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Cicchetti Crawl

  • Venice, Veneto, Italy

Last updated: 29 March, 2024

Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, tasty morsels to whet the appetite and soak up a glass of wine or two. They are traditionally served in a bacaro (wine bar), which also offers wines by the glass; Venetians eat cichetti before lunch or dinner, usually standing at the bar. A plate of cicchetti is one of the cheapest ways to fill up in this expensive city; 6 or 7 make a light meal, and at an average price of €2, along with a glass of inexpensive local wine, that’s a bargain.

A fun way to enjoy this tradition is to plan a tour of different bacari, tasting a couple of cicchetti in each. Expect polpette (fried meat balls), baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod), a whole variety of weird and wonderful seafood, and lots more.

While you’re there

Just across the canal from the Cantinone (a popular bacaro in Dorsoduro) is a working squero (a gondola-building yard). It’s not open to the public, but you can easily see the artisans at work across the canal.

Logistics

Price from: £-
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

First, do your research (read the guide books, ask at your hotel or look up local food bloggers such as Monica Ceserato, to find out where the best bacari are and plan your route; by foot is by far the best way of get around. Some recommendations: All’Arco and Bancogiro (Rialto), El Refolo (Castello), Alla Vedova (Cannaregio) and Cantinone (Dorsoduro).

You can also sign up for guided ‘cichetti tours’ that will help you navigate the bacari and their weird and wonderful dishes. This may involve quite a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

Cichetti cost anything between €1.50 and €3 per portion or piece; a glass of local wine will cost from €3. Tours will normally include all food and drink.

When to do it

Cichetti are served year round; off-season, the bacari will be less crowded and most of the punters will be Venetian. For the best choice of dishes, and to avoid the lunch or dinner time rush, go early (12 noon or 6.30pm).

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

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Discover magical Venice with a local by your side. Drink like a Venetian at some of our favourite and most authentic Cicchetti wine bars. Cross the famous canal on a traghetto gondola ferry like the locals do and explore the heart of the city: Rialto. Taste flavoursome regional wines and mouth-watering local cuisine. Get the lowdown on Venice and discover the secrets of the iconic and oh-so-Italian aperitivo, vino in hand. This small group tour is limited to maximum 12 guests.

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  • Venice

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE TOUR? - Visit 2 authentic "bacari" (the traditional bars in Venice): a variety of tapas and 3 wines INCLUDED! - opportunity to take some photos of the "real" Venice, away from the touristy path and traps - Fun facts about the city! - Ask all the questions and recommendations you want for your stay in Venice - And most importantly, meet NEW FRIENDS from all over the world! WHAT WILL WE DO? After meeting with the group, we'll make our way through the hidden alleyways and over the bridges to discover the real Venice off the tourist track. We will stop at 2 different traditional bars to taste a variety of local wine and "cicchetti" (small dishes similar to the Spanish Tapas). We will make sure you will get the most out of the history of the city and, of course, of the food culture, so be prepared to be amazed by the secret spots we will show you during the tour! (Please note: tour stops and final destination may vary depending on opening times of bacari)

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Enjoy real Venice away from the tourist crowd led by a young local guide. A relaxing 3 hours street food and wine walking tour around the alleys and the fine wine bars of Venice to try the best selection of cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) and sip various regional drinks. Bars have been carefully selected based on the quality of their food/drinks and the authenticity of the location. The tour offers a selection of local prosecco, natural wines and more drinks, all originally from the Veneto region. All our guides are local, young, passionate about Venice and its cuisine and, of course, professionally licensed. The wine experience combines insights into Venice's culture, its rich history, arts and daily habits. Our commitment is to show you Venice the way it really is not the way tourists want to see it. This tour has been designed for real foodies and travelers.

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Step away from the tourist trail to discover Venice’s culinary history throughout the centuries: from the days when the city was a major spice trade port up to the present. As you learn about the influence of Venice’s maritime history on regional cuisine, learn where the locals go to eat and taste some of the city’s standout dishes for yourself. Explore the Rialto Market and visit a few renowned cicchetti bars to enjoy Venetian-style "tapas" with wine.

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Explore Venice through the mysteries and flavors of Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti series. This unique food tour takes you to hidden gems of the city, offering authentic Venetian cuisine while uncovering iconic locations from the books. Visit traditional Venetian eateries and savor dishes like cicchetti, fresh seafood, and local pastries. As you walk through winding streets and canals, discover key locations from the novels, such as bustling markets, hidden squares, and cozy trattorias. Your guide, an expert in both Venetian food and literature, will share fascinating stories about the series and the real-life inspirations behind the settings. Perfect for fans of the books and food lovers alike, this tour offers a new way to experience Venice through the eyes of Commissario Brunetti. Immerse yourself in the flavors, history, and mysteries of the city on this unforgettable culinary adventure.

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