La Spezia is a fantastic place for food lovers. Its location as a port city means fresh seafood is always on the menu, and the local cuisine is a flavorful mix of Ligurian and Tuscan influences. While many visitors come for the Cinque Terre‘s stunning scenery, the city itself offers some excellent food tour options that reveal its culinary secrets. One standout is the La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better, which combines a relaxed walk through the historic center with delicious local bites. This tour’s small-group setting and seasonal menus make for a personal and memorable experience.
Other tours offer different slices of La Spezia’s food scene, from full meal explorations to street food tastings and artisanal shop visits. Whether you’re after a quick, focused bite or a more extensive culinary journey, the options below highlight what makes La Spezia worth exploring through its flavors.
Here’s a quick overview of the best food tours in La Spezia, with details on what makes each one special:
- La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better — A personalized, small-group tour with 4-5 stops showcasing Ligurian specialties.
- La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Full Meal Food Tour — A 3-hour experience sampling street foods, regional dishes, and sweet treats.
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour — A slightly longer, more comprehensive exploration with five stops at typical eateries.
- La Spezia: Small-Group Street Food Tour — An artisanal, shop-hopping experience for those wanting a true local-food feel.
1. La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better
At number 1 on our list, this tour earns a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 115 reviews. It offers a 3-hour, small-group walk through La Spezia’s historic center with 4–5 carefully selected food stops. You’ll sample regional specialties like briny fried anchovies, chickpea pancakes, and focaccia, all served at top local spots. The tour emphasizes seasonal menus, so you’ll always taste the freshest ingredients.
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized touch—small groups ensure intimacy, and your guide provides expert commentary on local cuisine and history. Tour guide Beatrice, praised for her knowledge and friendliness, keeps the pace comfortable while revealing hidden gems. Reviewers highlight the generous portions, local atmosphere, and the chance to explore both the food and the town’s charming waterfront.
This tour is perfect if you want a relaxed, informative introduction to Ligurian food, with an emphasis on quality and local flavor. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and wish to learn about the food culture from a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: For an authentic, personal taste of La Spezia’s culinary scene, this tour offers a well-rounded, flavorful introduction with a friendly guide and a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
2. La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Full Meal Food Tour
Ranking just behind the top spot, this 3-hour experience dives into La Spezia’s street food and regional dishes. It’s designed for those who want to sample a wide variety of foods, from anchovies and calamari to bread-based specialties like sgabei, testaroli, and panigacci. The tour also includes tasting regional espresso and ice cream, making for a satisfying, well-rounded food adventure.
What makes this tour attractive is its focus on traditional street foods and the chance to experience La Spezia’s local flavor in a lively, social setting. You’ll visit at least four top food stops, each offering a distinct taste. The itinerary includes stops on Via Torino and other iconic spots, giving a good overview of the city’s casual eats. It’s suitable for those who want a more extensive tasting and enjoy sampling different textures and flavors in one session.
Reviewers appreciate the chance to try authentic Ligurian street food and highlight the relaxed pace. The inclusion of one drink per stop—either wine, beer, or soft drinks—adds to the convivial atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a short, lively, and delicious introduction to local cuisine.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a broad taste of La Spezia’s street food scene, perfect for travelers eager to try many flavors in a short, social outing.
3. La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour
This slightly longer tour, at about 3.5 hours, takes you into La Spezia’s culinary heart with a focus on traditional dishes. Led by local expert Sara, you’ll visit five eateries to sample regional specialties, street food, and enjoy a delightful dessert or gelato. The route emphasizes authentic ingredients and a warm, approachable atmosphere, giving visitors a taste of La Spezia’s unique blend of Ligurian and Tuscan influences.
While reviews are limited—only two, both 4 stars—the feedback underscores Sara’s friendly approach and the delicious variety of foods. It’s a good fit for those wanting a more comprehensive exploration of the city’s cuisine, with a little more time at each stop to savor the flavors. It’s particularly suited for food-focused travelers interested in the local food scene beyond just seafood.
This tour stands out for its authenticity and local charm, and it’s a lovely choice if you want a slightly more in-depth experience, especially if you love trying dishes like testaroli or farinata.
Bottom Line: For a taste of La Spezia’s Ligurian-Tuscan hybrid cuisine with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a warm, authentic experience.
4. La Spezia: Small-Group Street Food Tour
Finally, this 3-hour tour is ideal for those who want to explore La Spezia like a local. Visiting small artisanal shops, you’ll enjoy tastings that introduce you to Italy’s typical products, all within a more intimate setting. Although reviews are limited and the rating is 3.7/5, the tour’s focus on local artisans and tasting in authentic shops makes it a different kind of experience.
Participants learn about the city’s unique products while sampling items directly from local producers, making this a hands-on food adventure. It’s perfect if you’re interested in artisanal foods and want to discover local producers’ stories. This tour’s strength lies in its personal touch, offering insight into Italy’s culinary craft in small, friendly groups.
While it may not appeal if you prefer a more structured or longer tour, it’s good for travelers wanting a behind-the-scenes look at local food shops and a less touristy experience.
Bottom Line: For those interested in artisanal foods and local shop visits, this tour provides an authentic look into La Spezia’s craftsmanship.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in La Spezia
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a comprehensive taste of local cuisine, the full meal experience offers a generous sampling of street foods and regional dishes. For a more intimate, educational experience, the Taste Cinque Terre by Do Eat Better is a top choice with its small-group size and personalized approach. If your priority is trying a variety of bites quickly, the Street Food Tour gives you a lively, hands-on experience with local artisans.
Booking early is recommended during peak season, especially for popular small-group tours. Think about whether you prefer structured tasting stops or exploring more informally via artisanal shops. Also, check if dietary preferences or walking distances matter to you—most tours are walk-and-taste, so comfortable shoes and a flexible attitude help.
Final Thoughts
La Spezia offers a surprising variety of food tours tailored to different tastes and schedules. The top-rated Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic, personal introduction, while the Full Meal Food Tour suits travelers eager to sample as much as possible. For a more artisanal, behind-the-scenes experience, the Small-Group Street Food Tour provides insight into local craftsmanship.
Whatever your choice, booking early and considering your specific interests will ensure you enjoy La Spezia’s delightful flavors. Whether you’re craving seafood, street snacks, or regional specialties, these tours will deepen your appreciation for this Ligurian port city.
