In Italy (and especially in Venice) dining is never just about food. It is about pleasure, sharing, and connection: it is a way to celebrate life, culture, and tradition around the table. At Top Venice, we have elevated this philosophy into a collection of private dining experiences, carefully curated for travelers who seek something beyond the ordinary.
Combined with unique settings throughout the city and its Lagoon, these journeys combine authentic flavors, Venetian heritage, and refined atmospheres, turning every meal into an unforgettable moment.
Discover our best dining experiences in Venice
- Exclusive dinner in a venetian palace
Step inside one of Venice’s most historic palaces, once the stage for noble banquets and lavish masked balls. Today transformed into a boutique hotel, it opens its doors for an intimate evening reserved only for you. Enjoy an aperitif, fine wine, and a private dinner surrounded by frescoes and timeless beauty.
Includes: private transfer by water taxi with assistant, cocktail, and luxury private dinner. - Themed dinners for foodies
From an intimate chef’s table in a luxury location, to a 5-course tasting menu in a Michelin-starred restaurant, to dining at the legendary Harry’s Bar or savoring local recipes in a traditional Venetian trattoria. Each proposal combines flavor, atmosphere, and storytelling, offering a different way to experience the culinary soul of Venice.
- Cooking classes
Alongside our private dining experiences, we also offers a curated selection of hands-on cooking classes and exclusive themed dinners. Whether you want to learn how to prepare traditional cicchetti, fresh pasta, or a fully vegan Venetian menu under the guidance of a local chef, our classes are designed to turn cooking into an authentic cultural journey.
- Tea with a countess
After a private gondola ride, step into Palazzo Nani Bernardo where Countess Elisabetta Lucheschi Nani Bernardo will personally host you for afternoon tea. Surrounded by Renaissance architecture and one of Venice’s loveliest private gardens, enjoy homemade pastries as the Countess recounts the palace’s centuries of history.
Includes: limo boat transfer, Ca’ Rezzonico entrance, private palace tour with the Countess, afternoon tea with homemade cakes. - Dinner in a traditional home
Discover Venice beyond the crowds with your private English-speaking guide. Stroll through Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, uncovering hidden canals and authentic neighborhoods, before boarding a private boat to admire the city from the water. The evening continues in a traditional Venetian home, where a local Signora prepares a homemade dinner based on family recipes.
Includes: 2-hour private walking tour, 1-hour private boat (up to 6 people), dinner in a traditional home, transfer back by private water taxi. - Gourmet dinner on the Grand Canal
Sail down “the most beautiful avenue in the world” aboard a private boat. Along the way, uncover legends, anecdotes, and secrets of the Grand Canal before arriving at a refined Venetian restaurant. A four-course gourmet dinner awaits in an elegant, authentic setting.
Includes: 1-hour private limo boat tour, 4-course dinner (drinks excluded) - Private dinner on a rooftop terrace
Begin your experience with a private limo boat tour through Venice’s landmarks, then enjoy dinner on an exclusive rooftop terrace with breathtaking views. Depending on your preference, you can choose between different stunning locations: the lively heart of San Marco, the artistic Dorsoduro district, or the authentic Cannaregio neighborhood.
Includes: private limo boat tour, exclusive use of rooftop terrace, aperitif with Franciacorta Brut, 4-course tasting dinner with wine pairings. - Luxury Lagoon Dinner Experience
Glide across the Venetian Lagoon at sunset, exploring Burano and Torcello before dining at Antica Dogana, one of the most celebrated seafood restaurants in the region. With champagne on board, local insights from your guide, and the flavors of the lagoon, this journey is both cultural and culinary.
Includes: private mahogany limo boat, water & champagne, dinner at Antica Dogana. - Dine around tour
An immersive tasting journey through Venice’s hidden gems. Accompanied by your sommelier-guide, enjoy cicchetti and fine wines in three authentic osterie, a seafood risotto near Rialto, and even a gondola ride at sunset. A perfect blend of gastronomy, wine culture, and local charm.
Includes: English-speaking sommelier, 3 bacaro stops with tastings, wines, risotto, and gondola ride.
What to expect from Venetian cuisine
Venetian cuisine is deeply tied to the lagoon and its traditions. Expect to savor fresh seafood such as soft-shell crabs (moeche), clams, scallops, and lagoon fish. During our tours you will also discover classic dishes like:
- Baccalà mantecato (creamed cod)
- Sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines)
- Risotto with seasonal ingredients
- Bigoli in salsa (thick pasta with anchovy and onion).
Beyond these highlights, expect fresh vegetables from the islands, artisan cheeses and cured meats, and a sweet ending with traditional desserts like zaleti or tiramisù. Each dish is best enjoyed with fine wines from the Veneto region, from elegant Prosecco Superiore to full-bodied Amarone.
Why choose Top Venice for your culinary experiences
Choosing Top Venice means enjoying a seamless, private, and truly memorable journey through the city’s culinary heritage. With us, every detail is curated to perfection:
- Exclusivity: all our experiences are private, designed for couples, families, or small groups seeking comfort and intimacy
- Authenticity: we open the doors to historic palaces, traditional Venetian homes, and refined restaurants, offering you settings that are both prestigious and deeply connected to Venice’s heritage.
- Expert guides & hosts: our English-speaking guides are not just professionals, they are storytellers. They bring to life the history, traditions, and flavors of Venice, transforming each dinner into an enriching cultural experience.
- Seamless logistics: from private water taxis to attentive assistants, we take care of every detail. You simply relax and enjoy, knowing that transfers, timing, and access to exclusive venues are all perfectly arranged.
With Top Venice, dining becomes more than a meal: it is an immersive cultural journey, blending food, history, and the magic of Venice.
Venice luxury dinner FAQs
Is it possible to organize surprise or special occasion dinners?
Absolutely. Whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary, birthday, or simply want to surprise your spouse with something unforgettable, we can help plan a custom experience. This might include private dining, personalized menus, and exclusive venues such as a secluded terrace or a private palace room.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We know that every guest has different needs. That’s why we can customize menus for dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly. We also create a family-friendly environment, ensuring that even children and younger guests can enjoy a tailored dining experience.
How long do the experiences last?
It depends on the tour: some are around 3 hours, while others, like the Lagoon Dinner, can last up to a full day.
What is the dress code?
For palace dinners and fine dining experiences, we recommend elegant attire. For bacaro tours and home dinners, smart casual is perfectly fine.
When is the best time for dining in Venice?
In Venice, dinner typically takes place between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, but many luxury venues offer flexible dining times for private or exclusive experiences.
When should I book?
As these are exclusive, private experiences with limited availability, we recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Reserve your culinary journey
Book your private food experience today and let us design an unforgettable journey into the heart of Venetian cuisine.
Contact us to curate your perfect dining experience in Venice!
