Bacari – Venice’s Best Local Wine Bars

As you wander through Venice, surrounded by the crowds snapping selfies at iconic landmarks and queuing for overpriced cappuccinos, you might wonder: Where do the Venetians go? Where do locals eat, drink, and escape the spectacle of it all?

The answer is simple: they go to the bacaro.

These are Venice’s traditional wine bars, small and unpretentious places where you often stand shoulder to shoulder, sipping wine from short glasses and nibbling on cicchetti — Venetian-style tapas. With dim lighting, a single glowing sign, and a smell of wine and history, bacari are as much a cultural institution as the gondola. The name’s origin is debated, but locals don’t care much for etymology — they come for the atmosphere, the prices, and the taste.

Forget menus and gourmet plating. Bacari are the original Venetian happy hour spots, dating back to at least the 18th century and famously described by playwright Carlo Goldoni. You come here for a glass of ombra (a “shadow” of wine), and a bite of salt cod on polenta, marinated anchovies, fried meatballs, boiled eggs, sardines in saor, or small sandwiches stuffed with local cold cuts and cheese. No frills, no fuss — and you won’t need to be a movie star or a millionaire to enjoy them.

We’ve chosen a dozen standout bacari to help you discover this beloved Venetian tradition.

Osteria Al Garanghelo

Via Garibaldi 1621, Castello
+39 041 5294967

Halfway between a bacaro and a trattoria, Osteria Al Garanghelo is a neighborhood gem serving both cicchetti and full meals. The food is honest, hearty, and distinctly Venetian — think vegetable soups, spaghetti with clams, cod in every possible form, and cicchetti with crunchy bread and marinated fish.

A glass of Prosecco and three cicchetti will set you back around 10 euros—a great deal in a city where prices often defy logic. The clientele is mostly local, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is always warm. When the weather’s good, you can sit outside in the tiny campiello. Just remember: it’s a bacaro, not a gourmet restaurant — so come for casual charm, not white tablecloths.

All’Arco

Calle Arco, San Polo 436
+39 041 5205666

Tucked just steps from the Rialto fish market, All’Arco is one of the most beloved bacari among true Venetians. There are no seats — just a counter, a small space, and a steady crowd that knows exactly why they’re here.

On the bar, you’ll find a parade of cicchetti — sardines in saor, anchovies with butter, prawns, creamed cod on crusty bread, and even seasonal vegetables and sausages, made fresh and served with a smile. Pair it with a chilled glass of Prosecco, and you’ll understand what makes this place so special.

Prices are reasonable, the ingredients are always top-quality, and the family-run service is known for its kindness and speed. Be warned: they usually close early, shortly after 5 PM, when the nearby market winds down — so plan your visit for lunch or an early afternoon bite.

Osteria Al Portego

San Lio 6014, Castello
+39 041 5229038

Just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, Osteria Al Portego is a local favorite, especially among younger Venetians who gather outside in the tiny campiello for an early evening standing aperitivo. Inside, the counter showcases a tempting array of cicchetti — a visual feast that makes choosing almost impossible.

You’ll find classics like creamed cod on toast, marinated octopus, sardines in saor, and seasonal options like fried vegetables, artichokes, and polenta-based bites. The house red and Prosecco are simple but satisfying, and served at prices that keep this place popular and accessible.

A few indoor tables offer more substantial dining, including tagliatelle with black cabbage and prawns, fried seafood, spaghetti with squid ink, and polenta with squid or shrimp. A word of warning: they only accept cash — so come prepared.

Antica Osteria Alla Vedova – Trattoria Cà d’Oro

Calle del Pistor, Cannaregio 3912
+39 041 5285324

This might just be the most iconic bacaro in Venice. Known formally as Trattoria Cà d’Oro, locals still call it affectionately by its historic name: Alla Vedova (“The Widow”).

The interior is wonderfully atmospheric — mirrors, antique tools, and pots hang from the ceiling. The smell of wine lingers in the air, and house wine is poured straight from the barrel into pitchers, then into small glasses.

At the bar you can sample some of the best fried meatballs in the lagoon, along with a variety of cicchetti like crusty bread with local cheeses and cured meats. The back room, functioning as a trattoria, offers a menu of classic Venetian dishes: spaghetti with clams, fish soup, and crispy fried seafood. Tables are limited and it’s very popular, so reservations are essential if you want to sit.

Cantinone Già Schiavi

Ponte San Trovaso, Dorsoduro 992
+39 041 523 0034

Tucked between the Guggenheim Collection and Punta della Dogana, Cantinone Già Schiavi is perhaps the holy grail of Venetian bacari. Run by the Castaldi family for two generations, this wine shop and bar delivers everything you’d hope for from a bacaro — and then some.

Inside, you’ll find fresh oysters and raw seafood, an ever-changing selection of over 30 wines by the glass, and hand-cut sandwiches stuffed with sopressa or porchetta. Behind the counter, Ms. Sandra prepares legendary cicchetti, including:

• Creamed cod
• Squid and sardines in saor
• Meatballs
• Toasted bread with cheese, herring, mushrooms, or cured meats

Before you leave, be sure to pick up a bottle of something special. Their White Fragolino, a lightly sparkling wine with fruity notes, is delightfully rare and perfect for bringing a taste of Venice home.

Osteria al Ponte

Cannaregio 6378
+39 041 5286157

Nestled right on Ponte del Cavallo, just steps away from Santa Maria dei Miracoli and facing SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Osteria al Ponte quietly straddles the border of Cannaregio and Castello districts. Since 1890, this tiny, time-honored spot has been dishing out cicchetti and pouring crisp, local wines for Venetians who know where to find the real thing.

Because it’s small (and beloved), booking is highly recommended — especially if you’d like to try their special cicchetti featuring moeche, the famed soft-shelled lagoon crabs. If you’re still hungry after the bites and the wine, ask for their rotating daily pasta, often tuna and tomato, or prawns and chicory. Service is warm, prices are among the city’s lowest, and the cheerful vibe makes you feel like a regular. No surprise this place is endorsed by Slow Food’s “Osterie d’Italia.”

Osteria la Bottega Ai Promessi Sposi

Calle dell’Oca, Cannaregio 4367
+39 041 2412747

Tucked away in a quiet alley in Cannaregio, not far from the train station, Ai Promessi Sposi is a classic bacaro that packs in locals who stand elbow-to-elbow sipping wine and nibbling on excellent cicchetti.

There are a few tables, but they fill up fast — and once seated, nobody’s rushed, so bring patience or enjoy your Prosecco and cicchetti at the bar while you wait. The cicchetti here are crafted by Mauro Lorenzon, the charismatic owner known for his passion for wine. Don’t miss the meatballs, octopus with potatoes, or the mussels au gratin — all prepared simply, but beautifully. For a sit-down meal, expect comforting fare like tagliatelle with lamb ragù, grilled fish, and tiramisu whipped up right in front of you.

Da Marisa

Fondamenta di San Giobbe, Cannaregio 652/b
+39 041 720211

Da Marisa is a beloved Venetian institution — part bacaro, part trattoria, with a fiercely loyal following. Located at the far end of the Tre Archi Bridge, along the peaceful Fondamenta di San Giobbe, this spot is especially popular with Ca’ Foscari students, professors, and local workers looking for hearty fare at honest prices.

At lunch, there’s a set menu that includes three starters, three mains, and two sides — a serious deal in Venice. In warmer months, diners enjoy meals canalside, while stand-up aperitivi buzz near the door. The food? Comfort classics like creamed cod, marinated sea bass, mussels au gratin, lasagna with seafood, and fried squid with sfogetti (Venetian sole). For dessert, don’t miss their indulgent mascarpone cream with baicoli biscuits.

