Ciccheti ? Burano ?

Unless you have a burning desire to see old women making lace by hand (and charging a pretty penny for it, as well) Burano is a big yawn.

With only 2 days - I would choose Murano rather than Burano.
Just my opinion.
Sorry I can't name a cicchetti bar for you.

If you have a RS guidebook, he mentions several cichetti bars. My hubby and I used his suggestions and also added a few we saw while wandering. Great fun!

Or you could try a last minute contact for Alessandro Schezzini who does wonderful cicchetti tours for Venice. I've enjoyed each of his tours I've been on. He's most entertaining and will take you to some great places for food and drinks. Here's the last contact I have for him: [email protected]. If this doesn't work, try the search feature on this forum.

Loved Burano, so much more attractive than Murano. We did the two on the same day. But if you only have two days in Venice, i would not do either. Relax and focus on the city.

"But if you only have two days in Venice, i would not do either. Relax and focus on the city."

I agree. I'm not sure how visiting the outer islands became considered equal with visiting Venice itself, particularly on a short visit. Unless you have a particular reason for going to either Burano or Murano, with only two days, focus on Venice itself.

Hey bucephale
I agree with Andy about the crawl with allesandro, fun times and learn the history of Venice. Also with Cato, loved Burano more than murano. Too short of time so enjoy Venice itself with a wandering adventure.
Aloha

I agree with the others in regards to skipping Murano/Burano. There is plenty to see and do in and around Venice. Going to one or both of the two other islands will probably take the better part of one day.

Also, if you're looking for an alternative to cicchetti or seafood, I would recommend Arte Della Pizza in Cannareggio. They only offer takeaway service, but the pizza is cheap and good.

There are two great cichetti bars opposite the Gondola works yard/squero just off the Zattere.
Sorry don't know the names of them.
Also ,just before the Ponte Maddalena, in Canareggio, on the main street leading from the railway station to San Marco, there is a small bar on the left that looks very rustic, but serves great cichetti, and has lots of seats, which the other two don't.

Many of the cicchetti bars are in the Rialto area near the market stalls.

there are cicchetti bars all over the city, the ones by the Rialto will be very touristy, get off the beaten track and just see what looks good, trust your instincts, discovering your own little place is part of the fun!

I have various favourite bacari for the little snackie things. I visit several every trip.

They are all a bit different from each other and the easiest thing is to pop in and watch for a couple of minutes to see how each one works.

I normally go at lunch time and don't drink alcohol. My spellings below are in Veneziana, the local dialect of Italian.

At my favourite, Cantinone del Vino Già Schiavi, which is towards the south end of Dorsoduro opposite the Squero where gondolas are built and repaired (look out for all the geraniums in the window boxes - they were originally Austrian craftsmen) there are no seats. You just wander in, wander up to the glass display of the labelled prepared cichèti - drool - and point. The lady in the white coat (been there for years and years) behind the counter actually has a little English (very little) but the bartenders just behind her certainly have good English and will help if needed. You can either stand around inside using your hands to hold your plate in one hand and a glass in the other (try it!) or there are a few little shelves at various places along the walls, but generally do what everybody does and take your prizes outside and put the plate on the wall of the canal and watch the world go by. You pay when you receive the food or drink. Take cash. Prices are moderate and taste excellent. Be adventurous. If there is a small chance you don't like something don't go and get more of that item. It won't have cost much per item. But like Dim Sum, it can add up if you don't stop. Dorsoduro 992, near Ponte (bridge) San Trovaso.

At ae Do Spade near Rialto Market and Pensione Guerrato, you can take your plate and sit at a little table if there is one free or they will come to the table and take an order (more expensive from the menu at the table). Also perhaps the world's smallest toilet I wonder. The cichèti tend to be very traditional. Friendly staff, some speak English, better if you try some Italian. Pointing works well.... Prices add up quickly. Tends to be very busy. I've never taken anything outside the door. Ordering at the table gets you more larger dishes primarily of fish, and that is a good way to spend a lot of money. San Polo 860, on Calle do Spade.

do Mori just nearby is open less reliably but tends to have food all afternoon (or at least longer than many), very tasty even though they do have surimi "crab legs", lots of fun, not cheap. They have been there longer than anybody else with cichèti. A bit dark inside even in mid day. Nice folks. San Polo 429, Calle dei Do Mori. Either one or two tiny tables outside too.

It is hard to go very wrong. Ask your hotel for their favourite bacaro.