Venice is world-famous for its canals, gondolas, and picture-perfect views—but like anywhere in Italy, the local food is part of the experience.
Italian cuisine is incredibly regional, and Venice has its own specialties you should try, like fegato alla Veneziana, risi e bisi, and baccalà mantecato. As an Italian, I can tell you that every region has its own dishes worth traveling for, and Venice is no exception.
That said, finding good food in Venice can be tricky. There are plenty of overpriced, forgettable spots—but that’s exactly why joining a food tour is such a good idea. See the sights, maybe book another Venice tour, and then let a local guide you to the best bites.
From cicchetti and seafood to gelato and wine (wine can never be missing!), these are the best Venice food tours to check out.
➥ Why would you trust my selection? I’m Italian, from Bologna, and I’ve spent years writing about my country’s food. I’ve chosen tours that give you a real taste of Venice, without the tourist traps.
I generally use Viator, Get Your Guide, and Devour to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the very best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market |
| APERITIVO TOUR | Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Venice: Private Evening Tour w/ Drinks & Bites |
| WINE TASTING | Eat, Drink, Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice |
OUR PICK: The BEST Food Tour in Venice
This Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit is, in my opinion, the most comprehensive (and delicious) option out there. I’ve previously joined other Devour tours and every single time, I ended up full and satisfied, both with the food and the information.
It’s led by a local foodie guide, who’ll introduce you to Venetian cuisine in the best possible way: through taste! Start the tour at a family-run bar, where you’ll sample cicchetti, traditional tapas from the region, paired with a drink. It’s the ultimate aperitivo food, and I can’t recommend it enough.
You’ll be treated to more cicchetti and a drink at the second stop, a charming local bar. These tapa-like bites come in all shapes and flavors, so it’s a different experience every time.
You’ll then savor regional cheeses and stop by the Rialto Fish Market, one of the liveliest attractions in Venice. This is a fascinating stop because you’ll learn about Venice’s maritime history and its ancient trading routes as you explore the bustling aisles, where locals shop for fresh fish.
Sample street-food bites made with fish from the market, and move on to try fresh fruits and relax on a bacaro (wine bar) with a Spritz and appetizers.
The cherry on top of this tour is the short gondola ride you’ll take to reach a small, cozy bacaro where a scrumptious risotto awaits, paired with local wine. Cap off the tour with gelato…and probably a nap, after all the food you’ll have eaten!
➤ What makes this tour stand out? It’s a highly-rated tour led by a dedicated guide and includes delicious and substantial tastings of the city’s most traditional dishes. Food and generous glasses of wine and Spritz will be provided, and on top of all, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the city.
Read what the reviews say:
“This tour was spectacular, and our guide Orsula was amazing! We learned a lot of history and discovered many great food spots popular with locals. The limited walking was perfect given the hot weather. This is a very organized company and I would highly recommend. I do food tours in every country I visit and I was impressed.”
Renee – Read more reviews
This tour includes: 7 food stops, a guide, a gondola ride, and all food and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Food Tours to Consider
▶️ Get a taste of the enchanting city of canals with this Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour. It enables you to experience the gastronomic scene like a native.
Discover hidden backstreet bars called enotecas, where Venetians gather to drink and socialize. You’ll also indulge in a combination of five regional wines and tantalizing cicchetti appetizers.
You’ll also take in the vibrant atmosphere of Campo de la Maddalena, with its iconic chimneys and the historic Round Church.
Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll learn about the 1,000-year history of the city. The bonus? Traverse the famous Canal Grande on a traditional traghetto. This will give you a unique perspective of Venice’s bustling “highway” of life.
This wine and cicchetti tour in Venice includes: A walking tour, all food and drink tastings, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Eat Like a Local: 3-Hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour dives right into authentic Venetian cuisine. The culinary adventure involves eight delectable stops, from the bustling Mercato di Rialto to hidden backstreets.
You’ll savor the finest Venetian pastries, delicious coffee, and the famous cicchetti with a foodie guide. Plus, discover Casanova’s favorite haunt in town, where he used to take his dates!
Visit Venice’s oldest bar, and learn about the city’s gastronomic scene before the grand finale: Authentic gelato!
This tour includes: A local guide, and all the food and drink tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this Venice Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings to dive into the culinary wonders of the city. You’ll explore the lively Rialto Market, which buzzes with colors and activity as the locals come to buy fresh vegs, fruit, and fish.
Pass by charming squares and impressive churches on your way to Campo San Polo, with a stop at Basilica dei Frari. Along the way, indulge in Venetian delicacies such as cicchetti, buranelli biscuits, and tramezzini.
Take in the sights of the Grand Canal as you explore the districts, and savor a visual feast to complement your gastronomic journey.
This tour includes: All food tastings, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Aperitivo & Dinner: Venice Food Tours by Night
▶️ The Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour offers the perfect way to end your day. Venture beyond the tourist traps to find hidden gems in the San Polo neighborhood during the golden hour.
Admire the exterior of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
All the way, you’ll be sampling your way through Venice! Among the tastings you’ll enjoy are the classic cicchetti, pasta, and gelato paired with a Spritz, wine, and Prosecco.
This tour includes: All food and drink tastings, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Ready for a tantalizing adventure? Join this Venice Cicchetti & Spritz Food Tour in Cannaregio with Dinner! Sip on Prosecco and savor Venetian small bites as you uncover hidden wine bars, the popular Rialto Market, and gelaterias.
Learn about the city’s food scene from your guide, and sit down for a scrumptious traditional lunch paired with wine. You’ll also learn to make a spritz and discover the differences between the Campari and Aperol spritzes.
Cap off the tour with a gondola ride across the Grand Canal, and indulge in gelato.
This Jewish Ghetto food tour in Venice includes: Spritz class, food tastings, a guide, dinner, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this Venice: Guided Aperitivo Food Tour to delve into one of Italy’s most beloved traditions. You’ll visit five local restaurants to sample delicious bites such as crostini, risotto, and codfish. Pair your meal with a refreshing Venetian Spritz!
Explore the city’s historic streets as your guide shares fascinating tidbits about Venice’s rich history. Finally, end the trip on a high note with heavenly espresso and artisanal chocolates. Yum!
This tour includes: All food and drink tastings, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Food Tours in Venice
▶️ Savor 10 hand-picked food and drink tastings on this Private The 10 Tastings Food Tour of Venice: Spritz Included.
Carefully selected by passionate hosts, you’ll delight in authentic flavors and iconic delicacies. These include iconic gelato, and a refreshing spritz.
But wait, there’s more! Explore Venice’s highlights, and gain insider knowledge about the city’s hidden gems.
This tour includes: A local guide, all tastings, and a personalized experience. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Experience the buzz of the nightlife scene on this Venice: Private Evening Tour w/ Drinks & Bites in Cannaregio. It takes you around the lively district for 2.5 delightful hours.
Indulge in three drinks and tasty bites at the trendiest spots as your guide showcases the district’s highlights.
Included in your tasting menu are glasses of wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages. This tour also has vegetarian options available, so be sure to request them if you want them!
This tour includes: Food and drink tastings, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Food & Wine Tour in Venice
▶️ The Eat, Drink, Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice takes you bar-crawling to the best local spots so you can relish the city’s delicacies…time and time again.
Sip six different wines, and experience Venice’s tantalizing flavors with delectable food pairings.
All dishes are crafted using fresh, regional ingredients and perfectly complement each wine on the tour.
Delight in a symphony of flavors, from crisp whites to velvety reds as you discover the secrets of choosing the right wine for any occasion!
This tour includes: A local guide, wine tasting, and all food pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
