The cicchetto is the symbol of street food in Venice: a simple bite-sized snack, yet rich in history and tradition. It’s a perfect bridge between traditional Venetian cuisine and the fast-paced lifestyle of younger generations. Venetian cicchetti are a true local institution and a must-try when visiting the lagoon.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Venetian cicchetti are and reveal the 15 best (with recipes!) to try directly in Venice, inside the city’s traditional wine bars — known as bacari.
DID YOU KNOW? In Venice, you can also join bacari tours! These are walking experiences that take you to some of the city’s most characteristic wine bars and taverns, with tastings of cicchetti, local wines, and other regional specialties.
What Are Venetian Cicchetti?
Not to be confused with alcoholic shots, these are actually small bites traditionally eaten by Venetians either as a quick lunch, an afternoon aperitif, or even as a light dinner. The term comes from ciccus, a Latin word meaning “small quantity.” This isn’t the typical pre-packaged snack you might find in any bar, but a true tasting of the best Venetian recipes.
How Venetian Cicchetti Originated
In the ancient Republic of Venice, trade flourished with cities and regions from all over the known world. It was common practice for merchants to celebrate the closing of a good deal with a small glass of wine. To avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, some preferred to accompany their drink with a small piece of bread topped with a traditional recipe. This is how the Venetian cicchetto was born.
How Much Do Cicchetti Cost in Venice?
Although Venice is a very touristy (and therefore often expensive) city, bacari remain a long-standing local tradition. The price of a cicchetto is generally low and ranges from about €1 to €2.50 depending on the type you choose. It’s a great way to eat well in Venice without spending much. per mangiare bene a Venezia spendendo poco.
Where Can I Find the Best Cicchetti in Venice?
Avoid restaurants and overly refined venues. The places that truly prepare these specialties are the bacari. We’ve already put together a list of taverns and wine bars where you can enjoy the best cicchetti in Venice. Have you missed it? Here it is:
Where to Eat Cicchetti in Venice (Areas + Mini Itinerary)
If it’s your first time in Venice, start from the Rialto Bridge: between Erbaria, Campo Bella Vienna, and Calle delle Botteghe you’ll find historic bacari and quick “standing counter” food stalls. Continue toward San Polo / San Giacomo dell’Orio (a quiet square, perfect for a short break), then enjoy a walk along the Grand Canal and cross over to Dorsoduro. Along Fondamenta Nani and near the Squero di San Trovaso you can sip a drink with a gondola view.
If you have more time, head to Cannaregio along Fondamenta degli Ormesini and Misericordia: a truly local atmosphere, outdoor tables in the evening, and a relaxed vibe. A quieter, more residential alternative is Castello (Via Garibaldi) or the island of Giudecca, where prices are often slightly lower.
How to Recognize a “Real” Quality Bacaro
A counter with trays on display, few seats, quick receipts, no photos of dishes in the window, cicchetti prepared fresh every day, and clearly visible price signs. Usually, you order and pay at the counter, then step outside to eat.
Which Traditional Cicchetti Should You Try?
We’ve reached the tastiest part of this guide. Call them bacari, wine bars, or small taverns — what truly matters is eating well and authentically. Below you’ll find which cicchetti to try. Don’t be fooled by their simple appearance: Venetian cicchetti are traditional street bites with deep roots in local culture. They belong to an informal setting, meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, often while sipping a small glass of wine, maybe right by a canal.
1 – Cicchetti with Creamed Cod (Baccalà Mantecato)
Creamed cod is one of the most iconic and traditional dishes of Venetian cuisine. The preparation is long and not exactly simple, but the result is a slice of toasted bread topped with smooth, whipped cod — crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with a delicate flavor and aroma that practically melts in your mouth.
2 – Cicchetti with Sarde in Saor
Sarde in saor is a classic Venetian specialty rooted in humble, traditional cooking. Sardines are an affordable and nutritious fish, then marinated with onions, vinegar, and seasonings. The taste is perfectly balanced between the savory richness of the sardines, the sweetness of the onions, and the acidity of the vinegar, which also helps preserve the dish.
3 – Cicchetti with Octopus in Tomato Stew (Folpetti in Guazzetto)
Folpetti are small octopus, slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce. With long simmering, the octopus becomes tender and flavorful while the sauce absorbs the full taste of the sea. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab some bread to soak up every last drop.
4 – Cicchetti with Cured Meats
Cold cuts are a great Italian classic, and many Venetian wine bars specialize in preparing cicchetti with the finest local cured meats. If you’re a fan of salami or prosciutto, you might also want to try porchetta from Treviso — you won’t be disappointed.
