Ciao from Venice: My Favorite Hidden Spots for Seafood, Coffee, and Authentic Italian Life

Ciao from one of the most enchanting cities in the world, Venice! A UNESCO World Heritage site, Venice is a must-visit destination and a wonder to behold, best explored by wandering through its many alleyways, squares, and iconic bridges (on foot, of course, since there are no cars). It feels like stepping into an entirely different world—an entirely different era in time.

As I sit here on my balcony overlooking the lagoon and a beautiful bridge, I’m lost in the quiet of the new day just beginning. It’s still dark, but at least one food shop is open, with a handful of people walking about (including locals walking their dogs and enjoying the crisp late September morning air). The nearby Venice fish market, with its bright lights and vibrant red canopy, stands out in the dark stillness. The fishmongers carefully clean and prepare incredibly fresh fish and seafood, while seagulls lurk nearby. Walking by the display of sea delights, artfully arranged on large beds of ice, I can’t help but think that this would be a regular stop of mine if I lived here in this amazing city. Venice’s seafood is unlike any other, and I love to cook—what a treat it would be to work with such fresh fish and seafood, so easily accessible!

The sounds of boats gliding by, cutting through the waters of the lagoon, occasionally blaring a horn. Local workers are out with carts and in uniforms, tending to their duties as the guests and inhabitants of the city prepare to rise. I must say, this is one thing that I absolutely love about Italy. In general, the culture tends to be later—leisurely late dinners, after-dinner walks, and gelato, leading to later starts in the morning. As a night owl myself, this lifestyle appeals to me so much. I am from the other side of the globe, but when I am in Italy, I feel like I am home.

Off to leave my perch on the balcony of this four-story building (of course, with no elevator, climbing those stairs make one feel less guilty about the gelato tastings done throughout the day!) with beautiful architecture, breezy big windows, and of course, the small but wonderful balcony. The airy, large apartment is dreamy, with extra high ceilings, beautiful Murano glass chandeliers throughout the rooms, yet very helpful modern amenities and appliances.

Are you coming to Venice and looking for a special place to stay? Subscribe to hawaiigirllife.com and reach out to me via our contact form, and I’ll let you in on two places for accommodations here in the “Floating City” that I’ve personally stayed at and truly love for their luxurious and modern features, combined with the perfect touches of local Venice charm.

Okay, I’m heading off now to explore the alleyways of Cannaregio, greet the friendly locals with a warm buongiorno, look for some yummy little bites, and slowly make my way to Torrefazione Cannaregio. What is Torrefazione Cannaregio, you might ask? Tracing its roots back to 1930, it is the only coffee roaster with a café here in Venice, and it has features I love—a beloved local neighborhood café, the option for alternative milks (soy, almond, oat), tables overlooking the lagoon, and a warm, buzzy vibe once you enter its doors. My order? Espresso with steamed and frothed almond milk, a base of pistachio crème, and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Sending you sunshine and aloha, along with the heartiest ciao, from here in a dreamy Venice. ☀️🌺