What Is a Bacaro? Discover Venice’s Most Authentic Eating and Drinking Tradition — One Glass at a Time
When in Venice, skip the tourist traps and do what locals have done for centuries — stop at a bacaro, order an ombra of wine, and enjoy life one bite at a time.
Venice’s food scene isn’t about white tablecloths or Michelin stars — it’s about connection. And nowhere captures that better than the humble bacaro. These rustic little wine bars are where Venetians pause between bridges, share stories with friends, and enjoy a glass of wine with perfectly seasoned cicchetti (small bites).
But what exactly is a bacaro? Is it a bar? A tavern? A lifestyle? (Spoiler: it’s all three.) In this guide, we’ll walk you through the history, flavor, and pure Venetian magic behind these beloved haunts — and share our insider list of the best bacari in Venice where you can drink, snack, and savor the real city far from the crowds.
🇮🇹 What Is a Bacaro?
Picture this: a cozy room filled with chatter, the smell of garlic and wine, and a wooden counter lined with bite-sized snacks. That’s a bacaro (pronounced BAH-kah-ro).
It’s Venice’s answer to the Spanish tapas bar — but with a soul as old as the lagoon itself. Here’s what you’ll find when you walk in:
- 🍷 Ombre — small glasses of house wine poured from the barrel
- 🍢 Cicchetti — savory snacks on bread, polenta, or skewers
- 👋 Locals chatting at the counter — no reservations, no fuss, just good energy
- 🎶 That unmistakable Venetian vibe — laughter, clinking glasses, and storytelling
Bacari aren’t polished or pretentious. They’re authentic, affordable, and tucked down alleys where Google Maps sometimes gives up. You don’t go to a bacaro for fine dining — you go for the Venetian spirit that fills every glass.
🕰️ A Toast to History: How “Un’Ombra di Vino” Was Born
Venetian tradition has the best origin stories, and the bacaro is no exception. Centuries ago, wine sellers in Piazza San Marco would roll their barrels around the square, following the bell tower’s shadow to keep their wine cool. The Italian word for “shadow” is ombra — and so, a small glass of wine became affectionately known as “un’ombra.”
To this day, Venetians say, “Andiamo a bere un’ombra!” — Let’s go have a drink. And what began as a practical habit turned into a daily ritual, giving rise to the bacaro: the people’s living room, filled with food, laughter, and life.
🍢 What Are Cicchetti?
If the ombra is the drink, cicchetti (pronounced chee-KEH-tee) are the bite. They’re small, flavorful snacks displayed behind the counter — Venice’s answer to tapas. Each bacaro has its own specialties, prepared daily using seasonal ingredients and family recipes.
Popular Cicchetti You Must Try
- Baccalà mantecato — creamy whipped salt cod on toasted bread
- Sarde in saor — sweet-and-sour sardines with onions and raisins
- Polpette — meat, veggie, or fish balls fried to perfection
- Mozzarella in carrozza — crispy fried mozzarella sandwiches
- Marinated artichokes or grilled vegetables
- Anchovies with butter or pesto
Pro tip: Don’t order everything at once. Grab two cicchetti and an ombra, then move on to the next spot. This is what Venetians call a bacarata — a bacaro crawl that turns dinner into an adventure.
🍷 Join our Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour to eat exactly like a local, guided by someone who knows the bartenders by name.
🗺️ The Bacaro Crawl: Venice’s Favorite Pastime
Venetians don’t stay in one place for long. They hop from bacaro to bacaro, sharing a few bites and glasses at each — a social tradition that keeps conversations and palates flowing.
It’s perfect for:
- 🍽️ Food lovers who want to discover authentic flavors
- ❤️ Couples looking for a romantic yet relaxed evening
- 🧭 Solo travelers who want to meet locals
- 🥂 Groups of friends chasing Venice’s lively nightlife
Our Private Bacaro Walk takes you to the hidden favorites locals actually love — no frozen food, no tour groups, just the real Venice one glass at a time.
