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.


Venue map for La Zucca
© OpenStreetMap contributors

39 Reviews

First Review by fm

happypeppy

Points +22

Vegan
30 Jul 2021

Very good side dishes

Don‘t order the mixed plate. It‘s overpriced.

Instead order side dishes. They are really, really yummy and plenty, e.g. 3-4 sides for 2 persons.

badswan

Points +126

Vegan
15 Feb 2020

1 Vegan option

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.

Pros: Cozy

Cons: Only 1 vegan option, expensive, hard to get a rese

xxemkyxx

Points +290

Vegan
17 Jan 2020

Amazing

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

Pros: Lovely decor, Tasty food, Decent price

Cons: Make sure you book

asya.sofia

Points +186

Vegan
24 Oct 2019

5 stars - Best vegan meal I had in Venice

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.

Pros: Nice interior, Lovely staff, Lots of vegan options

Cons: Not all vegan

hari_ibm

Points +105

Vegetarian
20 Sep 2019

Lasagne delight

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.

Lasagne was simply divine.

Pros: Tasty, Excellent presentation, Plenty of choices

Cons: Price, Will be hard to get a place

Alhinds

Points +62

Vegan
16 Sep 2019

Delicious, busy and friendly

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.

Pros: Knowledgable and friendly staff , Lovely setting beside the canal, Very reasonable wine

Cons: Don't forget to book a table!

hokusai77

Points +13612

Vegan
27 Jun 2019

Always crowded but delightful

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.
The 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

alexy

Points +28

Vegan
16 Jun 2019

Rude staff and very few options

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.

When 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

Mhdq

Points +6

Non Veg
03 Apr 2019

Very poor

The worst thing any business owner can do, is to be dishonest to his customers.
Sadly 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

bethea1807

Points +49

Vegan
23 Feb 2019

Amazing food! Must go!

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!

Pros: Good vegan options , Friendly, Authentic and not touristy

Sctoeop

Points +259

Vegan
18 Dec 2018

Vegan Meal for two

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.
The 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

ScottR.

Points +13

Vegetarian
17 Nov 2018

An absolute smashing hit of a meal!!

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.

This 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

iwellner

Points +44

Vegan
30 Aug 2018

Delicous Meal

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!
There 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

oneokrock

Points +159

Vegan
07 Aug 2018

A more finer dining option in Venice

I had the AVOCADO TOFU TARTARE 12 € and VEGETARIAN PLATTER 19 €.

Avocado 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

NicholasCharles

Points +18

Vegan
25 Jul 2018

fully booked on a Wednesday evening

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.

Pros: enough vegan options

Cons: very busy

RandyBoerboom

Points +41

Vegetarian
22 Oct 2017

Fantastic place, great veg. food

Restaurant with many delicious vegetarian dishes. Need to book in advance because it’s popular and next to beautiful canal and bridge.

We 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

FrejaTheHuman

Points +76

Vegan
16 Aug 2017

Lovely food, not many vegan options

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!

Pros: Lovely food

Cons: Not many vegan options

dewii

Points +176

Vegan
26 Jun 2017

Antipasti!! ❤️

That avocado tartare is something amazing!!!! Nice place and nice staff.

JesseWaugh

Points +415

Fruitarian
23 Dec 2016

avoid this place

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.

Pros: none

Cons: meat / mediocre food , bad service, expensive

LilaZ

Points +24

Vegan
29 Nov 2016

Best Pasta

we ordered pasta with tomato sauce & it was the best we had on our trip to Italy

Pros: fast service, excellent food, good value

Cons: not the best vibe

radiovegan

Points +73

Vegan
26 Sep 2016

I will come back next time I'm in Venice!

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.)

Pros: Location, Food quality, Service

Cons: Menu not translated into English, Prices

KristinaPatatina

Points +209

Vegan
08 Aug 2016

cozy restaurant, delicious food

It is a very nice and comfy place with vegan options available. Staff is friendly and always happy to accommodate your needs!

I 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

kashmere.kitty

Points +110

Vegan
15 Jul 2016

Probably the best restaurant in Venice

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.

Pros: Tasty food, A lot of different choices

Cons: Menu only in Italian

agp91

Points +53

Vegetarian
06 Jun 2016

Go here.

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.

Make 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

gvi

Points +27

Vegetarian
01 Apr 2016

Several vegan options

Menu in Italian only, but on request, several vegan options were possible, both for starter, main course and dessert (one).

Nibs

Points +597

Vegan
03 Jun 2015

Wow. Just, Wow.

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!

Pros: 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

rachaelj

Points +57

Vegetarian
29 Apr 2015

We Book for Every Trip for Every Dinner

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.)

Pros: extraordinary food, varied menu, nice location

Cons: none except you should book ahead




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