Cicchetti & Concert in Venice

If you’re considering adding a cultural evening to your Venice trip, the Cicchetti & Concert tour might catch your eye. It promises a taste of Venice’s renowned gourmet scene with traditional cicchetti and a chance to enjoy a concert in one of the city’s historic Venetian schools.

While the idea of combining local bites with classical music sounds perfect, it’s worth knowing what to expect—especially if you’re aiming for an evening that’s smooth and memorable. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and logistics to help you decide if this tour aligns with your Venice plans.

What we love about this experience is the chance to try Venetian cicchetti like a local — tiny, flavorful bites paired with a glass of local wine. Plus, the setting for the concert—a historic Venetian school—adds an authentic, almost magical atmosphere.

One possible drawback is the organization, which some travelers found confusing or rushed, particularly regarding timing and staff communication. So, if you’re a meticulous planner, keep that in mind.

This experience suits travelers who are eager to indulge in Venice’s musical and culinary culture within a compact, three-hour window. It’s especially appealing if you value authentic local food and a stunning concert setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Venetian cuisine served in a traditional bàcaro, with a chance to enjoy local wine.
• A beautiful historic setting for the concert, in a 16th-century Venetian school.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
• A short, 3-hour experience ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Mixed reviews highlight the importance of organization and timing.
• Suitable for those who appreciate music and gourmet bites in an intimate, historic environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Dinner in a Venetian Osteria

The tour begins at Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso at 7:00 pm, a spot that’s supposed to serve typical Venetian cicchetti. You’ll mingle with other guests over Prosecco, a sparkling white wine that’s iconic in the region, setting a lively tone for the evening. From there, the menu includes items like fish toasts, tuna meatballs, Mozzarella in Carrozza (fried mozzarella sandwiches with anchovies), creamed salted codfish, Sarde in saor (marinated sardines) with polenta, and fried squids.

The sampling of small bites is meant to mimic the way locals eat—biting into a handful of flavorful, often seafood-based, Venetian specialties. You’ll also get a half-liter of mineral water and a glass of white or red wine, which provides the perfect accompaniment.

What to expect here is a casual, authentic atmosphere—though some reviews mention slow service and limited time to enjoy everything. One traveler noted that the service was slow and they had to skip the coffee they had already paid for because of time constraints. So, if you’re hungry or a foodie, keep in mind that your experience could be a little rushed.

The Concert in the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro

At 8:30 pm, you’ll move to the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro, a grand and historic Venetian building that dates back to the 16th century. The doors open at 8:00 pm, giving you some time to settle into the spectacular setting before the music begins.

The concert features performances by I Musici Veneziani, a group renowned for their renditions of Vivaldi and other classical composers. The repertoire varies, with performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on different instruments depending on the day (oboe and tenor on some days, flute and soprano on others).

This part of the evening offers a glimpse into Venice’s musical tradition, with the warm welcome by staff dressed in period costumes adding to the historic ambiance. The music itself is appreciated for its quality and atmosphere, making it a highlight for lovers of classical tunes.

The Overall Flow and Logistics

The entire experience is designed to last about three hours, with dinner starting promptly at 7:00 pm and the concert beginning at 8:30 pm. The timing can be tight, especially if the dinner service runs slowly, which has been a point of frustration for some travelers. One review mentioned that they had to rush through dinner to make it to the concert on time, missing part of the experience.

Tickets are flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before, and the ability to reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your plans are still fluid.

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What the Reviews Say: The Good and the Not-So-Good

While many travelers praise the concert’s quality and the authentic setting, there are some pointed out issues with organization. One traveler from Belgium described arriving at the restaurant where staff seemed unsure of the program and waiting 15 minutes just for water. They also felt the concert space was overcrowded, with seating arrangements that weren’t entirely comfortable.

A traveler from Brazil simply stated, “Comida ruim, o show é bom” (poor food, good show), indicating that the main draw is the concert, while the food may not meet everyone’s expectations.

Conversely, a positive review from 2022 described the experience as “trop bien on C’est régaler,” highlighting how some guests find the overall atmosphere enjoyable and worth the price.

The Food

Though the menu offers a variety of Venetian classics, some reviews suggest the service is slow, and the meal may feel hurried. The limited time between dinner and the concert means you might not get to enjoy every bite or beverage fully.

The Concert

Attendees consistently appreciate the performance quality and the historic setting, which elevates the experience beyond just listening to music. The musicians are well-regarded, and the concerts tend to be a centerpiece of the evening.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Meeting points are clearly specified, with the dinner location at Corte dell’Orso and the concert at San Teodoro.
• Doors open at 8:00 pm for the concert, so plan to arrive early to settle in.
• The duration is set at 3 hours, making it a compact but culturally rich evening.
• Weather doesn’t typically impact the event as it’s indoors, but in case of very heavy rain, the tour might be canceled for safety reasons. Refunds are available if canceled.
• Not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for those with allergies or celiac disease due to menu restrictions.
• The experience is not suitable for pets or those looking for a leisurely, unhurried dinner.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a compelling peek into Venice’s culinary and musical traditions within a historic setting. If you’re someone who values live classical music and wants to try Venetian cicchetti in an authentic environment, you’ll likely enjoy it. The concert in the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro is a definite highlight, especially if you love Vivaldi or baroque music.

However, keep in mind that organization can vary, and some guests have found the evening a bit rushed or confusing. If you’re particular about timing or detailed planning, you might want to prepare for some flexibility. The price, which covers both dinner and the concert, is decent considering the setting and quality of the music, but manage expectations about the meal’s pace and variety.

This tour is best suited for music lovers and foodies who are open to a lively, somewhat busy evening in Venice. It’s a good choice if you want a short, visually stunning cultural experience that combines gourmet bites with classical melodies.

FAQs About the Cicchetti & Concert in Venice

Is the dinner included in the ticket price?
Yes, the ticket covers both the dinner at Bacarando and the concert at San Teodoro.

What time does the dinner start?
Dinner begins promptly at 7:00 pm.

Can I arrive late or leave early?
The experience is scheduled for about 3 hours, but arriving late might cause you to miss part of either the meal or the concert. Leaving early isn’t recommended since it can disrupt the flow.

Is the concert suitable for children?
The tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the concert’s classical nature and historic venue, it’s more suited for older children or adults who appreciate music.

Is this experience accessible for people with disabilities?
No, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and the menu isn’t suitable for those with allergies or celiac disease.

What if it rains?
The activity proceeds rain or shine; only very heavy rain might cause cancellation and refund.

How long are the performances?
The concert lasts from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm, varying slightly depending on the day.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve without immediate payment.

In the end, if you’re after a lively, culturally rich evening with good music and local flavors, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into Venice’s artistic soul. Just keep in mind the organization might vary, and it’s a good idea to arrive prepared for a lively, slightly hurried night.

You can check availability for your dates here: