Italy has always been one of our favorite European destinations! It's a diverse and fascinating country with an unrivaled culinary landscape, picturesque countryside, and countless cultural icons.

Locals and travelers tend to agree that Treviso is the idyllic version of Venice. Treviso has that intimate and romantic vibe that so many of us are chasing in Venice. It's that "more under the radar" location where you can fully experience the magic of Italian life!

Fondly referred to as “Little Venice,” the historical heart of Treviso is housed inside the Medieval city walls. It’s an accessible city to get around, and the main train station will take you to and from anywhere in Italy! Treviso is truly an authentic Italian gem.

What we loved most about Treviso is that there's little foreign tourism. Rather than wandering around with other tourists, you can interact with locals. Most people speak some level of English, and we found everyone to be super friendly - actually, more so than anywhere else we've ever been to in Italy!

Located within the Veneto region, you’ll typically find traditional Venetian and Northern Italian food in Treviso. At nearly every eatery, this means Aperol Spritz before your meal, Tiramisu for dessert, and Prosecco.

Fun Fact: Treviso is the birthplace of Tiramisu, and their Prosecco is produced in the hills right outside the city!

While this dream combo would be enough to tide us over at every meal, there’s much more to sample. Here’s what to expect, meal by meal.

BREAKFAST (7 AM – 9 AM)

Cafes are often referred to as "bars" and they’re the standard morning pitstop. Try brioche (a bready, croissant-like delight) either plain or filled with Nutella, chocolate, or marmalata. Order it with a "cappucco," the local way of saying cappuccino.

Breakfast Hacks: If you’re in the mood for an iced coffee, we highly recommend the shaken chilled espresso drink: shakerato.

LUNCH (1 PM - 3 PM)

Many restaurants are open during just a short window for lunch. You’ll find typical Italian options like pasta and fish, and occasionally, some spots will have a salad.

SIESTA

Places tend to be closed on Mondays and daily from 1pm to 4pm. From post offices to retail stores to restaurants, you’ll find everyone closing up shop midday. Like much of the Mediterranean area, Mondays are typically the “day of rest” in Treviso. Shops might stay completely closed the entire day or they’ll re-open in the evening beginning around 4 pm.

Keep in Mind: 1pm-4pm is a loose schedule, so it’s not worth waiting at the door of any establishment at 4pm!

APERITIVO (5:30PM - DINNER)

The “happy hour” of Treviso is normally after work hours. Locals fill the city center for drinks and small bites. Find something to nibble on to soak in the experience…but don’t fill up yet!

DINNER (FROM 7:30PM)

Treviso doesn’t have the late-evening dinner culture you might find in other parts of Italy. People will typically stop after work for that quick drink and snack, then have a proper meal within a couple of hours.

GELATO (AFTER DINNER)

After dinner, locals will take a stroll around town to get a scoop of gelato. It’s a great way to socialize and soak in the beauty of the town. Side note: There is no such thing as too much gelato.

It’s hard to go wrong in a place like Treviso. You'll find impressive restaurants on every corner. Restaurants may operate at different hours, so check their websites for details.

Da Pino: Our family's favorite! For the most famous pizza in the area, try Da Pino in the center of the town square.

Le Beccherie: The history of 'Tiramisu' is closely linked to this historic restaurant in the center of Treviso!

Giardino Bistro: This is the perfect quick spot to fill up on a fresh sandwich.

Helmut Pub: If you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned burger and beer, look no further than Helmut Pub.

Toni del Spin: This Venetian spot claims to have invented Tiramisu. Stop by to decide if it’s truly the best in the world!

Trattoria dei Bana ai Buranelli: We adore this cute spot on the canal for a leisurely dinner of locally sourced food and wine.

Odeon alla Colonna: This enchanting place is right on the canal and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Filodrammatici: This is a favorite spot amongst locals for a traditional meal in the center of the city.

Osteria Arman: If you want to try home-style cooking just like your Nonni would make, you need to check out Osteria Arman.

Mercato San Tomaso: For the best meat and seafood in Treviso, it’s all about Mercato San Tomaso.

Zeus: This family-owned pizza and pasta place is an essential stop when you’re craving carbs. Try the wood-fired Neapolitan pizza- you'll never look back.

SPRITZ & SNACKS

Aperitivo is a way of life! Going out around 6pm and unwinding after a long day is an essential part of life in Treviso.

Osteria La Roggia: This is one of the most popular hangouts. It’s the prime place to go when you’re looking to mingle with locals and get a sense of what life is like in Treviso.

Vineria Al Mulino: One of our favorite 'cicchetti' spots right on the water!

Tavernetta Butterfly: For an aperitivo with fresh local seafood, this is the place to be.

Osteria by Gigia: This famous spot is renowned for its 'Mozzarella in Carrozza' and world-class wine.

Hosteria Dai Naneti: This is one of our favorites! Come ready for a smorgasbord of meat, cheese, and wine. Just try to pace yourself so you’re still ready for dinner afterward!

GELATO

If you’ve made it through your aperitivo and dinner, stroll through town until you’ve worked up an appetite for the final cherry on top! Here are the best gelato spots.

Dassie Gelato: There are two Dassie locations in town so it’s easy to swing by for a creamy scoop of heavenly gelato.

Gelateria La Romana: Heaven in a cone! You can thank me later.

Gelateria Calmaggiore: Right in the center of town, you’ll find this top-notch gelato spot.