Venice is unlike other cities in Italy. It it not possible even to compare the feeling when you first step out of Santa Lucia train station to the main island. It is a purely magical scene. First thing you see will be San Simeone Piccolo Church standing behind the canal along with a crowded bridge in front of it.
The narrow streets, Venetian banners, smell of seafood in the air will linger in your memories for a long time. Bars serving bite sized appetizers called cicchetti in Venice -like tapas in Spain- accompanied with good wine and real Venetian crowd.It’s a must-do activity in Venice to visit bacari which are the wine bars in Venice – yet this might be a challange for you!
Venice is a hyper touristic place but don’t forget it is an island. A bar offers limited seating area and best known places are almost always full with a noisy crowd. We wanted to make sure you spend the best time in Venice bars while you are sipping your wine or your classical Venetian drink Bellini or an Aperol Spritz. These are the best 7 speakeasy bars to enjoy your drink and the pleasant conversion with your companion!
1. AL TIMON
Timon is in the north part of the island in Cannareggio are right next to Ghetto. It offers good cicchetti and good selection of wines that you can choose from the blackboard inside. Outside of Timon, right in the canal you will notice small sailing boats. These sailing boats offer the nicest and comfiest seats to the guests! Either on a spring breeze or a warm autumn night, this place is perfect to have your drink and have some cicchetti outside. Prefer outdoor seating and weekdays for a visit.
Address: Fondamenta Dei Ormesini Cannaregio, 2754
Phone:+39 041 524 6066
2. IL MERCANTE
Il Mercante will let you cherish the best cocktails in the island accompanied by its talented staff and fairy tale like atmosphere. Every glass of cocktail has a different story to tell here. This hidden gem will let you step out of the crowded streets of Venice and seize the rest of your trip. Along with the cocktails they have a wide range of rum selection. Bartenders will help you to choose exactly what you will enjoy and you will spend your evening with a nice soothing jazz music in the back. In their own words, Il Mercante is a peaceful oasis in Venice.
Address: San Polo 2564 , Fondamenta dei Frari
Phone: +39 041 476 7305
3. THE BAT BAR
Venice is quite like a labyrinth so even if you think you are following the right route you might end up somewhere completely different. Quite luckily, Bat Bar can be one of those places. Bat Bar is actually the terrace bar of Hotel Ai Cavalieri with very small seating are available – around 3 tables! The bar is also open to walk-in guest and we advise you to take that opportunity! You can sip a glass of Prosecco or let their experience bartender handle the situation for you with their unique touch to the cocktails. The view from the terrace is spectacular with gondolas in the canal wandering around. You can relax with the sound of the sea and outstanding alcoholic beverages here.
Address: Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia, Calle Borgolocco 6108
Phone: +39 041 241 10 64
4. SHIRAZ FOOD AND WINE
A not-so-old addition to the central neighborhood in San Cassiano, Shiraz is already won the hearts of the locals with good drinks and good food. Rather than tourists, you may encounter with more Italians here. You will be well taken care of in Shiraz with modern ambiance inside and elegant service. Aside from the drinks, try their food during lunch time. Make sure you make a visit before it is totally discovered by the crowd.
Address: Calle de la Regina Santa Croce 2259/a
Phone: +39 041 524 3858
5. CANTINA ARNALDI
Cantina Arnaldi is a family owned bistro/wine bar with limited seating area. Skip the dinner and have a plate of cold meat cuts or a cheese plate along with a carefully chosen wine for the best pairing. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced from the mainland in Veneto. It’s a cozy place away from the hustle of the lively center of Venice. Take a long walk and make this place your finish line of your day. As a plus, Cantina Arnaldi is also a budget friendly option as wine bar.
Address: Santa Croce 35
Phone: +39 041 718989
6. GRAN CAFFE QUADRI
Quadri dates back to 1638 when it was first opened its door as Il Remedio – the remedy. Now owned by Alajmo family besides many other food enterprises in Veneto region. Chef Massimilliano Alajmo a.k.a. Max is the youngest chef to receive 3 Michelin starts – at 28. Here in the middle of San Marco Square, you can see that Alajmo team worked greatly to make you feel welcome in this utterly crowded square with their own unique hospitality. Leonardo Cisotto in charge of cocktails and wine service so don’t worry you are in the right hands. A bit pricier than regular wine bars but definitely a one-of-a- kind experience.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 121
Phone: +39 041 5222105
7. GABBIANO BAR
Gabbiano may be the most secluded yet the most intriguing bar in the whole Venetian lagoon. It is located in the private gardens of Hotel Cipriani in Guidecca Island which is situated in the lower south part in the main island. The bar is next to hotel’s pool with a breathtaking landscape. It’s an international celebrity stop so it’s for sure that you can appreciate the soothing atmosphere. You can even see it on the cocktail menu: George Clooney has two cocktails which he worked on with bartender Walter Bolzonella of Gabbiano. Without any doubt, Gabbiano is out of this world.
Address: · Giudecca 10, Venice
Phone: +39 0185 2353 451