Venice: The Ultimate Food Tour with Wine & Spritz

Setting out on a food tour in Venice offers more than just tasting delicious dishes — it’s an opportunity to see the city through the lens of its local cuisine, history, and lively social traditions. This 3.5-hour guided experience takes you into the heart of Venice’s culinary culture, visiting five carefully selected restaurants and Bacaros (Venetian wine bars). With a small group of like-minded foodies, you’ll taste authentic Venetian specialties, sip regional wines, and learn fascinating stories from passionate guides.

What makes this tour stand out is its well-balanced mix of delicious food, engaging storytelling, and local vibe. We love that it escapes tourist traps, offering genuine experiences in intimate settings. The knowledgeable guides, such as Letizia, Enrico, and Beatrice, bring Venice’s food culture to life with personal insights and enthusiasm. Plus, the included wine and spritz make it a social, fun-filled way to start or end a day.

One thing to consider is the tour involves about 2 km of walking and is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage. Also, it’s designed for guests 18 and over due to alcohol tastings. But if you’re looking for a lively, educational, and tasty introduction to Venice, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection to Venice beyond the sights — those who enjoy food, wine, and stories, and aren’t fussed about a fast-paced, high-energy excursion. It’s perfect whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just after a fun social outing.

This experience made our article of 14 Fantastic Food Tours In Venice.

Key Points

• Authentic Venitian Experience: Visit five local restaurants, avoiding touristy spots.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Letizia and Enrico provide lively insights and personal stories.
• Tasty Sampling: Enjoy Venetian classics like risotto, mozzarella in carrozza, and regional snacks.
• Social Vibe: The tour includes a spritz and wine, emphasizing Venice’s tradition of aperitivo.
• Flexible and Convenient: Duration is around 3.5 hours, with small groups limited to 10.
• Value for Money: You get a substantial amount of food, drinks, and local knowledge for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Food Tour Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The journey begins near the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a stunning Gothic church that’s a recognizable Venice landmark. Meeting here makes it easy to find your guide and start the experience smoothly. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with guides like Beatrice or Letizia greeting participants with enthusiasm and a smile.

Exploring Venice’s Hidden Culinary Gems

The tour is thoughtfully structured into five stops, each about 45 minutes, allowing enough time to enjoy the food and absorb the surroundings without rushing. You’ll visit charming Bacaros and local eateries, many of which are recommended by guides based on their insider knowledge.

The tour skips over the typical tourist traps, taking you instead into authentic venues that locals frequent. This aspect is a real plus — as one reviewer pointed out, Enrico took them to places “they would have never found on their own,” adding a layer of discovery to the experience.

What You’ll Taste and Drink

You’ll kick off with a classic Venetian Spritz, a refreshing cocktail invented in the 1920s by adding Aperol to sparkling water. It’s the social drink of Venice and sets the tone for a lively, relaxed experience. Alongside the spritz, a crisp Prosecco and crostini topped with regional ingredients kick off the tasting.

Throughout the tour, you’ll sample exquisite Venetian dishes like risotto, mozzarella in carrozza (deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches), codfish with cornmeal, and melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant with tomato and mozzarella). Reviewers rave about the quality, noting the dishes are thoughtfully prepared and showcase regional flavors.

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The Importance of Local Insights

Guides like Letizia and Enrico don’t just talk about the food — they share stories about Venetian culture, history, and traditions. For example, the significance of cicchetti (Venetian tapas) is explained in detail, adding context and appreciation to each bite. As one reviewer mentioned, the guide shared “fascinating insights about Venetian culture,” making each stop a mini learning experience.

The Social Aperitivo Hour

A highlight is the “aperitivo hour” — a social cocktail time where you mingle with other guests and locals alike. The relaxed vibe allows conversations to flow, and you get to enjoy regional specialties in a convivial setting. The tour’s inclusion of regional wines ensures you taste the best local options, with guides explaining their origins and pairing tips.

