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Strolling the alleys of Venice with a small glass of wine and a bite on bread—that’s the city’s beloved bacaro culture. In this guide, you’ll learn how to order like a local, what cicchetti (Venetian tapas) to try, the best times to go, essential etiquette, and five can’t-miss bacari for a relaxed, delicious crawl.
What’s a Bacaro? And what are Cicchetti?
Bacaro = Venice’s casual standing bar. Cicchetti = bite-size toppings on bread or polenta, fried morsels, marinated seafood, and more. Order a small glass of house wine—called an ombra (“shadow”, a nod to wine once sold in the shade of St. Mark’s bell tower)—and graze happily.
Quick ordering cheat-sheet
- Un’ombra di bianco/rosso, per favore. — A small white/red wine, please.
- Un cicchetto di baccalà mantecato / sarde in saor, per favore. — One cicchetto of (salt-cod spread / sweet-and-sour sardines), please.
- Posso mangiare fuori? — May I eat outside?
- Il conto, per favore. — The bill, please.
What to Eat (Cicchetti Hit-List)
- Baccalà mantecato — whipped salt-cod mousse on bread or polenta.
- Sarde in saor — marinated sardines with onions, pine nuts, raisins.
- Polpette — meat or fish croquettes, warm and comforting.
- Crostini — little open-face sandwiches (gorgonzola & pear, mortadella & pistachio, tuna & capers, etc.).
- Mozzarella in carrozza — fried mozzarella sandwich, often with anchovy.
- Tramezzini — soft triangle sandwiches (a Bacareto da Lele classic).
What to Drink
- Ombra — the house wine pour (small, affordable, and traditional).
- Spritz — Venice leans Select (deep, herbal); Aperol is lighter; Cynar is bittersweet/artichoke. All are mixed with Prosecco + soda.
- Prosecco — crisp and local; great with fried cicchetti.
- Hugo — Prosecco + elderflower + mint; summery and low-effort.
Five Essential Bacari (with map embeds)
1) Osteria Al Squero
Right on the canal facing the traditional gondola workshop Squero di San Trovaso. It’s lively, wallet-friendly, and perfect for perching on the stone steps with your plate and glass.
2) Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Beloved by locals, a short stroll from Al Squero. Mostly standing room, with a dazzling counter of crostini. On sunny days, you’ll see people take their glass and plate to the canal edge—la vita è bella.
3) Cantina Do Mori
Dating back to the 1400s, this atmospheric spot near Rialto is lined with dangling copper pots and history galore. A classic for mixing with regulars and sipping an ombra in a time-capsule setting.
4) Bar All’Arco
Tucked near the market crowds by Rialto, this tiny favorite often has a line. Seafood-leaning cicchetti are excellent; stop for a quick plate and move on—perfect mid-crawl pit-stop.
5) Bacareto da Lele
Near Santa Lucia station and always buzzing. Famous for super-simple tramezzini and honest house wine—ideal for your “first ombra” in Venice or a final toast before the train.
Two Ready-Made Crawl Routes
A) Dorsoduro Easy Canal Crawl (laid-back views)
- Start mid-day at Osteria Al Squero (cod mousse & a crisp ombra).
- Walk a couple of minutes to Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (load up on crostini).
- Optional: hop a vaporetto to Rialto to continue with B) if the mood strikes.
B) Rialto Classics (high-energy, market vibes)
- Cantina Do Mori for history and a first toast.
- Bar All’Arco for seafood crostini.
- Finish at Bacareto da Lele near the station before heading back.
Etiquette, Prices & Practical Tips
- Stand to save: Counter service is the norm; sitting (if offered) can cost a little more.
- Point & order: Most people simply point at the cicchetti they want; pay at the end or as you go, depending on the bar.
- Return plates/glasses: If you eat outside, bring them back—tiny places rely on this courtesy.
- Timing: Prime hours are roughly 11:00–13:00 and 18:00–20:00. Some places close mid-afternoon or on Sun/Mon, so check same-day.
- Budget sense: Cicchetti are typically a few euros each; an ombra or spritz is also typically just a few euros. Great for “snack-hop” dining.
- Cards vs cash: Many bacari take cards now, but small bills/coins keep things smooth.
- Tipping: Service is usually included; rounding up small change is appreciated but not expected.
- Spritz note: In Venice, ordering a Spritz Select earns local nods; Aperol is fine, too.
- Dress & respect: It’s casual—be mindful of noise late at night and avoid blocking narrow lanes.
Mini phrasebook for your crawl
- Che cosa consiglia oggi? — What do you recommend today?
- Ne prendo due, grazie. — I’ll take two, thanks.
- È piccante? — Is it spicy?
- Posso pagare qui? — Can I pay here?
Summary: Slow, Snack, Sip, Repeat
Venice’s bacaro crawl isn’t just bar-hopping; it’s a gentle rhythm of alleys, canals, and bites. Mix the Dorsoduro duo with the Rialto classics, try a Select spritz, and let cicchetti become your edible map of the city. Buona passeggiata!