Italian
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. La Zucca means "the pumpkin." Has a few vegetarian and vegan options, and staff know what vegan means. Direction: on Ponte del Megio on the Rio del Megio. Take Calle Larga north from Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, cross the first bridge on your right. Removed August 2020 - no longer offering any vegan options.
39 Reviews
First Review by fm
happypeppy
Points +22
Very good side dishes - Edit
Don‘t order the mixed plate. It‘s overpriced.
Read moreInstead order side dishes. They are really, really yummy and plenty, e.g. 3-4 sides for 2 persons.
Guest
badswan
Points +126
1 Vegan option - Edit
It was a famous vegetarian restaurant, now serves mainly meat and fish. The only vegan option is a mixed veggie plate with rice. It's a joke.
Read morePros: Cozy
Cons: Only 1 vegan option, expensive, hard to get a rese
Guest
xxemkyxx
Points +290
Amazing - Edit
Best food ive had in venice. Menu is quirky but staff will happily help you out. So tasty i cant describe. Pumpkin starter is the best
Read morePros: Lovely decor, Tasty food, Decent price
Cons: Make sure you book
Guest
asya.sofia
Points +186
5 stars - Best vegan meal I had in Venice - Edit
Such good quality, authentic, fresh food. The roasted pumpkin is to DIE FOR. Don't get the veggie rice platter, the aubergine taglietelle without cheese is a much better vegan main. Artichoke hearts in oil were delish. Make sure to book in advance. New menu every day! The staff is really knowledgable about veganism, tons of great options.
Read morePros: Nice interior, Lovely staff, Lots of vegan options
Cons: Not all vegan
Guest
hari_ibm
Points +105
Lasagne delight - Edit
We got lucky to get a table in this small popular restaurant for lunch. An outdoor table by the gondola ride enhanced the ambience. The food was equally amazing with an attentive and kind staff. We settled for two primi- pumpkin and mushroom lasagne and the second one zucchini. They both were simply wonderful. For the mains we ordered vegetarian platter. This included carrots. Zucchini, lentils,zucca (pumpkin) and brown rice. This was a treat and caught the attention of adjacent tables - who ordered one as well.
Read moreLasagne was simply divine.
Pros: Tasty, Excellent presentation, Plenty of choices
Cons: Price, Will be hard to get a place
Guest
Alhinds
Points +62
Delicious, busy and friendly - Edit
Our group was a mix of two vegans and two meat-eaters, so we decided to visit La Zucca to keep everyone happy. We were very lucky to get a table after turning up just before 730pm - for the next two hours, the waiters had to turn away party after party because they were so busy. The staff are knowledgeable about veganism and happy to provide recommendations and alterations, but there are only a few options. Everything was delicious and the bill was very reasonable. Oh and the music was fantastic. We'll definitely return next time we're in Venice.
Read morePros: Knowledgable and friendly staff , Lovely setting beside the canal, Very reasonable wine
Cons: Don't forget to book a table!
Guest
hokusai77
Points +13612
Always crowded but delightful - Edit
I have been many times to La Zucca, and have never felt disappointed. Since it's quite popular with locals and foreigners alike, it's better to book in advance, as it is small and gets easily packed.
Read moreThe last time I went I started with a nice avocado and tofu tartare, followed by their vegetarian place: a nice dish made with their veggie dishes, rice, and sesame. Mine was made up of friggiteli (a kind of small green bell pepper from Southern Italy), artichoke bottoms, ratatouille, and chicory with plums. Absolutely delicious.
I ended up my meal with a light mango and pistachio aspic.
The staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable about veganism.
Pros: fresh products
Cons: gets packed easily
Guest
alexy
Points +28
Rude staff and very few options - Edit
The place was practically empty, but they seated us at a shared table as a punishment for not having a reservation. Of course no one to share the table with though. Multiple empty tables outside the whole time we were there.
Read moreWhen asked about vegan options, we got exactly one choice and when we opted to have a drink and a starter, we received a very sour expression.
Food was ok not great, and then they charged an extra 4 EUR for inside seating, which of course we didn't ask for or even want.
Quite meh.
Cons: Rude staff, Limited options, Hidden charges
Guest
Mhdq
Points +6
Very poor - Edit
The worst thing any business owner can do, is to be dishonest to his customers.
Read moreSadly this was our experience at Zucca during our last holiday to Venice.
I am surprised to witness this behavior in a developed country like Italy.
This wasn’t my experience anywhere else during the week holiday in Italy. Apart from Zucca, people were very friendly and welcoming.
Cons: Dishonest , Rude
Guest
bethea1807
Points +49
Amazing food! Must go! - Edit
We got there at just past 7 and they managed to squeeze us into a sharing table (I think their last spot so worth booking ahead as that was a Thursday!). Excellent authentic Italian food (not a tourist restaurant) with a good selection and friendly staff. The menu was fully in Italian so our waiter translated everything before we chose and they also provided a helpful sheet of key words. Great cosy environment to have dinner!
