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Venice might be one of the most beautiful cities in the world – but it’s also one of the easiest places to eat badly.
Between the overpriced menus and the confusing layout of the city, finding genuinely great food (and knowing where to begin) can feel like a bit of a mission.
That’s why so many travellers turn to taking a food tour in Venice – but with so many on offer, how do you know which one’s actually worth doing?
That’s exactly why I booked myself onto the Tastes & Traditions of Venice tour with Devour. I wanted more than just a nice lunch – I wanted context. A local’s-eye view of what Venetians actually eat, when they eat it, and why.
It shaped the way I ate for the rest of my stay. You’ll find my full review of that tour just below – along with a link if that’s the experience you’d like to have too.
But of course, not everyone’s looking for the same thing.
Some travellers want a full-market-to-dessert experience. Others are in it for the cicchetti, the spritz, and the slow meander between canal-side bars. A few want something more wine-forward, with tastings as the main event.
That’s why I’ve curated this guide to the best food tours in Venice, breaking down exactly what each one offers – from timing and neighbourhood focus to food quantity and group size.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning cicchetti connoisseur, or just someone who wants to avoid the tourist traps, keep reading. This guide will help you find the right food tour for your trip to Venice.
My Top Picks: 3 Best Venice Food Tours
First choice – My Personal Top Pick
Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Rialto Market Tour & Cicchetti Tasting – by Devour Tours
■ Duration: 3.5 hours
■ This is the tour I personally took – and it’s hands down my top recommendation. It gives you a complete introduction to Venetian food culture, starting with tramezzini and coffee, winding through the Rialto Market, and ending with sweet treats. Thoughtful, well-paced, and packed with insight.
Second choice – Best for Evening Grazing & Local Vibes
Venice Sunset Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour – by Devour Tours
■ Duration: 3 hours
■ A more relaxed, after-dark option set in San Polo and Dorsoduro. Great if you want to experience cicchetti culture, sip spritz by the canals, and eat like a local without the structure of a full meal. Ideal for a lighter, more social food experience.
Third choice – Best for Going Off the Tourist Trail
Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour – by Eating Europe
■ Duration: 3.5 hours
■ Explore Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto on this intimate tour with a strong storytelling focus. You’ll get to try traditional dishes like baccalà mantecato and learn how to make a spritz – all in spots most tourists never find.
My Top Pick: Tastes & Traditions of Venice – Rialto Market Tour & Cicchetti Tasting
If you’re only going to do one food tour in Venice – make it this one.
Having previously done Devour’s “Tastes & Traditions” experience in Seville (which totally shaped how I ate for the entire two months I lived there), I already knew the kind of high standard to expect. So when I signed up for their Venice edition, I was hoping for something equally revelatory. And it really was.
Venetian food doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Yet this tour really helped me understand just how distinct and deeply local the city’s culinary identity is – shaped by the lagoon, centuries of trade, and a rhythm of life all its own.
Led by the endlessly charismatic Cristiano, our group of 10 ambled through the Rialto Market area and its surrounding bacari, stopping at more than seven spots to eat and drink our way through Venice’s food story. We began right by the Rialto Bridge, setting the tone with a lovely overview of Venice’s neighbourhoods and history before diving into the food itself.
What I love most about this tour is how it gently mimics a full day of Venetian eating. We started light, with tramezzini (those soft, crustless sandwiches the locals eat for breakfast), followed by cicchetti and fresh seafood bites – many of which highlighted the use of local lagoon produce.
It’s one of the few food tours where I genuinely felt like I learned something new about not just what people eat, but why they eat that way.
There’s a beautiful unhurriedness to the way the tour unfolds – a slow, social meander between places, Aperol spritz in hand (my favourite drink of the day, unsurprisingly). There was more than enough food to count as a full meal, and we finished with a gloriously thick hot chocolate and sweet treats, tucked into a cosy pasticceria.
Cristiano was a standout guide – personable and full of anecdotes, while also incredibly attentive. I was navigating a bit of a gluten sensitivity at the time, and he made sure I felt looked after without making it awkward. He also brought a lovely human touch to the tour: his own stories, his love for his city, and endless bits of local insight.
