Try Sarde in Saor Like a Venetian

If Venice had a taste, this would be it.

Sarde in saor is a traditional dish made of fried sardines layered with slow-cooked onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins — a centuries-old recipe born from the need to preserve food on long sea voyages. Cold, tangy, and deeply Venetian.

Skip the tourist menus and try it in a place that respects its roots. My favourites include:

• Cantina Do Spade – A classic bàcaro near Rialto.

• Alla Vedova – Local, casual, and full of charm.

• Antiche Carampane – A refined option if you want to elevate the experience.

• Osteria alle Testiere – When you want to go elegant.

• Da Bepi Gia 54 – Quiet, traditional, and often overlooked.

Pair it with a Select spritz or a glass of white, and you’re halfway to understanding this city.

📸 Bonus tip for photographers: capture it with soft side lighting to highlight the texture of the onions and the glisten of the fish. Rustic plates or marble counters make it even better.