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Best supermarkets in Venice: Where to go grocery shopping?
Knowing the best supermarkets in Venice will help you organize your shopping in this great Italian city.
Moving to a unique city like Venice means getting used to a very particular lifestyle. There are no cars or large shopping malls here, but gondolas, vaporettos, and small streets that feel like a labyrinth. In this context, knowing where the supermarkets in Venice are is key to organising your daily life without complications.
Although the city doesn’t have the same variety of hypermarkets as other Italian capitals, you’ll find well-known chains, neighbourhood supermarkets, and traditional markets. Most of them are concentrated in areas like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Polo, and Mestre, where locals live. Knowing about these options from the start will help you save time, money, and effort on your everyday shopping.
Ready to learn about the best supermarkets in Venice for your daily or monthly shopping? Here we go!
What types of stores are there in Venice?
Living in Venice for a while can be a great idea. Whether you’re a digital nomad, student, or traveller who enjoys staying for extended periods in each destination, there are certain things you’ll need to plan. One of them is choosing the best accommodation to live in the city. The second is to find out where to shop for food, clothes, appliances (if needed), cleaning supplies, and other everyday essentials.
Shopping in Venice is quite an experience. The size of the city and the absence of cars mean that supermarkets and shops are smaller than in other Italian cities. However, there are alternatives for every need: from small local shops to medium-sized supermarkets and traditional markets that keep the tradition alive.
These are the different types of stores you’ll find in the city of gondolas and canals.
Alimentari: Neighbourhood stores with basics
Alimentari are family-run shops scattered throughout the sestieri (neighbourhoods) of Venice. Here, you’ll find bread, cheese, cold cuts, wine, and basic pantry items. They are convenient because they are just a few steps from your home and usually have extended opening hours. Their advantage is proximity, though prices are a little higher than in larger chains.
Supermercati: Medium-sized chains
Venice also has supermercati, usually medium-sized, offering a good selection of fresh products, drinks, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. You’ll find chains like Coop, Conad, and Despar, located both in the historic centre and in Mestre. They are the best option for weekly shopping without having to travel too far.
Mercati: Freshness and Venetian tradition
Markets are an essential part of life in Venice. Places like the Rialto Market, active for centuries, offer top-quality fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Apart from providing supplies, these markets are a spectacle in themselves, with vibrant colours, aromas, and the bustling atmosphere typical of Venetian life. They are perfect for those who value freshness and want to experience the most authentic side of the city.
What are the best supermarkets in Venice?
Unlike other Italian cities, Venice doesn’t have huge hypermarkets or a wide variety of international chains. The city’s unique geography makes supermarkets smaller and strategically spread across the historic centre and Mestre, the mainland area.
Still, there are reliable chains like Coop, Conad, and Despar, which have multiple branches and offer everything you need for daily life: from fresh products to cleaning and personal care items. Most of these supermarkets are located in areas like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and San Polo, while in Mestre, you can access larger stores with a wider range of products.
Next, let’s go over the most recommended supermarkets in Venice, what they offer, how they differ, and their pros and cons.
1- Coop: One of Italy’s most popular chains
Coop is one of Italy’s largest consumer cooperatives and one of the most prominent supermarket chains in Venice. With thousands of branches across Italy, in our city, medium-sized stores are located in neighbourhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, while in Mestre, there are larger stores with more variety and better prices.
At Coop, you can buy fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, wines, and a wide range of cleaning and personal care items. Its own brand Coop, offers good quality at competitive prices, along with specialised lines like organic products and fair trade items.
As for how expensive it is to shop at Coop, it is generally affordable, though its prices may be slightly higher than in Mestre due to the logistics of the city. For example, a litre of fresh milk may cost around €1.40 ($1.55), a kilo of Coop pasta about €1.10 ($1.22), and a bottle of local wine around €3.80 ($4.20).
Coop stores in Venice are usually open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with earlier closing on Sundays (usually until 1:00 PM). In Mestre, some branches extend their hours until 10:00 PM.
Advantages and disadvantages of Coop in Venice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of fresh and quality products | Slightly higher prices in the historic centre |
| Strong presence in Venetian neighbourhoods and Mestre | Small stores in the centre with limited range |
| Own brand with good value for money | Long queues during peak hours |
| Commitment to sustainability and local products | Fewer aggressive promotions compared to other chains |
Pros and cons of shopping at Coop
2- Supermarkets in Venice: Conad, another very popular option
Conad is another of Italy’s main cooperative chains, and it’s very present in medium and small cities (with over 3,000 points of sale), known for its closeness to customers.
In Venice, it is a reliable and practical option for daily shopping, with stores adapted to the size and logistics of the city. Conad stores are concentrated in the historic centre (San Polo and Cannaregio) and in Mestre, where stores are larger and more complete.
