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The Top 8 Bars In San Polo, Venice

Restaurant Naranzaria near Rialto Bridge
Restaurant Naranzaria near Rialto Bridge | © Matthias Scholz / Alamy Stock Photo

Even though San Polo is the smallest of Venice’s six sestiere, it has a very active nightlife and an excellent variety of bars, clubs and restaurants. Check out our list below to find out more about the most outstanding bars in this lively neighborhood of Italy.

Do Mori

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Pub Grub

Do Mori is a daytime bar that is hidden behind the touristy areas of the Rialto area. The traditional bacaro dates back to 1462, which makes it one of the oldest and most traditional bars in the whole of Venice. The drink of choice at Do Mori is red and white house wine, which is complemented by sandwiches, called francoboli, and a selection of cicchetti, the most classic type of bar food there is. Do Mori is mostly frequented by locals, which guarantees an authentic atmosphere.

Al Mercá

Bar, Food Kiosk, Market, Wine Bar, Italian

People in front of wine bar at Campo Battista square Rialto Venice the Veneto northern Italy Europe
© Peter Forsberg / Alamy Stock Photo

Al Mercá, located down a quiet side street of the San Polo district, is not much more than a food counter with a standing area outside. During the day, Al Mercá is particularly popular with busy market shoppers, who stop by for a glass or two of the house wine before returning home. However, Al Mercá is at its busiest before dinner, during the traditional aperitivo hour. In Venice, this is between 5pm and 7pm, when Venetians of all professions come together at Al Mercá to enjoy a traditional Venetian spritz in an informal and hospitable setting. Al Mercá is the ideal spot to experience a traditional Venetian aperitivo amongst locals.

Naranzaria

Bar, Market, Restaurant, Asian, Italian, Japanese, Tapas

Naranzaria is a restaurant and bar, named after the old citrus market that was historically located in the very spot the restaurant can be found today. Now, Naranzaria is a family owned restaurant and stylish bar. Located just off the Rialto Bridge, Naranzaria offers beautiful views of the Canale Grande with its outside seating area. The restaurant is particularly busy during aperitivo hour, where guests can not only enjoy the traditional Venetian spritz but also excellent wines from their very own Friuli vineyards and an inventive Italian-Japanese fusion menu. Restaurant during the day, Naranzaria turns into one of the hippest meeting spots in Venice’s bar scene.

Osteria Bancogiro

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean

Osteria Bancogiro, Rialto, Venice, Italy
© Stefano Paterna / Alamy Stock Photo
Osteria Bancogiro is a successful combination of restaurant and bar, located right on Campo Erbaria with a fantastic view of the Canale Grande. Run by a group of friends, who are both wine connoisseurs and food enthusiasts, Osteria Bancogiro caters for all types of occasions. During al fresco season, the bar’s outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine during the day or a traditional Venetian aperitivo just before dinner. For bad weather, Osteria Bancogiro also has a small dining room above the bar, where delicious Italian dishes are produced with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Be it just for a quick drink or for a nice dinner amongst friends, Osteria Bancogiro is the place to go.

All'Arco

Bar, Diner, Market, Italian, Vegetarian, Fast Food, Wine, Beer, Seafood

Just off the Rialto Market, the Rialto daytime bar All’Arco is a truly authentic place to enjoy a glass of wine or spritz during the day. Aside from a tiny two person table on the street in front of the bar, All’Arco offers standing space only. Red and white wine are the drinks of choice with an excellent selection of Italian wines, mostly from small vineyards and individual producers in the north east section of the country. The exquisite wines are complemented with market-fresh cicchetti, mini bruschetta and other traditional bar snacks. All’Arco is a great place to experience local culture and mingle with Venetians.

Jazz Club Novecento

Bar, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian

Jazz Club Novecento is a small and cozy restaurant in the San Polo area that resembles old jazz pubs. The combination of restaurant and bar attracts both locals and the occasional tourist, even though it is a bit off the beaten path. Jazz Club Novecento is widely known for its excellent pizza menu, which includes all the classics like calzone and caprese, high quality wines and fantastic jazz music. This is a great place to have a meal in a laid back and authentic atmosphere.

Vineria all’Amarone

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Italian

Vineria all’Amarone is an excellent wine bar, located in the heart of the San Polo quarter. Founded in 2013 by Alfredo Depietri, a popular entrepreneur, restaurant and bar owner, Vineria all’Amarone has been able to acquire a regular clientele and an outstanding reputation amongst Venice’s locals. The bar offers a fine selection of local wines that range from luxurious vinos, such as the Amarone della Valpolicella, to more affordable wines from small vineries in the region. The exquisite wine is served alongside classic Italian finger food, including bruschetta, cicchetti, salame, and cheese platters.

Ristobar San Polo

Bar, Restaurant, Italian

Ristobar San Polo, Campo San Polo square, Venice
© Matthias Scholz / Alamy Stock Photo
Ristobar San Polo, located on Campo San Polo, is a popular daytime bar and small restaurant that, due to its great location, attracts both locals and tourists alike. At lunchtime, Ristobar San Polo offers classic Italian cuisine, such as pasta, pizza and lasagna at great prices. In the afternoon, Ristobar San Polo is a popular hangout place for Venetians and a perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Venetian spritz or a glass of the house wine.

About the author

With an academic background in intercultural communication and modern languages, Sophia has always been fascinated by the uniqueness of cultures worldwide. She is particularly interested in cultural history and has a passion for classic and contemporary literature, art and photography. Sophia loves to travel and meet people with different cultural backgrounds to get a broader view of the world and become a true cosmopolitan.

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