Introduction: Taste Venice Like a Local
Venice isn’t just about gondolas, art, and stunning architecture — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. But the culinary magic of Venice doesn’t always appear in grand restaurants or flashy menus. It’s found tucked away in cozy bacari (Venetian wine bars), on plates of cicchetti (small snacks or tapas), and in glasses of local wines sipped beside a quiet canal.
To truly understand Venetian culture, you must eat like a Venetian. That means standing elbow-to-elbow with locals, nibbling on seafood delicacies, and toasting with a glass of ombra (a small glass of house wine). In this guide, we’ll take you on a flavorful journey through Venice’s most authentic bites and the best places to enjoy them.
Come hungry — and curious.
What Are Cicchetti?
Cicchetti (pronounced chi-KEH-tee) are Venice’s answer to tapas — small, affordable, and intensely flavorful snacks typically served at bars with wine.
They can include:
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Sarde in saor: sweet and sour sardines with onions
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Baccalà mantecato: whipped cod on crusty bread
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Polpette: fried meatballs
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Mozzarella in carrozza: fried mozzarella sandwiches
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Anchovy and artichoke crostini
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Grilled vegetables, seafood, or tiny tramezzini sandwiches
Cicchetti are meant to be eaten standing at the bar or sitting casually with friends. Venetians typically stop for cicchetti and a small glass of wine (called an ombra) before lunch or dinner — sometimes more than once a day.
How to Eat Cicchetti Like a Venetian
Skip the menus. Just point at what looks good in the glass case.
Ask for “un’ombra” (a small pour of wine) to go with your snack — this isn’t a wine tasting, it’s part of the ritual.
Don’t overstay your welcome at the counter — most locals pop in, enjoy two or three bites and a drink, then move on to the next bacaro.
You can make an entire evening of it by doing a bacaro crawl — hopping from one place to another, enjoying different snacks and wine at each stop.
Best Bacari and Cicchetti Spots in Venice
Venice is packed with tourist traps, but these authentic gems still serve the real thing — for locals and travelers in the know.
1. All’Arco (San Polo)
Tucked behind the Rialto Market, All’Arco is beloved by locals and food-savvy visitors. This tiny bar gets busy fast — and for good reason. Their cicchetti are fresh, flavorful, and made daily with market ingredients.
Expect rich baccalà, anchovy-topped crostini, and seasonal delights. It’s standing-room only, and part of the fun is chatting with locals over your ombra.
2. Cantina Do Mori (San Polo)
One of the oldest wine bars in Venice (dating back to 1462!), this candle-lit bacaro is pure atmosphere. The dark wood interiors and copper pots hanging from the ceiling whisper of centuries of toasts and secrets.
Their selection of cold cicchetti is perfect for a quick stop between Rialto and Santa Croce. Order a glass of house red and a small plate of salumi or cheese.
3. Osteria Al Squero (Dorsoduro)
Right across from the historic gondola repair yard Squero di San Trovaso, this spot offers one of the best aperitivo settings in Venice.
Grab a glass of wine, some crostini topped with tuna, artichoke, or speck, and sit on the low wall by the canal. Locals and students love this place, and the prices are still incredibly fair.
4. Vino Vero (Cannaregio)
If you’re into natural wines and creative bites, this modern-style bacaro is a standout. Located along Fondamenta della Misericordia, it’s always buzzing with conversation and music.
Here you’ll find an elevated take on cicchetti — think burrata with anchovy, or eggplant cream with crunchy fennel. Their wine list is top-tier and changes regularly.
5. Antiche Carampane (San Polo)
More of a hidden restaurant than a bar, Antiche Carampane is where locals go for serious seafood. If you’ve done your bacaro crawl and want to sit down for a proper meal, this place is a must.
Their spaghetti alle vongole, fried soft-shell crab, and raw seafood platters are some of the best in Venice. It’s not cheap — but it’s worth every euro.
Pairing Cicchetti with Local Wines
Veneto is one of Italy’s richest wine regions. In Venice, wine isn’t about labels — it’s about mood, food, and tradition.
White Wines to Try:
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Soave: Dry, crisp, great with seafood
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Prosecco: From nearby Valdobbiadene; refreshing and light
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Pinot Grigio: Fruity and easy-drinking
Red Wines to Try:
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Raboso: A bold Venetian red
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Valpolicella: From the Verona area — light and juicy
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Amarone: Rich, deep, and meant to be savored
Ask the bartender for a recommendation. Most ombre (house pours) are local, tasty, and inexpensive — usually €1.50 to €3 per glass.
When and Where to Go
Best Time of Day:
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Midday (12–2 PM) for a light lunch
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Early evening (5:30–8 PM) for aperitivo
Best Neighborhoods for Bacaro Hopping:
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Cannaregio: Especially Fondamenta della Misericordia
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Dorsoduro: More student-oriented, less crowded
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San Polo: Classic bacari near the market and Rialto
Tips for Food Lovers in Venice
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Avoid eating in San Marco Square: You’ll pay €20+ for an average coffee
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No need to tip like in the U.S.: A few coins are appreciated but not expected
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Follow the locals: If a bacaro is full of Italians, you’re in the right place
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Book dinner spots in advance: Especially on weekends or for fine dining
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Leave room for dessert: Try tiramisu, baicoli, or fritole (Venetian Carnival pastries)
Conclusion: Savor the Real Flavor of Venice
To taste Venice is to understand it. The food here tells stories — of fishermen, of traders, of families who’ve lived on these islands for generations. Whether you’re sipping wine beside a canal or devouring cicchetti in a candle-lit bacaro, you’re participating in a tradition as old as the city itself.
Slow down, eat with your hands, raise a glass, and let Venice feed your soul as well as your appetite.
👉 Want a private food tour through Venice’s best cicchetti bars and wine spots? Contact us now and we’ll craft a custom experience for your tastes.
FAQ: Eating and Drinking in Venice
Q: How much does cicchetti cost?
A: Usually between €3.00 and €5.00 per piece. Two to three pieces and a glass of wine make a great snack.
Q: Can I sit down to eat cicchetti?
A: Most bacari are standing-room or offer just a few stools. Some allow seating outside.
Q: Do I need a reservation for bacari?
A: Not usually. They’re informal places — just walk in and order at the counter.
Q: What if I don’t drink wine?
A: Many bacari offer non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, juice, or spritz al bitter (non-alcoholic spritz).
