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Venice is famed the world over for its breathtaking vistas, enviable architecture and sparkling lagoon, but it also plays host to a magnificent culinary tradition. A premier destination found on the bucket list of foodies across the globe, the vibrant range of dishes on offer means you won’t have to rely on just pizza and pasta whilst enjoying a river cruise in Italy. From meat dishes to vegetarian delights, sweet treats to fish options, the Venetian diet pays homage to the Italian food heritage from which it is derived. Food of the sea Built on the water, seafood is the obvious dish of choice for many Venetians. Whilst kicking back on your river cruise in Italy, therefore, be sure to sample some authentic Italian fish, including the traditional Baccalà Mantecato. This meal dates back to 1431 and an unfortunate encounter between a Venetian ship and a storm. The sailors became stranded upon the island of Roest, where they discovered the stockfish central to the dish, and Baccalà Mantecato was born. Meaty mains A long-established main course to try during your river cruise in Italy is Venetian style liver - Fegato alla Veneziana. This exquisite dish is made of calf liver, with stewed and caramelised onions giving it its unique sweet flavour. Indulge your sweet tooth Should your river cruise in Italy deliver you to Venice during the famous Carnivale season, you must take the chance to sample fritole, a sweet pastry treat deep fried and dusted in sugar. Vegetarian options Whilst Venetian cuisine may be famed for its seafood and meat offerings, there is much to please vegetarians, too. One such example is Risi e Bisi, a rice and garden pea Venetian specialty, particularly delicious during the spring season. Traditionally served on the 25th April on the day of St Mark, this dish was historically used during times of great occasion, or to celebrate the abundance of St Mark’s lands. Lasagne al Nero di Seppia If you can’t quite get your mouth around these words, try the dish instead - squid ink pasta. With a sweet and mild taste, this staple cuisine of Venice is usually served with spaghetti or similar, but can be paired with polenta or offered as a risotto. It’s perfect for an evening meal. Eat like a Venetian sailor Due to Venice’s long and successful seafaring history, its modern menus reflect the necessity for long-lasting and practical foods that suited the needs of sailors past. Baicoli are dry, oval-shaped biscuits that are now often seen served with coffee, but were previously favoured by the aristocracy of Venice for dipping in creams and dessert wines. A river cruise in Italy is the perfect opportunity to explore all that Venice has to offer, and the options when it comes to food are impressive, wide-ranging and delicious. Be sure to book with an established cruise company to get the most out of your experience, and be brave and try something new - Venice has inspired many a convert to liver dishes, and you could be next. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury itineraries for a river cruise in Italy, as well as barge holidays in other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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