How to Make Cicchetti Like a Venetian: Italian Small Plates and Bacaro Entertaining

How to Make Cicchetti Like a Venetian

by Betty Albert

I thought I understood cicchetti—until my trip in Venice corrected me. Around 5 p.m., tucked along a quiet canal near a gondolier’s workshop, I watched locals gather at a tiny bacaro, Aperol spritzes in hand, moving effortlessly between conversation, cocktails, and small, exquisite bites called cicchetti: not just food, but a rhythm of living well.

Often compared to Spanish tapas, cicchetti (chee-KEH-tee) are Venice’s answer to casual, elegant dining. These small plates range from simple crostini to marinated seafood, always highlighting seasonal ingredients and bold, balanced flavors. They’re meant to be enjoyed standing, paired with a small glass of wine—an ombra—and shared freely.

Locally, you’ll find this spirit echoed in spots like The Vine EDH or Folsom, Bacchus House Bistro, Visconti’s, or Fiori on Sutter—each offering their own take on Italian small plates and wine culture. Try Amore Mio Italian Bistro in Placerville, Vacanza Romana or the new OBO’ Italian Table and Bar in Town Center.

Host a Bacaro Night at Home

 

Bring the spirit of Venice to your table with an effortless, wine-centered gathering.

To recreate this experience at home, focus on quality over complexity. Start with excellent bread, good olive oil, fresh herbs, and a mix of seafood, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses. Assemble 4–6 offerings with contrasting textures—creamy, crisp, savory, and sweet.

Presentation matters. Serve on wooden boards or simple ceramics. Keep portions small. Encourage guests to stand, sip, and mingle rather than sit for a formal meal. Pair with an Aperol spritz, Prosecco, or a crisp white, or even a light red.  Ultimately, cicchetti is about creating a moment: relaxed, social, and deliciously unpretentious. A glass in hand, a bite shared, and nowhere else you need to be.

1. Keep It Small & Stylish
   Invite a handful of guests. Cicchetti is intimate, social, and meant for mingling—not a seated dinner party.
2. Offer 4–6 Bites
   Balance flavors and textures:
   Creamy: ricotta crostini
   Savory: bruschetta/prosciutto
   Seafood: tuna, salmon or shrimp
   Bright: marinated vegetables
3. Quality Over Quantity
   Use the best ingredients you can find—good olive oil, fresh herbs, artisan bread, and seasonal produce.
4. Create a Grazing Table
   Serve on wooden boards, marble slabs, or simple white plates. Keep portions small and visually inviting.
5. Pour the Wine
   Offer Prosecco, a crisp Pinot Grigio, or a light red. Keep glasses small and refills easy—true to the ombra tradition.
6. Set the Mood
   Think relaxed elegance: soft lighting, light music, room to walk and mingle.