Venetian Bacari

Venetians often break their day for a snack of cicchetti (hors d’oeuvres) in one of the city’s bacari, or distinctive wine bars. Here are four of my favorites.

Alla Vedova

This romantic bacaro has been run by the same family for a century. I like to stand at the bar and to sip an ombra de vin while snacking on olpettine (deep-fried meatballs). Ramo Ca’ d’Oro, Cannaregio 3192.

Alla Ciurma

Tucked away near the Rialto market, this tiny bacaro is a real insider’s favorite. Don’t miss the tuna polpette (fish balls) or the musetto sausage with mustard. Calle Galeazza, San Polo 406.

Cantinone gia’ Schiavi

Just opposite the gondola workshops on the San Trovaso canal, this popular place serves superb cicchetti, including cheese and fennel crostini, and smoked swordfish with Parmesan. Ponte San Trovaso, Dorsoduro 992.

Alla Rampa

This bacaro occupies the ground floor of a 17th-century palazzo and has been in business for more than a century. It opens at 4: 50 a.m. and is always full of locals chatting over Spritz al Bitter or Prosecco. Via Garibaldi, Castello 1135.