The Ultimate Guide to Venice's Best "Bacari"

First of all: What's a "Bacaro"?

A bacaro is a traditional Venetian wine bar where locals gather to enjoy small glasses of wine known as "ombra" and an assortment of small tapas called "cicchetti". These snacks often include items like "crostini" topped with various spreads, marinated seafood, and fried or grilled vegetables. Bàcari (plural of bàcaro) are typically informal and cozy, offering an authentic taste of Venice's culinary culture. They are beloved spots for socializing, experiencing local flavors, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

What's a "Bacaro Tour"?

A bacaro tour is a delightful culinary experience where participants visit multiple bacari in Venice to sample a variety of cicchetti and local wines. Typically, a guide leads the group, providing insights into the history, food, and traditions of Venice, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience. A bacaro tour is a perfect way to explore the city's culinary scene, meet locals, and taste the diverse flavors of Venice.

10 Foods to Eat in Venice

- Sarde in Saor: Marinated sardines with onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts, offering a sweet and sour flavor.

- Bigoli in Salsa: Thick spaghetti-like pasta served with a savory sauce of anchovies and onions.

- Fegato alla Veneziana: Venetian-style liver cooked with onions, served with polenta.

- Risi e Bisi: A classic Venetian dish of rice and peas, similar to a risotto but with a more soup-like consistency.

- Polenta e Schie: Creamy polenta topped with tiny gray lagoon shrimps.

- Baccalà Mantecato: Creamed dried cod served on crostini or polenta, a traditional Venetian appetizer.

- Moeche: Soft-shell crabs, often fried and served crispy.

- Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinct black color and rich flavor.

- Risotto di Go': A traditional risotto made with goby fish (gò), a small fish from the Venetian lagoon, offering a unique, delicate flavor.

- Cicchetti: Venetian tapas, small snacks or side dishes served in local bàcari (wine bars), including items like meatballs, marinated vegetables, and seafood.

10 Drinks to Try in Venice

- Ombra: A small glass of local house wine, traditionally enjoyed in the afternoon with friends.

- Bianchetto: A young, light white house wine often served as an aperitif.

- Spritz: A popular aperitif made with Prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water.

- Hugo: A refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, mint leaves, and lime.

- Bellini: A refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée, invented at Harry's Bar in Venice.

- Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from the Veneto region, light and crisp.

- Grappa: A traditional Italian grape-based pomace brandy, often enjoyed after meals.

- Soave: A dry white wine from the Veneto region, known for its crisp acidity and floral notes.

- Valpolicella: A red wine from the Veneto region, characterized by its light, fruity flavors.

- Fragolino: A sweet, slightly sparkling wine made from wild strawberries.

Here are 26 of the best Bacari in Venice for a memorable cicchetti experience, sorted by district:

Cannaregio

Known for the Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio offers a more authentic, residential feel. It features charming canals, local markets, and the beautiful Ca' d'Oro palace. It's less touristy, making it ideal for experiencing everyday Venetian life.

Cicchetteria venexiana da Luca e Fred

@gwenborgato

Known for its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, Luca e Fred offers a variety of delicious cicchetti, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Hours: Monday 9:30 AM–9 PM Tuesday Closed Wednesday 9:30 AM–9 PM Thursday 9:30 AM–9 PM Friday 9:30 AM–9 PM Saturday 9:30 AM–9 PM Sunday 9:30 AM–9 PM Telefono: 041 716170 Price per person: €10–20

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Al Timon

@gwenborgato

Situated in the Cannaregio district, it's known for its outdoor seating along the canal and mouth-watering meat skewers. Informal restaurant in a rustic space serving seafood, steak & pasta, plus wine & outdoor seating. Hours: Monday 5 PM–1 AM Tuesday 5 PM–1 AM Wednesday 5 PM–1 AM Thursday 5 PM–1 AM Friday 5 PM–1 AM Saturday 5 PM–1 AM Sunday 5 PM–1 AM Telephone: 041 524 6066

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Osteria Al Tappo - Vin e Cicheti.

