Oh Venice! The city of love, the city of canals, and the city of… Cheap eats? What?!? Food deals and inexpensive drinks probably aren’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you dream about the floating city, but it should be! Between the canals and small side streets are some of the most deliciously cheap food we found in all of Italy. You just have to know where to eat in Venice on a budget! Ready for €1 glasses of Prosecco and €2 meat and cheese plates? I hope you’re hungry because we’ve found all the best cheap eats restaurants in Venice Italy!
Italy Travel Inspiration
- 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary by Train: Fun Guide From Milan to Venice
- Duomo Rooftop: The Views You Can’t Miss Atop the Milan Cathedral
- Planning a Trip to Italy: 10 Step Easy To Follow Travel Guide
- Bergamo Alta Guide: The Unique Old Town in Italy You Can’t Miss!
- Portico di San Luca: The Scenic Walk You Can’t Miss in Bologna Italy
So What’s the Big Secret?
Randomly located throughout Venice there are small cafes and hole in the wall restaurants that offer some of the best deals in Italy. Now here comes the catch! They are small glasses and app-sized servings.
Still, in a city that can easily set you back €20-30 euros for lunch, this is a great deal. We originally discovered these little shops when looking for what to eat in Venice four years ago on our first trip to Italy together.
This time around we knew that we wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day getting lost in the back streets and hopping from place to place. So now that the secrets out… We’ll tell you how where to eat in Venice on a budget, and how to have the most epic (and inexpensive) day exploring one of Europe’s timeless cities!
→ 15 Fun Things to Do in Venice on Your First Visit
Where to Eat in Venice on a Budget
Bacareto Da Lele
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-8pm Sat 6am-2pm Sun Closed
Address: Fondamenta dei Tolentini, 183, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
This is by far the best place to stop in and grab a sparkling glass of wine and chow down on some snacks. It was the first small shop that we actually wandered into looking for where to eat in Venice, and have been dreaming about returning to for years!
During the day the glass case is packed with different sandwiches that all cost €1, while in the late afternoon meat and cheese plates replace them for €1.70. Also, you can have your pick of drinks from Prosecco to red or white wine, and even a sparkling red! This Venice gem closes at 8pm so make sure to come early.
Arcicchetti Bakaro
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm
Address: 183/a, Santa Croce, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
You won’t have to travel far to hit our second favorite place, and the funny thing is it’s actually located right next door! Once again you’ll have to wait to get inside because the small shop doesn’t fit more than a handful of people. Yet, the energetic owner will be happy to explain the different crostini that fill the display case, and they will only set you back €1 each!
While there is a full menu of drinks at Arcicchetti Bakaro you can’t go wrong with the sparkling wine. The delightful bubbly drink just costs €1-1.50 depending on if you order the small or large glass.
Quick Tip: We came in the late afternoon and actually bounced between the two cheap Venice restaurants depending on who had a shorter line at the time. Join in with countless other patrons, and grab a table outside or seat along the canal.
Al Merca
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2:30pm & 6pm-8pm Closed Sunday
Address: Campo Bella Vienna San Polo 213, 30125 Venice, Italy
A quick 15 minute walk next to the Rialto Bridge and morning fruit and vegetable market is where you’ll find our next go-to spot. Packed from morning to sunset (but closed between 2:30 and 6pm) this spot will run you slightly more… As in a whole Euro to .50 cents!
Don’t worry you’re still in for a great deal, and most importantly yummy snacks and drinks at Al Merca. The delicious €1.50 sandwiches range from meat lover to veggie options with something for everyone. While the glasses of wine cost a little extra, they are some of the largest pours we got in Venice!
What To Do When You’re Not Eating
Be Okay With Getting Lost
Getting lost and walking aimlessly over the bridges and through the Venice canals is honestly the best way to take in the city. So put down your smartphone, (except maybe to find these cheap Venice restaurants), fold up that useless paper map, and just explore!
If you get in a real pinch looking for where to eat in Venice on a budget, the best directions you can follow will be written on small plaques on the side of the buildings. You shouldn’t have any problem if you keep in mind where the main square of San Marco is. Santa Lucia is in the opposite part of town where the bus and train station is located. These are valuable landmarks when searching for what to eat in Venice!
If you prefer to be guided through the city you can book a two-hour sightseeing tour or a street food tour of Venice.
Reserve Your Slot for the Best Free Viewpoint in Town
Between bouncing around to all the best Venice budget food spots you’ll be in for a full day of adventure exploring the island city. The secret is slowly getting out, but add T Fondaco Rooftop-Terrace to the top of your Venice itinerary!
It’s completely free though you do need to sign up for a time slot prior to going. You’re allowed to do so no more than 15 days in advance. From here you’ll have a view of the rooftops, Grand Canal, the famous Rialto bridge, and even some of the best cheap Venice restaurants!
Sign up for your time slot at T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace.
Day Trip to Other Islands
After you’ve explored where to eat in Venice on a budget, definitely hop on a Venice Ferry! You can easily visit the surrounding islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. These three stunning and unique places will be the cherry on the top of your Venice trip!
Also, from St. Marks Square there are boats that run half-day tours to all the islands. The best part is they only cost just a little more than the round trip boat pass to one island. So if you want to see them all that’s definitely the way to go.
Book your Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands boat tour.
Do you have any recommendations for where to eat in Venice on a budget? How about any questions on this post? Please let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Venice Italy
Ultra Luxury (High End) – The Gritti Palace – Set right on the Grand Canal, this stunning hotel is known as one of the best in the city. Expect nothing but high-end luxury with rooms featuring antiques and Murano glass.
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Scalon del Doge – This bed and breakfast is located in a 13th century building overlooking the Grand Canal. Decorated in a typical Venetian style, you’ll feel like you’re staying right in a Venice fairy tale!
Hostel Life (Budget) – Generator Venice – Just a quick 10 minute ride by water bus to St. Marks Square, you won’t find a cheaper or more stylish hostel in Venice. Dorms and en suite rooms are available, and it’s close to all the best eats and cheap Venice restaurants!
For more places to stay in Venice you can explore the latest prices here!
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Italy Travel Planning
Explore Italy:Milan Canals – 10 Things to do Milan – Bologna Portico di San Luca – One Day Verona
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Rome to Venice for under $30 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such asBooking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworldshould be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Italian road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. Book a Florence winery tour, Capri Boat trip or street food tour with a local guide in Rome!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWingfor the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists:Find all the inspiration you need with ourAmazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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