Cicchetti pour végétaliens : adresses testées

Introduction

Venice is famous for its canals, palaces and winding alleys, but it’s just as much a city of little bites shared among friends. Cicchetti, those Venetian snacks served at the counters of bacari and small osterie, embody the art of local nibbling: garlic-rubbed bread, slices of polenta, marinated vegetables, topped crostini and little fritters. For the vegan traveler, the challenge is to discover these culinary treasures without compromising dietary limits or missing the place’s authenticity.

This article is dedicated to vegan-friendly cicchetti, tested in the specific context of Venice. It’s not a theoretical list but addresses we’ve explored and rated for the quality of plant-based options, ingredient freshness, creativity of preparations and the venues’ friendliness. You’ll find practical information — exact addresses, opening hours, price indications in euros, sensory descriptions and local tips — to plan your cicchetti crawl stress-free.

Venice’s food scene has evolved: where veganism was once marginal, many bacari now offer at least two to four vegan cicchetti, and a few places even specialize in plant-based cuisine with a friendly, informal approach. Understanding the cicchetto culture also helps you better savor the experience: order at the counter, pay when you leave, and often pair your bites with a spritz, a local white wine or a chilled prosecco. Sociability is key — many locals stand around high tables sharing plates and conversation.

This guide will walk you through spotting and tasting the best vegan cicchetti in Venice, with a selection of tested spots, visual cues, tips for ordering in Italian, and advice to avoid tourist traps. Whether it’s marinated eggplant, crispy polenta, mushroom crostini or little skewers of roasted vegetables, you’ll find tasty plant-based alternatives that respect the soul of the Venetian bacaro. Ready your palate, lace up your walking shoes and let yourself be led through the calli and campi where grab-and-go eating becomes a social ritual.

 Click here to book a food tour with cicchetti and wine

1) Cantina Do Mori — history and vegan cicchetti in the historic heart

Cantina Do Mori is often cited as one of Venice’s oldest bacari — a place steeped in history just steps from the Rialto. Address: Cantina Do Mori, Calle dei Do Mori 429, 30125 Venezia VE. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–20:00; closed Sunday (hours may vary in high season). Price guide: vegan cicchetti between €2.50 and €6.00 each; glasses of wine from €2.50. During our visits, we tested several vegan options displayed at the counter and prepared to order.

Cantina Do Mori’s charm lies in its tavern atmosphere: low beams, walls lined with bottles, a compact but lively space. The vegan cicchetti here are simple but well executed: tramezzini with grilled vegetables and artichoke tapenade, slightly spiced lentil polpette served on a bed of salad, and small toasts with cannellini bean cream brightened with lemon zest. The bread is crisp, the vegan mayo (on request) is homemade and the olive oil often comes from local producers.

Practical tips: arrive early to grab a spot at the counter and watch the staff assemble the cicchetti. If you have allergies or want to avoid dairy, ask in Italian « Sono vegano/vegana, è possibile senza latticini e uova ? » (I’m vegan, is it possible without dairy and eggs?). Cantina Do Mori usually accepts simple modifications; allow 10–15 minutes for service if your group is large. Payment is made at the counter when leaving.

 Click here to discover the Cicchetti street on a walking tour

Practical tips: arrive early to grab a spot at the counter and watch the staff assemble the cicchetti. If you have allergies or want to avoid dairy, ask in Italian « Sono vegano/vegana, è possibile senza latticini e uova ? » (I’m vegan, is it possible without dairy and eggs?). Cantina Do Mori usually accepts simple modifications; allow 10–15 minutes for service if your group is large. Payment is made at the counter when leaving.

2) All’Arco (Cantina All’Arco) — small portions, big creativity

All’Arco is another go-to for cicchetti, located in the San Polo neighborhood: Cantina All’Arco, Calle dell’Arco 427, 30125 Venezia VE. Opening hours: weekdays 11:00–20:00, late closing varies; often closed Sunday. Prices: vegan cicchetti €2.00–€5.50; glass of wine from €2.00. This cantina, popular with locals, stands out for quick preparations and a high turnover of dishes at the counter.

The All’Arco experience is an animated bacaro where plates fly by and you need to order fast. On the vegan side, our tastings highlighted crostini with garlic-and-parsley sautéed mushrooms, arrostiti peppers (grilled peppers) marinated in olive oil and basil, and excellent vegetable polpette made from chickpeas and fresh herbs. The smoky flavor of grilled vegetables and good local oil often makes the difference: simple but flavorful.