Read morePros: Good vegan options , Friendly, Authentic and not touristy
Guest
Sctoeop
Points +259
Vegan Meal for two - Edit
This place was great. Its a big place which was fully booked on a Thursday night but they managed to squeeze my wife and I in so if you want a table I would suggest reserving one. The staff were friendly and welcoming and they explained the menus on which food could be made vegan. It would be good though to label which dishes can be made vegan and which of the wines are also vegan within the menu. It would also be a good idea to have a English menu on hand rather than a translation card it would be easier for the customer.
Read moreThe food was delicious and we were going to order two vegetable rice dishes but the waiter advised one would be enough which were glad he did because we would have wasted a lot of the second if we ordered two. I was impressed that they provided the wine with a chiller which was the only place to do so. I must mention the tagliatelle with the tomato sauce and broccoli pesto were so flavoursome
This is another place I would highly recommend
Guest
ScottR.
Points +13
An absolute smashing hit of a meal!! - Edit
I would happily give it 5-Stars but it’s not an option on Happy Cow because they’re not entirely Veg. Therefore it gets 4-Stars.
Read moreThis was, without question, our best meal in Italy! We were excited to find it on Happy Cow and my wife and I worked it into our plans for the day. We were anticipating the lunch and had high hopes. As soon as we were welcomed by the friendly staff and given a nice table in a cozy back corner, we felt even more excited, intuitively feeling that we were in for a treat. Our server was great and when she realized we didn’t speak Italian, she asked if we would like a translation for the menu. She then translated all the Veg options for us - and there were many. 2/3 of the menu is vegetarian. The artichoke soufflé starter was SO DELICIOUS and one of the best things we have eaten - ever! It’s rich yet light - which seems contradictory but they achieved it and it’s wonderful! The pumpkin soup is hearty, simple and so yummy. The stuffed mushrooms were out of this world. The lasagna was very rich - almost too rich - but again, they pulled it off and it worked! We were seriously giddy about this meal. The chocolate mousse took it over the top and we were at a total loss for words. You can see why they have been repeatedly mentioned in the Michelin book - the food is exceptional. Additionally, the staff is great and the prices are fair. Do yourself a favor and work this restaurant into your time in Venice - you will be so happy you did!
Pros: Exceptional food, Friendly staff, Good prices
Cons: None
Guest
iwellner
Points +44
Delicous Meal - Edit
We had lunch here and were two vegans and two non vegans. We all enjoyed our meals. The cooked vegetable plate was so yummy! Flavors were delicious. Tried the avocado / tofu appetizer with slivered almonds. YUM!
Read moreThere were other vegan restaurants we wanted to try but they were closed for holiday. Glad that we ended up here for lunch.
Pros: Excellent Food/ Good quality, Delicious Flavors, Pretty environment right on a canal
Cons: Wish they'd had a main meal with tofu or setan
Guest
oneokrock
Points +159
A more finer dining option in Venice - Edit
I had the AVOCADO TOFU TARTARE 12 € and VEGETARIAN PLATTER 19 €.
Read moreAvocado tofu tartare was very beautifully plated, and had very unique flavours. I do recommend!
Vegetarian platter (vegan) felt very healthy and was very filling. However the taste didn't amaze me, and I could probably recreate the dish easily at home. I didn't feel that the concept of the platter matched that of the restaurant either. It seems the other mains are very well-received, hope they put a bit more time into the vegan options as well.
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The restaurant overall is a nice escape from the many tourist-trap-like restaurants of Venice. Not a bad place to try once when you're on vacation. Would recommend to swing by or call in to book in advance. They get pretty busy!
Pros: Staff seemed educated on plant-based options, Cozy atmosphere
Cons: Limited vegan options, Poor value
Guest
NicholasCharles
Points +18
fully booked on a Wednesday evening - Edit
We came here at 8 and the smell was lovely. Heard good things about it. Sadly they were fully booked whixh us a good sign. Sadly it was our last day so we couldn't pre-book for another day! Diners said they really enjoyed their food.
Read morePros: enough vegan options
Cons: very busy
Guest
RandyBoerboom
Points +41
Fantastic place, great veg. food - Edit
Restaurant with many delicious vegetarian dishes. Need to book in advance because it’s popular and next to beautiful canal and bridge.
Read moreWe have eaten there twice and had different dishes like tagliatelli with gorgonzola, pear and nuts, baked pasta with buffel mozzarella, pear and ginger cake, soup with topinabour etc. Not one dish was a disappointment.
Staff very friendly and they let you enjoy your food and have ll time for you.
Place for vegetarian food, not vegan.
My rating is 5 STARS, but not possible on this review site because only for vegan places.
