Of course you'll need to have a gelato spot on any roundup about an Italian city, and Gelateria Alaska is one of the best thanks to their ginger gelato. In general, … you'll find better gelato if you travel farther south to Florence or Rome, but Venice does have a few noteworthy shops like this one.[link]

Like a few of the others on this list, Trattoria ai Greci has already been discovered by the tourists. However you shouldn't immediately give up on it. The location off … of the San Lorenzo canal makes a lovely dinner setting. Make that a post dinner setting, since the most highly recommended dishes here are the profitteroli and refreshing spritzes.[link]

Ristaurante Malibran doesn't get much coverage in travel guides and on the net, so you won't find the usual crowds there. According to Tripso, they have a beautiful … insalata Caprese and a delicate Venetian specialty of sardines with sweet and sour onions.[link]

The location right next to the Accademia Museum and Grand Canal attracts the usual hordes of tourists to Pizzeria Accademia. However, it's worth wrangling with the masses … in this case, since the pizzas are both delicious and surprisingly affordable.[link]

Any meal you have by the canal will be a crowded one, as the waterways are main attractions for tourists, students, and locals alike. However, avoid the mediocre tourist … trap restaurants and check out this casual canalside pizza joint. The pies come with hefty chunks of mozzarella di bufula and fresh basil, the salads are bright and fresh, an the pastas are heavy but satisfying.[link]

If you want a gourmet meal without gourmet prices, check out Osteria ae Cravate, a homey, colorful restaurant right on Santa Croce. Tripso guide Charles Leocha recommends … the octopus carpaccio, bracciola di agnello, and lobster spaghetti. Seafood is almost always a safe bet in Venice, and all of the fish dishes here are prepared simply and beautifully.[link]

Tripso recommends Osteria Do Farai for their excellent and fresh grilled branzino. The chef debones the fish tableside and serves it with a fresh salad dressed simply … with olive oil and vinegar. They also have a nice selection of shellfish, including spider crab, mussels, clams, and shrimp, all of which can be eaten at the restaurant's courtyard tables.[link]