Hi,
We are traveling to Italy for the first time in June. We see Rick's recommendations for Cicchetti bars and pub crawls in Venice, but is this the sort of thing that is for adults only? Obviously, our 12-yr. old wouldn't be sampling wine, but what about someone who just wants a soft drink and the food? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
1230 posts
There's all kinds of food. I suggest reading some Yelp and trip advisor reviews and then bookmarking a few places that sound good. Ive traveled with my 3 kids (now 10, 13, 15) all over and there's always something they'll eat
Posted by
North Carolina
2502 posts
Cicchetti bars are fun, and wine is not mandatory there or anywhere else. Wherever you go, there will be plenty of places to get a sandwich or slice of pizza or focaccia to eat on the go.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
I greatly enjoyed the cicchetti bar tour with Alessandro S. just a couple of months ago, but the emphasis was definitely more on the wine than on the food. I don't think a 12-year-old would really enjoy Alessandro's bar tour. I also did the WalkAbout Venice cicchetti bar tour in 2015, and, although there are more food offerings on that tour, it again would not be an event that I think a 12-year-old would enjoy. HOWEVER, the cicchetti bars are also family places, and kiddos are very welcome, and taking your 12-year-old to several of those bars/osterias as a family would likely be a really enjoyable evening. Your kiddo can see all of the food offerings, laid out under glass, at the bar area, and can pick out whatever he/she thinks looks good, even trying some mystery foods and discovering new tastes (if he/she is into that!). Places to try would include: Cantina do Spade, Cantina Do Mori, and others in the Rialto area.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1071 posts
In Venice you might like Cafe Art Blu on Campo Santo Stefano (almost to the Accademia Bridge if you are coming from San Marco). The food is good and reasonably priced, but for your 12yr old, there are usually several children playing in the area. I've seen kids leave their table and be welcomed to play along. Or bring a ball with you - your child won't be alone for long!
In Rome I'd look at Trastevere. This seems to be a place that families find comfortable. There are street performers, especially in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. Again, you can sit at any number of bars to enjoy a drink and let the child be entertained by musicians, jugglers, mimes, magicians etc. etc. There are plenty of restaurants in the area too as well as lots of gelato!