Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local Evening Cicchetti Tour

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Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local Evening Cicchetti Tour — A Detailed Review

Exploring Venice often means wandering through its enchanting streets and admiring its famous landmarks, but for those eager to uncover the city’s true flavor, a culinary tour like this one offers a delicious escape from the crowds. This particular experience, offered by Devour Tours, promises a three-hour journey into Venice’s local food and drink culture, with visits to hidden bacari, tasting of authentic cicchetti, and spectacular views to cap off the evening.

While we haven’t personally joined the tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. If your idea of a perfect evening in Venice involves sampling local wines, traditional bites, and scenic canals, then this experience is worth considering.

What we love about the tour:

Its focus on small, family-owned spots rather than tourist-heavy venues
The opportunity to enjoy local drinks like spritz, prosecco, and wine at multiple stops
The chance to finish with authentic gelato on a canal-side deck with sunset views
The insightful commentary from guides who are knowledgeable about Venetian customs and history

One potential downside is that it’s a walking tour, so it might not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility challenges or strollers. Still, for lovers of food adventures that combine culture and scenery, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is especially well-suited for foodies, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed, authentic way to spend an evening in Venice. If you prefer structured, guided tastings over wandering on your own, this tour offers both education and enjoyment in equal measure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Venitian cuisine: Focus on local, family-run bacari and traditional cicchetti.
Scenic routes: The tour passes through less touristy neighborhoods, offering genuine neighborhood vibes.
Variety of drinks: Includes tastings of wine, prosecco, and spritz, with non-alcoholic options available.
Cultural insights: Guides share interesting facts about Venetian customs and history at each stop.
Finish with a view: The tour ends with authentic gelato on a deck overlooking the Giudecca Canal — perfect for sunset photos.
Small group feel: Tours are available for private or small groups, ensuring an intimate experience.

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What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at one of two possible meeting points in Campo San Tomà or Campo Santa Margherita, both lively squares away from the main tourist throngs. We loved the way the initial stop sets a friendly tone — a modern, lively bacaro with young, welcoming owners who clearly care about quality. Here, you’ll get to enjoy crisp bread cicchetti and a refreshing spritz, which locals swear by for an aperitivo.

Exploring Venetian Neighborhoods

From there, your guide will meander through the narrow streets of San Polo or Dorsoduro, giving you a real sense of local life. We appreciated the mix of famous sights and hidden gems en route. One reviewer mentioned how their guide, Ludovica, combined cultural stories with food recommendations, making the experience both tasty and informative.

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Stop 1: Traditional Cold Cuts and Prosecco

The next stop is a historic building with exposed beams and stone arches — a setting that elevates your tasting experience. You’ll indulge in cold cuts paired with a glass of prosecco, which pairs perfectly with the savory bites. Many guests, like Kristine, find this stop highlights the best of Venetian hospitality, with delicious food and friendly service.

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Stop 2: Contemporary Venetian Wine Bar on the Canal

Next, you’ll visit a modern yet authentically Venetian wine bar located right on the canal. The setting is cozy and lively, perfect for sipping a glass of wine and sampling fried cicchetti. The reviews praise the high quality of the wine selection and the relaxed atmosphere, making this a standout moment of the tour.

Hidden Local Spot for Pasta

Following the scenic route, you’ll arrive at a tucked-away, cozy restaurant offering traditional Venetian pasta. Here, you’ll sit down for a plate of handmade, authentic pasta and enjoy a glass of wine. One reviewer appreciated how these stops felt like eating with friends rather than in a tourist trap — a real taste of local life.

Finishing with Gelato and Canal Views

The tour wraps up at a gelateria with over 100 years of history, serving artisan gelato that has seduced Venetians since the 1920s. The setting is perfect — a welcoming deck with views of the Giudecca Canal, ideal for enjoying your last sweet note as the sun sets.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the detailed itinerary includes stops in Campo San Tomà or Santa Margherita, the journey takes you through authentic local eateries and scenic streets. Stops include:

A modern bacaro with spritz and cicchetti
An elegant, historic building for cold cuts and prosecco
A canal-side wine bar for fried cicchetti and wine
A cozy, hidden restaurant for traditional pasta
A gelato shop with a panoramic canal view

Each stop is carefully curated to combine culinary delights with cultural insights. The group size typically remains small, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

The Value of the Experience

Compared to self-guided explorations, joining a guided tour like this offers expert insights, local recommendations, and a sense of camaraderie. The price includes a variety of tastings — cicchetti, pasta, gelato, and drinks — which means you’re getting a rundown of Venetian flavors in just three hours.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer mentioning how their guide, Daria, was “fabulous” and made the experience even more memorable. The tour’s focus on authentic, family-owned venues ensures you’re supporting local businesses rather than tourist traps.

Practical Details

Duration: 3 hours, with starting times available based on your schedule
Group size: Small or private options available for a more intimate experience
Cost: Offers good value considering the multiple tastings and guided insights
Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or strollers; involves walking
Vegetarian/Non-alcoholic options: Available, but some stops may not have replacements
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want to taste authentic Venetian food and drinks while exploring lesser-known neighborhoods. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, local insights, and scenic views. If you’re a lover of wine, cicchetti, and gelato, this tour hits all the right notes.

It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want a relaxed, engaging way to experience Venice beyond the typical tourist spots. However, those with mobility issues or strollers should consider other options.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, dairy-free, and pregnant guests. However, replacements at every stop aren’t guaranteed, and vegan options are not available.

Are non-alcoholic drinks available?
Yes, you can request non-alcoholic alternatives for any of the drinks, including spritz, prosecco, or wine.

How long is the walking involved?
Since it is a walking tour, expect moderate-paced walking through Venice’s streets. The tour involves some extended standing but is generally manageable for most.

Where does the tour end?
It finishes back at the same meeting point or nearby, making it easy to continue exploring or head to dinner afterward.

Can I join if I am not a big eater?
The tastings are generous and varied, so most guests find it enough for a light meal or substantial snack.

Are children allowed?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as Venice’s streets can be cobbled and uneven.

Is there a recommended dress code?
Venice is generally casual, but since some stops are in historic buildings, smart casual is appropriate.

Final Thoughts

The Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local Evening Cicchetti Tour offers a genuinely authentic taste of what Venetians enjoy every day. It’s a relaxed, friendly, and flavorful way to explore the city’s neighborhoods, away from tourist-heavy streets. Expect a combination of delicious food, local wines, scenic views, and engaging stories from guides passionate about their city.

If you’re a traveler who loves discovering local flavors, learning about traditions, and enjoying beautiful vistas, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially valuable for those wanting to combine cultural insight with culinary delights in a limited timeframe.

While it might not be ideal for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or vegan diets—it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an authentic, tasty, and scenic Venetian experience. Prepare to walk, taste, and soak in the atmosphere of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.