What is Cicchetti? All About the Best Bites in Venice

It can be a little tough to find Italian food in Venice that’s good, authentic, and doesn’t break the bank. That’s why we want to let you in on a little secret: Venice’s cicchetti tradition.

Pronounced “chee-KET-eeh,” cicchetti are Venice’s answer to Milan’s aperitivo and to Spain’s tapas. They’re small plates of food, usually nibbled over glasses of wine and among friends in the evening or at lunchtime. Served at bàcari (“BAH-car-eeh”), small, local bars hidden all over Venice, cicchetti are cheap, ranging from about €1 to €4. What’s on offer depends on the place; some bàcari lean toward fried offerings, while others specialize in fresh fish, meats, cheeses… the list goes on.

Cicchetti at a local bar in Venice.

Try it as a pre-dinner nibble, or make a whole meal out of it by ordering several plates. We like the idea of a cicchetti “crawl” ourselves. Especially because your meal of cicchetti probably comes cheaper, better, and in a more local atmosphere than food in most restaurants in Venice!

Some tips: First, for an evening cicchetti crawl, make sure you start early (at about 6 p.m.), since many bàcari close at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Of course, if you’re just getting used to the Italian tradition of eating at 8 or 9 p.m., then that earliness might not be so bad!

Second, if you’re someone who can’t stand crowds or the possibility of having to wait in line and/or stand while eating, then be prepared to sacrifice—or at least seek out bàcari that are off the beaten path. Bàcari are where Venetians come to socialize and relax, and some of the more popular places, including those listed below, can get quite packed… which we think adds to your people-watching potential, but can be a little frustrating if you were hoping for a quiet, tranquil dinner!

The area near the Grand Canal isn’t just a popular area for tourists… it has some of the best bàcari in town!

Where to find the best cicchetti in Venice

Just to get you started, here are some of Venice’s most-loved places to find delicious cicchetti:

Ca’ d’Oro/Alla Vedova

Calle del Pistor, Cannaregio 3912. One of the most famous bàcari in Venice, this one’s both away from the city’s crowds and on the cheap (€1) end of things, ideal if you’re on a budget. Don’t miss the polpette, meatballs made of pork.

La Cantina

Calle San Felice, 3689. A stone’s throw from Alla Vedova, La Cantina features inventive dishes, using fresh ingredients like beef tongue or fresh ricotta. A local favorite.

Sampling traditional cicchetti is a must-try when visiting the Floating City.

Bar All’Arco

Bar All’Arco (Calle Arco, San Polo 436) is another one of Venice’s most-loved spots. Located near the Rialto Bridge, it’s packed at lunchtime with shoppers from the local fish market. Everything from calamari to liver to shrimp is on offer, and if it’s available, don’t miss the hot sandwich of boiled beef sausage and mustard.

Cantina Do Mori

Myth has it that Casanova frequented bàcaro Do Mori (Sestiere San Polo 429, Calle dei Do Mori). Even if he didn’t, it’s still thought to be the oldest in Venice, dating back to 1462. Ask for the “francobollo” (postage stamp)—a tiny sandwich with various fillings, it’s the house specialty.

Do Spade

Another bàcaro dating back to the 15th century, Do Spade (Calle delle Do Spade, 19 S. Polo 860) has lots of seafood on offer, as well as a variety of vegetable and cheese spreads.

Do Spade

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

A family-run bàcaro, Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (Fondamenta Nani, 992) boasts raw fish, meats, more than 30 wines available by the glass, and much more. Get here eary since it is crowded with Venetians in the evening!

Osteria al Ponte

Located in Cannaregio, Osteria al Ponte (Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina) is one of the cheapest bàcari—and, therefore, places to eat—in all of Venice. Al Ponte has pasta and fish plates and a welcoming atmosphere.

Osteria Bancogiro

Osteria Bancogiro (Campo San Giacometto, San Polo 122) has a Grand Canal view, a variety of cheeses, fish, and wine, and a lively atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Want to really make the most of cicchetti, and other local food traditions, in Venice? Then don’t miss our Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour! You’ll learn how to enjoy cicchetti like a Venetian as you eat and drink your way through the Floating City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.