dining touch. It is rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious for dipping the fried fish into, adding something extra without overpowering the seafood itself.
The tiramisù is deliciously sweet and creamy, but what really makes it memorable is the presentation. It is probably one of the most beautiful serving of tiramisù I have ever seen — almost too pretty to eat.
Osteria al Cantinon
Sottoportego delle, Calle de le Colonete, 2152, 30121 Venezia VE
This fritto misto makes a great first impression thanks to its presentation: it is served directly inside a cooking pot, a fun and rustic touch that perfectly reflects the character of the dish itself.
The mix is generous and varied, with small fish depending on the catch of the day, shrimp, sardines, baby octopus and small calamari. Alongside the seafood, you will also find battered vegetables and crispy strands of fried batter scattered throughout the dish, adding even more texture and making the whole plate feel especially indulgent.
The flavor is bold and savory, with a slightly richer and more oily finish than some of the other fritto misto on this list. Still, it delivers exactly what you want from a satisfying plate of fried seafood: plenty of crunch, lots of flavor and that irresistible quality that makes you keep going back for another bite.
And if you still have room for dessert, the tiramisù with berries is also a very tempting way to finish the meal.
Trattoria Dall’ Antonia
Riviera S. Trentin, 8, 30034 Mira
This fritto misto arrives beautifully golden and incredibly appetizing, with an impeccable presentation that immediately makes you want to dive in. It is extremely crispy, yet the flavor remains wonderfully delicate and balanced.
The mix is made up mainly of calamari, octopus, and shrimp, all fried to a perfect golden finish. Despite its crisp texture, the delicate taste of the seafood to come through with every bite.
Served in a small glass jar, this tiramisù stays very close to the traditional recipe while giving it a slightly more modern presentation. It is exceptionally creamy, with the mascarpone used beautifully to create a rich, smooth texture without losing the balance of the classic dessert.
A great choice for anyone who loves creamy desserts and the kind of indulgent dolci al cucchiaio Italians do so well.
Venice and seafood naturally go hand in hand, trying a good fritto misto is something I always recommend adding to your food list while visiting the city.
Discover my food tours
private walking food tours