Did you know that Italy also has its own tapas? Yes, these exquisite snacks, enjoyed at any time of the day but especially during aperitivo hour, are one of the typical specialties of one of the most famous, beloved, and visited cities in Italy. We are talking about Venice, the home of cicchetti, small delights whose ingredients vary according to the season and the availability of fresh produce.
But what exactly are they? They are small bites of bread or polenta, topped with all kinds of cured meats, cheeses, fish, and vegetables, to be eaten either sitting or standing in one of the typical Venetian osterias, often accompanied by a Spritz or a glass of wine. There are no fixed recipes, just combinations, more or less common, that mix creativity with tradition.
We know, we’ve made your mouth water, and to make you even hungrier, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the five places where you can taste the best cicchetti in Venice. We recommend trying them all during your stay in the lagoon city. Affordable, tasty, and varied: you won’t regret it!
Starting with the Origins
First fun fact: where does the name “cicchetto” come from? Contrary to what one might think, the origin does not come from the Venetian dialect but from the Latin “ciccus”, which means “small quantity,” morsel. They began to spread during the period of the Maritime Republic, when sailors and fishermen gathered in bacari, the typical Venetian osterias, for a brief moment of conviviality, nibbling on something along with a good glass of wine. Since that time, cicchetti have come down to the present day, constantly renewing and enriching themselves with varieties and flavors that make them so tasty and loved by Venetians and tourists alike.
Cantina do Mori
Let’s start our tour with one of the institutions of Venice, the bacaro that is said to be the oldest in the city, established back in the 1400s in the San Polo district. Entering Cantina do Mori, the selection in front of your eyes will be nothing short of amazing and suitable for all palates. Vegetarian cicchetti, fish-based, cheese, and cured meat, but not only: meatballs and sandwiches – here called “francobolli” (stamps) – are ready to satisfy even the hungriest.
Where to find it: Calle Do Mori, 429
Osteria al Portego in Venice
Another bacaro not to be missed is Osteria al Portego in Calle Malvasia, in the Castello district. Tuna meatballs, fried cuttlefish, sardines in saor: Venetian culinary tradition presents itself to visitors in all its charm. Ideal for an aperitivo but also for a dinner with delicious fish dishes.
Where to find it: Calle de la Malvasia, 6014
Bakarò
For those looking for a more contemporary version of the traditional osteria, Bakarò is the place for you. Managed by a dynamic and young team, it offers revisited versions of cicchetti, such as those based on baccalà mantecato, and more unusual dishes that combine local ingredients with more exotic and unusual raw materials. A must-try for those who want to experiment.
Where to find it: Campo Santa Margherita, 3665
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
In front of the San Trovaso bridge, another symbolic place of the city of Venice. Here too, alongside the more traditional cicchetti, such as those based on cuttlefish and anchovies, you will find more unusual but equally tasty combinations. Famous and appreciated also for its vast selection of wines, both white and red.
Where to find it: Fondamenta Nani, 992
Osteria Ca’ d’Oro Alla Vedova
Here cicchetto does not only mean a slice of bread with tasty toppings. Here you come to eat delicious meatballs, loved across the board because they are perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, and soft inside.
Where to find it: Ramo del Cà d’Oro, 3912
Conclusion
If you are visiting Venice, or you are planning a trip there and want to know what the typical dishes are, you cannot miss the chance to explore this tasty side of the city. A tour among the bacari, with their diverse personalities, is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in the city, discovering cicchetti and their stories.
All that remains is to say “Buon appetito and – as the Venetians say – cin cin!”
