Aperitvo
in Venice
Aperitvo
in Venice
Bacaros in venice
The Venetian Aperitivo ABC
A for Aperol
B for Bacaro
C for Cicchetto (pronounced Tschiketto)
These are the three most important components of a typical Aperitivo in Venice that you need to remember! And we’ll now explain what’s behind each of them.
In Venice, we tried out a few bacari, enjoyed Prosecco and Aperol Spritz, and savoured delicious cicchetti. Here are our tips!
Enjoy reading!
An important
definition of terms
- A for Aperol! We all know it, we all love it (and if you don’t yet, you will after your stay in Venice). We’re talking about the Aperol Spritz, or the Spritz Veneziano — a cocktail made from Prosecco, soda water, and Aperol, an orange, fruity and slightly bitter liqueur. The Veneto region is the birthplace of this drink. The name Aperol unsurprisingly comes from aperitivo, which represents an important Italian tradition. An aperitivo is not just a pre-dinner drink, but an event in itself — something that can last for hours. The drink is usually accompanied by a few snacks (sometimes quite substantial ones!) to keep hunger at bay until dinner.
- B for Bacaro! What a "Beisl" is in Vienna or a "tapas bar" in Barcelona, a bacaro is in Venice — a typical local spot found only in this city. It’s a blend of pub, bar, and rustic eatery. The word bacaro is thought to derive from Bacchus, the god of wine — which also explains why wine and Prosecco are so popular in these establishments!
- C for Cicchetti! In these traditional Venetian bars, you’ll find so-called cicchetti — small pieces of bread topped with all sorts of delicious things. From cured ham to vegetable spreads and even fried fish — creativity knows no bounds. These bite-sized snacks (in Spain you’d call them "pinxos") may look small, but they’re surprisingly filling … at least until dinner ;-)
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Our
Top 8 Bacaros
Enoteca al Volto
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Dodo Cafè
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Al Timon
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Corner Pub
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Adagio
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Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
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Osteria Al Squero
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Bar Al Calice
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The restaurant is located in a narrow, relatively quiet alley. If we could, we’d spend every day here, enjoying life with a refreshing Aperol Spritz! The selection of cicchetti is so extensive that both meat lovers and vegans will be delighted.
Neighborhood: San Marco
Recommendation: Come in the early afternoon and enjoy the calm before the (evening) rush.
Opening Hours: Daily: 11.00 – 16.00 h + 17.00 – 22.00 h
Address: C. Cavalli, 4081, 30124 Venice
Google Rating: 4.4 (2,468 reviews)
San Marco
Tip 1: Enoteca al Volto
This street is the absolute hotspot for bacari, or aperitivo bars. Nevertheless (or perhaps precisely because of this?), it’s highly recommended. At Dodo Café, you can also enjoy a great lunch or dinner, and in addition to good Prosecco and delicious cicchetto, you’ll receive exceptionally friendly service!
Neighborhood: Cannaregio
Recommendation: If you have the chance, ask them to prepare a cicchetto fresh on their recommendation! (It’s best to mention that you’re vegetarian, and the chef will come up with something creative.)
Opening hours: Daily, except Monday: 9.00 to 23.00 h
Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2845, 30121 Venice
Google rating: 4.5 (570 reviews)
Even Céline couldn’t resist visiting this little bar. Keep in mind: All seating is outside by the canal! It was delicious, inexpensive, and above all, quiet (mid-September). Cheers!
Cannaregio
Tip 2: Dodo Cafè
The atmosphere here is unique. Even though it’s mostly tourists like us sitting here, you can still feel the Venetian flair. With a view of the canal reflecting the sun, you can easily drift off into daydreams – and that’s without alcohol :-). It’s all about enjoyment here; and that means indulging all your senses!
Neighborhood: Cannaregio
Recommendation: Bring something to sit on. If there are no tables available, you can get food and drinks at the bar and have a picnic by the canal!
Opening hours: Daily: 16.00 to 1.00 h
Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, 30121 Venice – Same Street as Dodo Cafè
Google rating: 4.4 (3,456 reviews)
Cannaregio
Tip 3: Al Timon
We’d almost call this pub a hidden gem. Not because its location is so secluded, but because its appearance doesn’t seem typically Venetian or particularly inviting! But appearances can be deceiving! The Aperol Spritz is delicious, as are the sandwiches and pasta dishes! The perfect spot for a quick bite any time of day.
Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Recommendation: Try the Aperol Spritz at this pub. If you’re not already a fan, this might change your mind!
Opening hours: Daily, except Tuesdays: 10.00 to midnight
Address: Calle de la Chiesa, 684, 30123 Venice
Google rating: 4.6 (2,925 reviews)
Dorsoduro
Tip 4: Corner Pub
A modern and beautiful wine bar, perfect for spending a few hours with friends. Unlike so many typical bars in Venice, Adagio’s interior is also inviting. Chips are automatically served with your drink. A clever tactic: the salt content makes you thirsty, and the Aperol supposedly makes you hungry—a perfect combination. And it won’t be long before you’re enjoying a cicchetto…
Neighborhood: San Polo
Recommendation: If you can’t make it for aperitivo in the evening, you can also have breakfast here!
Opening hours: Daily, except Sunday: 7.30 h to midnight
Address: Calle Stretta Lipoli, 3027, 30125 Venice
Google rating: 4.9 (1211 reviews)
San Polo
Tip 5: Adagio
Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Recommendation: We only took photos in this case – we didn’t try it. But it looked so amazing that we wanted to include it here anyway.
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30 – 14.00 h and 16.00 – 20.30 h
Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992, 30123 Venice
Google rating: 4.7 (2,744 reviews)
Dorsoduro
Tip 6: Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Recommendation: In this case, too, we only took photos and didn’t try anything (we even took a picture over another visitor’s shoulder 😀). It simply looked so amazing that we wanted to capture it.
Address: Dorsoduro, 943, 30123 Venice
Google Rating: 4.7 (5,196 reviews)
Dorsoduro
Tip 7: Osteria Al Squero
Between a full day at the Biennale and an evening gondola ride, I had to treat myself to a Spritz. I saw so much and walked so much at the Biennale – I just wanted to sit down and enjoy myself! You know what I mean, right? I had about an hour to spare. Google Maps showed me this bar between the Biennale and St. Mark’s Square. The Spritz was very good, and it came with some crisps. Sometimes that’s all you need. The menu also has lots of cicchettos for EUR 2 – 3.50.
Cheers, Céline
Neighborhood: Castello
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1664, 30122 Venice
Google Rating: 4.8 (920 reviews)
Castello
Tip 8: Bar Al Calice
Conclusion
One last thing: Even though people always say Venice is so expensive, that’s definitely not the case when it comes to aperitivo (unless, of course, you’re enjoying it in St. Mark’s Square). A cicchetto usually costs EUR 2, and an Aperol Spritz often EUR 3.50.
We hope you enjoy your aperitivo in Venice!
Yours, Susi
… and Céline
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2023 – 2026
With support from Susanne Vukan, who once again did a lot of testing!
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