The Best Bar In Venice, Italy, According To Rick Steves

A true icon of world cuisine, Italy's flavors and techniques are hard to beat. Prioritizing quality and seasonality, Italians transform even the simplest ingredients into mouth-watering dishes that have captivated the world. Whether it's handmade pasta, locally caught seafood, or even the best gelato in Italy, every bite tells a different story. 

That said, with all its restaurants and trattorias, it can be hard to know where to find the best authentic restaurants in Italy. Luckily, there's someone out there who's both well-versed in European cuisine and always ready to share his expertise: Rick Steves. With over 40 years of experience guiding travelers through Europe's most beloved destinations, it's safe to say that Steves knows a thing or two about authentic dining — especially in cities like Venice, where tourist traps abound.

So, what's Steves' favorite spot to wine and dine while in the City of Canals? Well, according to the travel expert's official blog, nothing in Venice beats the charming Osteria al Mascaron. Located in the city's historic Castello district, the spot — which first opened in 1978 — specializes in traditional Venetian recipes with a touch of French brasserie influence — making it a must-visit for travelers hoping to sniff out the best local food in the city without risking a lousy meal.

Just a short walk from Piazza San Marco, Osteria al Mascaron's entrance is decorated with decades of "Best of" and recommendation stickers that showcase the osteria's — a term used to describe a casual Italian eatery — well-earned reputation. With a loyal following — made up of both tourists and locals alike — the restaurant's fresh seafood dishes and laidback (almost home-like) atmosphere make it the perfect spot to tuck in after a day of walking along Venice's winding cobblestone streets.

Owned and operated by Gigi Vianello — who you might catch working behind the counter during your meal — the restaurant's philosophy is all about simplicity, tradition, and authenticity. And this passion shows in everything that the team does. Plus, with prices that range from $10 to $20 per person, Al Mascaron remains accessible for most travelers without ever sacrificing quality over cost.

Boasting a menu that focuses on seafood, the eatery specializes in Venetian classics like squid in black ink sauce, locally caught prawns known as "canoce", and "baccalà mantecato" — a spread made from salted creamed cod. Alternatively, for a more well-rounded experience, you can also follow Rick Steves' advice and order his top pick, the mixed seafood antipasto plate, for roughly $20.

Alongside receiving Rick Steves' official stamp of approval, Osteria al Mascaron's 4.3-star rating on Google — made up of over a thousand reviews — also speaks volumes. Praised for being "consistently delicious," an "amazing local establishment," and — as one of the more poetic reviewers put it — serving up "a meal so good that it made you grateful to be alive," the osteria definitely lives up to its reputation.

That said, because of the restaurant's small-but-mighty size — which is usually outmatched by its popularity — reservations are highly recommended. This is specially true during peak tourist season — between April through June, as well as September through October — when longer lines and wait times are to be expected unless you're booked in. Along with that, it's also worth noting that Al Mascaron is closed on Sundays — so make sure to plan your visit ahead, unless you don't mind coming face-to-face with stomach-rumbling disappointment. Lastly, in terms of payment, keep in mind that the restaurant only accepts cash, so go ahead and take a quick ATM detour before actually heading over to grab your seat.