A Sweet Close

The tour concludes with a visit to the city’s most famous confectionery, where you’ll enjoy an excellent espresso alongside artisanal chocolates. It’s the perfect sweet ending after a well-rounded tasting experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

This iconic church serves as a perfect starting point, placing you in the historic ambiance of Venice. Guides often begin here with introductions and a brief overview of Venice’s culinary scene.

Stop 2: Campo S.S. Giovanni e Paolo – Street Food & Cocktails

The first tasting stop involves a Venetian cocktail and street food, such as cicchetti. With around 45 minutes here, you can savor regional bites and enjoy the lively atmosphere. One reviewer highlighted how their guide recommended delicious cicchetti and local drinks, making it a memorable introduction.

Stop 3: Regional Wines & Food

Next, you’ll explore more traditional Venetian fare, complemented by high-quality Prosecco. This part emphasizes wine’s role in Venetian social life, with guides explaining regional differences and pairing suggestions.

Stop 4: Aperitivo & Regional Specialties

Another 45-minute segment focuses on regional foods alongside a cocktail. You might try dishes like risotto or melanzane alla parmigiana, with the guide sharing stories behind each dish that deepen your appreciation.

Stop 5: Local Snacks & Wines

The penultimate stop features local snacks and regional wines, giving you one last taste of Venetian cuisine. Reviewers loved that guides like Enrico took them to hidden gems where they could enjoy authentic flavors.

Final Stop: Desserts & Artisanal Chocolates

The tour wraps up with desserts in one of Venice’s most famous confectioneries, ending with excellent espresso. Guests often mention how the chocolates are a highlight and that the guide’s recommendations made the experience complete.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Group Size and Guides

Limited to 10 people, the small-group setting ensures personalized attention and a more authentic experience. Guides like Emma, Beatrice, and Enrico are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Their local insights turn a simple food tour into a cultural mini-lesson.

Duration, Walking & Accessibility

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, involving roughly 2 km of walking. Expect to traverse narrow alleys and historic streets, so comfortable shoes are essential. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage.

Price and Value

Considering the food, drinks, and guided insights, many reviews feel this tour offers excellent value. You’ll sample multiple dishes, enjoy regional wines and cocktails, and learn about Venetian culture, all in a compact time frame.

When to Book

Availability varies, so it’s best to check in advance. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This food tour is perfect for travelers who love tasting authentic regional cuisine and want a social, engaging experience. It’s particularly suited for those wanting to explore Venice beyond the typical sights — into the city’s hidden culinary corners. The guided storytelling, excellent food, and convivial atmosphere make it a memorable start or end to your Venice adventure.

It’s best suited for adults 18 and over, especially given the alcohol tastings. If you’re after a relaxed, fun, and educational introduction to Venice’s food scene, this tour ticks all those boxes.

For travel lovers eager to experience Venice’s culinary soul in a cozy, friendly setting, this tour provides genuine value and unforgettable flavors.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour primarily features Venetian specialties that include seafood and cheese, but you might find some vegetarian options. It’s best to inquire directly for specific needs.

How much walking is involved?
Expect about 2 km of walking through narrow streets and alleys, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes. Soft drinks or non-alcoholic options are available, but you must be at least 18 to participate in the alcohol tastings.

Are the guides bilingual?
Guides speak both English and Italian, often switching between the two, to enhance storytelling and provide local context.

Is the tour wheelchair friendly?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the cobbled streets and walking distances.

What’s included in the tour price?
Food and drinks at each stop, plus the guided experience, are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personal experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must; bring a small bag for essentials. No large luggage or pets allowed.

Final Words

This Venetian food tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the city’s culinary traditions. With passionate guides, carefully selected local venues, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a perfect choice for anyone wanting to eat their way through Venice’s neighborhoods while learning about its culture. The small-group size makes it personal and memorable, and the inclusion of regional wines and spritz adds a true Venetian touch. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about local flavors, you’ll walk away satisfied, informed, and with a full belly.

You can check availability for your dates here: