Osteria La Zucca is truly a unique place in the Lagoon, a place dear to many Venetians, which blends the charm of a traditional "bacaro" with that of an international vegetarian bistro that Yoko Ono would have loved.
A stone’s throw from Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, La Zucca has been an essential point of reference in Venice since 1980, the year of its foundation, known above all for its excellent creative cuisine based on vegetables, although the menu never lacks tasty meat dishes.
Part of the project since 1984 and today the unmissable host is Roberto Oran, who is responsible for the fantastic and indestructible convivial atmosphere that characterizes the Osteria.
One of those very few magical and timeless Venetian places.
Although La Zucca has become famous for its vegetarian dishes – a must-try is the pumpkin flan with aged ricotta or artichoke flan with parmesan fondue – among its original and tasty proposals there are also many meat-based dishes, such as chicken fillet with ginger or moussaka with lamb meat, as well as excellent side dishes and vegan proposals.
In the kitchen, a close-knit team of chefs takes turns bringing to the table a menu that changes every day with recipes, traditional or more creative, based on vegetables, seasonal fruit, and lots of spices, as dictated by the gastronomic tradition of Venice with its openness to the Far East.
The restaurant is divided into two rooms with truly original furnishings, with the walls covered with a sound-absorbing boiserie with oblique slats and green and, obviously, pumpkin-colored decorations that make the environment very cosy.
The project was signed in the 80s by the architect Massimo Dainese who, giving life to a timeless interior, used “boat” materials such as oak wood and copper, and recovered old bar chairs that were decorated with the same materials and colors of the project of the rooms.
La Zucca, one of those rare and magical places that embrace all ages, tastes, and nationalities, is perfect for both lunch and dinner. In the summer, you can eat outside by booking one of the highly sought-after outdoor tables (the tavern also has a water door to arrive by boat), very romantic on warm summer evenings.
The Secret
La Zucca houses a vast collection of pumpkin-themed works of art. Started by chance, every time an artist’s exhibition is hosted inside the restaurant it is customary to ask for a pumpkin-themed work as a gift.
Useful Info
La Zucca
Santa Croce 1762
30135 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5241570
Starters: from 7 euro
First courses: 9 — 12 euro
Second courses: 19 — 21 euro