I also really appreciated the group dynamic – a small, easygoing bunch of travellers from different parts of the world. Despite being a bit introverted myself, I found myself chatting with multiple people, which I often find is the case on Devour tours. They just seem to attract good people.
👉 Book Tastes & Traditions of Venice with Devour Tours
✔️ Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to get your bearings (and avoid tourist traps), or a more seasoned traveller curious about Venice’s distinct food culture, this is a perfect introduction. It’s also great for solo travellers and couples, with a nice balance between sociability and thoughtful storytelling.
And if you’re really into your small bites and wine, Devour’s Venice Sunset Cicchetti & Wine Tour is another tempting option. I’ve eaten a fair bit of cicchetti myself, but if it’s your first time, that tour would make a fabulous evening out.
📌 Don’t Miss This Tour
Ready to eat your way through Venice like a local?
The Tastes & Traditions of Venice tour is my top pick for good reason: thoughtful storytelling, delicious stops, and a truly authentic introduction to the city’s unique food culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Italophile, it’s the perfect way to discover the real Venice – one bite and one spritz at a time.
Spots fill up fast, especially in high season – so I’d recommend booking early to avoid missing out!
Other Top-Rated Venice Food Tours to Consider
Note: I haven’t personally taken the following tours, but I’ve handpicked them after researching hundreds of reviews, comparing itineraries, and looking closely at company reputations, group sizes, food styles, and traveller feedback.
These are the ones that stood out, and that I myself would be happy to press the ‘book’ button on when planning my next visit to Venice.
Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour
★ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✓ Book now →
I’ve included this tour as an excellent alternative to the Tastes & Traditions of Venice tour – especially if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed and are searching for the best evening food tour in Venice.
Where the Rialto Market tour gives you a start-to-finish overview of a full Venetian food day, this one is more about immersing yourself in cicchetti culture – and the rhythm of the evening social scene.
I particularly love that it takes place in San Polo and Dorsoduro, two of my favourite areas to eat in Venice. These sestieri are full of local life, thanks in part to their proximity to the university, and I find that they’ve managed to stay vibrant and authentic despite the crowds elsewhere.
Even the meeting point – Campo San Tomà – feels like a spot only locals would know. That alone gives this tour a great start.
The cadence of the experience mirrors how real Venetians eat and drink – a little pasta, some cicchetti, a spritz (or two), and maybe something sweet to finish. You’ll also get a proper taste of Venetian pasta, which does differ subtly from what you’ll find in other parts of Italy, and round things off with a scoop of artisanal gelato.
And of course, being Devour, you know they’re working with family-run spots that actually matter to the community. That always goes a long way for me when choosing food tours.
Who’s it for:
Travellers who want an evening food tour that feels local and informal. A great choice if you’re curious about cicchetti culture, or staying near Dorsoduro or San Polo. Particularly good for return visitors to Venice, or anyone who wants a shorter, more relaxed tour.
Who’s it not for:
If you want a market visit or more of a daytime introduction to Venetian cuisine, I’d suggest the Tastes & Traditions tour instead (that’s my top pick).
Useful information:
- Location: Starts at Campo San Tomà (San Polo)
- Start Times: 5:00 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Size of Tour: Maximum 10 people
- Food intolerances: Vegetarian-friendly with notice. Not suitable for gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible – contact Devour for details
Review spotlight
“Excellent!
We had Anna as our tour guide and she was in a word: AMAZING!!! From the minute we met, I felt so welcome… almost like family! She took her time to explain the history behind all of the food and wine we indulged in and her energy was contagious! If you ever visit beautiful Venice, Italy and want a tour and history from a local with pride in her community and culture, choose Devour Tours and ask for ANNA!!! You won’t be disappointed!”
– Tripadvisor customer · Jamal · Dec 10, 2025
Read more reviews here.
Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
★ RATING: 5.0/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✓ Book now →
This one’s run by Eating Europe, which is consistently one of the best-regarded food tour operators across the continent. Their Venice offering is a real standout for a few reasons, and I’ve included it here as the best option if you’re looking for a genuinely offbeat, small-group experience.
The tour takes place in Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto, two areas that most other Venice food tours skip. So this really is about getting off the tourist trail and into the parts of the city where locals still live, eat, and socialise.
You’ll start with a classic tramezzino at a historic bakery before moving through bacari, cosy taverns, and trattorias, tasting your way through a full progressive meal: from Prosecco col fondo and cicchetti like baccalà mantecato and saor, to a hearty main dish with wine, and a proper dessert – tiramisù, gelato, or a Carnival frittella, depending on the season.
One thing that stands out to me on this tour is that there’s even a spritz-making demonstration, which adds a nice hands-on touch.
As you walk between stops, you’ll explore hidden corners of Cannaregio, pass through landmarks like the Campo dei Mori and Ponte de Chiodo, and soak up the stories that tie this part of the city together.
If you want a tour that genuinely feels local, intimate, and different, this is the one, as Cannaregio is my own top pick in which to do some offbeat exploring.
Who’s it for:
Travellers who want to go beyond the usual sights and explore less touristy parts of Venice, especially foodies looking for a small-group experience that feels more exclusive. Also great for those staying near Cannaregio or interested in Venetian Jewish heritage.
Who’s it not for:
If you’re pressed for time or prefer a central location like Rialto or Dorsoduro, this tour’s northern base may not suit. Also not ideal if you want a market visit (this tour focuses on taverns and trattorias instead).
Useful information:
- Location: Starts and ends at Campo Santi Apostoli (Cannaregio)
- Start Times: morning and afternoon
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Size of Tour: Maximum 10 people
- Food intolerances: Vegetarian and gluten-free options available with advance notice. Severe allergies not accommodated.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Review spotlight
“Flavia is a Rock Star!”
We learned SOOOO much about food, flavours, and even the history of Venice! Her selections were on point, and her recommendations are amazing. Had dinner at one of the restaurants we visited and YUM!!!!!! Hands down, the BEST tour guide we have EVER had on a food tour! TEN stars!!!– Fresh_a · Jan 2026
Read more reviews here.
Eat Like a Local: Venice 3-Hour Small-Group Food Tasting Tour
★ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✓ Book now →
This is one of the most popular food tours in Venice, with thousands of reviews and a long-standing reputation for delivering a solid, well-paced experience – so I’ve included it as a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice.
It’s ideal if you’re after a structured, comprehensive tasting experience that covers a lot of ground (and flavour) in just a few hours.
The itinerary includes seven to eight food and wine stops, where you’ll try up to 15 different tastings, from cicchetti and sarde in saor to risotto, local fish dishes, artisan gelato and more. You’ll even sit down for a full plate of pasta or risotto at one of Venice’s locally-loved restaurants – so yes, it definitely doubles as a meal.
One of the big draws of this tour for me is the flexibility. With multiple start times throughout the day (usually morning and early evening), this is a great option if you want to work a food tour around a tight itinerary.
That said, its popularity does come with a caveat: the group size can go up to 19 people on very busy days.
But I actually appreciate how transparent they are about this – and that when this happens, they promise to serve extra food and wine to make up for the larger group dynamic. That kind of upfront policy is reassuring.
This is a great food walking tour in Venice if you want the full Venetian food experience with a high level of consistency and polished delivery – and don’t mind being part of a slightly larger group in exchange for great variety and solid value.
Who’s it for:
Foodies who want a wide range of tastings in a short time, or anyone looking for a well-run, tried-and-tested tour with flexible start times. Ideal for travellers who want a sit-down meal included as part of the experience.
Who’s it not for:
If you’re hoping for a quieter, more intimate experience or want to go deep into specific neighbourhoods, one of the smaller-group tours may suit you better.
