If you intentionally opened this article, I imagine you would consider having an aperitivo in Venice, and that’s a great thing. However, in this guide, you won’t find the same four or five bars or “bacari” described in all the other articles on the internet, and I won’t give you the same tips you can find while scrolling through social media. I treat aperitivo as a serious matter, and you should too. Moreover, you should be prepared to make a physical effort to keep up with Venetians and the tradition of aperitivo. If you are ready to begin the adventure, this article is for you.
A Guide to Aperitivo in Venice
1. There’s always somebody who’s having aperitivo
First of all, aperitivo /ape/ ber na ombra is inevitable if you’re visiting Venice, and I am sure to state that every person who walked the island soil gave in. The term derives from the Latin word “aperitivus”, which means “that opens”. It refers to the bitterness of the ancient aromatic wines used in the 5th century before the meal to stimulate the appetite and open the stomach. This technique works excellent even nowadays, and that’s why the proper time to have aperitivo is before a meal, whether lunch or dinner. However, in all my experience as a former student in Venice, you are free to have it whenever you want. Night shifters usually drink Prosecco and eat a sandwich around 10, students in between the lectures, around 11 or 16, and the rest at the common hours, 12 or 18.
2. Be sure to know the basis
Now that you know the timing is relative let us focus on the real subject. Nature gave you two hands, one for a drink and the other for a cicchetto. That is all you need to know. The suggested drinks to order are Prosecco or sparkling white wine, ombra de vin, spritz.
Prosecco is probably the most popular choice, I suggest you choose local labels, avoid mainstream bottles, and please, don’t spend more than 5 euros for a glass. Otherwise, it’s a steal.
“Ombra de vin” means a small glass of wine, “ombra” in Italian means shadow. The story behind it is quite peculiar; back in time, vendors used to sell their wine in Piazza San Marco; however, in order to preserve its right temperature, they used to follow the shadow of the bell tower, consequently moving their barrels and their stand around the piazza. I propose ordering il “vino della casa,” the typical wine of the bar. Otherwise, you can choose a local product as for Prosecco.
In terms of spritz, we need to have a wider discussion. First of all, spritz was born around the 18th century, with Austrian soldiers occupying the Venetian territories. They were too weak to drink Venetian wine. Thus, they used to spray sparkling water to thin the drink. To spray in German is “spritzen”, the only Austrian term which was appreciated by Venetians, who elevated the spritz as top drink. With the invention of bitters, first in Turin with Vermouth (1786), in Padua with Aperol (1919), and later in Venice with Select (1920), began the creation of the spritz we know nowadays. The types of spritz you can choose between are: Aperol, Campari, Select, Cynar and white spritz (only Prosecco and sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon, very refreshing!)
The best is Select. Usually, the spritz is around 2,50€; however, due to inflation, it can rise up to 4,00€; please change the bar if it is more than that. Important note! If you see a bartender preparing a spritz using tools to measure the proportions, find the door and walk out. Spritz must be poured following heart and not precision.
If, instead, you do not drink alcohol, I’m here for you too! You can definitely enjoy sober aperitivo by watching your friends lose inhibitions and getting red. For you, I suggest Crodino, which has bitter notes and is actually refreshing; I can suggest a nonalcoholic beer or Chinotto. I love Chinotto; it is very aromatic and refreshing.
3. Don’t get drunk too fast!
I am gonna be very direct on this one and I am referring to the ones who drink alcohol. If you are planning to do a tour of the bars and having more than one drink, be sure to stick to this rule. ONLY. GO. UP. Don’t start with the most alcoholic drink, like a powerful Campari spritz or a very strong red wine. Begin with a Prosecco or a white spritz, and if you change, orient to a Select Spritz or to a still white wine. Consider the strongest ones as the conclusion or stick to the same drink if you want. For example, if you adore Campari Spritz, I support you, my record was seven don’t even ask me how i managed to stay alive after, i was young and wild; but listen to me, if you don’t want to throw up around the canals, don’t drink Prosecco or other light drinks after the strong ones. The only way to complete the tour is going up.
4. Eat!
And now we’ve arrived at the part I prefer. Eating! Cicchetti is composed of a little slice of bread topped with local products, from fish to vegetables. Usually, the fish consist of creamed stockfish, anchovies and their green sauce, cuttlefish, smoked salmon, and shrimp. My favorites are the ones in saor. Saor was a technique used to preserve fish during long journeys on ships, and it consists of a seasoning made with onion, raisin, and pine nuts. The fish is fried and covered in layers with all these ingredients, enriching it with a sweet and sour flavor. Usually, saor is used for sardines, shrimps, and scallops.
The Best Bacari in Venice for Aperitivo
Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso: which opens into an intimate courtyard in Saint Marks district. The window is always full of fresh fish, cicchetti are creative and delicious, and you can find octopus and cuttlefish. Sestiere di S. Marco, 5495, 30124 Venezia VE
Osteria al Squero: is immersed in a suggestive context, it faces the ancient squero, the area where all the gondolas are handmade by expert artisans. This bar hides in an alley parallel to Zattere where you can admire the fascinating Grand Canal. Quick tip! order at the bar and enjoy your aperitivo along the street but be cautious, seagulls are aggressive thieves so don’t let your food unsupervised. Dorsoduro, 943, 30123 Venezia VE
Al Timon: is located along a canal and offers a great variety of fresh fish cicchetti and a great selection of white and red wine. I recommend you enjoy your aperitivo sitting on the real boat tied on the canal. Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, 30121 Venezia VE
Talking about meat, you must try the cold cuts. Soppressa, salame, prosciutto (ham) and porchetta (pork) are the emperors.
Bacareto da Lele: is an institution in the district of Santa Marta, it is always crowded in peak hours, but the queue is worth it. Don’t ask him for an Aperol spritz, he refused to serve Aperol for many years. Try instead a great “ombra”, better if it’s red and paired up with a typical panino (sandwich). The bread is always fresh, crunchy and warm. I suggest trying porchetta and mustard, salami and cheese, artichoke cream and ham. You can then relax sitting on the steps of Santa Marta’s Church. Fondamenta dei Tolentini, 183, 30100 Venezia VE
Do you like sandwiches? Well, let me introduce you to Bar alla Toletta. This legendary place offers everyday the greatest tramezzino you can find in Venice. You can’t miss the classic ones such as ham and mushrooms, tuna and onions, eggs and asparagus. Dorsoduro, 1191, 30123 Venezia VE
If you would fry even a piece of wood, Rosticceria Gislon is your place. Gislon is crowded by real Venetians. It offers dishes from the tradition, according to the season and the products. You can enjoy a meal for a very accommodating price. But there’s something more. Their “mozzarella in carrozza” is unique: it is composed of two slices of plain bread, which can be stuffed with mozzarella and ham or mozzarella and anchovies. Then, they fry the sandwich, which remains crunchy on the outside but stringy on the inside. Trust me, there’s no better food to make you alive again after three Campari. Calle de la Bissa, 5424/a, 30124 Venezia VE
Now, I think you are ready to go, but I want to give you a few extra tips:
-Don’t be too loud. Respect the residents and the city.
-Beware of bars that are too decorated, with a hostess or fake food displays outside.
-If there are locals, it’s good.
-Don’t be afraid to have a conversation.
-Try new things.
After that, I just wish you luck and, when in doubt, trust your liver.
We hope we’ve given you some inspiration to help you plan your trip to Venice! Through Eternity Tours offer a range of insider itineraries in the Floating City, so if you’re visiting Venice this year check out our website or get in touch with our expert travel planners today!
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