Venice isn’t just about gondolas and Renaissance art; it’s also a city where food plays a central role—as integral to its charm as its centuries-old architecture. The city’s small, atmospheric bacari (wine bars), bustling markets, and hidden alleyways make Venice a perfect place for food tours. We love Venice like a Local: Food and Wine Tasting Tour, which combines Cicchetti, Italian wines, and a boat ride on the traghetto—giving you a taste of authentic Venetian life. Whether you want an offbeat exploration of Jewish Ghetto, or a scenic tour through Prosecco hills, Venice offers a variety of tours that suit different tastes and schedules. This guide will help you pick the right one for your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list includes small-group walking tours, inclusive wine experiences, hidden street-food routes, and day trips outside the city. Each experience offers something unique—from intimate tastings at local Bacari to scenic vineyard visits in Treviso. If you want a comprehensive culinary overview, tours like Venice: The Ultimate Food Tour with Wine & Spritz deliver multiple stops at Venice’s top restaurants. For a more intimate, local experience, check out Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner. Want to avoid tourist traps? Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours offers a behind-the-scenes look at Venice’s most authentic eateries.
1. Venice like a Local: Food and Wine Tasting Tour
At number 1, this Venice like a Local: Food and Wine Tasting Tour takes you on a 2.5-hour journey through Venice’s famous wine bars and districts. Your guide leads a small group of just 10 people, ensuring personalized attention. You’ll explore the Rialto area, Cannaregio, and cross the Grand Canal via traghetto gondola—a fun, authentic Venetian touch. The tour features traditional Cicchetti, paired with high-quality Italian wines, and visits beloved local spots like Cantina Do Mori. Reviewers rave about Olimpea and Jada, mentioning their guides’ knowledge, punctuality, and friendly demeanor. The tour’s value lies in its combination of delicious food, engaging history, and intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers wanting a balanced blend of tasting, culture, and local life—with a boat ride included to make it extra special.
2. Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
In second place, this Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour focuses on Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto, revealing hidden gems away from the tourist crowds. Led by a passionate local, you’ll visit a historic bakery, Venetian taverns, and charming cafes. The tour includes tastings of cicchetti, Venetian wines, and authentic tiramisu, plus a spritz-making demonstration. With a rating of 5.0 from 309 reviews, it offers 3.5 hours of rich culture at a reasonable price. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the delicious, diverse food. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more authentic, less touristy experience.
Bottom Line: Great for those who love hidden corners, local stories, and a relaxed pace with exceptional food.
3. Venice: The Ultimate Food Tour with Wine & Spritz
Number 3, Venice: The Ultimate Food Tour with Wine & Spritz offers a comprehensive 3.5-hour itinerary visiting 5 traditional restaurants. Starting at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, you’ll taste local street food, regional wines, and Venetian-style desserts. This tour stands out because it combines multiple tasting stops with storytelling about Venice’s culinary history, all while avoiding the main tourist traps. Guests praise guides like Enrico and Letizia for their friendly, informative approach. The tour is suited for those wanting an in-depth taste of Venice’s cuisine in a shorter amount of time.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a full-flavor overview in a relaxed setting, with the chance to sample Venetian snacks, wine, and dessert.
4. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Coming in at number 4, this Venice Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours is a small-group experience perfect for foodies eager to explore off the beaten track. It covers local cafes, bacari, and markets, with tastings of famous cicchetti, Veneto polenta, and secret dishes. The tour is highly praised for its personalized attention—maximum 12 participants—and visits to authentic eateries you might never find alone. Guides like Olympia and Carlotta receive excellent reviews for their friendliness and depth of knowledge. This tour is ideal if you favor hidden spots with a local touch.
Bottom Line: For a more intimate, secret look at Venice’s food scene, this tour delivers with flavorful surprises and engaging stories.
5. Prosecco hills wine and food tour from Venice and Treviso
Number 5, this Prosecco Hills Wine and Food Tour is perfect for a day trip outside Venice. It covers Valdobbiadene, the heart of Prosecco production. The 9-hour tour includes visits to an ancient cellar, a scenic vineyard walk, and a traditional lunch with local dishes. Guests love the professional guides, like Julia and Giacomo, and the stunning landscape. The tour provides insights into Prosecco making, along with wine tastings and regional specialties. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts or those wanting a scenic escape.
Bottom Line: A beautiful combination of wine tasting, countryside scenery, and local cuisine, ideal for a full-day outside the city.