Useful information:
- Location: Starts at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (San Polo)
- Start Times: Multiple daily options
- Duration: 3 hours
- Size of Tour: Max 15 people stated, but can go up to 19 on busy days (with more food provided)
- Food intolerances: Must be disclosed at least 24 hours in advance. May not be fully suitable for gluten-free or restrictive diets.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair & stroller accessible. Moderate walking required.
Review spotlight
“Great tour!”Knowing more about the culture and cuisine, and to get to enjoy the delicious food at the same time was great! We were stuffed at the end of tour! Tour and meal together, it was worth it and more! Greta was our tour guide, she’s fun, very organised and knowledgeable. We enjoyed it so much and we highly recommend it.- Maria_E, Jan 2026
Read more reviews here.
Venice Like a Local: Venice Food, Wine & Spritz Tasting Tour
★ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✓ Book now →
This looks like a very solid small-group tour, with a nice mix of cicchetti, spritz, and local neighbourhood exploration.
I’ve included it here because of the varied route, the flexibility of the itinerary, and the quality of the food and wine offerings – all of which make it a reliable pick for travellers who want something fun, tasty, and well-paced.
The tour winds through Cannaregio, Rialto, and into San Polo, so I feel it will give you a real sense of how Venice’s sestieri differ – and offering a great chance to wander some quieter streets off the beaten path along the way.
You’ll sample a full selection of classic cicchetti, such as tramezzini, baccalà mantecato, and polenta with seafood, as well as a main dish (like pasta or risotto), seven tastings in total, plus four wines, a Venetian spritz, and a dessert. So for a shorter tour, the inclusions are generous – and you’ll feel like you’ve had a proper Venetian meal by the end of it.
I also appreciate that this tour isn’t overly rigid: if a bar is busy or full, your guide will take you to one of several backup spots, which tells me the company has strong local relationships and a more flexible, insider-led approach.
Who’s it for:
Travellers looking for a good-value, food-and-wine-forward tour with a mix of neighbourhoods and a fun, flexible structure. Ideal if you want a social evening out without committing to a long sit-down meal.
Who’s it not for:
Those who want a longer experience or a market visit – this one keeps things tighter and doesn’t include a full progressive lunch or dinner like some other tours do.
Useful information:
- Location: Starts in Cannaregio; ends near Campo San Bartolomeo (San Marco)
- Start Times: 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Size of Tour: Maximum 10 people
- Food intolerances: Suitable for vegetarians and some gluten-free/lactose-free diets with notice. Not suitable for coeliacs or complex restrictions.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Review spotlight
“A must-do if you love food!”
My tour guide Georgia was great! She knew about not just Venice but the whole Veneto region. The food was delicious and everywhere we went felt like a local spot and not a tourist attraction. She took the time to talk about the history and beauty of Venice along with the various food options. Her tour was my favourite part of the trip.
– Mon_J, Dec 2025
Read more reviews here.
Venice Bacaro Food Tour: Eat and Drink like a Venetian
★ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✓ Book now →
This small group food tour in Venice offers a well-balanced mix of local food and drinks in Venice’s charming Cannaregio district.
I’ve included it as a bit of an alternative to the Eating Europe tour – and while it may not have quite the same depth or storytelling focus, it’s still a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more low-key and off-radar.
The tour keeps things small with a maximum of 10 people, and what I like is that it focuses on more under-the-radar spots – a mix of cosy bacari, old-school osterie, and local favourites.
You’ll visit at least four different stops, trying traditional bites like mozzarella in carrozza, baccalà mantecato, and cicchetti with spritz and wine, then finishing with some artisanal gelato.
Compared to some of the other tours listed here, it does stand out to me as a little more drinks-led, with an emphasis on the aperitivo experience rather than a full progressive meal. You’ll still be well-fed, but don’t expect a sit-down pasta course here.
All in all, if you’re looking for a relaxed evening out with a focus on Venetian-style snacking and sipping, this is a very enjoyable way to do it – especially in a quieter part of the city that most tourists overlook.
Who’s it for:
Travellers who want a more informal tour with a good mix of food and drink, and who are curious about Cannaregio’s local bar scene. Ideal if you enjoy cicchetti culture, are staying in the northern part of Venice, or are after a slightly shorter, social evening.
