Best Overall Family Restaurants in Venice

Bacaro Trattoria Alla Ferrata

Bacaro Trattoria Alla Ferrata Web Address: Calle Larga dei Bari, 1103, 30135 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +390415246771

One of the safest family choices in Venice. Large outdoor seating, relaxed atmosphere and classic Venetian dishes alongside pizzas and pasta. Convenient if you’re arriving by train or staying near Santa Croce.

Why families like it:

  • Plenty of outdoor space
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Good for picky eaters
  • Easier with strollers than many Venice restaurants

Taverna Scalinetto – Ristorante

Taverna Scalinetto – Ristorante Web Address: Campo Bandiera e Moro, 3803, 30122 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +390415200776

A good introduction to Venetian food without feeling overly formal. Located away from the busiest tourist crowds and usually welcoming to families.

Why families like it:

  • Traditional Venetian food
  • Relaxed service
  • Good pasta options
  • Pleasant outdoor tables

Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino

Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino Web Address: Salizada Zorzi, 4928, 30122 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +390415285332

A long-running Venetian restaurant with a lovely garden courtyard that works particularly well for families wanting a more memorable dinner.

Why families like it:

  • Garden seating
  • Traditional atmosphere
  • Seafood and pasta options
  • Less crowded feeling

Garden Bistrot

Garden Bistrot Web Address: Campo Santa Margherita, 2919, 30123 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +393773119993

Located on Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice’s best squares for families. Children can move around the square before or after eating.

Why families like it:

  • Large open square nearby
  • Good lunch stop
  • Plenty of local atmosphere
  • Less touristy than San Marco

Best Pizza for Families

Birraria La Corte

Birraria La Corte Web Address: S. Polo, 2168, 30125 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +390412750570

Probably my top recommendation if you’re travelling with children. The restaurant sits beside Campo San Polo, Venice’s largest square. Kids can move around the square while adults enjoy dinner, which is a rare luxury in Venice. The wood-fired pizzas are consistently recommended for families. (Restaurants for Kings)

Best Near St Mark’s Square

La Piazza Zone

La Piazza Zone Web Address: P.za San Marco, 215, 30124 Venezia VE, Italien Phone: +390416395941

A practical choice when sightseeing around St Mark’s Square with children. Good option if you don’t want a long walk before lunch or dinner.

Best Gelato Stops

After dinner, don’t miss:

  • Gelateria Gallonetto
  • Gelati Nico

Both are frequently recommended family stops for authentic Venetian gelato. (Tripadvisor)

Best Areas for Family Dining

Instead of focusing only on restaurants, I would prioritize these neighborhoods:

Campo Santa Margherita

Large square with lots of activity and room for children. Excellent for relaxed dinners. (Venice Kids Tours)

Dorsoduro

Generally quieter than San Marco and packed with family-friendly restaurants, gelato shops and canals. (Mama Loves Italy)

Campo San Polo

One of the best family dining areas in Venice because children have space to move around while parents eat. (Restaurants for Kings)

If I Were Visiting Venice With Kids

For a family with children roughly your kids’ ages, I’d probably do:

  • Lunch: Bacaro Trattoria Alla Ferrata
  • Dinner: Birraria La Corte
  • Gelato afterwards at Gelati Nico

That combination gives you good food, authentic Venice atmosphere and enough space that the meal doesn’t become a struggle after a full day of bridges and sightseeing.

Best Restaurants for Families Near Rialto Bridge

Birraria La Corte

One of the best choices for families visiting Venice. Located close to Campo San Polo, the restaurant offers excellent pizza, pasta and a relaxed atmosphere. The nearby square gives children room to move around before or after dinner, which is rare in Venice.

Why families love it:

  • Large outdoor seating area
  • Excellent pizza selection
  • Popular with both locals and visitors
  • Close to major attractions

Osteria Ae Forcoe

A relaxed local restaurant serving traditional Venetian dishes and pizza. It is often less crowded than restaurants closer to St Mark’s Square and provides a more authentic experience.

