Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market, Cannaregio, Gondola Ride, Food & Wine

Learn about the food and culture of Venice

Venice has a food culture quite unlike anywhere else in Italy – or the world, for that matter. There is no farmable land here; so no meat, dairy or grains. Originally constructed of wood, the whole city was a fire hazard; so no wood-burning ovens for pizza. However, as a trading city, Venice had access to spices from around the world, not to mention an endless supply of fish.

On this small group Venice Food Tour, you’ll get to the heart of the city through its stomach, dispelling those vicious rumors that there’s no good food in Venice. Of course there is, you just need to know where to look!

Visit the Rialto Fish Market and the best cicchetti bars

Who better to lead your Venice Food Tour than a local Venetian foodie? You’ll meet near the Rialto Bridge and head to your first food stop, which is one of our favorites. This bacaro is a popular gathering spot for locals thanks to its unbeatable cicchetti and a mean spritz. You’ll try two items of your choice here, along with local wine, prosecco, and spritz.

Next, you'll continue your culinary adventure as Venetians have for centuries – at the Rialto Fish Market. This is where the seafood restaurants in Venice buy their fish daily, deciding their menus based on the day’s catch. It’s also where you’ll first come to grips with the strange quirks of island living.

From there, it's off to one of the locals' favorite lunch spots in the Rialto area. Take your pick from their famous tramezzini—delicious sandwiches made with top-quality Italian ingredients.

Next up is another great cicchetti bar. Like the Spanish tapas, cicchetti is a food synonymous with Venice. Although menus change daily, they are usually dominated by crostini; slices of bread with various creative toppings; panini, which we know as sandwiches; and fritti, or fried food – mostly fish and vegetables. Cicchetti are a big part of Venetian food culture, as the perfect snack for fisherman, who arrive home from sea around 9 am and settle down in their favorite dark bars for a bite to eat and a glass of wine.

Cross the Grand Canal to explore delicious, historic Cannaregio

You won’t just eat as the locals do, you’ll travel like them too! Hop aboard a local gondola for a short ride, crossing the Grand Canal with your guide, disembarking by Ca d’Oro (or the ‘Gold Palace’) in the historic neighborhood of Cannaregio. While tourists clog the streets between Rialto and St. Mark’s Basilica, Cannaregio is where locals congregate. Historically termed the Jewish Ghetto, it’s the most storied part of the city, as you’ll learn from your guide. Settle down in this lovely neighborhood for yet another glass of wine and a plate of the city’s best fresh seafood pasta.

Great food doesn't end with your Venice Food Tour

Before you part ways with your local expert, they’ll give you recommendations for restaurants and bars to suit your palate, so that you can continue eating and enjoying Venice like a local. They’ll give you tips on how to avoid the more touristy restaurants and where to seek out the best food at the best prices – and what to try when you get there.

Traveling in small groups of only 12 people throughout your tour, you’ll find it easy to engage with your local guide, and ask any questions that come to mind. With their help, you’ll learn about Venice through its incredible food - and manage to avoid pricey, mediocre meals!