Venice isn’t just a city of canals and stunning architecture—it’s also a paradise for food lovers eager to explore authentic Venetian flavors. Unlike many touristy destinations that serve pre-packaged experiences, Venice offers a surprising variety of culinary tours designed to introduce you to the real taste of the city. We love Venice: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings, especially because it takes you into the Rialto Market and away from the crowds, letting you sample local street food and learn about Venetian cuisine directly from a knowledgeable guide. This authentic approach ensures you’ll enjoy cicchetti, the Venetian equivalent of tapas, and see the vibrant produce displays that define the city’s markets.
Venice’s food scene is remarkably diverse, blending history, tradition, and local ingredients into every bite. Whether you’re interested in a quick 2-hour wine crawl or a leisurely 4-hour market tour, you’ll find options that suit your taste and schedule. Some experiences focus on local wines and bar crawls, like Eat, drink and repeat: Wine and Food tasting tour in Venice, while others offer a deep dive into bucolic markets and hidden eateries. Below, we’ve compiled the 15 best food tours in Venice, highlighting what makes each special, so you can choose the perfect culinary adventure for your trip.
1. Venice: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings
At number 1, this Street Food Tour is a favorite for its authentic focus and comprehensive experience. It lasts 2.5 hours and takes you through the Rialto Market, where the colors and smells of fresh produce instantly connect you to Venice’s trading roots. Your guide introduces you to local snacks like cicchetti, and you’ll visit mom-and-pop shops rather than tourist traps. The reviews rave about how informative and fun the guide Emma or Bruno can be, sharing stories alongside tastings. If you want a relaxed, tasty introduction that avoids touristy spots, this tour is perfect. Expect to go hungry because there’s a lot of food, and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Venetian food culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers wanting an authentic, flavorful peek into Venetian street eats.
2. Eat, drink and repeat: Wine and Food tasting tour in Venice
Number 2 on our list is Eat, drink and repeat, a 2-hour small-group wine crawl with a focus on Veneto’s full-flavored wines. During this tour, you’ll visit six bars or restaurants, sampling regional specialties paired with local wines. Georgia, the guide, shares legends and stories behind each neighborhood’s food and drink, making it more than just a tasting. Reviewers highlight how the guide’s insight elevates the experience, and many mention how filling the tastings are—so come hungry. This tour is fantastic for those interested in Venetian wine culture and its culinary pairing traditions. The intimate size (around 10 people) ensures personal attention.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers eager to learn how Venetian wines complement local cuisine in a relaxed setting.
3. Venice Bacaro Food Tour – Eat and Drink like a Venetian
At number 3, the Venice Bacaro Food Tour offers a leisurely 3.5-hour exploration of the Cannaregio district, focusing on local bars and restaurants. You’ll visit four stops, tasting everything from spritzes and crostini to authentic cicchetti and gelato. This tour is limited to 10 people, ensuring a more personal experience. The itinerary includes historical insights and a chance to see how Venetians dine daily. Reviewers love how this tour skips tourist-heavy spots and goes straight to local favorites. It’s best suited for foodies who want a mix of culinary delights and cultural stories, with enough food for a satisfying meal.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting an in-depth, relaxed taste of Venetian bar culture.
4. Venice: Sunset Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings
Number 4 takes you into the magic hour with a Sunset Food and Wine Walking Tour. Over 3 hours, you’ll stroll through Venice’s iconic landmarks, enjoying over 15 different foods and local wines, all while watching the city’s sunset. The tour covers areas like the Rialto Bridge and the oldest church, combining culinary tastings with scenic views. The timing lends itself to a romantic, atmospheric experience. Reviewers mention the opportunity to taste both classic and modern dishes, making it suitable for foodies wanting a visually stunning and flavorful walk. It’s a good choice for those wanting to combine culinary delights with sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for a romantic evening with a mix of food, wine, and spectacular views.
5. Venice Exclusive Private Food Tour with 6 or 10 Tastings
Number 5 is the Private Food Tour, perfect for travelers wanting a tailored experience. For about 2.5 hours, your private guide will take you to lesser-known eateries, focusing on personalized tastings like gelato and spritz. The tour is flexible, with options for 6 or 10 tastings, and includes lesser-explored spots. Reviewers praise Alexandria and Olympia, who provide customized insights and take you off the beaten path. It’s well-suited for families or groups who want an immersive, intimate food adventure. The notable value here is the personalized attention and flexibility.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a private, customizable experience with authentic Venetian bites.
6. Venice: Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour
Coming in at number 6, this Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunch combines the city’s best market sights with tastings. Over 4 hours, you’ll explore the Rialto market, sampling Venetian specialties and visiting local inns to try regional wines. You’ll meet producers and innkeepers, learning the stories behind the ingredients. Guests mention how this tour offers a substantial, culinary-rich experience with a good balance of historical insights. It’s perfect for those who want to combine a market visit with a seated meal. If you’re after a more in-depth look at Venice’s food scene, this is a top choice.
Bottom line: Excellent for foodies wanting a comprehensive market-focused experience.
7. Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
Number 7 features Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks, a 3.5-hour tour exploring Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto. Tasting cicchetti, Venetian wines, and tiramisu, you’ll also see hidden cafes and bakeries. The guide emphasizes local stories and lesser-known spots, making it ideal for those wanting a more intimate look at Venice’s food scene. Guests comment on how this tour avoids tourist traps and reveals authentic flavors. It’s suited for curious travelers who enjoy history and culture in their food.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a mix of culinary discovery and local history.
8. Venice: Food Tasting Tour with Cicchetti and Wine
Number 8 offers a Food Tasting Tour that focuses on cicchetti and regional wines across three districts. It includes 15 tastings, making it a full culinary experience. The tour emphasizes Venetian lifestyle and is great for those wanting to sample diverse neighborhoods in a single outing. The combination of history and food makes it appealing, especially for those curious about how Venice’s maritime past influences its cuisine.
Bottom line: An excellent way to explore multiple neighborhoods while enjoying Venetian bites and wines.
9. Venice: Street Food Tour Cicchetti, Spritz, Wine & Anecdotes
Number 9 is a 2-hour Street Food Tour, focusing on cicchetti, spritzes, and local stories. You’ll explore narrow streets, sample small bites, and learn about Venetian traditions. Reviewers highlight the entertaining guide and diverse tastings. It’s a lively, shorter tour ideal for travelers interested in a quick, flavorful overview. Expect a casual pace with plenty of local insights.
Bottom line: Great for a quick, fun taste of Venice’s street food and local culture.
10. Venice: Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour
Number 10 is a Rialto Market Food & Wine Tour, a 4-hour experience perfect for midday. It combines market visits, tastings of cicchetti, and regional wines along the Grand Canal. Guests appreciate the inside knowledge and the chance to see Casanova haunts. If you love local markets and want to pair that with food, this is a stand-out.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors wanting an immersive, culinary and cultural walk through Venice’s famous Rialto.
11. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 11 offers a Secret Food Tours, a 3.5-hour walk through Venice’s lesser-known eateries. The tour emphasizes authenticity with local dishes and hidden spots. Reviewers love the intimate size (max 12), which keeps the experience personal. You’ll taste Venetian specialties, hear stories behind the dishes, and see scenic canals en route. This tour is ideal for adventurous eaters who want to escape tourist traps.
Bottom line: Perfect for discovering hidden gems and authentic Venetian flavors away from the crowds.
12. Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit
Number 12 is a Street Food Tour, focusing on Venice’s traditional street foods. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit the bustling Rialto Market, sampling cicchetti, buranelli biscuits, cheeses, and more. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the variety of local specialties. It’s ideal for culinary enthusiasts who want a quick but comprehensive taste of Venice’s street scene.
Bottom line: Excellent for a flavorful, quick introduction to Venice’s street food culture.
13. Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit
Number 13 features a Tastes & Traditions tour, combining market visits with family-run bars. It includes tastings of cheeses, seasonal produce, and risotto, plus a gondola ride. The tour offers a balanced combination of food and local stories. Reviewers mention the authenticity of the food and the friendly guide, making it suited for travelers interested in local life.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, culturally-rich food experience with scenic touches.
14. Devour Venice Early Evening Local Food & Wine Tour
At number 14, Devour Venice offers a relaxed, 3-hour experience focused on local wine bars (bacari). It includes tastings of cicchetti, pasta, and wine. The tour emphasizes local favorites and is great for those wanting to experience Venice’s vibrant aperitivo culture. Guests mention the friendly guide and the chance to try multiple dishes in a comfortable setting. It’s perfect for an early evening outing.
Bottom line: Great for lovers of wine, food, and a casual, social atmosphere.
15. Venice: Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio Area Food Tour
Number 15 explores the Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio, focusing on pasta, wine, gelato, and baked goods. The 4-hour tour includes visits to authentic eateries and delis. Reviewers appreciate Vanessa’s knowledgeable narration and the focus on the area’s unique cultural and culinary identity. It’s ideal for those wanting a deeper cultural dive alongside their food sampling.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious travelers interested in Venice’s multicultural food heritage.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Venice
Choosing the perfect food tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want an authentic street food experience with a deep dive into local snacks and markets, the Street Food Tour is hard to beat. For wine aficionados, Eat, drink and repeat offers a quick but comprehensive taste of Veneto’s wines paired with bites. If your goal is a personalized, private experience, the Private Food Tour delivers one-on-one attention with lesser-known spots.
Budget travelers might prefer smaller tours like Venice Street Food with Local Guide, which offers a flavorful taste of Venice for a lower price. Those interested in history and culture will enjoy the Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio Food Tour, blending food and cultural insights.
Practical tips: Book early in peak seasons (spring and early fall), especially for private tours. Consider your preferred pace—short tours are ideal for a quick taste, while longer experiences suit foodies wanting a full immersion.
Final Thoughts
Venice offers a surprisingly diverse array of food tours that cater to every curiosity—whether you’re after street food, market visits, wine tastings, or a mix of all three. For an authentic taste, the Venice: Street Food Tour remains a top choice. Meanwhile, those seeking a personalized experience should consider the Private Food Tour. For lovers of history and food, the Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio** tour offers a meaningful cultural layer.
No matter which you pick, booking early ensures you get a spot in these popular experiences. Venice’s food scene is a vital part of its charm, and tasting your way through the city is one of the best ways to understand its soul.
