Adriatico Mar in Venice: a tiny but cozy organic wine bar

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The name is that of the sea, which washes the shore of Venice: the Adriatic Sea. In Italian it sounds a bit odd as a name, because the two terms are inverted. In fact we normally call it Mare Adriatico, and not Adriatico Mar. I reckon it sounds more poetic.

Rio de San Pantalon
Rio de San Pantalon
Malvasia Adriatico Mar
Malvasia Adriatico Mar

A Malvasìa

The full name is Malvasìa dell’Adriatico Mar. Malvasie were once the historical shops that sold imported wines. But above all, the most precious wine of that time, the Malvasia di Candia (ancient name of Crete). Those wines came by sea, clearly. The landlord, Francesco Molinari Corner, opened this place with a specific idea: offer organic delicatessen from the different Adriatic seashores.

Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar

Adriatico Mar

Adriatico Mar is a tiny bacaro close to the Frari Basilica, with a lovely, small wooden jetty for boats docking or… to take a look at the canal, the so called Rio de San Pantalon. Rio is another name for canal, as you can learn in my Venice Glossary article.

The tiny jetty of Adriatico Mar
The tiny jetty of Adriatico Mar

I went there for a quick lunch some time ago, during a beautiful, sunny day. I could appreciate the cozy atmosphere (lovely music btw), the delicious panini, with peculiar and refined pairings and the reading corner, where you can find books about Venice. But above all, I appreciated the kindness of the staff.

Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar

Anecdote

At some point, a young man arrived and asked if they accepted meal vouchers. The answer was no. And then the guy said he wanted to have lunch all the same, but he couldn’t spend more than 10 euros. Nevertheless, he wanted something nourishing and also a glass of wine. I can testify how nice and polite the owner was in trying to please this client. Without absolutely treat him as second best because he had not much money to spend. I was really impressed because sometimes some owners or managers treat you like you are nothing, only because you do not spend enough or you dress too casual.

Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar

What you can find here

The cicchetti were not traditional. I only saw sandwiches and cold cuts or cheese platters. Plus salads and a couple of other dishes, written on the chalkboard. It is, in fact, more a wine bar than a food spot.

Adriatico Mar
Adriatico Mar

The majority of wines come from small producers, personally known by the owner. If you don’t drink alcohol, never mind. They also serve organic soft drinks. It is not that cheap, but I find the price right for the quality of food and drinks.

In the photo below (right), notice the lady who moved to allow me to take a picture of the chalkboard. 🙂

This is a tiny gem, a place where I felt at home and that I would gladly visit again with my hubby.

Rio de San Pantalon
Rio de San Pantalon

Adriatico Mar

Calle Crosera, 3771 Venezia

Monday 5pm – 10pm

Tue – Sunday 10am – 10pm

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