Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Venice with the "Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure." This small-group guided tour offers hungry foodies a chance to indulge in over eight traditional local dishes, accompanied by three glasses of wine, as they explore the vibrant Rialto food market and charming old taverns. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll savor the authentic flavors of Venice and uncover a side of the city that many visitors miss. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into this delectable experience.
Key Points

- Guided small-group tour of Venice’s Rialto food market and local eateries, offering an immersive culinary experience for adventurous foodies.
- Includes tastings of over 8 traditional Venetian dishes, such as panini, tapas, pasta, and dessert, as well as 3 wine tastings.
- Tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and bottled water provided.
- Not suitable for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, vegetarians, or those with gluten and dairy allergies.
- Highly recommended by previous participants, with a 5.0 rating and a Badge of Excellence.
Tour Overview

The "Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure" is a small-group guided street food tour that takes travelers on an exploration of Venice’s renowned Rialto food market.
Focusing on authentic local eateries, the tour highlights the discovery of traditional dishes, from local panini and tapas to pasta and desserts.
Travelers can enjoy 8+ tastings, including three glasses of wine, as they learn about the city’s vibrant food culture.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 25 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Venice.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Venice
Tour Inclusions

As part of the "Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure" tour, travelers can expect to enjoy a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience.
The tour includes 3 wine tastings, as well as over 8 traditional local dishes like panini, tapas, pasta, and dessert. Guided by a knowledgeable local, the walking tour also provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, and bottled water.
While extra food and drinks aren’t included, the tour covers a comprehensive sampling of Venetian culinary delights, ensuring participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s vibrant food culture.
Meeting Information

Travelers will meet at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, next to the San Giacomo church fountain.
The tour guide will carry a red Streaty logo bag to help identify them.
The tour starts at 10:30 am and will end in the San Polo neighborhood of Venice.
This food adventure takes participants on a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
While hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided, the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, guests can expect a small-group experience focused on Venice’s authentic local eateries.
Important Considerations

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps, making it unsuitable for families with young children. On top of that, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Plus, there’s a €5 access fee for certain travelers staying outside of Venice on specific dates.
Lastly, the tour isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with gluten and dairy allergies, though pescatarians are welcome.
Customer Feedback

The tour boasts an impressive 5.0 rating based on 25 reviews. Customers rave about the exposure to new food items and immersion in local dining culture. Guides are consistently praised for their knowledgeability and friendliness, ensuring ample food and drink samples. The tour also accommodates dietary restrictions, allowing all participants to enjoy the experience.
| Criteria | Positive Feedback | Neutral Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Variety | Tried new, authentic dishes | – | Not suitable for certain diets |
| Tour Guide | Knowledgeable, friendly | – | – |
| Inclusivity | Adaptations for restrictions | – | – |
| Overall Experience | Engaging, worthwhile | – | – |
Love finding unique items? These other shopping experiences in Venice might appeal to you
- Market Tour and Cooking Class With a Venetian Chef
- Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour With Rialto Market Visit
- Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice With Wine Tasting & Sightseeing
- Rialto Market Tour and Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice
- Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice With Wine Tasting & Guided Sightseeing
- Private Secret Venice Tour; Rialto Market, San Polo & Food and Wine Tasting
Discovering Authentic Venetian Cuisine

Immersing oneself in the vibrant Rialto Market is the quintessential way to discover Venetian cuisine‘s rich tapestry.
Wandering through the bustling stalls, visitors encounter a symphony of flavors – from the briny scent of fresh seafood to the pungent aromas of aged cheeses. Guides share insights into local specialties, encouraging participants to savor each bite.
Tasting local panini, tapas, and pasta offers a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage. Sipping on Venetian wines and spirits completes the sensory experience, allowing travelers to truly enjoy the authentic flavors that define this captivating city.
Exploring the Rialto Food Market

Nestled in the heart of Venice, the Rialto Market is a bustling epicenter where the city’s culinary heritage comes alive.
This historic marketplace is the beating heart of Venetian gastronomy, offering a dazzling array of fresh seafood, handcrafted cheeses, cured meats, and local produce.
Visitors can enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas, chatting with friendly vendors and sampling the region’s finest delicacies.
From the glistening fish stalls to the fragrant vegetable stands, the Rialto Market provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the authentic flavors that define Venetian cuisine.
Indulging in Local Specialties

As visitors explore the Rialto Market, they’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing array of local Venetian specialties.
From creamy cheeses and artisanal cold cuts to fresh seafood and regional wines, the tour offers an immersive culinary experience. Guests can savor traditional panini, tapas-style bites, and even a pasta dish, all while learning about the history and culture behind these iconic flavors.
The expert guide will ensure ample tastings, catering to dietary needs where possible, and sharing insights into the market’s vibrant food scene.
It’s a chance to truly immerse in the local culinary traditions.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?
The tour information indicates that extra food or drinks not included in the tour are not permitted. Participants should bring only a refillable water bottle, as bottled water is provided. All other food and alcoholic beverages are included in the tour price.
Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option Available?
The tour is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, though adaptations may be available for pescatarians. It’s best to check with the tour provider before booking to ensure the offerings meet your dietary needs.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, as it’s a guided walking tour focusing on the Rialto food market. Participants can expect to cover around 1.5 to 2 miles during the experience.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?
No, you don’t need to purchase tickets in advance for this tour. Participants can simply show up at the meeting point and join the group on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts or special offers. Tickets must be purchased at the full price. However, there’s a €5 access fee for some travelers staying outside Venice on certain dates.
Final Words
This immersive food tour offers a unique opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Venice. Explore the vibrant Rialto market, indulge in traditional local dishes, and discover the charm of old taverns – a culinary journey that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Venice
- Portogruaro: Eastern Veneto through the Senses Tasting
- Wine Tasting with Local Food Board Pairing in Venice
- Grappa Tasting in Venice City Center
- Private 2 hrs Grand Canal, Hidden Gems Walk and food tasting
- Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
- Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner
More Tours in Venice
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Venice: Boat tour and visit to Murano Glass and Burano Lace
- Il meglio di Venezia in un tour dei punti più e meno noti
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