@gwenborgato

Located in the historic Jewish ghetto, offers exceptional service, wines, and cicchetti in a relaxing courtyard Hours: Monday 11 AM–10 PM Tuesday 11 AM–10 PM Wednesday 11 AM–10 PM Thursday 11 AM–10 PM Friday 11 AM–10 PM Saturday 11 AM–10 PM Sunday 11 AM–9 PM Telefono: 041 476 7486 Price per person: €10–20

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H2NO Enobirrateca

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Offers a unique twist with a variety of craft beers and innovative cicchetti, including vegan options like tofu and zucchini​. Hours: Monday 11 AM–10 PM Tuesday 11 AM–10 PM Wednesday 11 AM–10 PM Thursday 11 AM–10 PM Friday 11 AM–10 PM Saturday 11 AM–11 PM Sunday Closed Telefono: 041 934 6774 Price per person: €10–20

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Cantina Vecia Carbonera

@gwenborgato

A local favorite offering a great variety of cicchetti, wines, and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for an authentic Venetian experience​. Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday 10:30 AM–9:30 PM Wednesday 10:30 AM–9:30 PM Thursday 10:30 AM–9:30 PM Friday 10:30 AM–9:30 PM Saturday 11 AM–9:30 PM Sunday 11 AM–9:30 PM Telefono: 041 847 0079 Price per person: €10–20

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Cà D'Oro alla Vedova

@gwenborgato

Famous for its mouthwatering polpette (fried meatballs) and a cozy, traditional Venetian atmosphere​. Hours: Monday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Tuesday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Wednesday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Thursday Closed Friday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Saturday 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Sunday 12–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Telephone: 041 528 5324 Price per person: €20–30

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Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi

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A traditional bacaro offering a wide range of Venetian snacks and local wines in a rustic setting. Hours: Monday 6:30–10:15 PM Tuesday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Wednesday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Thursday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Friday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Saturday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Sunday 11:30 AM–2:15 PM, 6:30–10:15 PM Telefono: 041 241 2747 Price per person: €20–40

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San Polo

Centrally located and one of the smallest sestieri, San Polo hosts the famous Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge. It’s a lively area with a mix of historic churches, bustling squares, and a vibrant food scene.

Al Mercà

@gwenborgato

Located in Campo Bella Vienna, it's famous for its quick bites and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for a casual stop during a bacaro tour. Hours: Monday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9 PM Tuesday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9 PM Wednesday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9 PM Thursday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9 PM Friday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9:30 PM Saturday 10 AM–2:30 PM, 6–9:30 PM Sunday Closed

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Cantina do Mori

@gwenborgato

Legendary local hangout dating from 1462, with a lively atmosphere, no tables & a menu of cicchetti. At Cantina Do Mori, don't miss the, small, flavorful square sandwiches. Pair them with their famous house wine or a spritz for an authentic Venetian experience. Doesn't accept reservations. Hours: Monday 8 AM–7:30 PM Tuesday 8 AM–7:30 PM Wednesday 8 AM–7:30 PM Thursday 8 AM–7:30 PM Friday 8 AM–7:30 PM Saturday 8 AM–7:30 PM Sunday Closed Telefono: 041 522 5401 Price per person: €1–10

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Osteria i Compari - Pulperia

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Specializes in tender boiled octopus and other seafood delights, situated next to the Rialto fish market. Hours: Monday 8 AM–3:30 PM Tuesday 8 AM–3:30 PM Wednesday 8 AM–3:30 PM Thursday 8 AM–3:30 PM Friday 8 AM–3:30 PM Saturday 8 AM–3:30 PM Sunday Closed Telefono: 329 218 3540 Price per person: €10–30

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Bar All'Arco

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A popular spot known for its wide variety of fresh cicchetti and local wines. The ingredients are sourced daily from the nearby Rialto Market​. Straightforward, quaint bar offering meat & seafood light bites, plus a streetside terrace. Has outdoor seating, doesn't accept reservations. Hours: Monday 10 AM–2:30 PM Tuesday 10 AM–2:30 PM Wednesday Closed Thursday 10 AM–2:30 PM Friday 10 AM–2:30 PM Saturday 10 AM–2:30 PM Sunday 10 AM–2:30 PM Telephone: 041 520 5666 Price per person: €10–20