Why families love it:

  • Traditional atmosphere
  • Friendly service
  • Good value compared to tourist hotspots
  • Family-friendly menu

Best Restaurants for Families Near St Mark’s Square

Rossopomodoro Venezia San Marco

Located close to St Mark’s Square, this restaurant is often a safe choice for families thanks to its pizza-focused menu and casual atmosphere.

Why families love it:

  • Excellent Neapolitan pizza
  • Good option after sightseeing
  • Quick service
  • Kids generally enjoy the menu

Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino

A classic Venetian restaurant with a beautiful courtyard that provides a more relaxed dining experience away from the busiest tourist routes.

Why families love it:

  • Outdoor seating
  • Traditional Venetian dishes
  • Central location
  • Family-friendly environment

Best Places for Breakfast and Brunch With Kids

Pasticceria Tonolo

One of Venice’s most famous bakeries. Perfect for a quick breakfast before a day of sightseeing.

Best for:

  • Pastries
  • Coffee
  • Italian breakfast experience
  • Budget-friendly start to the day

Majer

A reliable local chain with multiple locations throughout Venice offering pastries, sandwiches and breakfast options suitable for families.

Best Gelato Stops for Families

Gelati Nico

Located along the Zattere waterfront, Gelati Nico is one of Venice’s most famous gelato destinations.

Best for:

  • Gelato with a view
  • Evening walks
  • Family treats after dinner

Suso Gelatoteca

Often considered one of the best gelato shops in Venice and located within walking distance of Rialto Bridge.

Family Dining Tips for Venice

Eat Earlier Than Italians

Most Venetians eat dinner after 7:30 PM. Families often find it easier to arrive around 6:00 PM when restaurants are quieter.

Avoid Restaurants Directly on St Mark’s Square

You are often paying for the location rather than the food. Walking just a few minutes away usually results in better value and a more authentic experience.

Book Ahead in Summer

Venice becomes extremely busy from May through September, particularly during weekends and school holidays.

Choose Restaurants Near a Campo

Squares such as Campo San Polo and Campo Santa Margherita are ideal because children have space to move around while adults relax.

Best Areas to Stay for Families Who Love Food

Dorsoduro

Probably the best overall neighborhood for families. It is quieter than San Marco, has excellent restaurants and plenty of waterfront walking areas.

Cannaregio

A more local part of Venice with authentic restaurants, lower prices and fewer crowds.

Santa Croce

Convenient for arriving by train and home to several family-friendly restaurants.

Suggested Family Food Itinerary for Venice

Day 1

  • Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo
  • Lunch near Rialto Bridge
  • Dinner at Birraria La Corte
  • Gelato at Suso Gelatoteca

Day 2

  • Breakfast at Majer
  • Lunch in Dorsoduro
  • Dinner at Al Giardinetto da Severino
  • Sunset gelato at Gelati Nico

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About the Author

Fredrik Wallgren is a Swedish travel photographer who has visited 47 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Through Frewa Photo he shares photography guides, travel itineraries and practical tips to help travelers discover beautiful destinations and return home with better photos.

Learn more: https://frewaphoto.com/about/

FAQ

Are restaurants in Venice good for children?

Yes. Most restaurants welcome children and many offer pizza, pasta and simple dishes that younger travelers enjoy.

Do I need reservations in Venice?

Reservations are recommended during summer, weekends and holidays, especially for popular restaurants.

What food should children try in Venice?

Pizza, fresh pasta, lasagna, risotto and gelato are usually popular choices.

Which area of Venice has the best restaurants?

Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and Campo Santa Margherita offer excellent food with fewer crowds than San Marco.

What is the best family restaurant in Venice?

Birraria La Corte is often one of the easiest recommendations thanks to its pizza menu, relaxed atmosphere and location near Campo San Polo.

Is Venice expensive for families?

Restaurants around St Mark’s Square are often expensive, but excellent family-friendly restaurants can be found throughout Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Santa Croce at more reasonable prices.

What is the best gelato in Venice?

Gelati Nico and Suso Gelatoteca are among the most popular choices with both locals and visitors.

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