20 by the glassRialto, San Polo, Venice
Venice's oldest bacaro, established 1462 and hidden in an alley near the Rialto. Double entrance from two narrow calle; an institution for ombre (small wine pours) with traditional cicchetti mini-sandwiches. Mon-Sat 8:00-19:30.
The list: Traditional Venetian ombra (small pour) culture; cicchetti served all day; strong Veneto wine selection; founded 1462 - oldest bacaro in Venice
Pours: Soave, Valpolicella, Prosecco DOC
Tip: Go at 11:00 when the freshest cicchetti are laid out; Sunday is closed.
25 by the glassCannaregio, Venice
Hidden corner of Campo San Felice in Cannaregio; La Cantina prepares all cicchetti to order using the highest-quality local ingredients. Cosy interior, outdoor campo seats, and staff who greet regulars as old friends. Phone +39 041 522 8258.
The list: Made-to-order cicchetti with premium ingredients; strong Veneto and Friuli wine list; outdoor campo seating; knowledgeable staff
Pours: Natural Veneto whites, Friulian orange wine, Valpolicella Classico
Tip: The tartare cicchetti changes daily depending on what arrived at the Rialto fish market that morning.
20 by the glassDorsoduro, Venice
Known as 'Al Bottegon', this historic Dorsoduro bacaro dates to 1800. Standing-only wine bar and enoteca with 500+ labels from Italian producers. Sandwich cicchetti prepared to order at lunch. A neighbourhood institution beloved by locals and wine lovers.
The list: 500+ labels predominantly Italian; standing-only historic bacaro; Mon-Sat 8:30-20:30; also a retail wine shop
Pours: Soave, Valpolicella, Tocai Friulano
Tip: Arrive at 12:30 for the best sandwich selection before the lunch crowd depletes the board.
40 by the glassDorsoduro, Venice
Opened 2014 by brothers Alberto and Dario Spezzamonte at the Dorsoduro / San Polo boundary. MICHELIN Guide Good Cooking designation 2025. Over 700 ecologically sustainable wines from small European producers; cicchetti and full dinner menu.
The list: 700+ natural wines from Europe; Michelin Guide Good Cooking 2025; contemporary Venetian cuisine with Japanese inflections
Pours: Natural Veneto reds, Orange wines, Biodynamic Burgundy
Tip: Closed Tuesdays; open Mon and Wed-Sat 11:00-midnight.
20 by the glassVerona centro storico
Wine bar and osteria on Verona's ancient Corso Porta Borsari owned by Buglioni winery. Exclusive Buglioni list at affable prices; simple cicchetti, charcuterie, and cheeses. Sun-Thu 11:00-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:00-01:00.
The list: Exclusive Buglioni winery list - Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone, sparkling; house wines at accessible prices; lively Roman-street setting
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso, Buglioni Valpolicella Classico
Tip: The Amarone by the glass is a rare bargain - Buglioni keeps house pricing far below comparable Amarone bars in Verona.
25 by the glassBorgo Trento, Verona
Established 1958, now in its third generation with Mattia Dal Zovo. Situated across the Adige from Verona's historic centre on fashionable Via IV Novembre. Ask to see the cellar and the sommelier will guide selections from the deep Veneto and Italian list.
The list: Family-run since 1958; deep cellar; sommelier-guided selections on request; third-generation Mattia Dal Zovo at helm; Veneto and international list
Pours: Amarone della Valpolicella, Soave Classico, Custoza Bianco
Sommelier: Mattia Dal Zovo
Tip: The cellar visit is free for serious wine-seekers - just ask Mattia.
