From the camping villages in Caorle and Eraclea Mare and from the holiday apartments in Lido di Jesolo, it is easy to reach magical Venice. And while exploring the city, stopping for an aperitivo in a traditional bàcaro is almost a must.
Bàcari: Venice’s Traditional Wine Bars
If you have never heard of them, bàcari are traditional Venetian wine bars and small taverns where you can enjoy a wide selection of wines by the glass alongside cicheti: small bites of meat, fish or other local specialities traditionally served with a glass of wine or a Spritz. Among the most popular cicheti are crostini topped with creamy salt cod, marinated anchovies, mixed seafood and folpetti (small octopus) in a rich sauce.
Bread-based cicheti are often accompanied by delicious fried specialities, such as fried salt cod, sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines), fried vegetables and more.
The bàcaro itself is usually small, with just a few seats, if any. Don’t expect elaborate dishes: the idea is to enjoy a glass of wine, a Spritz and a few tasty bites in a relaxed and typically Venetian atmosphere.
Where does the name come from?
There are three main theories about the origin of the word bàcaro:
- The word bàcaro may derive from the name of the Roman god of wine and the grape harvest, Bacchus.
- It may come from the traditional Venetian expression “far bàcara”, which literally means “to celebrate” or “to have a good time”.
- The term may also have been used for wine sellers who once sold wine by the barrel in St. Mark’s Square.
The small glass of wine traditionally served in a bàcaro is called an “ombra”. According to tradition, wine sellers would move their stalls following the shade cast by the bell tower, keeping the wine protected from the sun.
A Bàcari Tour in Venice
In recent years, bàcari tours have become increasingly popular with visitors to Venice. Locals call this tradition “andar a bàcari” or “andar a cicheti” – literally, going from one bàcaro to another to enjoy wine, cicheti and good company. Several local agencies organise guided tours where visitors can discover the history and traditions behind andar a bàcari, accompanied by an expert who introduces them to this authentic side of Venetian life.
Our advice? Step away from the busiest tourist streets. In the smaller and more hidden callette, you can discover traditional bàcari where prices are often affordable and the quality is excellent.
Here are a few addresses worth adding to your Venice food tour:
1. Bacareto Da Lele, Santa Croce
In Campo dei Tolentini, make sure to stop at Bacareto Da Lele, a true institution among university students and locals alike. At almost any time of day, you’ll find a lively mix of students and real Venetians here. The place is tiny and has no tables for seating, so people usually enjoy their wine and cicheti in the nearby campiello. Prices are particularly affordable.
2. Ai Do Mori, San Polo
Said to be the oldest bàcaro in Venice, Ai Do Mori will transport you into a wonderfully traditional atmosphere. The interior, with wine and grappa demijohns and copper pots hanging from the ceiling, feels intimate and welcoming.
3. Bacarando, San Marco
A popular choice among younger visitors, Bacarando combines a traditional bàcaro on the ground floor with a restaurant upstairs. There is a delicious selection of cicheti, especially their famous mozzarella in carrozza – fried mozzarella sandwiches that are a classic Venetian treat.
If you happen to visit on a Wednesday, you may also enjoy live music performed by local bands and artists, adding an extra touch of energy to your Venetian evening.
If you would like to experience Italy through its excellent wines and delicacies, take a look at our article on the Caorle tasting tour and discover the Lison-Pramaggiore wine route!