5 – Mozzarella in Carrozza with Anchovy Inside
We once tried this cicchetto in Treviso, a town not far from Venice, and it’s truly a specialty worth tasting. The salty anchovy inside enhances the flavor of the fried mozzarella, creating a crispy, savory bite that’s absolutely delicious.
6 – Sweet-and-Sour Prawns (Mazzancolle in Saor)
One of the classic Venetian cicchetti. Compared to sarde in saor, this version has a rounder, slightly sweeter, and more delicate flavor thanks to the prawns. We highly recommend trying it.
7 – Cicchetti with Hard-Boiled Quail Eggs and Anchovies
Quail eggs and anchovies may sound like an unusual combination, but it’s not uncommon to find this cicchetto in bacari, usually served on a slice of bread. It’s a pairing we highly recommend for its excellent balance of flavors.
8 – Schie and polenta
Schie are tiny lagoon shrimp that can only be found in the Venetian lagoon and only during certain times of the year. They’re delicious when lightly fried and served with polenta. In nearby Treviso, white polenta is more common — softer and more delicate. Besides being incredibly tasty, it’s a dish that’s hard to find elsewhere, making it a unique local experience.
9 – Meatballs (fish, Vvegetable, or meat)
You’ll find meatballs in almost every bacaro. They come in many varieties and are the perfect companion to a glass of good local wine, whose dry flavor helps balance the fried texture. Be warned: once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one.
10 – Mixed Fried Seafood
Venice is, of course, a city of the sea. Can a small portion of mixed fried seafood really be missing from a list of Venetian cicchetti? Absolutely not. Fresh fish is always a guarantee here, so this is one you shouldn’t skip.
11 – Cicchetti with Baccalà alla Vicentina
Perhaps the most classic and famous cicchetto from nearby Vicenza, served with baccalà alla vicentina. The strong flavor of the cod is softened by slow cooking with milk and onions until it becomes creamy and tender. In restaurants it’s often served with polenta, but as a cicchetto you’ll usually find it on a slice of good bread. A must-try.
12 – Cicchetti con pastin e formaggio di montagna
Sono i tipici cicchetti di Belluno e provincia, la zona più montanara del Veneto. È proprio sulle malghe delle Dolomiti, dove il bestiame pascola libero tra le valli e i prati incolti, che vengono prodotti formaggi straordinari. Il pastin? E’ una specie di salsiccia fresca, con un diametro maggiore e più speziata. È uno dei prodotti tipici bellunesi.
13 – Cicchetti vegetariani di stagione
Trovi sempre l’alternativa vegetariana (o vegana) all’interno dei bacari. Anche delle semplici verdure possono diventare degli sfiziosi stuzzichini serviti sul pane e da accompagnare ad un buon bicchiere di vino o a uno spritz.
14 – Cicchetti gorgonzola e noci
Un’abbinamento tipico della cucina italiana che non sbaglia mai. È ottimo abbinato al pane, che dà consistenza al morso e a un bicchiere di un buon vino bianco che asciuga il grasso del gorgonzola.
15 – Cicchetti veneti con il radicchio
Il radicchio trevigiano è una delle eccellenze della regione. Dal sapore leggermente aspro, durante la cottura si addolcisce e viene usato spesso per accompagnare risotti, paste o anche dei semplici cicchetti. Se non lo hai mai provato, dagli una possibilità perché merita davvero.
FAQ – Your Questions
What are venetian cicchetti?
Cicchetti are small traditional bites typically served in bacari (local wine bars). They are eaten standing at the counter or on a small stool, often paired with a small glass of wine or a spritz. They represent the city’s historic street food and are perfect for an aperitif or a quick meal while exploring Venice.
Where can you enjoy cicchetti for an aperitif in Venice?
Consistently good areas include Rialto & Erbaria, Cannaregio (Fondamenta degli Ormesini / Misericordia), San Polo (Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio), Dorsoduro (San Trovaso area), Castello (Via Garibaldi), and Giudecca Island (Sant’Eufemia). Step into the smaller bacari, order at the counter, and try two or three places in a row — the classic “bacaro tour.”
How much do cicchetti cost and how do you order?
Usually, each cicchetto costs around €1.50–€3 (some specialties may cost more). You choose directly at the counter by looking at the displayed trays, order individual pieces (for example, one cod crostino or a meatball), and pick a drink on the side. In many bacari you pay at the end, returning the small plate before leaving.
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