Venetian Cicchetti: Eat Like a Local in Venice

In essence, cicchetti (pronounced “chi-KET-tee”) are small, flavorful dishes that Venetians eat for aperitivo, typically accompanied by a glass (or two, three, or as many as you’d like) of local wine or spritz. It’s the Venetian version of small plate eating that the city has become famous for.

Beyond simply enjoying these delicious bite-sized delicacies, cicchetti is a popular ritual that’s just as much about coming together to catch up with friends or spend time with family.

You can typically find cicchetti served in traditional wine bars strewn throughout the city called bacari. Small, dimly lit, and often with limited seating, these establishments are instantly recognizable by the irresistible array of baked, deep-fried, or sauced seafood, cured meats, eggs, cheeses, and vegetables on display in the window or along the counter.

Over time, these tiny little taverns have evolved to serve cicchetti and ombre (wine). The word “bàcaro” itself is said to be inspired by an old Venetian expression to “far bàcara” or “to celebrate” — a term which itself might have evolved from Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and pleasure.

Venetian cicchetti come in many different shapes and flavors. The term embraces a wide range of dishes and creative bites prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Walk into any bàcaro and you will notice the mouthwatering variety of choices available, such as the toasted bread with various colorful toppings called crostini, exquisite fried meatballs known as polpette, or the heavenly mozzarella in carrozza, fried mozzarella paired with anchovies or ham. Some popular selections include baccalà mantecato, a creamy salt cod spread eaten as a crostino, and folpetto, boiled baby octopus that’s paired with celery.

The selection of cicchetti varies from place to place, meaning you won’t have any repeat as you visit different bacari across Venice. The menu often changes throughout the year depending on what’s fresh, and chefs often showcase their creativity by putting forth their own unique and tasty combinations. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dishes and find what you like the best!

Don’t forget the essential companion to every cicchetto: an ombra! Literally, ombra is translated to “shadow,” but it stands for a glass of whatever it is you’d like to drink. Ordering a spritz is common, as are glasses of local rosso (red wine) and bianco (white wine). 

According to Venetian legend, the name ombra comes from the wine vendors in St. Mark’s Square from back in the day. As the sun moved throughout the day, the vendors would follow the shadow of the belltower to keep themselves and their wine cool.

After some time, it became a common expression in Venice “to meet someone in the shadow of the bell tower for a glass of wine.” In time, this glass of wine came to be known as the “shadow,” an ombra.

Right off the bat, the allure of cicchetti is obvious: it is a food *experience* that captures the essence of Italian cuisine — simple, fresh ingredients prepared in a way that highlights their intense natural flavors and pleases every sense. However, what makes this daily ritual special is the social element. 

Cicchetti is just as much about coming together to relax and socialize with your friends, loved ones, and even strangers, as it is about the mouthwatering handheld morsels. It’s about taking time out of your day to melt into the crowd, participate in the buzzing chatter, and soak in the energy of this magnificent city.

Traditionally, you’ll find Venetians eating cicchetti standing at the bar, or just outside the door while mingling in the streets. This isn’t street food that’s meant to be eaten while strolling around town. Rather, enjoying a drink and snack in a welcoming, informal setting is what’s important here. In many bacari, there isn’t even the option to sit down!

So, order cicchetti like a local — “al banco,” or at the counter, and slow down to enjoy the moment as you taste, sip, share, and laugh. The perfect local food experience in Venice!

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