Bacari in Venice. Guide to the best places to eat

"Discover the authentic charm of Venetian bacari, the hidden gems of Venice's culinary scene. These traditional wine bars offer a unique gastronomic experience, serving delicious cicchetti – small, flavorful bites – alongside local wines. Explore the quaint alleys of Venice and stumble upon these local treasures, where you can savor the city's rich culinary heritage. From fresh seafood to delectable cheeses, bacari showcase the best of Venetian cuisine. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the true flavors of Venice at these charming and unmissable spots."

10 useful tips for eating in Venice

In order not to fall into costly tourist traps, here are 10 useful tips where to take quick but effective breaks in the most characteristic places of the city's conviviality. Open from morning to night non-stop, with an assortment of mixed little plates, the bacari are the best choice for a bite to eat (meatballs, baccalà mantecato, folpi, sarde in saor and tramezzini), preferably standing up, preferably outside - weather permitting - and even alone, because everyone knows each other here and finding company is a snap. Abstaining teetotalers: the 'bianchini' dance in these parts open at 9 o'clock.

All’Arco

A favourite stop for Venetians themselves first and foremost, who appreciate the overall quality and the imaginative touch of some of the tastings. The crostini are tempting: baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor filleted and boned, freshly seared brined tuna. Those who are still hungry throw themselves onto the plates, and to quench their thirst no wine on tap, rather several excellent bottles. Outdoor tables.

All’Arco - calle dell’Occhialer - San Polo, 436 - 041 5205666 - Facebook

Bakarò

Modern version of the characteristic formula, more for the young and dynamic management than for the gist of the proposal. Even university students go there thanks to the reasonable prices and the lively, welcoming atmosphere and staff. On the food front there is the classic menu with, in addition to traditional crostini and sandwiches, specialities such as mussel peppered with bread crostone and tuna tartare with anchovies, pine nuts, toasted sesame and currant mayonnaise.

Bakarò - Campo Santa Margherita, 3665 - Dorsoduro - 041 2412758 - bakarovenezia.com

Cantina Aziende Agricole

It embodies the image of the authentic bacaro, with an old-fashioned room and a counter full of different canapés, baked meat or fish balls, aubergines with cheese or house dishes. To accompany them, customary ombre or bottles to uncork.

Cantina Aziende Agricole -Rio Terà Farsetti, 1847/A - Cannaregio - 333 3458811 - cantinaaziendeagricole.com

Cantina Do Mori

It is the oldest in Venice and the memorabilia in the room are evidence of a history that begins in the 15th century as a wine cellar. The dark wooden counter that crosses the room and connects the two entrances (the other on Calle Galeazza) is beautiful. Don't miss the “francobolli”, mini sandwiches in many variations. Open 8:00 am onwards.

Cantina Do Mori - calle Do Mori, 429 - Rialto - 041 5225401 

Cantina Do Spade

It has a dual soul, a trattoria with a seasonal and typical menu (try the moeche between March and April or between October and November) and a bacaro for a pit stop on the fly with wine and cicheti (sarde in saòr, baccalà, liver and onions, polpette in tomato sauce, calamari or prawns). It's elbow to elbow but that's OK. Among the few to stay open until late in the evening.

Cantina Do Spade - calle Do Spade, 859 - San Polo - 041 15210583 

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

In front of the San Trovaso bridge, the Gastaldi family headquarters is known and frequented by everyone in the area. In addition to food, especially crostini enriched by less usual toppings, it has an interesting selection of wines, as the sign outside suggests. It closes at 8:30 pm.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi - Fondamenta Nani, 992 - Dorsoduro - 041 5230034 - cantinaschiavi.com

Cicchetteria Venexiana Da Luca e Fred

One almost falls into it arriving in Venice by train, and without regretting it. The proposal remains honest and authentic despite the many tourists in transit, both for the crostini and for the rest, fritti in primis (kebabs, meatballs, vegetables). Pure trattoria and party location.

Cicchetteria Venexiana Da Luca e Fred - Rio Terà San Leonardo, 1518 - Cannaregio - 041 716170 - Facebook

Al Portego

You can stop in the dining room for a full meal or pass the time at the counter between a crostino and a sip of wine or Spritz. Tuna and courgettes, speck, scamorza cheese and radicchio, creamed or stewed cod among the house fillings, and then mozzarella in carrozza, vegetables au gratin, meatballs.

Al Portego - calle de la Malvasia, 6014 - Castello - 041 5229038 - osteriaalportego.org

Osteria Ca' d'Oro Alla Vedova

It owes its fame to its meatballs, loved across the board because they are deep fried, crispy outside and soft inside. The rest is also good, from breaded anchovies to tomatoes au gratin, from octopus salad to creamed cod. Ambience with old-world charm and efficient service.

Osteria Ca' d'Oro Alla Vedova - via Ramo del Cà d'oro, 3912 - Cannaregio - 041 5285324 - Facebook

Vino Vero

Halfway between wine bar, wine shop and bacaro, it has natural wines as its focus, and was the first in Venice to follow suit. The staff is young and competent, capable of illustrating and advising at its best, especially when it comes to pairings. Crostini are never banal, try the ones with hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, burrata cheese and smoked paprika. Saturday brunch with dishes such as roast leek, almonds, Romanesco cream and burnt lemon. Watch out on their social for themed evenings and tastings.

Vino Vero - fondamenta de La Misericordia - Cannaregio - 041 2750044 - Facebook