Practical tips: watch peak hours (12:30–14:30 and 19:00–21:00). If you’re in a group, order several different cicchetti to share and taste more variety. Ask for « bicchiere di vino bianco locale » (a glass of local white wine) to pair with vegan cicchetti; Veneto wines, light and fruity, work well with vegetable preparations. Don’t forget to ask if the oil used is purely plant-based, as some traditional recipes may include butter or grated cheeses.

 Click here to book a guided food tour with tastings

Practical tips: watch peak hours (12:30–14:30 and 19:00–21:00). If you’re in a group, order several different cicchetti to share and taste more variety. Ask for « bicchiere di vino bianco locale » (a glass of local white wine) to pair with vegan cicchetti; Veneto wines, light and fruity, work well with vegetable preparations. Don’t forget to ask if the oil used is purely plant-based, as some traditional recipes may include butter or grated cheeses.

Which routes to favor for a vegan cicchetti crawl in Venice?

Plan 2–3 hours and a budget of roughly €50–110 depending on the option: short tasting, full guided tour, or evening route. These formats allow either quick, economical stops or a deeper cultural dive into the bacaro scene. Choose based on your pace: self-guided wandering or a guide to spot the best vegan addresses.

1. Cicchetti and wine food tour (3h)

2. 10 shades of cicchetti and wine (2h)

3. Evening cicchetti and wine tour (3h)

3) La Zucca — inventive vegetarian cooking, solid vegan options

La Zucca is a well-known Venice restaurant focused on vegetables and vegetarian dishes. Address: La Zucca, Calle del Tintor 1762 (or Calle de la Zucca), 30135 Venezia VE — near Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio by local landmarks. Opening hours: usually open Tuesday–Saturday, lunch 12:30–14:30 and dinner 19:30–22:30; closed Monday (check seasonal hours). Prices: vegetarian mains €12.00–€22.00; vegan/cicchetti starters €4.00–€8.00. La Zucca has a reputation for creative cooking that highlights seasonal vegetables and regularly offers vegan alternatives.

This spot feels more like a refined osteria than a bacaro, but it’s worth mentioning because its small plates and antipasti sometimes resemble elaborate cicchetti — perfect for a seated vegan meal. Dishes sampled include zucchini tempura with lemon vegan mayo, eggplant mille-feuille with roasted peppers, and a warm beluga lentil salad with rosemary. The chefs balance textures and flavors: crispy vs. tender, acidity vs. sweetness.

Practical tips: La Zucca is popular; reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. For strict vegans, say “sono vegano/vegana, senza latte e uova” and ask if dishes can be adapted (many will happily do so). Portions can be generous; share several antipasti to make a full meal. Bring cash as some older places prefer it, though most now accept cards.

 Click here to join a cooking class and Rialto market tour

Practical tips: La Zucca is popular; booking is highly recommended, especially for dinner. For strict vegans, say « sono vegano/vegana, senza latte e uova » and ask if dishes can be adapted (many will gladly do so). Portions can be generous; share several antipasti/vorspeisen to make a full meal. Bring cash as some older places prefer it, though most now accept cards.

4) Osteria Alla Vedova and bacari around Campo Santa Margherita — student circuit and vegan options

Osteria Alla Vedova sits in the heart of the student quarter near Campo Santa Margherita: Osteria Alla Vedova, Calle della Madonna 594, 30125 Venezia VE (San Polo). Hours: often open daily for lunch and dinner, 11:30–23:00 depending on season. Prices: cicchetti €2.50–€6.50; mains €10.00–€20.00. Around Campo Santa Margherita you’ll find many student-favorite bacari offering a range of affordable cicchetti, often easy to adapt to vegan versions.

On our visits, Osteria Alla Vedova offered a range of small vegan plates: white bean salad with olive oil and red onion, grilled polenta with mushrooms and arugula, and bruschetta with black olive tapenade. The atmosphere is loud but friendly—perfect for a cicchetti crawl with friends. The restaurants and bars around Campo Santa Margherita are convenient for a progressive evening: stop at a bacaro for a drink and two cicchetti, then move on.

