Bacaro Venice: My Guide to the Best Venice Bacari and Cicchetti Experiences
If you’re planning a trip to Venice, you’ve probably come across the term bacaro. But what is it exactly? And more importantly, where should you go to experience a true bacaro Venice Italy adventure?
I recently explored a few of these charming local wine bars myself, tasting cicchetti, sipping Spritzes, and soaking in the authentic Venice atmosphere.
In this post, I’ll explain what a bacaro is, how to enjoy one like a local, and share my personal experiences with some hidden gems — including Bar Ceranovolta and an extremely popular spot near Rialto with a mysterious name.
What Is a Venice Bacaro?
A bacaro (plural: bacari) is a traditional Venetian wine bar, known for its relaxed vibe, affordable drinks, and delicious cicchetti — small plates of local snacks that are Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas. Think crostini with baccalà (creamed cod), fried zucchini flowers, tiny sandwiches, meatballs, olives, and more.
Locals drop into a bacaro for a quick glass of wine — known as an ombra — and a few cicchetti before dinner. It’s an everyday ritual, and visitors are welcome to join in.
This is not fine dining, however, the food is so delicious. It’s more casual, cheerful, and deeply local — and that’s exactly the point.
Why You MUST Visit a Bacaro While Visiting Venice
Visiting a bacaro isn’t just about eating — it’s about experiencing Venice like a Venetian. These places are where you’ll meet locals, try real Venetian flavors, and escape the tourist menus for something more genuine.
It’s also one of the best ways to eat well on a budget in Venice. A small plate might cost €1.50–€3 ( you will eat multiple), and a glass of wine or a spritz is usually around €7-8.
One of my Best Bacaro Experiences in Venice: Bar Ceranavolta
One of my favorite stops was Bar Ceranavolta, a small bacaro tucked away from the main tourist streets, although still in the heart of Venice, close to the Frari church. It has a rustic charm, with wooden barrels and small chalkboards listing the daily cicchetti. The moment I stepped in, I felt the cozy buzz of local life — people chatting in Venetian dialect, nice music, beautiful view of the mini-sandwiches, and the wonderful smell of fried seafood.
Below you can see a short video that I made coming back here in the wintertime:
As I stepped into Bar Ceranovolta, tucked away from the tourist crowds, I immediately felt the warm, authentic atmosphere of a true Venetian bacaro. The soft glow of fairy lights in the window, the chatter of locals, and the clinking of tiny glasses set the perfect scene for an evening of cicchetti tasting. I ordered a plate of their freshest bites—and what a treat it was…!
The baccalà mantecato (on the left), smooth and „sweet” (but not sweetened with sugar!), melted on my tongue like a cloud of flavor. The cichetti in the middle was a real surprise: topped with creamy cheese and radicchio—a perfect balance of bitterness and richness that I hadn’t expected to enjoy so much.
I paired these cichetti with a Bellini cocktail, and in that moment, watching the lights twinkle in the window, I felt completely in sync with the rhythm of Venice. The textures and flavors were perfect — small bites, full of personality. Everything was made fresh, with that comforting home-cooked feel.
It wasn’t just a Venice snack—it was a true Venice memory I will never forget. One that tasted of tradition, care, and local Venetian life.
I asked the sweet and friendly barman how he made these incredible bites. He shared his recipes with me with pleasure.
Cicchetti (left, on the white plate):
- Baccalà mantecato on baguette
Classic whipped salt cod spread, creamy and smooth, served cold on crusty bread. - Radicchio & creamy cheese cicchetti
Made from finely chopped radicchio mixed with soft cheese (ricotta or robiola), adding bitterness and creaminess. These are Venetian staples and look and taste very fresh.
Mini sandwiches (right, on wooden tray):
These were small sandwiches, typical of Venetian bars that serve more substantial bites alongside cicchetti:
- Poppy seed sandwich
Contains grilled chicken or turkey breast, lettuce, and possibly a tomato slice. - Plain sandwich
Cured ham (prosciutto cotto or crudo), lettuce, and cheese.
I opted for a classic Bellini — prosecco with white peach purée. It was delicate and fruity, making me feel like I was sipping history (it was invented here in Venice at Harry’s Bar!). Perfect for a warm afternoon or an early evening aperitivo.
Visiting this Bacaro another time, I ordered an Aperol Spritz. 🍊 Slightly bitter, refreshingly bubbly, and so very Venetian. The Aperol wasn’t too strong, and the orange slice gave it just the right citrusy lift. This might be the best spritz I’ve had in the city.
Another Bacaro experience in Venice- Surprise Find: A Bacaro Near Rialto
Another memorable stop was a little bacaro near the Rialto Bridge. I don’t remember the exact name — it might have been something like “Ri Gu-” — and Google Maps didn’t help much, which makes it feel even more like a secret. What I do remember is the vibrant energy of this place: a noisy room full of life, with locals laughing and gesturing with their spritz glasses and tourists sitting and enjoying their cichetti and spritz,and the panorama of the Rialto Bridge as well. Soon, I was one of them. 🙂
Here, I switched things up with a Limoncello Spritz — lemony, sweet, and surprisingly light. If you like limoncello, you’ll love this refreshing twist.
I paired the Limoncello Spritz with a few more cicchetti.
Their cicchetti weren’t the classic crostini or polenta-based style—these were warm, toasty mini-panini, filled with creamy egg and cheese, fresh tomato, and grilled just right. I loved the twist on tradition. I stood by the window with my plate, the Grand Canal glittering outside, gondolas gliding by, and locals chatting over their ombre (little glass of wine). A simple, perfect moment.
It was friendly and full of personality — the kind of place you stumble into and never forget.
How to Enjoy a Venice Bacaro Like a Local
If you want to experience the bacaro Venice culture like a true local, here are some tips:
✅ Stand at the bar. Locals rarely sit. Standing saves you money, too — some places charge extra for table service.
✅ Order an ombra or a Spritz. A small glass of house wine is traditional, but Aperol, Campari, or Limoncello Spritz are also popular.
✅ Pick 2–3 cicchetti at a time. Choose whatever catches your eye from the display. Don’t be shy — just point!
✅ Move on. Bacaro hopping is part of the fun. Have a drink and a snack, then head to the next one.
✅ Go before dinner. The best time is between 5 PM and 8 PM. After that, some bacari close or shift to more formal dining.
Best Neighborhoods (Sestieri) for Bacari in Venice
Looking to plan your own bacaro crawl? These areas are packed with great options:
- Cannaregio – Very local, with many authentic and affordable bacari.
- Dorsoduro – Student-friendly and lively in the evenings.
- Near Rialto – Popular with tourists and locals alike, especially for evening drinks.
- Santa Croce and San Polo – Great balance between hidden gems and easy access.
Final Thoughts: Bacaro Venice Is a Must-Do
If you’re heading to Venice and want to avoid overpriced tourist traps, don’t miss the chance to discover a real bacaro. Whether you’re into wine, cocktails, or just curious about Venetian food culture, this is one of the city’s most enjoyable, affordable, and authentic experiences.
And don’t worry if you don’t know the names of all the places — sometimes, the best bacaro is the one you didn’t plan to find.
Read my tips on how to see Venice in a best way:
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📷 Coming soon: My video tour with clips from Bar Ceranovolta and other bacari