6. Private 2 hrs Grand Canal, Hidden Gems Walk and food tasting
Number 6 offers a short but rich experience with Private 2 hrs Grand Canal, Hidden Gems Walk and Food Tasting. Combining a cruise on the Grand Canal with a walking tour of Venice’s lesser-known alleys, this experience ends with a local snack or sweet. It’s notable for its scenic canal views, historic landmarks like San Giovanni e Paolo, and the chance to see Tintoretto paintings. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the balance of boat and walking. The high price reflects its personalized, intimate format.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a luxurious, scenic overview with food and hidden Venice in one short tour.
7. Drink eat and walk in Venice
Number 7, Drink Eat and Walk in Venice is a 2-hour tour designed for those who want a quick, authentic taste. It visits 2 bacari, tasting cicchetti and wine or soft drinks, plus homemade gelato or dessert. Roberto’s friendly, storytelling style makes it a hit, especially for first-time visitors. The tour’s small size and focus on local, less touristy spots make it ideal for a quick culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Venice’s food and local atmosphere.
8. Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner
Rated 4.5, this Venice Evening Food Tour combines cicchetti, wine bars, and a sit-down dinner in 3 hours. You’ll explore the Cannaregio district, visiting local bacari and restaurants, while savoring 8 tastings, 3 wines, and artisanal gelato. The guide shares insider tips on Venetian cuisine. Reviewers like Irene and Sarena highlight the friendly guides and well-curated stops. It’s a good fit for foodies wanting an evening of relaxed tasting and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Great for an all-in evening experience, combining snacks, wine, and dinner with local stories.
9. Venice Food Tasting Tour: Bites, Wine, Dinner & Local Guide
Number 9 offers a full evening with 8 tastings, 4 drinks, and a sit-down Venetian dinner. Starting at Despar Teatro Italia, this tour explores Cannaregio with a guide sharing local culinary traditions. Guests appreciate the variety of foods and the lively atmosphere. The tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive food adventure in Venice, combining street food, wine, and a full meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary enthusiasts or travelers eager for a full, lively experience.
10. Rialto Food Tour With View
This Rialto Food Tour With View stands out because it combines Venice’s iconic sights with food tastings. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit the Rialto Bridge, Teatro Malibran, and local markets, sampling sardines in saor, baccala, and regional wines. The guide ensures you experience Venice’s culinary culture while passing famous landmarks. Reviewers love the insider stories and scenic viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a short, scenic tour that combines sights and bites.
11. Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local – Evening Cicchetti Tour
Rated 4.7, this Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local focuses on local neighborhoods, with visits to bacari to enjoy cicchetti, spritz, and regional drinks. The tour lasts 3 hours and offers a relaxed, authentic experience. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and tasty stops. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to escape tourist traps and experience the real Venice.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nighttime food exploration in Venice’s authentic neighborhoods.
12. Venice: Food and Wine Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Number 12, Venice: Food and Wine Walking Tour offers an authentic, personalized experience. In 3 hours, your local guide will lead you through trendy districts, recommending the best places to eat, sip, and shop. The tour includes wine tastings, local specialties, and insider tips. With only 9 reviews but high ratings, it’s best for those seeking a customized, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want to explore Venice through its best eateries and local haunts.
13. Rialto Street Food & Stories: A Taste of Venice
This Rialto Street Food & Stories tour is the shortest, at 1.5 hours, but packs a punch for history and bites. You’ll taste cicchetti, regional cheeses, and sweets while hearing stories of Venice’s daily life. Reviewers emphasize the passionate guide and the delicious food. It’s great for a quick, flavorful snapshot of Venice.
Bottom Line: Works well for a brief, rich taste of Venice’s street food and local tales.
14. Venice Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
Finally, number 14, this Venice Street Food & Sightseeing Tour offers 2.5 hours of walking and tasting. It features the Rialto Market, Basilica dei Frari, and regional cicchetti, cheeses, and biscuits. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and variety of local foods. It’s perfect for combining Venice’s iconic sights with authentic bites.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and street food.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Venice
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a short, scenic overview, tours like Rialto Food Tour With View or Drink Eat and Walk in Venice work well. If you’re after more comprehensive culinary experiences, Venice: The Ultimate Food Tour balances multiple tastings with storytelling. For a local, less touristy vibe, Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour and Secret Food Tours are top options. If you’re craving wine and countryside scenery, the Prosecco Hills Day Trip delivers.
Book early, especially in high season, and choose based on how much time you want to spend, whether you prefer walking or boat rides, and if you want local secrets or scenic vineyards.
Venice offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences, from tiny cicchetti bites to luxurious wine tastings. Whether you’re exploring hidden bacari, enjoying a scenic Prosecco tour, or sampling local sweets, there’s a perfect tour for every traveler. For a balanced taste of the city’s flavors and stories, start planning early and select the experience that matches your pace and palate. Book ahead to secure your spot and savor Venice’s food culture to the fullest.