🍢 Venetian Cicchetti 101: What to Order and Where to Go

A delicious guide to Venice’s beloved bar snacks and the best local places to try them

When in Venice, skip the sit-down meals (at least once) and do what the locals do—hop from bar to bar enjoying tiny bites and sips of wine. This is the world of cicchetti (pronounced chee-KEH-tee), the Venetian answer to Spanish tapas and one of the most fun, affordable, and flavorful ways to experience local food.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to everything you need to know about cicchetti, including what to order, when to eat them, and the best bacari (local wine bars) to visit—plus a few personal favorites we always recommend to our guests on our Venice food tours.

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🥖 What Are Cicchetti?

Cicchetti are small plates or finger foods served in wine bars throughout Venice. They’re meant to be enjoyed quickly—standing at the bar, often with a small glass of local wine (called an ombra) or a Spritz.

Venetians usually eat cicchetti during aperitivo (before lunch or dinner), but many locals enjoy them as a full meal by visiting several bacari in one evening.

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🕰️ When and How to Eat Cicchetti

• Typical Hours: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
• How It Works: Step up to the bar, point at the cicchetti that look good, order an ombra or spritz, and enjoy. No reservations needed.
• Pricing: Each piece usually costs €1.50–€3.00. Budget-friendly and delicious!

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🍴 Most Popular Types of Cicchetti (And What to Order)

Venetian cicchetti come in many forms. Here are some classics you’ll find in most bacari:

🐟 Baccalà Mantecato

Whipped salt cod spread on toasted bread. Creamy, garlicky, and a must-try.

🧆 Polpette

Fried meatballs—sometimes made with beef, tuna, cheese, or even vegetables.

🧀 Mozzarella in Carrozza

Deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Some versions include anchovies or ham.

🧅 Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, pine nuts, and raisins. A historic recipe that reflects Venice’s trading past.

🍳 Hard-Boiled Egg with Anchovy

Simple, salty, and satisfying.

🌱 Grilled or Marinated Vegetables

For veggie lovers—think artichokes, eggplant, or zucchini served on crostini.

🍄 Funghi & Taleggio

Mushrooms with soft cheese melted on toast—rich and savory.

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🍷 The Perfect Pairing: Ombra di Vino

Cicchetti are best enjoyed with a small glass of local wine, called an ombra (“shade” in Venetian dialect). The name comes from wine sellers who used to follow the shadow of the Campanile in San Marco to keep their wine cool.

Popular Pairings:

• White: Soave, Pinot Grigio, or Prosecco
• Red: Raboso or Merlot
• Spritz: With Aperol, Campari, or Select (the Venetian version)

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🗺️ Where to Go: Best Bacari in Venice for Cicchetti

We’ve tested (and tasted) dozens of bacari over the years. Here are our top recommendations—from timeless classics to local favorites with real personality.

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1. All’Arco (San Polo)

A tiny, family-run gem near the Rialto Market. Locals queue up for the freshest cicchetti in town.

What to Try:

• Tuna and leek crostini
• Anchovy and cream cheese
• Baccalà mantecato

⏰ Closes early! Best visited before 2:00 PM.

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2. Cantina Do Mori (San Polo)

Founded in 1462, it’s the oldest bacaro in Venice. No seats, dim lighting, and a nostalgic charm.

What to Try:

• Porchetta crostini
• Sarde in saor
• Their red house wine (ombra rossa)

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3. Bacareto da Lele (Santa Croce)

A student favorite, famous for its mini panini and €1 ombre. Quick, friendly, and always packed.

What to Try:

• Mortadella with truffle cheese
• Salame and artichoke
• White wine from the Veneto hills

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4. Al Squero (Dorsoduro)

Across from the last traditional gondola boatyard (squero). Great location to sit by the canal.

What to Try:

• Egg and truffle
• Vegan polpette
• Aperol Spritz

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5. La Bottiglia (Cannaregio)

Trendy but local, with a creative menu, great vegetarian options, and friendly staff.

What to Try:

• Roasted red pepper & burrata
• Marinated mushrooms
• Spritz Select

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6. Osteria al Portego (Castello)

Tucked away on a quiet street near Campo San Lio. Great for lunch or early dinner.

What to Try:

• Mozzarella in carrozza
• Tuna tartare crostini
• House white wine

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🧭 Personal Tip from Igor: Cicchetti Crawl Like a Local

One of my favorite things to do with guests is a custom cicchetti crawl. We start with classics near Rialto, head toward Dorsoduro for the views and student spots, then finish in Cannaregio or Castello for a quieter, more authentic feel.

💡 Want something tailored to your tastes (vegan, seafood, gluten-free)? I can create the perfect path just for you!

🔗 Contact Me for a Private Cicchetti Tour

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🥗 Vegetarian & Vegan Cicchetti Options

Yes, Venice can be veggie-friendly! Many bacari now offer options like:

• Chickpea and herb polpette
• Artichoke crostini
• Olive and sun-dried tomato spreads
• Eggplant and ricotta bites (vegetarian)
• Vegan baccalà made with tofu (in select spots)

Ask us about our plant-based cicchetti tour!

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🍽️ Cicchetti Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do order at the bar and eat standing—unless there’s seating.
✅ Do try multiple spots in one evening.
✅ Do say “Cin cin!” (Cheers!) when clinking glasses.
❌ Don’t expect full meals—cicchetti are meant to be light.
❌ Don’t rush. Enjoy the experience and chat with the locals!

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✨ Final Thoughts: Taste Venice, One Bite at a Time

Cicchetti aren’t just snacks—they’re a way of life in Venice. They bring people together, celebrate local flavors, and invite you to slow down and savor the moment.

If you’re ready to explore Venice beyond the usual pizza and pasta—and taste your way through authentic local culture—cicchetti is the key.

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About the Author

This guide was written by Igor Scomparin, licensed local guide and founder of Tour Leader Venice. With over 28 years of experience, Igor specializes in creating private, unforgettable journeys that reveal the real Venice—one hidden bar and bite at a time.