Practical tips: the neighborhood stays lively late—great if you want extended hours. Many spots in this area accept simple substitutions: ask « può essere vegano? » (can this be made vegan?) and staff will often offer an alternative. Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas; keep your belongings close. If you need gluten-free bread, mention it when ordering—some bacari can provide special bread or alternatives on request.

Practical tips: the neighborhood stays lively late—great if you want extended hours. Many spots in this area accept simple substitutions: ask « può essere vegano? » (can this be made vegan?) and staff will often offer an alternative. Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas; keep your belongings close. If you need gluten-free bread, mention it when ordering—some bacari can provide special bread or alternatives on request.

5) Paradiso Perduto & other vegan-friendly spots — alternative apéritifs and modern creations

Paradiso Perduto (often listed as Paradiso Perduto Vegan) is an informal bar-restaurant known for its vegan options and alternative vibe. Address: Paradiso Perduto, Campo San Barnaba 2757, 30123 Venezia VE (Dorsoduro). Hours: generally open 12:00–23:00; closed some weekdays (check ahead). Prices: vegan cicchetti/shared plates €4.00–€9.00; mains €8.00–€15.00. Paradiso Perduto offers inventive dishes inspired by Venetian tradition but with a fully plant-based approach in many options.

On our visit we enjoyed the creativity applied to cicchetti: black rice croquettes with saffron and veggies, beet tartare on rye toasts, mini skewers of seitan glazed with balsamic, and small smoked tofu bocconcini. The vibe is relaxed, often filled with students and artists, and the menu offers good value. Paradiso Perduto also provides gluten-free options and can often adapt dishes for intolerances.

 Click here to taste cicchetti, wine and spritz during a visit

Practical tips: if you want something less traditional but very satisfying for a vegan aperitif, this kind of place is perfect. Have an idea of the wine you like—the staff can recommend a local natural or biodynamic wine. In high season, reserve or arrive early to avoid queues. Also, keep a short list of Italian phrases to clarify ingredients: for example « contiene glutine? contiene soia? » (does it contain gluten? does it contain soy?).

General tips for a vegan cicchetti crawl in Venice

• How to order: Key phrases in Italian speed up service: « Sono vegano/vegana » (I am vegan), « Senza latticini e uova, per favore » (no dairy or eggs, please), « Posso avere senza formaggio? » (can I have it without cheese?).
• Best times: Aim for 11:00–13:30 and 16:00–18:30 for a calmer experience and the freshest counter offerings.
• Budget: Expect about €10–€20 per person for a tour of 4–6 cicchetti + a glass of wine. For a full sit-down meal at places like La Zucca, budget €25–€40 per person.
• Local etiquette: Many bacari are small and noisy; keep your bags close and follow the locals’ rhythm who order at the counter.
• Allergies and substitutions: Most bacari can remove cheese or swap a sauce if you ask politely; however, some traditional recipes use lard or cured pork fat—always check with staff.

Conclusion

Venice, far from being closed off to modern diets, happily serves up a range of vegan cicchetti — from traditional classics adapted for vegans (grilled peppers, polenta, mushroom crostini) to bold creations from contemporary vegan chefs and bars. Hopping between bacari and tiny osterie in search of vegan cicchetti is above all a social ritual: you order at the counter, share, compare flavours and eat standing or seated depending on the mood. The spots listed here — Cantina Do Mori, All’Arco, La Zucca, Osteria Alla Vedova and Paradiso Perduto — cover everything from authentic to inventive, with vegan options tried for taste, quality and authenticity.

Practical and tasty, a vegan cicchetti route also invites happy accidents: follow the smell of fried aubergines, the sight of a colourful board on the counter, and above all the friendly nature of Venetians. For a smooth tour, learn a few useful Italian phrases, arrive at the right times, carry some cash and always mention your restrictions. Prices are generally affordable — one or two euros for a small cicchetto, a few euros more for elaborate bites — which makes tasting a series of them very accessible.

Finally, remember that Venice is best explored on foot between bites. Combine your food stops with contemplative pauses along the Grand Canal, detours to the Rialto market to see the vegetable and fish stalls, and moments on campo benches to enjoy your cicchetti while watching local life. Each bacaro has its own personality: some charm you with simplicity, others with inventiveness. With a curious and respectful attitude, you’ll leave feeling you didn’t just have a meal, but a little Venetian ceremony — light, shared and deliciously vegan.