8 Must-Try Spots for the Best Cicchetti in Venice, Italy

Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas—small, flavorful bites like crostini (open-faced sandwiches), fried seafood, polpette (meatballs), and other delicious small plates that line the counters of local bacari (wine bars).

Typically, you order a glass of wine at the counter, along with a sampling of cicchetti. I always go for a few crostini and sometimes a meatball or two.

Whenever I’m in Venice, stopping by a couple of cicchetti bars for lunch is a must. It’s a quick, affordable way to sample a variety of flavors, and it never disappoints.

I recommend taking yourself on a self-guided cicchetti crawl to some of these wine bars. It’s one of the best ways to experience the city like a local and get a taste of the real Venice.

This list brings together my personal favorites and a few local recommendations—here are the best places to enjoy cicchetti in Venice.

The Best Cicchetti in Venice

Bar All’Arco

This is my favorite spot for cicchetti in Venice. Just a 3-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge, Bar All’Arco feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of one of Italy’s busiest cities.

All’Arco is known for its incredible variety of crostini (open-face sandwiches)made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The combinations change daily, depending on what’s in season.

On my last visit, I tried crostini with with truffle and cheese, salami with greens and tomato sauce, creamy salt cod, and zucchini with lemon zest, cheese, and fish—all memorable and delicious. Pair your cicchetti with a glass of prosecco for as little as €3 or a local Venetian wine for €4

Inside, it’s standing room only, with just a few outdoor tables for those lucky enough to snag one. The service is wonderful – don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or for explanations about the cicchetti.

Address: S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Cantina do Spade

A bustling shop where you can eat indoors or outside. They have large variety of options, both hot and cold, and a lot of polpette (fried meatball) to choose from. Their baccala (creamed cod) is delicious and their wine is cheap.

While they do offer a sit-down menu, I recommend skipping the full meal and sticking to cicchetti.

Address: San Polo, 859, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: https://cantinadospade.com

READ ALSO: 25 Best Restaurants in Venice

Cantina do Mori

Cantina Do Mori is a fun and cozy spot with a distinctly Venetian charm. It’s supposedly the oldest bacaro in Venice and feels like an Italian version of a pub, complete with copper pots hanging from the ceiling.

There are a lot of great food options here. On my visit, I tried the roasted potatoes, creamy baccalà, and fried zucchini flower—all were absolutely delicious. Seating is limited, so I felt lucky to snag a table.

Address: Calle Do Mori, 429, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

Located along a canal in the artsy Dorsoduro district, this beloved wine bar is a favorite amongst both locals and tourists. It has a charming, old-world vibe, with shelves lined with wine bottles and a glass display cased packed with an endless variety of crostini.

Their flavors cater to every type of foodie, but their most iconic creation is the tuna topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. I tried it, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.

The flavors are bold, creative, and so plentiful that you could come back several times and still not try them all. I personally loved the gorgonzola with pear and sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines).

Inside, it’s standing room only, but you can also take your cicchetti outside to enjoy by the canal.

Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: https://www.cantinaschiavi.com

READ ALSO: Best Gelato Shops in Venice

Al Merca

Most people stop by Al Merca just to grab a glass of wine or a cocktail. Along with drinks, they also offer a variety of small sandwiches that are simple and tasty.

It’s a popular spot, so the line can get long, but it moves pretty fast.

Address: Campo Bella Vienna, 213, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Al Timon

Set along the lively Fondamenta della Misericordia, a popular nightlife area amongst locals, Al Timon specializes in both Florentine and Venetian cuisine. While it’s famous for its Fiorentina steak, it’s also a fantastic spot to get aperitivo.

Grab a couple of cicchetti and a glass of the house wine, then head outside to one of the canal-side tables to enjoy.

Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: https://www.altimon.it/

Osteria Bancogiro

Osteria Bancogiro is a perfect spot to enjoy Venetian cicchetti with a view. Located along the Grand Canal, this charming osteria offers a solid selection of crostini and cocktails, and a full sit-down menu.

I suggest grabbing an outdoor table to soak in the canal views while you enjoy your meal.

Address: Campo San Giacometto, Ponte di Rialto, 122, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: https://www.osteriabancogiro.it/

Vino Vero

Recommended by the team at Hotel Flora, Vino Vero is a gem in the Cannaregio district. They are known for their incredible selection of high-quality, natural wines from small producers, and of course, their crostini.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a relaxed, local vibe.

Address: Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2497, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: https://vinovero.wine/delivery-venezia/

Cicchetti Food Tours

I love taking food tours when I travel—it’s a fantastic way to dive into the local cuisine and connect with other travelers. Here are a couple of cicchetti tours in Venice I recommend:

• Experience Venice Like a Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour
• Venice Street Food Tour: Cicchetti & Spritz with Local Guide