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Italy
Cantina Do Mori
Cantina Do Mori, established in 1462, is one of the oldest and most cherished osterias in Venice, Italy. This historic cantina is situated in the heart of the city, nestled in the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways close to the Rialto Market. It's named after Giovanni "Do Mori," a wine merchant who had a fondness for Moorish (‘mori’ in Italian) style wines.
Stepping into Cantina Do Mori is like stepping back in time. The exterior, with its aged wood and vintage signage, exudes a rustic and antique charm that encapsulates the rich history of the Venetian cityscape. Inside, the cantina is filled with copper pots, old barrels, and antique wine bottles, evoking a nostalgic feel. The walls are adorned with photos and memorabilia that pay tribute to the cantina's storied past. The low, wooden ceiling and the worn-out, rustic wooden counter add to the authentic, traditional atmosphere of the place.
What sets Cantina Do Mori apart is the incredible variety of cicchetti, the Venetian version of Spanish tapas. These small snacks, often served on a slice of bread, feature local ingredients like fresh seafood, local cheeses, and cured meats. The cantina is also famous for its 'ombra,' a small glass of wine traditionally enjoyed with cicchetti.
Its rich history includes being a regular haunt for the infamous Italian lover, Casanova, who was known to enjoy the cantina's wine and cicchetti. Interestingly, Cantina Do Mori is also the inventor of the "Francobollo" sandwich, a tiny, stamp-sized sandwich filled with sumptuous ingredients.
Notably, Cantina Do Mori doesn't have seating, keeping with the traditional Venetian style of a 'bàcaro’ - a place where locals would stop for a quick bite and a glass of wine while standing at the counter or on the street outside. This distinctive feature allows for lively conversation and a unique, social dining experience.
In conclusion, Cantina Do Mori is more than just a restaurant or bar; it's a living piece of Venetian history that offers a unique culinary journey into Venice's past.