If you ask a Venetian what they love most about living in the city, they probably won’t just mention monuments. They’ll tell you: going out for bacari. The Bacaro Tour is a true local ritual — an informal and convivial way to experience Venice, moving from one wine bar to another with a glass of wine in hand.
In this guide, you’ll find the best bacari in Venice that we’ve personally tested: authentic spots spread across the different neighborhoods, perfect for an aperitivo or a quick dinner away from tourist traps. This isn’t just a list, but a carefully selected collection of Venetian wine bars chosen for atmosphere, quality, and location.
If you’re wondering where to do a Bacaro Tour in Venice — between Rialto, Cannaregio, and Dorsoduro — these are the right places for a truly local experience.
What are Venetian bacari?
Venetian bacari are small traditional wine bars found throughout all neighborhoods of Venice. These are informal spots, often with very limited seating, where you drink an ombra di vino and enjoy small bites of local cuisine directly at the counter or outside along a canal.
Unlike traditional restaurants, a bacaro is designed for a quick stop: you walk in, order something to drink, pick a few bites from the counter, and then move on to the next place. This habit gave rise to the so-called Bacaro Tour, a beloved tradition among Venetians that involves visiting several wine bars in the same area during the evening.
Bacari are not simply bars: they are places of social life, everyday encounters, and traditions deeply rooted in the city’s history.
History and Origins of Bacari
Bacari have a long history dating back to the time of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, when sailors and merchants would gather to enjoy wine and simple food after a long day. These informal establishments became meeting points for the local community, where people could socialize and share a quick meal. Today, the Bacaro Tour is a ritual that brings together both Venetians and visitors, offering a way to discover the best of the city’s gastronomic tradition.
Curiosities and Tradition
The ombra de vin traditionally refers to a small glass of wine. In Venice, you don’t order a “glass” — you order an ombra. This custom is a symbol of Venetian tradition, where locals gather for a toast at the end of the workday or to celebrate special occasions.
The top 10 best bacari in Venice we’ve tested
We’ve been living in the Veneto region for years, and we’ve been visiting these bacari for a long time. We’ve tried them multiple times. Some are tiny and no-frills, others are more structured and well-known, but they all share one thing: they truly represent the spirit of the Venetian Bacaro Tour.
Below you’ll find the 10 most authentic and less touristy bacari in Venice that we recommend after tasting them one by one.
1 – All’Arco
One of the most convincing bacari we’ve tried. Tiny, always busy, and with carefully balanced cicchetti. You can really taste the difference in the quality of the ingredients, with very reasonable prices ranging from €2 to €5 per portion. Perfect for a quick standing aperitivo in the heart of Rialto, yet still popular with locals.
2 – Bacareto da Lele
Simple, straightforward, no frills. For just over €3 we had a small sandwich and two ombre (small glasses of wine) — it’s hard to find a better quality-to-price ratio in Venice. Ideal for a quick stop or to kick off an affordable, authentic Bacaro Tour. Here you can still get small sandwiches and wine for under €5.
3 – Arcicchetti Bakaro – San Polo
A rich counter selection, well-made spritz, and a baccalà mantecato that won us over at first bite. The atmosphere is informal and lively, perfect if you’re looking for character without excessive tourist crowds. A great stop for a structured aperitivo that still feels like a true bacaro.
4 – Al Mercà
A tiny bacaro near the Venice market, always lively. For about €17, we had 4 cicchetti and 3 ombre, with solid overall quality. It’s one of those places where you barely step inside — you eat standing along the Grand Canal and end up chatting with friends. Pure Venetian spirit.
5 – Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
A historic wine bar founded in 1944, located in a charming area. The counter is always tempting, and the wine selection is one of its strongest points. A must-stop for anyone who wants to combine cicchetti and good wine in a truly authentic setting.
6 – Osteria dai Zemei
A classic Venetian osteria, larger than the tiny bacari. We spent about €19 for 4 cicchetti and 2 spritz, with well-executed traditional dishes. A good choice if you prefer a slightly more structured environment while keeping an informal vibe.
7 – Osteria Vineria Gastronomica Sepa
More of a deli-style spot than a pure bacaro, but an interesting alternative. For €11, we had two vegetable pies and a small glass of red wine. Perfect if you’re looking for something different from the usual counter-style crostini.
8 – Cantina Do Spade
A historic address near Rialto. The sarde in saor are well prepared, and the atmosphere preserves a traditional Venetian character. Not the cheapest on the list, but it offers a more structured Venetian experience.
9 – Osteria Al Portego
Lively atmosphere and a rich counter display: crostini with meat, mushrooms, baccalà, and cheeses. Always buzzing, especially during peak hours. Ideal if you’re looking for energy and a busy local vibe.
10 - Paradiso Perduto
More of a restaurant than a pure bacaro, but a complete experience. We spent around €18 for mozzarella in carrozza, crostini, and spritz. Larger and more dynamic atmosphere — perfect if you want a slightly more extended bacaro experience.
Don’t Wander Around Blindly
The places above are the bacari we've personally tried and genuinely enjoyed. If you discover other good ones, write theme in the comments' - We'll be happy to update the list.
Venice is a beautiful city, but it’s also extremely touristy. When the offer is massive, disappointment is always around the corner. If you want to avoid overly commercial spots and enjoy a real Bacaro Tour without guessing your way through it, booking a local guide can make sense.
A guided experience takes you to the right bacari, shares the stories behind the ombra de vin, and lets you taste the most representative cicchetti without wasting time.
Transparency note: some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We collaborate with partners such as GetYourGuide to suggest useful experiences for travelers.