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Osteria alla Ciurma

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Known for its friendly, bustling vibe and standout cicchetti like meatballs and calamari rings​. Hours: Monday 10 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM Tuesday 10 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM Wednesday 10 AM–3 PM Thursday 10 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM Friday 10 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM Saturday 10 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM Sunday Closed Telephone: 327 577 0446 Price per person: €1–10

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Santa Croce

Often overlooked, Santa Croce offers a quieter, more local experience. It's the main transport hub of Venice, with Piazzale Roma and the central bus station. Visitors can find hidden gems like the Church of San Giacomo dell'Orio and various artisan workshops.

Hostaria Vecio Biavarol

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A lesser-known gem offering a unique selection of cicchetti and friendly service in a quaint setting. Hours: Monday 11 AM–10 PM Tuesday 11 AM–10 PM Wednesday 11 AM–10 PM Thursday 11 AM–10 PM Friday 11 AM–10 PM Saturday 11 AM–10 PM Sunday 11 AM–10 PM Phone: 041 546 3173 Price per person: €10–20

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Bacareto da Lele

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Popular students' spot. A tiny, traditional bacaro near the train station, celebrated for its cheap yet tasty mini-paninis and excellent house wines. Easygoing hole-in-the wall specializing in rolls, plus Venetian snacks & aperitifs. Has outdoor seating. Doesn't accept reservations. Hours: Monday 6 AM–8 PM Tuesday 6 AM–8 PM Wednesday 6 AM–8 PM Thursday 6 AM–8 PM Friday 6 AM–8 PM Saturday 6 AM–2 PM Sunday Closed Telephone : 347 846 9728 Price per person: €1–10

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Dorsoduro

An artistic district, Dorsoduro is home to the Accademia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Punta della Dogana. It's known for its bohemian atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque canals and squares.

Osteria Alla Bifora

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Known for its late-night atmosphere and delicious salami and cured meats, perfect for night owls and meat lovers. Hours: Monday 12 PM–2 AM Tuesday 12 PM–2 AM Wednesday 12 PM–2 AM Thursday 12 PM–2 AM Friday 12 PM–2 AM Saturday 12 PM–2 AM Sunday 12 PM–2 AM Telefono: 041 523 6119 Price per person: €20–30

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Bar Alla Toletta

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Famous for its extensive and adventurous selection of tramezzini, these crustless sandwiches are a Venetian staple​. Doesn't accept reservations. Dogs allowed. Hours: Monday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM Tuesday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM Wednesday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM Thursday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM Friday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM Saturday 8 AM–7:30 PM Sunday 8 AM–7:30 PM Telephone: 041 520 0196 Price per person: €1–10

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Osteria Cicchetteria "Aea Canevassa" Venezia

@gwenborgato

Run by a friendly Venetian couple, this hidden gem offers seasonal dishes and the best spritz in Venice. Hours: Monday 10 AM–11 PM Tuesday 10 AM–11 PM Wednesday 10 AM–11 PM Thursday 10 AM–11 PM Friday 10 AM–11 PM Saturday 9 AM–11 PM Sunday 10 AM–11 PM Phone: 041 823 2021 Price per person: €20–30

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Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

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Legendary tavern with floor-to-ceiling bottles lining the walls, with wines by the glass & snacks. Renowned for its vast selection of cicchetti and a great variety of wines, located along a charming canal​. Hours: Monday 8:30 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM Tuesday 8:30 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM Thursday 8:30 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM Friday 8:30 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM Saturday 8:30 AM–2 PM Sunday Closed Telephone: 041 523 0034 Price per person: €1–10

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Osteria Ai Pugni

@gwenborgato

Near the famous Ponte dei Pugni, this bacaro is loved for its hearty dishes and extensive selection of wines. Hours: Monday 10 AM–10:30 PM Tuesday 10 AM–10:30 PM Wednesday 10 AM–10:30 PM Thursday 10 AM–10:30 PM Friday 10 AM–10:30 PM Saturday 10 AM–10:30 PM Sunday 10 AM–10:30 PM Telefono: 346 960 7785 Price per person: €10–20

