Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi

Legendary tavern with floor-to-ceiling bottles lining the walls, with wines by the glass & great snacks.

Dorsoduro has lots of atmospheric bacari, bars that serve cheap ciccheti (small snacks) all day, so a bacaro crawl is a great option for lunch. The best in the area is Cantina del Vino Già Schiavi (992 Fondamenta Nani), aka Cantinone or Al Bottegon, a wine shop-cum-bar. Crostini are topped with salt cod and wild garlic, pistachio cream or alioli with flower petals; local customers include dapper older gentlemen and jovial police officers.

“This is a must-visit Venetian destination. What looks like just a liquor store actually sells some of the most delicious food in the city. Cicchetti (basically different kinds of spreads on soft and bite-sized pieces of bread) is the speciality of this eatery and drinkery, with locals consistently popping in-and-out. With not much room to spare, there are no sit-down spots available. Instead, visitors either stand at the bar, grab some shelving space or eat on the sidewalk. This, to me, creates a unique and communal atmosphere. If you want to pair a drink with your food, the house wines are delicious and extremely affordable. Don’t miss out on this off-the-beaten-path gem! “