Cicchetti Walking Tour: Venice, Italy

Cicchetti Walking Tour: Venice, Italy

Zaddie Arnold
Welcome to your ultimate cicchetti tour! šŸ·āœØ Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Veniceā€™s iconic small bites paired with local wines and spritzes. Over three years of weekend getaways, my husband and I wandered Veniceā€™s canals, tasting our way through countless Bacari (Venetian wine bars) to find the absolute best spots. This guide is the result of all those delicious adventuresā€”letā€™s wander, sip, and snack our way through Venice, one cicchetti at a time! šŸ„‚šŸ“
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Quick reference guide to all the names you will see while on the Cicchetti tour.

- "Cicchetti" translates to small plates.Ā 

- "Bacala" is cooked white fish mixed with mayo

- "Sarda in Saor" deep fried sardines marinated in onions

- "Polpette" means tiny meatball.

- "Vino" means wine

- "Bianco Vino"Ā  means white wine

- "Rosso Vino" means red wine

- The three Spritz you can order anywhere are Aperol (sweet), Campari (bitter), and Select (Venetian and sweet/bitter)Ā 

Start your morning off by grabbing a cornetto & cafeĀ 

Al 133
@zaddie
The Pistachio & Chocolate croissant are amazing here. If the weather is nice, sit outside and enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
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Ā Stop Number 1

Cantine del Vino giĆ  Schiavi
@zaddie
This bar is off the beaten path, but worth the walk. We like to grab a glass of wine and the Sarde in Saor (Sardines and onions) or BaccalĆ  to start the day of drinking and eating. However, all of the cicchetti here are good.
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Stop and Admire the Rialto Bridge!

Ponte di Rialto
@zaddie
This is a very busy area for tourist and can be hard to get through during the summer months. I recommend getting up early if you want pictures of the bridge without the crowd.
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All your walking has paid offā€”welcome to the Rialto Market area! This spot is home to several famous and delicious cicchetti bars, so take a well-deserved break and enjoy!

Stop Number 2

Alla Fonda
@zaddie
DON'T SKIP THIS STOP! This has to be one of my favorite cicchetti shops in Venice. Make sure you try the purple onion and cheese cicchetti. For wine I recommend ordering the Refosco red wine (you will not be disappointed).
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Stop Number 3

Cantina Do Mori
@zaddie
This beautiful bar dates back to 1462! This spot can get very busy, so enjoy the beautiful interior while you wait to order some snacks and wine. My favorite glass of wine here is Soave. This bar was also shown on Anthony Bourdain parts unknown.
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Stop Number 4

Bar All'Arco
@zaddie
This cicchetti spot mainly serves seafood bites, which change daily. I highly recommend being adventurous and trying several of their offerings. Also fun fact Anthony Bourdain has ate here.
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Stop Number 5

Cantina Do Spade
@zaddie
I have tried so many of the cicchetti and wine here and I have loved all of it. My favorite white wine on their menu is Soave.
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This is the final stop in the Rialto Market area, so get ready to walk off all that food and wineā€”weā€™re headed to the ancient Jewish Quarter!

Pro Tip: Near the Rialto fish market, you can take a gondola ride across the canal for just ā‚¬2 per person.Ā 

Stop Number 6

Vino Vero
@zaddie
This wine bar is a perfect first stop in the Jewish Quarter. Grab a glass of wine and a seat outside along the canal. This area is usually very quiet and far less touristy
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Stop Number 7

A La Vecia Papussa
@zaddie
This is your final stop! Grab a seat, either inside or outside, and order a plate of their spicy meatballsā€”theyā€™re absolutely amazing and pack quite a kick! For drinks, I recommend a spritz, or if youā€™re tired of wine, go for a refreshing gin and tonic.
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You did it! You spent a full day walking around Venice, eating and drinking like a pro. Now go take a well-deserved napā€”youā€™ve earned it!

Hotel Recommendations:

I have stayed at all of these hotels and had great experiences at each of them. They are also very budget-friendly. Staying in Venice Mestre is often a more affordable option, and you can easily purchase 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour train or bus tickets to reach the Venice city center.

Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
@zaddie
This is a great hotel if you prefer to stay away from the crowds of Venice's city center. Some rooms even come with a small kitchen, making it convenient for preparing breakfast or warming up food. While pets are not allowed, this hotel is a budget-friendly option for those looking to save money.
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Dog Friendly Hotels

Ambasciatori Hotel Venice Mestre Tapestry Collection by Hilton
@zaddie
This is an excellent hotel if you have Hilton points or rewards through your credit card. However, if you don't have points this is still a great option. The rooms are clean, and the beds are very comfortable. They are pet-friendly, though there is a nightly fee for bringing your furry friend along
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zaddie Arnold
Hi there! šŸ‘‹ Iā€™m a travel enthusiast whoā€™s been exploring Europe with my husband for over six incredible years. From the charming cobblestone streets of Germany (where we lived for three years) to the sun-soaked piazzas of Italy (another three amazing years!), Iā€™ve had the chance to truly soak in the best these countries have to offer. In the past year, our little Pomeranian joined the adventure, and heā€™s turned us into experts in pet-friendly travel! šŸ¾ Now, I specialize in sharing tips for navigating Europe with your pupā€”whether itā€™s the best dog-friendly stays, parks, or cafes that welcome furry companions with open arms. When Iā€™m not busy planning the next trip, youā€™ll find me discovering hidden gems, indulging in local cuisines, and helping others make their travel dreams a reality. Letā€™s make your European adventure unforgettableā€”tail wags and all! šŸ§³āœØ
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