In their branches, you’ll find fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, bakery items, drinks, and cleaning products. One of their strengths is their own brands, such as Verso Natura Conad (organic and healthy) or Sapori & Dintorni Conad, with gourmet Italian products ideal for those who want to explore local culinary traditions.
Prices at Conad are competitive and, in many cases, lower than Coop. For example, a litre of Conad extra virgin olive oil costs around €5 ($5.60), while 500g of Barilla pasta is about €1.20 ($1.35).
Conad supermarkets usually open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with reduced hours on Sundays (until 1:00 PM). In Mestre, some branches can extend their hours until 10:00 PM.
Advantages and disadvantages of Conad in Venice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive prices compared to Coop | Fewer international brands compared to Carrefour or Despar |
| Good balance between essentials and gourmet products | Small stores in the centre with limited selection |
| Own brands of quality (organic and gourmet) | Reduced hours on Sundays |
| Large national network and presence in key neighbourhoods | No nearby parking in Mestre |
Pros and cons of shopping at Conad
3- Despar, one of the supermarkets in Venice with a presence in the historic centre
Despar (or Spar, as it is known in other countries) is an international supermarket chain with a strong presence in Italy. In Venice, it has become one of the most accessible options within the historic centre, as it has several branches adapted to the city’s limited space. These are strategically located in key points of the centre, such as San Marco, Cannaregio, and Castello, offering some of the most affordable options for those living or staying within the lagoon.
At Despar supermarkets, you’ll find the basics for daily life: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, bakery items, and cleaning products. It also offers international brands and packaged goods that are hard to find in other Venetian supermarkets. Its own brand, Despar, offers good prices and decent quality, with specific lines of organic and gourmet products.
However, prices at Despar are slightly higher than at Coop or Conad, especially in the stores in the historic centre, where transport costs increase the final price. For example, a bottle of Prosecco DOC wine can cost around €6 ($6.70), while a kilo of tomatoes costs about €2.80 ($3.10) (compared to Coop’s price of €2.50 ($2.80)).
Despar stores are usually open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, although the smaller branches in the centre sometimes close at 8:00 PM. On Sundays, they generally operate on reduced hours (until 1:00 PM).
Advantages and disadvantages of Despar in Venice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very good location in the historic centre | Higher prices than Coop or Conad, especially for fresh goods |
| Offers international brands and varied packaged products | Small stores with limited selection compared to Mestre |
| Affordable own brand with organic options | Often crowded with tourists |
| Easy access without leaving the main sestieri | Fewer promotions than other national chains |
Pros and cons of shopping at Despar supermarkets in Venice
4- Supermarkets in Venice: Carrefour, an alternative in Mestre
Carrefour is a multinational French chain with a strong presence in Italy. In Venice, its most significant presence is in Mestre, the mainland part of the city, where many residents go for their larger shopping.
Carrefour in Mestre operates in both Market and Hyper formats, offering fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, bakery items, cleaning supplies, international products, and even small appliances. It also has its own lines such as Carrefour Bio, with organic and healthy food options.
At Carrefour supermarkets, prices are generally a little higher than at Lidl or Eurospin, but they are offset by a wider variety of brands. For example, a bottle of Chianti DOCG wine costs around €4.80 ($5.40), a litre of Carrefour milk costs €1.10 ($1.20), and a kilo of fresh chicken is around €6.20 ($6.90).
The Carrefour supermarkets in Mestre are typically open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some Express stores extending their hours even further.
Advantages and disadvantages of Carrefour in Mestre
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of products and international brands | Higher prices than low-cost chains |
| Hypermarket format with spacious sections | Requires travel from the island of Venice |
| Frequent promotions and loyalty cards | Can be very crowded on weekends |
| Accessible bio and gourmet options |
Pros and cons of shopping at Carrefour
5- Lidl, another option in Mestre
Lidl is a German chain that has expanded throughout Italy as the preferred low-cost option. Its branches in Venice are mainly located in Mestre, especially in residential areas and near shopping centres, as there is no room for such stores in the historic centre.
Its catalogue includes the basics: fruits, vegetables, meats, bakery items, drinks, canned goods, and cleaning products. Lidl is known for its freshly baked bread and themed weeks (international products like Mexican, Spanish, or Greek food).
Lidl is one of the cheapest chains in Mestre, ideal for saving on weekly shopping. A litre of fresh milk costs €0.95 ($1.05), a fresh baguette costs €0.99 ($1.10), and 500g of pasta is €0.89 ($1.00).
The opening hours are similar to the others: most open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with earlier closing on Sundays (usually until 1:00 PM).
