Venetian Curiosity: The Bocche di Leone (Lion’s Mouths)
While exploring Venice, look out for stone faces with open mouths embedded in walls, these are Bocche di Leone, or “Mouths of the Lion.” In the past, Venetians could drop anonymous notes into them to report crimes like tax evasion or smuggling. These “mailboxes” were a way for citizens to denounce corruption, though to be taken seriously, you needed to list at least three witnesses.
Where to find one:
You can still see them today:
• Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) – Piazza San Marco, 1
• Church of San Martino – Salizada S. Antonin, Castello
• Santa Maria della Visitazione – Fondamenta Zattere Ai Gesuati, Dorsoduro
These are no longer functional, but they remain one of Venice’s most unique historical quirks.
Tip: Great photo opportunity — and a fun detail to point out if you’re traveling with friends or kids.
Key Vocabulary in Venice
To feel like a local, keep these Venetian-specific words in mind:
• Calle – what streets are called in Venice (instead of “via”)
• Campo – the Venetian version of a town square (instead of “piazza”)
• Cicchetti – small Venetian bar snacks, like tapas
• Bàcaro – a typical Venetian bar serving cicchetti and wine (ombra)
• Un’ombra – a small glass of house wine (literally “a shadow”; farmers would drink it in the shade to rest)
• Uno spritzetto, an affectionate Venetian way to say “a little spritz” (Aperol or Select Spritz)
• Via Garibaldi, the only “via” in Venice; a beloved local hub full of bàcari, markets, and real Venetian life, especially popular with residents rather than tourists
Food, Drink & Must-Try Experiences
Must-try dishes in Venice:
• Polenta e Schie – Tiny lagoon shrimp over soft polenta
• Baccalà mantecato alla veneziana – Creamed cod spread on toast
• Spaghetti allo scoglio – Seafood pasta (scoglio means cliff/rock)
• Seppie alla Veneziana – Cuttlefish in black ink sauce
• Risotto de Gò – Risotto made with goby fish from the lagoon
• Scartosso de pesse – A paper cone of mixed fried seafood (street-style tradition from the 1700s)
Eat & Drink at Bàcari (Venetian Tapas Bars)
Order like a local:
“Un piatto misto di cicchetti e due rossi della casa, per favore.”
A mixed plate of small bites and two glasses of house red wine
Recommended Bàcari
Al Timon
Trendy, young crowd, often spilling out to the canal — perfect for a pre-dinner drink.
Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, Cannaregio
Bacaro all’Arco
A tiny bàcaro with outdoor tables, run by three generations of the same family. Known for fresh cicchetti sourced daily from the market next door.
Try: Crostini di baccalà mantecato (creamed cod toasts by Nonna Mary!)
Calle Arco, 436, San Polo
Ai Do Mori
The oldest bàcaro in Venice. Ceiling covered in old copper pots, shelves full of demijohns.
House specialty: “Francobollo” – a mini sandwich with crab, shrimp, or prosciutto.
San Polo 429
Cantinone già Schiavi
A historic bàcaro from 1944, still family-run. Famous for its creative crostini made by Alessandra (award-winning second-generation owner).
Dorsoduro 992
Sample Dialogues at a Bàcaro
👨💼: Buongiorno, avete qualcosa di tipico oggi?
👩🍳: Certamente! Abbiamo crostini con baccalà mantecato, polenta con schie e polpette di tonno.
👨💼: Perfetto, prendo un piatto misto e due ombre di rosso.
👩🍳: Subito!
Translation:
Good morning, do you have something typical today?
Certainly! We have creamed cod crostini, polenta with lagoon shrimp, and tuna meatballs.
Perfect, I’ll take a mixed plate and two small glasses of red wine.
Right away!
👩: Posso avere uno sprizzetto e qualche cicchetto?
👨🍳: Certo! Vuole anche un crostino con sarde in saor?
👩: Volentieri! E posso pagare con la carta?
👨🍳: Certo, Nessun problema.
Translation:
Can I have a small spritz and some cicchetti?
Sure! Would you like a sardine crostino too?
Gladly! And can I pay by card?
Of course, no problem.
Experience Venice by Water
If you want the real tour, grab a taxi boat and cruise down the Canal Grande.
From Santa Lucia train station, go down the steps to the taxi dock.
Tip: Bring cash. A ride to Hotel Salute is about €50–80, a splurge, but unforgettable. If you are landing in Venice, you will have to walk for about 10 minutes to get to the embarcadero, and you will find the taxi there. A one-way for 4 people is normally €165. Totally worth it.
If you’d like to see Venice in two hours without the crowds, consider a Catamaran Spritz Tour leaving from Via Garibaldi in the Castello neighborhood, just 15 minutes from San Marco. It’s a relaxed and stylish way to enjoy the city from the water, complete with music, drinks, and a splendid view.
Afternoon is great if you’re with kids, the 9 PM round is romantic and quiet, while the 6 PM option is perfect for those in the mood for a festive aperitivo cruise.
Book here:
Catamaran Spritz Tour – Via Garibaldi
Eat, Stay, Sip: High-End Recommendations (Luxury)
Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace
Luxury dinner with one of the most romantic terraces in the world
giosrestaurantvenice.com
Venice Venice Hotel
Stop for a drink here, one of the best terraces in town and maybe in the world. This restaurant and hotel is owned by local shoe brand https://www.goldengoose.com/ in case you are interested in shopping.
venicevenice.com
Venissa
Want an island to yourself? Stay at Venissa, a boutique hotel and winery on the peaceful island of Mazzorbo (next to Murano). You can walk across a bridge to Burano. A true hidden gem.
venissa.it
Cultural Tips & Street-Smarts (with Italian Phrases)
Go where the dialect is loud and English is scarce.
Avoid bars and restaurants where waiters try to bring you in, especially if menus are in five languages.
Follow locals to modest-looking bàcari.
The more casual and crowded, the more authentic.
Essential Italian Phrases:
• Possiamo ordinare? – Can we order?
• Possiamo pagare? – Can we pay?
• Siamo in ritardo! – We’re running late!
• C’è un piatto del giorno? – Is there a dish of the day?
• Vorrei qualcosa di tipico. – I’d like something traditional.
• Dove vanno i veneziani? – Where do the locals go?
• Due caffe shakerati per favore! – Two iced coffee please!
• Posso usare il bagno? – May I use the bathroom?
• Avete un tavolo per quattro persone? – Do you have a table for four people?
• Un aperitivo per favore! – A light drink please.