Food in Venice is so different from any other Italian region’s food. We all know that Italians are known for eating well… with their pizza, pasta and gelato. We think we know what Italians eat, but do we know how the local Venetians actually eat?
Here is our ultimate Venice food guide. Learn how to eat like a local in Venice:
1. Venetian small sharing plates – cicchetti in bacari
Spain is known for its tapas, particularly in the Basque region where it is called Pintxos. You’ve probably had Greek mezes while on holiday in Greece but did you know Venice has its own tradition of small sharing plates?
Venetian Cicchetti, pronounced (chi-KET-tee) can be found across the city in small traditional wine bars called bacari.
So what makes bacari popular with Venetians? For one, these bars have maintained their traditional spirit with customers mingling around the bar, chatting and expecting nothing but good company.
2. Cicchetti – Not Just “Italian Tapas”
When in Venice, try to avoid comparing cicchetti to tapas. While they may seem similar, cicchetti is a unique Venetian specialty, often served on bread, and has its own character and tradition. You can think of it as Venice’s own take on small bites.
If you want to try different cicchetti, join a giro d’ombra, a local term for a pub crawl. Giro means “stroll,” and ombra is Venetian slang for a glass of wine, which also translates to “shade.” Enjoy exploring Venice’s culinary culture!
3. Exploring Venice
A Culinary Adventure Beyond the Tourist Trail
For those seeking an authentic taste of Venice, the best approach is to embrace spontaneity and wander off the beaten path. Getting lost in the city’s winding alleyways often leads to discovering hidden gems.
Venture beyond the bustling St. Mark’s Square, and you’ll encounter an array of bacari—the small, traditional wine bars frequented by locals. These tucked-away spots offer a welcoming atmosphere for a glass of wine and a sampling of cicchetti. Many bacari are designed for casual standing, but if you need a break, some do provide tables and chairs to rest and take in the ambiance.
Expect to find an assortment of seasonal specialties on offer, from deep-fried mozzarella and creamy gorgonzola to artichoke hearts and calamari—all served in bite-sized portions, perfect for enjoying with a toothpick. Each bacaro has its own specialties, with selections reflecting Venice’s rich culinary heritage. From fresh seafood to savory meats and cheeses, you’ll find a range of flavors that capture the essence of the city’s cuisine.
Exploring Venice’s backstreets and sampling cicchetti is not just a way to savor local dishes—it’s an invitation to experience the city’s culture, one delicious bite at a time.
4. Popular Venice Food
Venice offers a rich array of local delicacies, with crostini standing out as a beloved small bite. This traditional snack features a variety of toppings, each packed with flavour, making it a must-try for visitors. Another Venetian staple, especially for seafood enthusiasts, is sarde in saor—a dish of sardines marinated in a tangy, flavorful sauce, showcasing the city’s culinary heritage.
5. Savouring Local Flavours
Veneto Wines and Aperitifs in Venice
When enjoying cicchetti in Venice, pairing them with a local Veneto wine is a must. This region is a powerhouse in Italian winemaking, producing the widest variety of red and white wines in the country, and the largest volume overall—most of which is savoured right here in the Veneto.
While wine is the classic choice, there’s no shortage of other iconic aperitifs to try. Sip on a refreshing Bellini, enjoy the citrusy bite of an Aperol Spritz, or raise a glass of Prosecco, another celebrated local specialty.
If the night is still young, consider opting for vegetarian cicchetti to pace yourself and keep costs down, as these options are often more affordable. And don’t overlook the humble breadsticks—offered for free at many spots, they’re perfect for nibbling between sips as you take in the Venetian atmosphere.
6. Timing Your Culinary Exploration
When to Enjoy Venice Food
Unlike Spain’s lively tapas culture, proceedings in Venice start after work around 6 pm. It’s best to arrive early, as bars don’t stay open late and the selection of cicchetti tends to dwindle as the night progresses. Keep in mind that most bacari are closed on Sundays, making Saturday the prime time to experience the city’s vibrant bar culture. Plan your visit accordingly to fully savour the local flavors before the night winds down.
7. Polpette
Italy’s Beloved Pork Meatballs
Polpette, a popular type of cicchetti, are small, tasty meatballs often served as a standalone dish in Italy. Unlike the meatballs commonly associated with pasta dishes elsewhere, polpette are traditionally made with a diverse mix of ingredients and served separately. Contrary to the widespread belief that meatballs belong atop a plate of spaghetti, the classic Italian version stands on its own. In fact, pairing meatballs with pasta is a distinctly American interpretation, with no roots in authentic Italian cuisine. When dining in Italy, it’s best to enjoy these savory bites on their own—unless you’d like to catch a few puzzled glances from the locals.
8. Bacari are found everywhere in Venice
Each neighbourhood has its own, unique version of a bacari and represents the true spirit of the district. Have a read of Angela Hartnett’s article on a foodie guide to Venice here
Do you want to explore Venice yourself? Flavours Holidays offers a range of cooking holidays if you want to try your hand at making your own cicchetti or brush up on your language skills during an Italian language week, we also have painting holidays. Have a browse to find a holiday that’s right for you.
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