Advantages and disadvantages of Lidl in Mestre
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very competitive prices | No branches on the island of Venice |
| Good quality on basic products and own brand | Fewer international brands |
| Own bakery with fresh products | More limited hours than Carrefour |
| Weekly themed promotions |
Pros and cons of Lidl
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Other Notable Stores and Shops in Venice
In addition to supermarkets, there are other stores in Venice and Mestre that become essential for equipping your home, renewing your wardrobe, or meeting everyday needs. Getting to know them will allow you to better organise your budget and find what you’re looking for without having to leave the city.
1- Coin: Fashion and Home with Italian Style
Coin is Italy’s most iconic department store chain. In Venice, its store in Campo San Luca is a reference point for those looking for quality clothing, accessories, and cosmetics from well-known brands. It also has a home decor section with textiles, tableware, and small objects for the home that can add a sophisticated touch to any newly furnished apartment.
- Advantages: Central location, fashion and home products in one place, international and national brands.
- Disadvantages: Higher prices compared to other chains like OVS; not the best option if your budget is limited.
2- OVS: Affordable Fashion for the Whole Family
OVS is the Italian equivalent of chains like H&M or Zara. With several branches in Mestre, it’s ideal for those looking for modern, affordable clothing. Their collections range from everyday basics to seasonal garments, often including children’s lines at very affordable prices. It’s a practical store if you’re looking to refresh your entire wardrobe without spending too much.
- Advantages: Affordable prices, clothing for all ages, frequent sales during the discount season.
- Disadvantages: The quality is more basic, and the garments tend to have less durability than in mid-range stores.
3- IKEA: Low-Cost Furniture and Home Goods in Mestre
Moving to Venice usually means renting fully furnished apartments, but if you live in Mestre or need to complement your home with furniture or decor, IKEA is the best option. In their stores, you’ll find everything from beds and sofas to kitchen utensils, shelves, and lamps at very low prices. Additionally, the store offers a restaurant and delivery and assembly services, very useful if you don’t have a vehicle or tools.
- Advantages: Excellent value for money, huge variety of home products, delivery and assembly services.
- Disadvantages: Traveling to Mestre may be inconvenient for those living on the island; assembling the furniture yourself can be tedious.
4- Flying Tiger Copenhagen:
Practical and Fun Items Flying Tiger has several stores in central Venice and is perfect for finding those little details that make a home cozier. It offers everything from stationery and electronic gadgets to kitchen utensils, toys, and themed decor.
Their prices are low, and they change constantly according to the season, so each visit surprises with something new. It’s ideal for students, digital nomads, or families looking for practical and fun solutions without spending too much.
- Advantages: Very affordable prices, original products with Nordic design, themed collections that change according to the season.
- Disadvantages: The quality of some products is basic; if you find something you like, it’s best to buy it right away, as it may not be restocked.
Shopping Tips for Supermarkets in Venice
Shopping in supermarkets in Venice has its peculiarities. In the historic centre, stores tend to be smaller, with slightly higher prices, while in Mestre, you’ll find hypermarkets and low-cost chains like Lidl or Carrefour offering more variety and savings.
The best thing you can do is combine both options: use the island supermarkets for the essentials and do your larger shopping in Mestre. And don’t forget to visit the local markets like Rialto, where the freshness of fish and vegetables is unbeatable, even if the prices are higher.
Supermarkets in Venice: Frequently Asked Questions
On the island, prices tend to be higher due to logistics, but if you’re looking to save, the best option is to shop in Mestre, where Lidl and Eurospin are located. These chains offer basic products like pasta, bread, fruits, and dairy at very low prices. On the island, Despar tends to be more expensive, while Coop and Conad maintain intermediate prices with good quality.
Yes, but with reduced hours. In the historic centre, Coop and Despar usually open until noon (around 1:00 PM), while in Mestre, larger chains like Carrefour and Ipercoop can stay open until later, even until 9:00 PM in shopping centres. It’s always advisable to check the store’s online hours or signs, as they may vary by neighbourhood.
Some chains like Coop, Conad, and Carrefour offer online shopping with home delivery in Mestre and, in some cases, also on the island. However, in historic Venice, logistics are more complex, and deliveries tend to be limited to certain neighbourhoods and times, as goods are distributed by boat. Therefore, many residents prefer to make large purchases online and have them delivered to Mestre, where there is better stock availability and delivery service.
If you’re looking for products from other countries, Carrefour in Mestre is your best option. Coop and Conad also have sections with international foods, though more limited. In the historic centre, there are small ethnic shops in Cannaregio and Santa Croce where you can find spices, Asian sauces, Latin products, and African foods.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Local markets, like the famous Rialto Market, offer top-quality fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, ideal if you prioritise freshness and don’t mind paying a little more. Supermarkets, on the other hand, are more convenient for large purchases, cleaning products, packaged goods, and everything you want to solve in one place. The best approach is to combine both: supermarket for essentials and market for fresh items.