🍷 The Best Bacari in Venice — Tried, Tested & Loved
1. Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (Dorsoduro)
Across from the Rio San Trovaso canal, this institution is pure Venetian charm. Tiny, crowded, and unforgettable. Their cicchetti are little works of art — colorful, creative, and perfectly paired with the house wine.
Must-try: Gorgonzola and walnut crostini, tuna tartare with leek, or an Aperol Spritz by the canal.
2. Osteria Al Squero (Dorsoduro)
Right opposite a historic gondola workshop (squero), this lively bacaro is where locals and students mingle. Grab a spot by the canal and soak in the sunset vibes.
Don’t miss: Mortadella and pistachio rolls, vegan-friendly bites, and one of the best views in Venice.
3. All’Arco (San Polo)
Steps from the Rialto Market, All’Arco is small, family-run, and famous among chefs worldwide. It’s open only until early afternoon, so get there early.
Try: Anchovy with cream cheese and chives, marinated mushrooms, and octopus salad — a perfect Venetian lunch.
4. Al Mercà (San Polo)
More a wine stand than a bar, but an absolute gem. Locals sip their ombre outside in the campo, turning it into the city’s most charming open-air happy hour.
Pair with: Mini panini stuffed with truffle cheese, salame, or prosciutto. Affordable, authentic, and always buzzing.
5. La Bottiglia (Cannaregio)
Trendy yet unpretentious, La Bottiglia offers natural wines, artisan boards, and vegetarian-friendly snacks. It’s a great mix of classic and contemporary.
Must-have: Burrata and tomato crostini, roasted peppers, and organic Prosecco from the Veneto hills.
6. Bacaro Risorto (Castello)
Hidden near the Arsenale, this bacaro is beloved by locals for its strong Spritz Select and friendly staff. It’s small, vibrant, and full of character.
Try: Egg and truffle crostini, fried zucchini flowers, and their signature Venetian Spritz.
🥦 Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Venetian cuisine isn’t all about seafood — the city’s lagoon gardens and vegetable markets offer endless inspiration for plant-based foodies.
- Grilled eggplant and roasted peppers
- Vegan polpette (lentil or bean-based)
- Hummus with olives
- Artichokes on toast
- Pickled onions and marinated mushrooms
💡 Looking for fully plant-based stops? Book our Vegan Bacaro Walk — a custom route designed around your taste and values.
🕔 When to Visit a Bacaro
- Aperitivo (5–8 PM): The golden hour for wine, snacks, and people-watching.
- Lunch (11 AM–2 PM): Ideal for light bites between sightseeing.
- Evening (8–10 PM): Fewer crowds, more locals — especially in Cannaregio and Castello.
Pro tip: Always stand at the counter or outside when possible — that’s the true Venetian way to enjoy an ombra.
🍾 How to Experience Bacari the Tour Leader Venice Way
Skip the online lists and let a local lead the way. Our Cicchetti & Wine Tour is 100% private and completely flexible — perfect for couples, friends, or food lovers who want to explore Venice’s bar culture at their own pace.
- 🍷 Taste authentic cicchetti and regional wines
- 🧭 Visit hidden bacari away from tourist crowds
- 📸 Learn local phrases and food rituals
- 🥂 End the evening with a Prosecco toast along the canals
🍷 Book Your Private Bacaro & Wine Tour
✨ Final Thoughts: Bacari Are Venice’s Beating Heart
A night spent hopping between bacari is more than a food tour — it’s a window into Venetian life. These humble bars have survived floods, fashions, and centuries of change because they capture what Venice truly is: warm, communal, and full of flavor.
So next time you visit, don’t just cross bridges — cross thresholds. Step inside a bacaro, order “un’ombra di rosso,” point to the cicchetti that catch your eye, and raise a glass to Venice’s living tradition.
🍢 Explore Venice’s Bacari with Tour Leader Venice
Written by Tour Leader Venice — licensed local guides, storytellers, and wine lovers who know every hidden bacaro in the city. Since 2008, we’ve helped travelers sip, snack, and experience Venice like a true Venetian.
