Traditional Venetian recipes are unique from the rest of Italy and reflect many different neighboring cultures. The foods are delicious and there are some certain recipes that stand out as being classics in Venice.

Venetian recipes often revolve around fish, which is natural given its coastal location.

Risotto with fish is a perfect example, and there are so many delicious ways to serve it. These rice dishes can be made with fish as well as other kinds of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, prawns or even lobster. For something a little bit different, try risotto al nero di seppia which is risotto with cuttlefish ink. It’s a deep black color that you almost never seen in cuisine.

In many Venetian recipes, the fish is either fried in oil or grilled. As an appetizer or snack, you should try the sardine in saor which is a cold dish with sardines, onion, pine nuts, raisins and a dressing of oil and vinegar. It’s sweet, sour and salted all at once.

For something a little different, but still with great Venetian history, try the baccala. It’s a dried and salted codfish that was introduced to the area in the 1400s when Venetian seamen were wrecked on Norway’s Lofoten Island. They loved the fish and brought it back with them, though the specific recipes have changed over time to suit Venetian tastes.

There is more to Venetian food than just fish. With such close associations to the Middle East, you can find many meals with other meats and cheeses as well. Fegato alla veneziana is a sour and spicy dish made with liver, onions and oil and vinegar. Local vegetables are frequently used, such as artichokes, radishes and peas. Rice with peas (risi e bisi) is a well-known Venetian recipe.

If you are going out to eat, you might enjoy cicchetti which is really a term for a wide mix of finger foods that you can enjoy casually at a wine bar or local restaurant. Grilled breads, meatballs cold cuts and vegetables all make excellent cicchetti.

Venetian sandwiches are known as tramezzino, and can be found all across Italy with many variations. The base is soft white bread and mayonnaise, but the fillings can include ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, tuna, olives, ham, eggs, mushrooms or artichokes.

When you visit Venice, you must try at least a few of these traditional Venetian recipes while you are in the city.