Market & Cicchetti Food Tour in Venice, Venice

Eat like a true Venetian on this guided tour through the Rialto Market and traditional Cicchetti bars, followed by an authentic lunch. You’ll start in the oldest part of the city, and perhaps the most picturesque, at the famous Rialto Fish Market. Declared part of the UNESCO patrimony, this is a must-see while still somewhat off the tourist radar. The glisten of the early sun peeking through the canal porticos, mixed with the sounds of the morning market, offers a unique experience and a glimpse into daily Venetian life from centuries ago.

As a coastal city, seafood is a huge part of Venetian cuisine. This ancient fish market supplies the region with fresh seafood from the lagoon and other parts of Europe. As you stroll through the stalls and listen to your guide share interesting stories, you’ll pass different types of seafood, like fish, prawns, octopus, crab, mussels, squid, and more.

After exploring the market, it’s time to enjoy the famous Cicchetti culture of Venice! Cicchetti is an assortment of traditional Venetian appetizers served in bàcari bars. Much like Spanish tapas, they’re typically small side dishes or slices of bread topped with veggies, fish, or meat. A drink, most likely Prosecco, almost always accompanies them. Venetians eat Cicchetti from mid-morning to the evening hours. In addition, you will see various finger foods on display at many bars, where locals usually stand while chatting over a glass of wine. 

As you meander through the charming city center with your local guide, you’ll stop at two authentic Cicchetti bars. Each one has its special charm, so you can truly embrace the variety of bàcari bars. After your tasting, you’ll make your way to lunch in a gondolino! A gondolino is a small gondola and the most fitting way to travel to your final stop in Venice. Enjoy a wonderful sit-down lunch filled with traditional Venetian foods, such as seafood paired with polenta, squid ink pasta, creamed codfish, fresh catch of the day, or fish risotto. 

Read more about unique and interesting experiences to have in Venice.