Fun fact: the first guest to reserve for the day gets to decide if the whole menu will be meat- or seafood-based. It’s that local, that charming, and that worth the detour.

Cantina Do’ Mori

Calle dei Do Mori, San Polo 429
+39 041 5225401

Just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge, Cantina Do’ Mori is not only one of the most atmospheric bacari in Venice — it’s also the oldest, with a history stretching back to the 15th century. Even Casanova is said to have passed through these doors.

The place is iconic: copper pots hang from the ceiling, orders are still taken in Venetian dialect, and the vibe is as authentic as it gets. The challenge here isn’t finding something good — it’s choosing from so many excellent options.

Start with the legendary “Francobollo” — a small sandwich packed with cold cuts, chicory, and gorgonzola. Then move on to artichokes with sea salt, eggplant parmigiana, musetto (pork snout) and cheese sandwiches, meatballs, and croutons with filon de toro (slow-cooked beef tongue). Wash it all down with a crisp Prosecco or bold Pinot.

Osteria Al Mercà

Via Dandolo 17/a, Lido di Venezia
+39 041 2431663

Over on the Lido of Venice, just a short walk from the vaporetto stop and close to the legendary Hotel Excelsior and Des Bains, sits Osteria Al Mercà — a small bacaro with a big reputation.

This spot is extremely popular, especially with young locals and sun-kissed Lido dwellers. In the late afternoon, the area fills with people enjoying wine and cicchetti standing outside in the fish market square, perched on stone benches or low walls. It’s informal, spontaneous, and full of life.

The wine list is excellent, with a rotating selection of by-the-glass offerings, including some impressive labels. Cicchetti range from creamed cod and tuna crostini, fried zucchini flowers, to meat and seafood meatballs. The prices are refreshingly fair — 4 glasses of wine and 4 small sandwiches.

Inside, a few tables are available for those who prefer to sit down for a full meal, and reservations are recommended. The kitchen turns out refined, market-fresh fare: try bigoli, sea bass risotto, spaghetti with cuttlefish ink, or polenta with shrimp. The tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and prawns is a house favorite. Mains include mixed grilled seafood, fried fish platters, grilled cuttlefish, and creamy codfish.

To finish, treat yourself to a lemon sorbet or a sip of licorice grappa. The à la carte prices are a bit higher than the average bacaro — but still a bargain considering the quality. And if you’re watching your budget, the set menu is excellent and very affordable.

Osteria Bancogiro

Campo San Giacometto, San Polo 122
+39 041 5232061

If you’re looking for a bacaro with seating and a view, Osteria Bancogiro offers the perfect balance between local tradition and contemporary style. Located next to the Rialto Market, it features outdoor seating right on the Grand Canal — a rare and coveted setting for an aperitif or casual meal with friends, especially in summer.

Cicchetti here are original and flavorful: polenta croutons topped with eggplant, octopus, or lard, plus baked cod and a surprisingly addictive horseradish-ricotta spread. You’ll also find panini stuffed with cured meats, all priced fairly.

The wine selection isn’t extravagant, but a house Pinot Noir holds its own, and the aperitivo deal is one of the best in the area — two drinks and four cicchetti. Popular with locals and a younger crowd, Bancogiro is also home to a cozy upstairs restaurant offering refined takes on Venetian cuisine.

La Cantina

Calle San Felice, Cannaregio 3689 (Strada Nuova)
+39 041 5228258

Right on Strada Nuova, one of the main arteries connecting Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find La Cantina—a perfect stop for a midday snack or early aperitivo.

The atmosphere is rustic, the crowd always buzzing, and the service — led by Francesco, the charismatic host — is quick, efficient, and enthusiastic. He prepares everything behind the counter, slicing meats and plating cicchetti with flair.

What to expect? Open-faced bites topped with fish, cheese, musetto (pork snout), veal tongue with horseradish, salt beef with ricotta, and plenty of vegetable bruschetta. The wine list is strong, and Francesco is happy to recommend something that fits your taste and budget.