Bars and Cicchetti in Venice
Bacari & Cicchetti
Venice, Italy
A guide to cicchetti and bacari in Venice
What Are Cicchetti?
Bacari are typical bars in venice that serve wine and snacks. The snacks are called cicchetti (chee-KET-tee) and come in an assortment of types. They’re basically the same as tapas. Sampling cicchetti in a Venetian bacaro is one of those Venice experiences you simply must do!
Each bacaro will have its own selection of cicchetti but, as you would expect, given Venice’s proximity to the sea, seafood is everywhere. Non seafood cicchetti are available. Generally cicchetti are created with seasonal and local products.
The bars, bacari, (bacaro singular, plural bacari) are often small and may not have seating (although some do). Cicchetti, this typical venetian food, are often eaten with fingers or toothpicks, often standing around the bar counter. They can be eaten anytime, morning, lunch or afternoon.
Prices for cicchetti varies but you can expect to pay €1.50 to €2.50 depending on the type and size.
As for drink, while in Venice do as the Venetians do. Cicchetti are normally washed down with a glass of the local wine. In Venice this is a called an ombra and is a small glass of red or white wine.
Typical Cicchetti
Typical Venetian cicchetti include:
Baccalà Mantecato
Salted-cod mashed into a creamy paste and formed into balls.
Sarde in saor
Sardines with a sweet and sour Venetian mixture of cured onions, raisins and pine nuts.
Crostini
Simple toasted slices of bread witha a variety of toppings various toppings like baccalá, mashed olives and more
Tramezzini
These are typical Italian sandwiches mostly on white bread
Polpette
Fish or meatballs
Seppioline alla Griglia
Grilled baby squid
Acciughe Marinate
Anchovies marinated in vinegar
Uovo Sodo con Arringa
Hard boiled egg topped with herring fillet
A Selection of Bacari
To get you started on you cicchetti food tour, these are some good bars to start with, all highly rated. One of the joys of Venice is getting lost and finding your own bacaro and wonderful cicchetti.
One frequently asked question is: where is the best bacaro in Venice? Where can I eat the best cicchetti? They are all good. The best only you can find.
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Near Accademia in Dorsoduro
Al’Arco
Near Rialto Bridge in San Polo
Osteria Al Portego
A few steps from the Rialto Bridge in Castello
Osteria Al Squero
Not far from Accademia in Dosdoduro
Ostaria dai Zemei
Near the Rialto Bridge in San Polo
Osteria Alla Ciurma
Near Ca’ Pesaro in Santa Croce
Al Mercà
Close to the Rialto Mercato Vaporetto stop
Un Mondo Di Vino
Not far from the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Arcicchetti Bakaro
Near Piazzale Roma in Santa Croce
Sepa Osteria
Near the Rialto Bridge
Basegó
Near the Naval History Museum
El Sbarlefo San Pantalon
Near Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Bar Venetico Venezia
Near Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Bacareto da ea Neni
Near the Jewish Ghetto
Adagio Caffe & Wine Bar
Near the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Dolce vita
Near the Scuola Grande di San Rocco