How to Eat (and Enjoy) Venice, Italy: The Art of Cicchetti
- Christianne Klein
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Venice may be one of the most visited cities in the world, but beyond the gondolas and grand canals lies a culinary tradition that locals have cherished for centuries: cicchetti. Pronounced chee-KEH-tee, these small, flavorful bites are the Venetian answer to Spanish tapas, served in cozy wine bars known as bacari. For travelers seeking a more authentic, less tourist-trodden experience, embracing cicchetti culture is the key to eating- and living- like a local.
A Historic Coffee Break at Caffè Florian
Before you start your cicchetti crawl, slip into Caffè Florian on Piazza San Marco. Established in 1720, it’s one of Europe’s oldest cafés and a true Venetian institution. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, it's worth the stop. Over the centuries, Florian has hosted poets, painters, and revolutionaries- by the 19th century, Byron, Goethe, and Casanova were regulars. Beyond its gilded interiors and Murano glass chandeliers, Florian offers a front-row seat to Venetian life ( I LOVE the live music outside). Enjoy a classic espresso or a creamy cappuccino here, and savor the weight of history before wandering off in search of your first bite.
What Are Cicchetti? Cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes, typically eaten standing up with an ombra (a small glass of local wine) or a spritz. You’ll find baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped salt cod), sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour marinated sardines), polpette (meat or tuna croquettes), and prosciutto-stuffed artichoke hearts. Cicchetti are rustic, regional, and brimming with tradition- they’re often displayed at the counter, so you simply point to whatever catches your eye.
Where to Go To experience cicchetti like a true Venetian, skip the tourist-heavy restaurants and seek out bacari tucked along side streets and canals in neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, or Castello. Locals tend to do a bacaro tour- hopping from one bar to another, grabbing a bite and a drink at each stop. Some local favorites include:
Cantina Do Mori (San Polo): One of the oldest bacari in Venice, allegedly frequented by Casanova himself.
Osteria al Squero (Dorsoduro): Located across from a gondola workshop, with canal-side seating and excellent cicchetti.
Ai Promessi Sposi (Cannaregio): A hidden gem with a loyal local following and ever-changing daily specials.
What to Drink Pair your cicchetti with an ombra of wine- Venetians coined the term for the “shadow” of St. Mark’s bell tower under which merchants would sell chilled wine. A glass of local Prosecco or Raboso is classic, but don’t skip the signature Aperol spritz, a sparkling reminder that Venice’s happiest hour is at its canalside bars between 5 and 8 p.m.
Tips for Enjoying It Like a Local
Go during aperitivo time (5–8 p.m.), when bacari buzz with locals winding down after work.
Stand at the bar or outside- that’s how Venetians socialize and eat.
Sample several places rather than settling in for a full meal at one.
Ask the bartender what’s fresh or homemade- many bacari change their offerings daily.
In Venice, dining isn’t just about food- it’s about ritual and connection. One of my favorite memories of all time was eating cicchetti while an entire room of people from all over the world sang Bailando with Venetian locals. A cicchetti crawl is more than a meal; it’s a cultural immersion, a way to savor the soul of the city. So begin with a historic coffee at Caffè Florian, then ditch the map, follow your nose, and let each bite guide you through Venice- one small plate at a time.
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