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Osteria Al Squero

@gwenborgato

A great spot for people-watching while enjoying seafood-centric cicchetti right by the oldest gondola repair station. Monday 10 AM–8:30 PM Tuesday 10 AM–8:30 PM Wednesday 10 AM–8:30 PM Thursday 10 AM–8:30 PM Friday 10 AM–8:30 PM Saturday 9 AM–3 PM Sunday Closed Phone: 041 296 0479 Price per person: €1–10

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Castello

The largest sestiere, Castello combines tourist hotspots like the Arsenale and the Biennale Gardens with quiet, traditional neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore Venetian culture and history, especially around the lively Via Garibaldi.

Salvmeria

@gwenborgato

'Salvmeria', weird spelling of the word 'salumeria', literally means 'salami shop'. A modern bacaro offering creative cicchetti made from high-quality local ingredients, along with a selection of cocktails and wines. Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday 10 AM–11 PM Wednesday 10 AM–11 PM Thursday 10 AM–11 PM Friday 10 AM–12 AM Saturday 10 AM–12 AM Sunday 10 AM–11 PM Phone: 041 523 3971 Menu: osteriasalvmeria.it Reservations: osteriasalvmeria.it Price per person: €20–30

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Trattoria alla Rampa

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Located near the Arsenale, this bacaro offers a great selection of traditional Venetian snacks and wines. Hours Monday 12–3 PM Tuesday 12–3 PM Wednesday 12–3 PM Thursday 12–3 PM Friday 12–3 PM Saturday 12–3 PM Sunday Closed Telephone: 041 528 5365 Price per person: €20–30

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San Marco

The heart of Venice, San Marco is home to the iconic St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the Doge's Palace. It's a bustling area filled with luxury shops, cafes, and historic sites.

Rosticceria Gislon

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Famous for its mozzarella in carrozza, perfect for a quick bite near Rialto Bridge. Hours: Monday 9 AM–9:30 PM Tuesday 9 AM–9:30 PM Wednesday 9 AM–9:30 PM Thursday 9 AM–9:30 PM Friday 9 AM–9:30 PM Saturday 9 AM–9:30 PM Sunday 9 AM–9:30 PM Telefono: 041 522 3569 Price per person: €10–20

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Magna Bevi Tasi

@gwenborgato

The Venetian name literally means 'eat, drink and shut up' which is a popular local saying that suggests (...orders, actually!) to stop complaining about life and start enjoying the little things like eating and drinking. Cheapest cicchetti in the area considering it's just right behind Saint Mark's Square. €5 for a Spritz and €2 for each cicchetti. All the cicchetti are delicious and filling. Lovely to sit outside and people watch, even if the seats are limited. Hours: Monday 8 AM–12 AM Tuesday 8 AM–12 AM Wednesday 8 AM–12 AM Thursday Closed Friday 8 AM–12 AM Saturday 8 AM–12 AM Sunday 8 AM–12 AM Phone: 041 830 6522 Price per person: €10–20

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Bacarando Corte dell'Orso

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Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this place is known for its relaxed vibe and delicious food. Hours: Monday 10:30 AM–1 AM Tuesday 10:30 AM–1 AM Wednesday 10:30 AM–1 AM Thursday 10:30 AM–1 AM Friday 10:30 AM–1 AM Saturday 10:30 AM–1 AM Sunday 10:30 AM–1 AM Telefono: 041 523 8280 Price per person: €10–20

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Bacaro Jazz

@gwenborgato

Close to Rialto Bridge, it combines great cicchetti with a lively jazz atmosphere, perfect for a fun evening out. Hours: Monday 12 PM–2 AM Tuesday 12 PM–2 AM Wednesday 12 PM–2 AM Thursday 12 PM–2 AM Friday 12 PM–3 AM Saturday 12 PM–3 AM Sunday 12 PM–2 AM Phone: 041 528 5249 Price per person: €10–20

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These foods and drinks offer a taste of Venice’s rich culinary tradition, blending local ingredients with centuries-old recipes and a vibrant drinking culture.

Enjoy Venice! 🛶 🎭 🦁