Who’s it not for:
If you’re looking for a larger meal or a more structured “start to finish” dining experience, one of the Devour or Eating Europe tours might suit you better.
Useful information:
- Location: Starts at the Equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni (Castello), ends at Campo S.S. Apostoli
- Start Times: various
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Size of Tour: Maximum 12 people
- Food intolerances: Vegetarian options available with advance notice; gluten-free and other restrictions NOT CLEARLY STATED
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible
Review spotlight
“Awesome night tasting Venice!”
Beatrice is awesome! She knows all the local customs and traditions and tells you the history of the area and shows you how to get around. Plus, she clearly has an established relationship with the stops along the tour and it was lovely to see. Highly recommend.– Vince_C, Dec 2025
Read more reviews here.
Venice: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings
★ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✓ Book now →
This looks like a solid and well-priced choice, especially if you’re interested in a broader mix of food stops with a bit of sightseeing woven in.
In my opinion, the tour covers a nice swathe of the city – starting in the San Marco area, crossing the Rialto Market, and continuing through Campo San Polo, Campo San Bartolomeo, and ending in Dorsoduro – one of my favourite sestieri for a more local feel.
One thing I really appreciate here is that it includes a visit to the Rialto Market (just be aware that if you book an afternoon slot, the market may be closed).
You’ll also get to stop by some lesser-visited squares and local bars, which gives a nice sense of Venice beyond the postcard spots. The tastings include cicchetti, buranelli biscuits, artisan gelato and a few regional dishes – a good spread, especially for the price.
The price point here is noticeably lower than many other tours listed – which to me could suggest larger group sizes, though that’s not specified anywhere on the listing.
That said, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and guests consistently mention how much food they got to try and how much they learned. So if you’re looking for value, variety, and a bit of orientation, this could be a great pick.
Who’s it for:
Travellers looking for a more affordable food tour that still offers plenty of tastings and city highlights. Great for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings while trying a few new things.
Who’s it not for:
If you’re looking for a smaller-group experience or a deeper dive into Venetian food traditions, I’d recommend one of the Devour tours instead.
Useful information:
- Location: Starts at Campo San Bartolomeo (San Marco), ends at Campo Santa Margherita (Dorsoduro)
- Start Times: various, morning and afternoon
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Size of Tour: Not stated on listing
- Food intolerances: Vegetarian-friendly with advance notice. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free cannot be accommodated.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Review spotlight
“A really great tour!”
We got to see parts of Venice we hadn’t seen and our guide was really informative. The food was also great – we got to try lots of things we hadn’t before and found some places we will definitely be going back to!
– Gemma, United Kingdom · Nov 19, 2025
Read more reviews here.
Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Venice
★ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 2–3 hours | ✓ Book now →
I’ve included this for those looking for something a bit more wine-focused, but still generous in terms of food – and it really delivers on both.
You’ll taste six different regional wines across six venues, but each is paired with a hearty food tasting, so it’s more like a progressive meal with a wine-led twist. You’ll get things like seafood lasagna, scallops with polenta, creamy risotto, fried fish, and more.
The vibe is fun and sociable, and the tour company seems really transparent about what they offer and how the experience might shift depending on the group.
While the standard group size is capped at 15 people, they note that groups may go up to 20 during busy periods – but in those cases, extra food and wine are provided, which is a good sign that they care about maintaining the overall experience.
The exact route and neighbourhoods aren’t specified in much detail, but based on the descriptions and reviews, it looks like you’ll explore some of Venice’s quieter streets and hidden gems, with a nice mix of restaurants, delis, and wine bars that locals actually go to.
I think this one’s a great option if you want something slightly different – less structured around the typical cicchetti-and-spritz format, and more of a guided dive into Venetian wine culture, still with a full belly by the end.
Who’s it for:
Travellers who want a proper Venice wine tasting experience alongside a filling, multi-stop food tour. Ideal if you’re curious about local wines like Prosecco and Amarone, and don’t mind a slightly larger, more sociable group.
