English Bacaro tour is an essential part of Venice’s vibrant food and drink scene, continuing to draw both locals and tourists eager to explore the city’s rich culinary heritage. With so many options available, we have curated a selection of the best bacari for 2025.
Bacari & Cicchetti: The Heart of Venetian Culture
A bacaro is a traditional Venetian tavern, typically small and simple, where visitors can enjoy the famous cicchetti and a drink. Many of them are compact, leading patrons to enjoy their food and drinks while standing outside; others offer more space and even full meals featuring traditional Venetian dishes such as risottos, pasta and seafood specialties.
The term bacaro comes from Venice’s winemaking history. It is believed to be derived from malvasia, a wine that arrived in Venice from Puglia in the late 19th century. This wine was sold in small taverns, and the name bacaro became synonymous with these venues after a gondolier famously praised the wine as “vin de bàcaro” (wine of Bacchus, the god of wine).
Today, visiting one of these taverns remains an essential part of experiencing authentic Venetian hospitality, especially through the beloved tradition of hopping from one tavern to the next, enjoying various finger foods and ombre (small glasses of house wine).
Typical Food and Drinks
One of the must-try culinary experiences in Venice is cicchetti, small slices of bread topped with various ingredients like:
- Baccalà mantecato (creamy cod spread)
- Sarde in saor (sardines in a sweet and sour sauce)
- Cheese and cold cuts
Additionally, you will find a variety of other Venetian finger foods, such as: tuna or cod meatballs, polenta with toppings, assorted platters of local cheeses and cured meats, but also fried seafood and vegetables.
The concept is quite similar to that of Spanish tapas – small snacks meant to be enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner accompanied by a glass of wine. In fact, most of these taverns offer an excellent selection from their cellars and high-quality ingredients needed to prepare the quintessential Venetian Spritz, probably the best and cheapest you’ll find in all of Italy.
How to do a Bacaro tour
There’s no strict itinerary for the bacaro tour, but it’s typical to visit three or four of them over the course of an evening, making stops for a couple of bites and drinks at each one.
For those unfamiliar with the city, guided bacaro tours are available, where an expert guide will take you through some of the best bacari and explain the history behind the tradition. Alternatively, for those who prefer to explore on their own, starting with our curated list of recommendations is a great way to experience the essence of Venice at your own pace. Prices for cicchetti range from €1.5 to €3, with wine around €5 per glass, so you can personalize your experience based on your preferences, budget and time.
Best Bacari in Venice for 2025
Venice’s bacari are often hidden along narrow alleys, and new gems are discovered every time you visit. Here are our top picks for 2025:
- Osteria Dai Zemei: Probably the place with the widest variety of cicchetti and an excellent spritz – my absolute favorite.
- Bacarando in corte dell’orso: Famous for its polenta-based cicchetti, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors.
- Al Timon: Besides cicchetti, they also serve excellent meat platters. I suggest you arrive early because reservations are not accepted, though service is fast.
- Osteria Al Squero: Located by the canal, it’s perfect for enjoying an evening bite with a view. Note that it closes daily at 20:30, except for Sundays (closed).
- Paradiso Perduto: They often host live music concerts, and what sets it apart from many others is that it offers seasonal delicacies like moeche (small crabs from the Venetian lagoon).
While most bacari offer some vegetarian options, for a fully plant-based experience, check out these places:
- Sulla Luna: Worth it for the experience – a cozy spot that feels like a small bookstore.
- Acqua e mais: A small, quick-stop bacaro offering excellent vegetarian options like caponata (highly recommended). However, note that there’s no seating available.
- Officina Ormesini: Known for its peaceful location, away from the tourist crowds. The outdoor seating by the canal offers a charming dining experience.
Taking a tour like this is more than just eating and drinking; it’s about immersing yourself into the true essence of Venice, getting lost in its hidden corners and local rhythms. It’s a chance to experience the city as its residents do, revealing a side of Venice that is both authentic and timeless.
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