Escape to the Lido: Venice’s Breezy, Beachy Secret
I didn’t initially understand the appeal of Lido. It’s not the lagoon-side postcard of Venice most visitors imagine. It’s quieter, less dramatic, and a little sun-faded. After years of spending my summers here, I’ve come to love its slower rhythm — the salty breeze that cuts the heat, the buzz of bikes instead of rolling suitcases, and the way locals claim their spots on the beach like clockwork each morning. Lido is where Venice exhales.
It’s also where we quarantined during Covid (fitting, since quarantena is a Venetian word), where we first brought our daughter home from the hospital, where she learned not to be afraid of heights on the local playgrounds, and where she had her very first taste of gelato.
This guide isn’t about where to snap the best Instagram shot. It’s where to eat surrounded by locals dressed effortlessly cool with bright furlane, where to stay if you want to sleep with the windows open and hear the hush of waves, and where to go if you want Venice without the tight squeeze in tiny calles.
Only the best car ever… a Fiat 500. And, YES, you can actually drive on this Venetian island!
Where to Eat & Drink
Lido may be just a 10-minute vaporetto ride from Venice, but its food scene has a rhythm all its own — slower, simpler, and refreshingly local. You won’t find menus chasing trends here. What you will find: honest cooking, warm welcomes, and spots where the same families have been eating for generations.
⭐ Favorite Dining Spots (Lunch or Dinner)
Trattoria Andri – Classic and beloved. This is where locals take visiting family and where tourists feel like they’ve stumbled on a secret. The inside is charming and packed with vintage details. Ask for a table outside under the lovely vines and latticework if the weather is not too hot. Order anything that swam recently. In fact, we typically just order whatever the chef will offer us that day (not directly from the menu). Keep in mind it’s usually closed on Tuesdays and can book out 1-2 weeks in advance.
Osteria Pancin – A neighborhood spot with just the right amount of buzz. Pancin serves simple, seasonal Venetian plates. The prices are honest and the staff is super lovely. Don’t expect theatrics. Just good food and great wine in a place that feels lived-in (in the best way). The location is also enjoyable, with the option to sit outdoors directly on a quiet canal.
Ai Do Mati – If you’re craving pizza, this is your stop. It’s laid-back and reliable in quality — ideal for kids, groups, or when you just want a margherita and a cold drink without translating a tasting menu. It’s also conveniently located on the busy Gran Viale, so you get lots of people-watching and can saunter down to a nearby gelateria after dinner.
La Tavernetta – Upscale, a little moody, and always well-executed. The food pulls from both Venetian and Tuscan roots, so expect hearty options done with elegance. The dining room feels like your stylish Italian aunt’s house: warm, eclectic, and lined with books and bottles. It’s a good place to linger.
Ristorante Gran Viale – Also located on the main street in the “center” of lido, this restaurant is often quite busy. You’ll find all of the Venetian standards here: risottos, seafood pastas, fritto misto, and solid local wines. Not a destination meal, but a totally satisfying one.
El Pecador – Yes, it’s a food truck. Yes, it’s parked near the water. And, yes, the sandwiches will blow your mind. This casual double-decker spot is perfect after a beach walk or bike ride. Order whatever sounds messy and eat it with your hands. With your panino in hand, either head upstairs to the top deck of the bus or bring that yummy sammy to the water for a beachside lunch.
Trattoria Al Ponte di Borgo (Malamocco) – Feels like stepping into old Venice. Tucked away in the village of Malamocco (the oldest part of Venice!), this trattoria has a leafy courtyard and a short menu of excellent fish and cicchetti. Come for lunch, sip something cold, and watch the locals drop by to say hi to the chef.
Bagno Marconi – Part beach club, part restaurant, this is a great spot to spend your Italian summer. It’s breezy, casual, and has an expansive menu so you’re bound to find something for everyone. Seafood pastas, spritzes, pizzas, full entrées… Whatever you’d hope to find. Dress code: Sandy flip-flops, swim suits (if you plan on lounging in their beach chairs afterwards), and definitely a pair of sunglasses.
La Cucina – Tucked just steps from Lido’s main stretch, this cozy bistro shines not for fancy flair but for one thing done super well: pizza. The dough is pillowy, the toppings thoughtful, and locals swear it’s the best slice on the island. Order a gourmet pizza, grab a glass of wine, and settle in for a genuinely satisfying meal.
Ristorante Da Cri Cri e Tendina – Tucked away in the neighborhood called Città Giardino ("Garden City"), this cozy tavern feels like a local secret, but only because most visitors don’t know to look for it. Think cicchetti + seafood antipasti + a sharp prosecco pour that kicks off everyone’s day on the right foot. You’ll likely just eat whatever they have fresh, which could be a locally-caught fish fillet, a seafood risotto, an easy pasta — any of the Venetian classics. Sit outside watching life go by, order a glass of raboso alla spina, and eavesdrop on the Venetian chatter. If you’re eating here, you’re doing it right.
🍸 Where to Drink
Ristorante Ai Murazzi – Tucked along the Lido’s breeziest stretch, this is the kind of spot where the sky and water merge into a perfect evening backdrop. The cocktails are simple. Get a spritz. But the atmosphere is great because you’ll find lots locals lingering here after some beach time for social hour at sunset.
Blue Drop – A local favorite with curated natural wines and super yum aperitivo bites. Think also: thoughtful bartenders, creative flavors, and a relaxed vibe. You’ll come for one drink, but you’ll stay for three.
Al Mercà (Lido version) – Delicious polpette to pair with your spritzes. This casual walk-up window is a beloved stop for locals making their way home from the beach. If you’re lucky, snag a spot hovering around one of the oversized marble tables, where the conversation flows as easily as the prosecco. Expect to be surrounded by Venetians looking almost irritatingly fashionable for having just come off the sand. Furlane slippers in bold colors are practically the dress code. Traveling with kids? The open-air market space gives them room to roam while the grownups socialize (read: sip slowly and linger longer).
Bagno Marconi – Equal parts beach club, restaurant and relaxing bar. Whether you’ve spent the day under one of their rented umbrellas or are just stopping by for dinner, definitely take advantage of their kiosk, which looks like a cute little tiki hut. With a fully stacked bar, they can prepare anything you feel like sipping on while you want the sun slip behind the waves.
Chiosco ai Soci – A laid-back bar next to a playground. This is the spot where parents win: grab a drink, breathe easy, and let the kids run themselves into giggles. Espresso or wine, the multitasking options are endless.
De Bains 1900 Beach Club – Old-school glamour outside, but in the best way. Think vintage forms, shaded loungers, and cocktails that feel like they were designed just for this terrace. Go early if it's summer; the view is worth front-row real estate.
Hotel Villa Laguna – Upscale, serene, and elegant. Even if you're not staying here, their terrace is worth visiting for a refined aperitivo with a view of the lagoon. Cozy couches, ambient lighting will make you feel posh without being fussy.
