Venice’s Bland Cuisine? This Canadian City Does It Right!

In the fourth installment of
Sazua.com
Travel
Hot Takes
, Patrycja Zaras contends that the
Polish
the city where she was born
Venice
’s food scene to shame.

Is anything more universally beloved than Italian cuisine? It’s like a hug from a long-distance friend: familiar, comforting, and made with love.

I was disappointed, then, to find nothing of the sort in Venice,
Italy
’s floating city and one of its most popular holiday destinations.

At least not for the average Joe. I’m sure the
Angelina Jolies
and
George Clooneys
of the world would beg to differ when they roll into town for the
annual Film Festival
Venice has 62 restaurants with Michelin stars.

But for a budget traveller like me, who’s been to the City of Masks many times, its food has never left a positive impression.

I’ve
travelled to Italy
many times in recent years, and I’ve come to expect the kind of meals that remind you, no matter how many times you try to recreate them at home, they’ll never taste the same.

But from pasta to tiramisu, and the greatest of all Italian delicacies, arancini, Venice keeps letting me down.

On more than one occasion, I’ve been served pizza so thin, bland and flavourless, I’ll admit it: I reached for the salt.

In Venice, waiters have brought me meals as cheerless as damp dishrags, dismal dishes that I would readily take from 24-hour kebab shops. Yet at moderately priced eateries charging premium fees?
Per favore, Venezia
.

And that’s without complaining about
coperto
, the notorious cover charge that might add €20 or more to your bill simply for the opportunity to sit in areas such as St Mark’s Square.

I’m sure hidden gems exist – this is Italy, after all – but they sure do a good job of hiding.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Venice – it’s a magnificent city and a true architectural masterpiece.

On TikTok, dozens of videos are devoted to helping visitors avoid tourist traps. There are tips for under-the-radar gelato shops, and hole-in-the-wall cannoli spots that won’t require you to remortgage your flat.

But even still, the pickings are slim. Just don’t expect mind-blowing food if you’re travelling on a budget.

If that’s what you’re after, a recommendation that might surprise you is
Warsaw
, the place where I was born.

As shy and unassuming as big cities get, Poland’s capital has been quietly climbing the culinary rankings over the past decade.

Just a few years ago, the idea of a food trip to Poland would be met with raised eyebrows. Now, it’s being called one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting food scenes by esteemed voices at
The FT
,
Forbes
, and
The Guardian
.

Having lived there for 19 years, I can confirm that Warsaw’s culinary scene is full of surprises, with everything from Japanese to Middle Eastern and creative vegan kitchens.

Not big on meat? The city regularly appears in global rankings of vegan-friendly cities. My personal favourite for a budget-friendly green feast is Peaches, a trendy spot with an achingly cool
Instagram
feed.

Their menu changes constantly, but one thing that’s here to stay is the grilled oyster mushrooms glazed in muscovado. Rich, smoky, and just the right kind of sticky, it’s easily the best vegan dish I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve had my fair share over the years.

Another unmissable joint is Joel. Every dish, from cloud-like hummus to roasted cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb to silky labneh, is cooked and presented to perfection.

And it’s all served in a candle-lit, vibey space that sets the tone for a memorable meal. Check out some more ‘locals only’ tips below:

Not convinced by Poland? Check out these Italian options instead.

If you’re similar to Kerri Kenney-Silver’s character in
The Four Seasons
And if you’re not keen on visiting Poland, there’s an alternative option available:
Puglia
.

This under-the-radar Italian area provides much superior cuisine at significantly lower costs.

Its biggest city, Bari, is both charming and full of fantastic restaurants – and flights from the UK start from just £48 return.

An alternative choice only an hour away from Venice is
Bassano del Grappa
, which offers the same appeal without the crowds and inflated prices.

Clarissa Cappelletti, international country manager at
WeRoad
suggests it’s a great option for travelers seeking destinations outside of Italy’s popular tourist hotspots.

‘Bassano del Grappa is a charming and underrated destination,’ she tells

Sazua.com

. ‘It’s particularly appealing for those on a road trip, as it sits conveniently between major cities like Venice and Padua while offering a quieter, more authentic experience.’

So how about we give Venice a break and let it breathe a bit? Even its mayor is asking us to.

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