Who’s it not for:
If you’re after an in-depth look at Venice’s neighbourhoods or more of a classic market-to-meal progression, this might not be the right fit.
Useful information:
- Location: Starts and ends at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (San Polo)
- Start Times: morning and late afternoon
- Duration: Minimum 2 hours, may extend to 3 depending on group dynamic
- Size of Tour: Max 15 people, may reach 20 (with more food/wine provided)
- Food intolerances: Must be advised at the time of booking. Not all allergies can be accommodated.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Review spotlight
“Yum!”
Great tour! Anna not only took us to some great spots (restaurant, deli, gelato, etc.) but was super informative, enthusiastic, and fun. She also checked on food preferences and allergies at the beginning of the tour and was able to keep us all happy. Food and wine portions were generous – come hungry!– Eric_K · Nov 2025
Read more reviews here.
How to Choose a Food Tour in Venice
With so many great food tours on offer, it can be hard to narrow it down – especially in a city like Venice where the food scene varies so much by neighbourhood. Here are a few things to think about when choosing the right tour for your trip, based on my own experiences and what I look for when booking.
Time of Day: Morning or Evening?
- Morning tours (like Devour’s Tastes & Traditions) tend to include visits to the Rialto Market and offer a fuller overview of the Venetian food day – ideal if you want more of a cultural intro and something substantial that replaces lunch.
- Evening tours focus more on the cicchetti and spritz scene, and are great if you’re after a grazing, sociable kind of dinner that moves between bacari and wine bars.
- If you’ve already earmarked a few restaurants you want to try for lunch or dinner, then a lighter tour might suit best.
Tour Style: Progressive Meal vs. Cicchetti Crawl
Some tours follow a structured progression – like a walking meal with multiple courses and a narrative thread (think: Devour or Eating Europe). Others offer more of a bacaro crawl format, hopping from one casual spot to the next with small bites and spritzes along the way.
If you want something informative and filling, go for the former. If you’re looking for something looser, more social, and with more drinks than dishes – the latter’s a better fit.
Neighbourhoods: Where the Tour Takes You Matters
Venice’s sestieri all have their own distinct feel, and the route of your food tour can really affect the experience.
- Cannaregio (including the Jewish Ghetto) is atmospheric and low-key – often overlooked by tourists, but home to a lot of authentic spots.
- San Polo and Dorsoduro, on the other hand, feel a bit more bohemian, thanks to their proximity to the university. These areas are laid-back, with lots of eateries lining the canals, and a mix of upmarket and rustic-feeling stops. It’s more about canal-side living than bustling campos, and it’s where I spend a lot of time eating when I’m in Venice.
- Rialto and San Marco are busier and more central – but a good guide will still bring you to great places even here.
Food vs. Wine Focus
All tours include food and drink, but the balance varies.
- Some are more about the wine (like Eat, Drink and Repeat), while others focus more on the food itself, with drinks as an accompaniment.
- Think about what you’re in the mood for – a few glasses of Prosecco with some nibbles, or a deeper dive into regional dishes with a structured tasting menu?
Group Size & Atmosphere
This can really shape the vibe of your tour. I find that 12-person tours are actually ideal – they’re still small enough to feel personal, but big enough to feel social without being overwhelming. Larger tours (15–20 people) can feel a bit harder to follow, even if the food is good.
Smaller groups tend to get more guide attention, more time for questions, and a bit more flexibility with pacing or stops – which I always appreciate.
Quantity of Food: Enough for a Meal?
Not every food tour in Venice is designed to fully replace lunch or dinner. Some tours, like Devour’s or Eating Europe’s, really do offer a full meal’s worth of tastings. Others lean more towards snacking with drinks – perfect if you already have a restaurant reservation elsewhere, or just want to explore.
If you’re booking a food tour as your main meal, just make sure the itinerary includes enough stops and hearty dishes – and check whether dessert is included too.
