Visiting Venice is an experience that engages all the senses. Taste finds its most authentic expression in the bacari: traditional taverns that serve what can be considered the quintessential Venetian street food.

Bacari are the ideal place to sip an ombra de vin (a small glass of wine in the Venetian dialect) paired with cicchetti: small, savory bites, similar to tapas, perfect for an aperitif or a casual meal.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Venice to enjoy genuine local cuisine while avoiding tourist traps, this itinerary is for you. We’ll guide you through some of the most authentic bacari, where you can enjoy the famous Venetian cicchetti and eat like a local.

Ca’ d’Oro – Alla Vedova: For Mind-blowing Meatballs

At the end of a narrow side street off Strada Nova, you’ll find one of Venice’s most famous historic taverns: Ca’ d’Oro, better known as Alla Vedova. Here, one cicchetto in particular steals the spotlight and reigns over the counter: the meatball.

It’s worth stopping by for this hot, crispy delight alone, but you’ll also find sarde in saor, crostini with whipped cod, grilled cuttlefish, and much more.

Cantina Do Mori: Among Venice’s Oldest

No bacaro itinerary would be complete without a stop at one of the city’s most historic taverns: Cantina Do Mori. Legend has it even Casanova was a regular.

Located in the Rialto area, where escaping the touristy facade can be a challenge, Cantina Do Mori stands firm in its commitment to tradition and quality.

Here, you’ll find the classics, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. A standout feature? The francobolli: mini sandwiches generously filled with all kinds of delicious combinations.

Al Timon: In the Heart of Cannaregio

We now head to the heart of the Cannaregio district, specifically along Fondamenta dei Ormesini, to visit a beloved local institution.

Al Timon is known for its wide, well-curated selection of cicchetti, and the barge moored on the canal where, with a bit of luck (and outside peak hours), you might snag a spot and enjoy your Venetian aperitif with a view.

Al Squero: Bacaro with a View of the Gondolas

In the Dorsoduro district, there’s a charming little bacaro not to be missed, located right across from one of Venice’s last working squeri (gondola boatyards). You’ll be greeted by an authentic atmosphere and a splendid view of gondolas under construction.

The counter is always stocked with tasty bites, from creative crostini to classic Venetian cicchetti like sarde in saor and whipped cod. Al Squero is perfect for a casual meal, ideally enjoyed outdoors by the canal on sunny days. Just a heads-up: they’re open only Monday to Thursday—something to keep in mind when planning your bacaro itinerary in Venice.