In a city known for wine, Il Mercante specializes in craft cocktails, with a menu of custom creations coded for sweetness, strength and size of the glass. It’s a classy place to sip a pre- or after-dinner drink, and cicchetti are available. Friendly bartenders will recommend one of Il Mercante’s inventions, or are happy to mix you a more traditional cocktail—but be daring and try one of their suggestions. Cocktails are themed around Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe—including one called “The Captain’s Death,” a bitter-sweet gin concoction.
Time Out tip: Il Mercante is wildly popular with young Venetians and tourists alike. Arrive on the early side or try to go on a weeknight, when it tends to be less busy.
Nearby:
Basilica dei Frari: For Titian’s tomb and one of Venice’s major basilicas
Atelier Marega: For Venetian mask-making workshops
Campo San Polo: For one of the city’s largest squares and in the winter, ice-skating