Pros: Many veg. options, Tastefull, Nice locations
Cons: No vegan options
Guest
FrejaTheHuman
Points +76
Lovely food, not many vegan options - Edit
There was only one vegan main, a soup, but it was really delicious. Considering the lack of vegan food in Venice this was definitely one of the nicer meals I had!
Read morePros: Lovely food
Cons: Not many vegan options
Guest
dewii
Points +176
Antipasti!! ❤️ - Edit
That avocado tartare is something amazing!!!! Nice place and nice staff.
Read moreGuest
JesseWaugh
Points +415
avoid this place - Edit
Cramped tables, stuck in between strangers, meat restaurant - not vegetarian, confusing menu, pandering staff, mediocre food, expensive. It's too bad this is listed on Happy Cow, because it doesn't deserve to be.
Read morePros: none
Cons: meat / mediocre food , bad service, expensive
Guest
LilaZ
Points +24
Best Pasta - Edit
we ordered pasta with tomato sauce & it was the best we had on our trip to Italy
Read morePros: fast service, excellent food, good value
Cons: not the best vibe
Guest
radiovegan
Points +73
I will come back next time I'm in Venice! - Edit
This restaurant was simply delicious. The restaurant itself is tucked away in a cute little corner next to a tiny bridge. The waitress was very patient and helpful, explaining everything that could be made vegan (which seems to be quite a lot). Since I was alone, I ordered 2 small plates but they offer a vegetarian sampler plate that I would like to order next time I go with someone. The lentil dish as well as the spinach/chard/prunes dish were both SO good. (Don't be put off by the prunes - that dish was wonderful.)
Read morePros: Location, Food quality, Service
Cons: Menu not translated into English, Prices
Guest
KristinaPatatina
Points +209
cozy restaurant, delicious food - Edit
It is a very nice and comfy place with vegan options available. Staff is friendly and always happy to accommodate your needs!
Read moreI tried a starter - tofu with avocados and toasted almonds- simply amazing combination of flavours:) grilled aubergines with tomatoes for main were on point! However the only vegan dessert- chocolate "budino" was bland and watery.. I could only taste cocoa powder. But I believe such things are quite subjective:)
Pros: cozy restaurant
Cons: limited vegan options
Guest
kashmere.kitty
Points +110
Probably the best restaurant in Venice - Edit
I really enjoyed my experience at La Zucca. After a few days of mediocre food at other restaurants we made a reservation here (reservations are recommended since it tends to be quite busy in the evening) and we had delicous food. The dishes for vegetarians are great and plenty, and also a few vegan/veganizable dishes. Great quality of food and interesting taste combinations. We paid around 40 euro's for two starters, two pasta dishes and a bottle of water.
Read morePros: Tasty food, A lot of different choices
Cons: Menu only in Italian
Guest
agp91
Points +53
Go here. - Edit
Loved it, and it was a great change of pace from other meals we had in Italy. We had an avocado + tofu dish as a starter that was very tasty. I would recommend the vegetarian platter for a main course. The way that the platter works is that the kitchen selects several items from an assortment of the 10 or so small dishes on the menu, all of which are vegetarian. In my case, all of them even appeared to be vegan, but I didn't ask. There were also three vegetarian pasta dishes and a few other starters we could have chosen from.
Read moreMake a reservation a week or so before you plan to go.
Pros: great food, charming location, inexpensive for a fine dining experience
Cons: books up well in advance
Guest
gvi
Points +27
Several vegan options - Edit
Menu in Italian only, but on request, several vegan options were possible, both for starter, main course and dessert (one).
Read moreGuest
Nibs
Points +597
Wow. Just, Wow. - Edit
If you're in Venice, eating here is an absolute must. I had an avocado tofu pistaccio starter, followed up by pumpkin soup (prepared with a good dose of ginger), mexican-style beans, a green salad, a flan with lime, and espresso. All amazing. The staff were very friendly and were happy to point out all the vegan items on the menu. Reservations are a must-this place is very popular and by the looks of it, fully booked most of the time. Please don't leave without trying the pumpkin soup!
Read morePros: Best pumpkin soup on planet Earth, not terribly expensive, friendly staff
Cons: There's not one of these where I live, not fully plant-based
Guest
rachaelj
Points +57
We Book for Every Trip for Every Dinner - Edit
I have been going to La Zucca for every trip I have made to Venice. I ask whomever is the person we are renting accommodation from to book La Zucca for every single dinner we are in Venice. I cannot rave enough about this brilliant restaurant. I once was talking with a local there who was a customer at the restaurant, and he said it is the best restaurant in Venice, period. I believe this. The food here is extraordinary; I cannot emphasize enough what a delight it is to eat here. One major caution is that reservations are pretty much mandatory. Book way in advance to avoid disappointment. Enjoy! (Note: I wanted to award five stars but could not since the restaurant does not offer solely vegetarian food.)
Read morePros: extraordinary food, varied menu, nice location
Cons: none except you should book ahead
Guest
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