Hey dear traveler, if you’re here, it means you have a crucial question: what time do restaurants close in Venice Italy? Maybe you’ve spent the day wandering through narrow alleys and squares, visiting museums and historic palaces, or perhaps you’ve been lulled by the water while admiring the sunset from a vaporetto. Either way, hunger has struck, and you want to know if you can still sit down for a relaxed dinner.
Well, the answer is: it depends! Venice is not like other Italian cities. For example, restaurant closing times in Venice depend on the season, the district, and more. The city’s rhythm follows the tides, the tourist season, the neighborhood, and even whether you’re on the mainland or in the floating heart of the Serenissima.
So, get ready: we’ll reveal everything you need to know to avoid going hungry in this new guide by Venice Insider Guide!
What time do restaurants close in Venice, Italy? It depends
The answer to the question “what time do restaurants close in Venice Italy?” varies based on multiple factors.
If there’s one thing you should know about Venice, it’s that restaurant hours are not always predictable. Don’t expect to find kitchens open late like in Rome or Milan. Venice has its own rules, and if you’re not careful, you might end up settling for a slice of pizza or a quick sandwich.
But what influences restaurant closing times in Venice? At least three main factors:
- The season: In peak tourist season (spring and summer), many restaurants stay open later to accommodate hungry travelers after a long day of exploration. In low season (autumn and winter), however, some places might close earlier, especially on weekdays.
- The district (sestiere): Each area of Venice has its own atmosphere and lifestyle, which also affects restaurant hours.
- Mainland vs. Venice center: The difference between Mestre (on the mainland) and Venice's historic center is significant, and so are the closing times.
Let’s dive into these aspects in more detail.
What time do restaurants close in Venice Italy depending on the season: Summer vs. Winter
What time do restaurants close in Venice depending on the season? Yes.
If you visit Venice in the middle of summer, you’ll find restaurants open late, especially in the most touristy areas. In July and August, it’s not uncommon to find places serving food until 11:00 PM or even midnight.
In winter, however, things change. Venice empties out of tourists, the cold and humidity take over, and the city slows down. Many restaurants close as early as 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM, especially in less busy districts. Some even shut down for vacation between January and February.
So, if you’re visiting during low season, the best advice is to have dinner by 9:00 PM to avoid finding everything closed!
What time do restaurants close in Venice depending on the district
What time do restaurants close in Venice Italy depending on district? Yes.
Each district (sestiere) in Venice has its own personality, and this also affects restaurant hours. Let’s see where restaurants stay open later:
- San Marco and Rialto: Tourism is constant here, so restaurants stay open until 11:00 PM or midnight during peak periods.
- Cannaregio and Dorsoduro: More residential but with lively nightlife areas (such as Fondamenta della Misericordia or Campo Santa Margherita). Some restaurants keep their kitchens open until 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM.
- Castello, Santa Croce, and Giudecca: Less touristy, so restaurants tend to close earlier, often around 10:00 PM.
If you want to eat late, it’s best to stay in the busiest districts!
What time do restaurants close in Venice Italy: Mainland (Mestre) vs. Floating Venice
Another key factor is the difference between Mestre (on the mainland) and Venice’s historic center.
If you’re in Mestre, the nightlife is livelier compared to the historic city, and there are restaurants, pizzerias, and pubs that serve food late. Here, it’s easier to find a place open after 11:00 PM, especially around Via Piave, Piazza Ferretto, and nearby areas.
In Venice’s center, however, many places close earlier, with some exceptions in the most touristy spots. So, if you arrive late and find everything closed, you can always take a tram or bus to Mestre!
What time do restaurants close in Venice Italy? Late-night options
What time do restaurants close in Venice Italy and if you’re looking to stay out late? Finding restaurants open until the early morning hours in Venice isn’t easy, but there are exceptions.
In San Marco: Some options until midnight
In the San Marco area, where tourism is non-stop, some restaurants and traditional bars (bacari) stay open late. Caffè Florian and Quadri, for example, serve food even after 11:00 PM – but watch out for the prices!
In Dorsoduro, Bakarò Venice stays open late
If you’re in Dorsoduro, a great place to eat even after 11:00 PM is Bakarò Venice. This young and lively spot serves cicchetti, sandwiches, and Venetian dishes late into the night – perfect for an informal and tasty meal.
Where to eat in Mestre after 11:00 PM
As mentioned earlier, Mestre offers more options for eating after 11:00 PM. Some great choices include:
- McOnor: A steakhouse open until midnight.
- Birreria Stinger: Burgers and beers until late.
- Old Wild West: A quick meal even after midnight.
If you have an early morning flight or arrive in town late, Mestre is the perfect solution for a last-minute dinner!
What time do restaurants close in Venice, Italy? Conclusion
Now, dear traveler, you know everything about restaurant closing times in Venice.
To summarize what time do restaurants close in Venice, Italy:
- In summer, you’ll find places open until midnight; in winter, it’s best to dine before 9:30 PM.
- Restaurants in San Marco and Rialto stay open later than those in Castello or Santa Croce.
- If you’re looking for food after 11:00 PM, Mestre or some spots in Dorsoduro are your best bet.
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your Venetian dinner… and don’t forget to try cicchetti and fegato alla veneziana!