With tourist beds now officially outnumbering residents, it sometimes feels like all restaurants in the city are tourist traps. If you’re spending the day in Murano, nip into La Perla Ai Bisatei for a cheap and cheerful lunch alongside resident glassblowers having their break. It ticks all the trattoria boxes: paper placements, a single glass for both house wine and water, overflowing baskets of bread, and reliable, no-nonsense fare like spaghetti with clams or seafood risotto.

In a city where restaurants can easily fall into two distinct categories—modern pretentious or tourist trap—La Perla ai Bisatei, an old-style spit-and-sawdust place in the backstreets of Murano, is a pleasant surprise. It’s loud—the voices of locals compete with staff shouting out the unwritten daily menu—and the food (only lunch) is hearty rather than refined. But outsiders are greeted with the same gruff-but-cheery welcome as old-timers.

A perennial favorite with locals (Murano and otherwise) and a welcome respite for travelers, La Perla offers a relaxed, local atmosphere and lots of delectably prepared standard Venetian fare. Don't even think of arriving late in the lunch hour, or plan on waiting, as everyone else will have reserved or come early. The frittura is not a rare dish in Venice, but you won't find a better one—and certainly not at a better price.

Upon entering this restaurant, patrons are usually overwhelmed by the number of Italian visitors. This is proof of the sheer quality and the reliability of the establishment. The dishes are authentic and simple – and if the food is not enough, the cordial staff and the Venetian proprietor will charm you with their welcoming hospitality.

A cheap neighbourhood trattoria – in Venice, where dining rarely comes cheap. Granted, you'll have to take the boat to Murano to find it, but this island is worth a visit anyway. Ai Bisatei is hugely popular with locals, including glass-blowers on their lunch break.

Location: Just look for the only restaurant in the Campo di San Bernardo, as you won’t see the name of this place on display. (I think the locals are trying to keep it to themselves as much as possible and I can see why.) Crowded, bustling with simple and tasty food, the perfect lunch spot. What I ordered: Seafood pasta and the fried seafood second course.

La Perla ai Bisatei is a casual osteria located in Campo San Bernardo that is very popular among locals and Italians. In fact, here you might find the glassblowers of the island taking a break to eat lunch!. This is always great in terms of comparison for quality and prices, especially in Venice and more especially in Murano Island.

Although it is only about 100 meters from the center of the island (museum and church), but a bit hidden in a side street. Looking for the place is worthwhile. As usual in Italy you can order at La Perla Ai Bisatei a pasta dish as an appetizer.

La Perla Ai Bisatei offers traditional home-style cuisine in a more family-like setting, whereas Osteria al Duomo offers regional specialties served in the garden courtyard in the shade.

Try Osteria al Duomo for delicious seafood pasta, or enjoy a romantic meal by the canal at La Perla Ai Bisatei. Don’t forget to order a local glass of Veneto white wine.

Try the mixed fried fish (frittura mista), or the risotto of the day. La Perla is very popular with locals, so you know it’s good!