Few things are as glam – or indeed aspirational – as putting on your glad rags for a trip to Club del Doge, the upmarket restaurant of the legendary Gritti Palace hotel. Why we love it: Chef Alberto Fol is from Treviso (near Venice but on terraferma), and he brings together land and sea in his sumptuous menus crammed with local produce – including vegetables from the hotel’s own patch on an island in the north lagoon, just-netted fish, and meat from the inland Veneto. One dish, however, is so iconic that Fol hasn’t touched it: the ‘Hemingway-style’ risotto which doubles up on cooked and gloriously raw prawns is said to have been the go-to of Ernest Hemingway on his regular Gritti stays.

For the best dining on the Grand Canal, head to Gritti Terrace (daytime) and Club del Doge (more elevated for the evenings) at The Gritti Palace for executive chef Alberto Fol, who turns to the Dolomites and ultra-local lagoon treasures for dish inspiration. Fol's commitment to local ingredients is standout, particularly his celebrated preparations of castraure—vibrant violet artichoke sprouts from the hotel's private garden on Mazzorbetto island. The tasting menu delivers favorites like spider crab, local eel with sweet and sour tiny onions, and artichokes with goat cheese and mint.

With a picturesque view of the Grand Canal, Club del Doge seeks to celebrate the history and tradition of Venice. The restaurant is located in the Gritti Palace Hotel and features beautiful decor that send guests back to the Renaissance period. Each item on the menu has a unique burst of flavour, making each bite a gastronomic experience.

Here is another unmissable restaurant with a terrace in Venice, which is also one of the most popular in the summer. La terrazza of the Gritti Hotel, is the open space of the Club del Doge, a gastronomic oasis directed by executive chef Daniele Turkish. Among the unmissable signature dishes is the Hemingway risotto with scamp, a creation that reflects the philosophy of the menu, based on refined combinations of flavour and intriguing play of textures, which let the flavours emerge, without ever covering them.

: Nestled within the historic Gritti Palace on Venice’s Grand Canal, is renowned for its romantic ambiance, making it a premier destination for couples seeking an unforgettable dining experience. The Gritti Palace, dating back to 1475 and once the residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, offers a setting steeped in Venetian aristocratic charm. The restaurant’s interior features opulent Murano chandeliers, antique furnishings, and a majestic hand-painted beamed ceiling, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Club del Doge Restaurant is where Venetian culinary traditions are celebrated, international gourmands dine and a new tradition is born. Here Executive Chef Alberto Fol's cuisine seamlessly blends with a romantic atmosphere, attentive service, and a superb location on the Grand Canal to make it one of the best places to dine out in Venice.

Club del Doge Terraza is one of those pleasures that anyone who enjoys good cuisine and a sophisticated atmosphere would appreciate. The Club del Doge is located along the Grand Canal and offers a unique and romantic environment, combined with top-notch food. Dining here is more than a pleasure; it is an experience.

For those not sparing any expense however, places like Club del Doge (recommended by The Foodaholic) and Caffè Florian (my Pinterest find on Gastrotravelogue) in Saint Mark’s Square may be just the ticket.