Venice Food Tours: FAQs and Practical Tips
If you’re still on the fence about booking a food tour in Venice, or just want to know what to expect, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re coming back for more, this section should help clarify the finer details.
Will I get enough food on a Venice food tour?
It depends on the tour, but most offer more than enough to replace a full meal – especially the ones highlighted in this post. Some follow a structured meal format, while others are more of a cicchetti-and-spritz crawl, so it’s always worth checking what’s included (we’ve made that easy above).
If you’re booking a food tour as your lunch or dinner, just make sure the description mentions a main dish or dessert – or opt for a longer tour (2.5+ hours) with multiple stops.
Is alcohol included in Venice food tours?
Most food tours in Venice do include wine or spritz pairings, but how much you get varies. On some tours, you’ll get one drink per stop, while others include a few tastings across the evening.
If wine is a key part of what you’re after, look for tours with specific wine mentions, like Eat, Drink and Repeat, or those that highlight Prosecco, Amarone, or spritz tastings.
Are Venice food tours suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Some tours can accommodate vegetarians or pescatarians, especially with advance notice, but Venice is a seafood-forward city – so it’s best to check before booking.
If you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, options can be limited, and not all bacari are set up to cater for these diets. Devour and Eating Europe tend to be the most flexible, but always notify them at the time of booking.
Do I need to book my food tour in advance?
Yes – especially in high season (spring to early autumn), the best food tours in Venice often sell out days or even weeks in advance. Tours with small group sizes (10–12 people) fill up fastest. If you’ve got your eye on a particular tour, I’d recommend booking as soon as your dates are locked in.
What should I wear on a food tour in Venice?
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking quite a bit, often on uneven cobblestones. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is perfect. If it’s an evening tour, you might want to bring a light layer, even in summer.
Are food tours in Venice suitable for kids?
Some are – but many are geared more towards adults, especially those that include alcohol. If you’re travelling with children, check whether the tour is family-friendly or offers non-alcoholic substitutions. Some companies will also adjust the tastings for younger palates.
Is a Food Tour in Venice Worth It?
In my experience, it is absolutely worth it, but with a few caveats.
Venice isn’t always an easy city to eat well in. It’s beautiful, yes – but that beauty also means it’s over-touristed in parts, and unless you’ve done a lot of research (or are fluent in Italian), it can be surprisingly easy to end up with an overpriced, underwhelming meal.
A good food tour cuts through all of that – helping you eat like a local from day one. Personally, I always try to do a food tour early in my trip.
Not just for the food itself, but to understand how the locals eat – when they eat, what to drink with what, how things change between neighbourhoods. The best tours don’t just serve you food – they give you context, and that context shapes how you eat for the rest of your stay.
That was exactly my experience with Devour’s Tastes & Traditions of Venice tour.
It helped me see how distinct Venetian food culture really is – from the lagoon-sourced seafood to the tramezzini eaten at breakfast to the social rhythm of spritz and cicchetti in the evening. I learned more in a few hours than I would have from any guidebook.
So yes – a food tour in Venice is more than worth it. Especially if you want to eat well, avoid the tourist traps, and connect with the city in a more meaningful way.
👉 Book your spot on the Tastes & Traditions of Venice tour →
If you’re looking for something shorter or in the evening, Devour’s Venice Sunset Cicchetti & Wine tour is another fantastic option – more relaxed, more spritz-focused, and just as authentic.
Continue Planning Your Visit to Venice
Still in the planning phase? Here are some other helpful reads to help you get the most out of your time in Venice:
- Where and What to Eat in Venice – From cosy bàcari to canal-side seafood spots
- The Best Bacari in Venice for Cicchetti – A local bar crawl, done properly
- Best Neighbourhoods & Hotels in Venice – A breakdown of the city’s sestieri and the best bases for foodies
- Things to Do in Venice (published soon) – Beyond gondolas: meaningful experiences, hidden gems, and more
Alternatively, if you want to see everything I’ve written about travelling to Italy’s floating city, then make your way over to my dedicated Venice travel page.
Related reading for Venice
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