Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local Evening Cicchetti Tour

Exploring Venice often means wandering through its iconic sights, but this tour offers a chance to see a different side of the city—its genuine culinary scene tucked away from the crowds. While it’s not a traditional sightseeing tour, it’s a delightful way to learn about Venetian culture through food, wine, and local stories.

What we love about this experience is how it balances authentic eats with a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. You’ll visit hidden bacari (wine bars), enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas), and finish with a scoop of gelato overlooking the canal. It’s perfect for lovers of good food who want a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

A small caveat: the tour involves walking through narrow streets and standing for extended periods, so it might not suit everyone—especially those with mobility issues. Still, if you’re eager to experience Venice like a local and savor its authentic flavors, this tour is an excellent choice. Ideal for foodies, couples, and curious travelers wanting to go beyond the main sights.

Good To Know

• Authentic Venitian Experience: Visit small, locally owned bacari away from tourist-heavy spots.
• Diverse Tastings: Enjoy cicchetti, local drinks like spritz, prosecco, and wine, plus authentic gelato.
• Guided Insight: Led by knowledgeable guides sharing stories and history along the way.
• Scenic Neighborhoods: Explore the San Polo and Dorsoduro districts and see sights en route.
• Small Group Vibe: Limited participants ensure a personal, relaxed experience.
• Cultural Depth: Learn about Venetian customs, food traditions, and local way of life.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Venice Evening Cicchetti Tour

This three-hour experience is designed to let you taste Venice’s culinary secrets in a relaxed, social setting. Starting at a modern bacaro, the tour introduces you to youthful, friendly owners who take pride in their bread cicchetti and spritzes—a local favorite for good reason. They’re known for their quality, making each bite a true taste of Venice.

First Stop: Local Bacaro and Spritz Time

Your adventure kicks off in a lively spot favored by locals, away from tourist traps. Here, you’ll sample cicchetti—bite-sized snacks that are the heart of Venetian bar culture. Reviewers have shared how much they appreciated the authentic feel of this place, noting the food’s quality and the lively atmosphere. The spritz, made with local prosecco and Aperol, is a perfect way to set the tone for the evening, and the guide will likely share a bit about its history and importance to Venetian social life.

Walking Through Venice’s Hidden Streets

After the first tasting, your guide will lead you through San Polo and Dorsoduro, two of Venice’s most charming neighborhoods. Expect to see famous sights along the way, but the real highlight is the chance to experience Venice’s quieter backstreets. Reviewers like Kym mention how this away-from-the-crowds approach offers a different view of the city, making the experience both intimate and special.

Second Stop: Historic and Cozy Wine Bar

Next, you’ll head to a beautifully renovated building with exposed beams and stone arches—an atmospheric setting to enjoy your cold cuts and a glass of prosecco or wine. This stop is praised for its historic charm, and the food here is described as authentic, matching the classic Venetian vibe. One reviewer noted the guide Ludovica’s warmth and knowledge, which added depth to the tasting experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Third Stop: Canal-side Wine Bar and Fried Cicchetti

The tour takes you to a contemporary Venetian wine bar right on the canal—imagine sipping wine with views of gondolas and sunset reflections. You’ll indulge in fried cicchetti, which complements the wine beautifully. Guests have appreciated the combination of authentic flavors and a picturesque setting. The guide’s insights about Venetian wine culture enhance the experience, making it feel more like a small social gathering than a formal tour.

Hidden Gem: Traditional Pasta and Local Atmosphere

A short walk takes you to a cozy, tucked-away spot where you’ll enjoy a plate of traditional pasta—a hearty, authentic local dish. While some reviews mention that not all bites are quite as exciting as others, the opportunity to sample a real Venetian pasta makes this stop worthwhile.

Final Stop: Gelato with a View

No Venetian food tour would be complete without gelato. You’ll visit a 100-year-old gelato shop, renowned for its artigianale (handmade) flavors since the 1920s. The tour concludes on a big, welcoming deck overlooking the Giudecca Canal, where you can savor your gelato as the sun sets—a perfect, romantic ending. Guests like Benedetta raved about the authenticity of the gelato, and the view makes every spoonful even sweeter.

The Details That Matter

Pricing & Value: At $112.15 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines food, drinks, and local sights, all guided by knowledgeable hosts. Given the quality of tastings, the intimate setting, and the local insights, many would find this to be good value compared to standalone restaurant visits.

Duration & Group Size: Just three hours, but packed with tastings and stories. Small groups—often just a handful of participants—ensure a personalized, friendly environment, which many reviewers have appreciated.

Walking & Accessibility: The tour involves walking through narrow streets with some standing, so it’s best suited for able-bodied travelers who can keep a moderate pace. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or strollers.

Food & Drink: You’ll sample a variety of cicchetti, cold cuts, pasta, gelato, and drinks, including two glasses of wine, prosecco, and spritz. Vegetarian options are available, but vegan and gluten-free options are limited due to cross-contamination concerns.

Authentic Experiences That Shine

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guides’ knowledge and warmth. Daria, in particular, stood out for her fabulous guiding, making the experience both educational and fun. The reviews highlight how the guides skillfully weave stories about Venetian customs, food, and wine, enriching every stop.

Guests also love the local ambiance—visiting hidden gems that most travelers overlook. The combination of contemporary and historic venues provides a well-balanced taste of Venice’s vibrant culinary scene.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers who want to explore Venice’s lesser-known neighborhoods and taste authentic cuisine. It’s an ideal choice if you’re after a relaxed, small-group outing that combines food, drink, and local culture.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility challenges, vegan, or gluten-free needs, but offers vegetarian and non-alcoholic options upon request. If you want a romantic, scenic ending with gelato overlooking the canal, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately three hours, with plenty of tastings and stops along the way.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, and pregnant women, but replacements at every stop aren’t guaranteed.

Can I replace alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones?
Yes, non-alcoholic options are available upon request, making this accessible if you’re avoiding alcohol.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s recommended for travelers over 16, mainly because of the walking, standing, and alcohol consumption.

Where does the tour start and end?
The start and end points vary depending on your booking, but it concludes back at the initial meeting location.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, due to the nature of the walking and Venice’s narrow streets, it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What happens during high tide?
If high tide prevents parts of the route, guides will adjust for safety and comfort, but some areas might be inaccessible.

Final Thoughts

This Venice: Eat & Drink Like a Local Evening Cicchetti Tour offers an inviting way to discover the city’s culinary heartbeat away from tourist crowds. The combination of authentic cicchetti, local wines, and scenic settings makes for a memorable, flavor-filled evening. With knowledgeable guides, cozy venues, and stunning views, it’s especially suited for those wanting a genuine taste of Venice’s food scene.

While it might not be perfect for everyone — especially those with mobility concerns or specific dietary needs — for most travelers, this tour provides an engaging, tasty, and culturally enriching experience. It’s a fantastic way to connect with local life and enjoy Venice’s culinary traditions in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

This tour is a superb choice for those seeking an authentic, intimate exploration of Venice’s food and drink scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love discovering hidden gems, you’ll leave with full belly and a deeper appreciation for Venice’s vibrant local culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: