Gelateria da Nico
Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, 922, 30123 Venezia
Nico has the best ice-cream in Venice and, if you wish to try an ice-cream which is in the hearts of all Venitians (as it is a childhood memory for most), you should try "Gianduiotto". This is a chocolate and nuts based ice-cream with whipped cream.
Bacareto da Lele
Fondamenta dei Tolentini, 183, 30100 Venezia VE
Typical venetian bars are known as ‘bacari’ and you typically drink a glass of wine (the region’s wine is Prosecco) or Spritz (spritz was actually invented here in Venice, this is why only here you can have, other than the renowned Aperol Spritz, the Spritz Select) while eating a ‘cicchetto’ which could be defined as the local tapas. A good typical bar is Bacareto da Lele not far from the train station it is microscopic and often full, but their offer is really good.
Hostaria Vecio Biavarol
Fondamenta del Monastero, 217-259, 30135 Venezia VE
Another bacaro (great for happy hour), I would suggest you have the owner choose the cicchetti (tapas) for you as he will make you try different ones and many of them are peculiar to this place only. Close to the train station, so it is a good place to stop before you have to catch the train.
Osteria La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi
Calle dell'Oca, 4367, 30121 Venezia VE
Here you have two options: you either have a consumption at the bar (like the bacaro above, with a drink and tapas) or you can sit and have a meal. The cuisine is typically Venetian. The service is exceptional and the place is a very non-touristy place. If you want to eat like a local, this is a great option.
Osteria Mocenigo
Salizada San Stae, 1919, 30135 Venezia VE
Again, another typical Venitan restaurant, not far from the art museum Ca' Pesaro very close to Piazza S.Marco, just after the Rialto Bridge. The food is great and the staff as well. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the S. Marco area.
What can't be missed:
Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Ponte di Rialto, Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 30100 Venezia VE
It is an XIII century Venetian palace which is now a shopping centre. The palace and it’s architecture though has been preserved and it has been recently renovated. The building is stunning and from the terrace, on the last floor, you can take advantage of an amazing view of Venice.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
San Marco, Campo Manin, 4303, 30124 Venezia VE
This is a late gothic building, the peculiarity of it though is the stair adjacent to the building, which the Contarini family had built only as a way to show off their wealth as the stair doesn’t lead anywhere. This 26m tall stair though gives access to an astonishing view of the city.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE
One of the world’s most curious book shops and is not far from Piazza San Marco. Books here are displayed in a gondola and in a bathtub, plus they have a staircase entirely made out of books which can be climbed. This staircase is made out of books that were meant to be destroyed as they were too damaged to be able to read.