A la Carte Venice: Flexible Food Tour with a Local Guide

Tour Overview

A flexible food tour through Venice’s bacari, where you choose what to eat and drink while exploring local flavors with your passionate foodie guide.

You can’t truly experience Venice without sipping a Spritz in a local bar! With your glass in hand, we’ll begin a culinary journey through the city’s lively streets. Together, we’ll hop from historic wine bars to family-owned shops, where you’ll decide what to taste: mouthwatering cicchetti, fresh seafood, local cheeses, or classic Venetian sweets — all paired with the wines you prefer.

This food tour is designed to be completely flexible: you order what you like and pay as you go, discovering authentic flavors at your own pace while I guide you through the vibrant San Marco and San Polo districts. Between bites, you’ll uncover hidden corners, hear stories about Venetian traditions, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the bacari loved by locals.

We’ll end the experience with a traditional treat — perhaps artisan gelato or a Venetian cookie — the perfect sweet note to close your journey.

Vegetarian or have special dietary needs? No problem. Just let me know in advance, and I’ll tailor the tour to your preferences.

What's Included

Top-rated local guide (licensed tour guide – registration no. 06000001)
Pickup from your hotel or any location in Venice’s historic center

What's Not Included

Food and drinks: “Pay-as-you-go” format – you choose what to taste and pay directly on site.Gratuities: at your discretion.

Your Itinerary

1

Spritz Time – Aperol, Campari, Cynar or Select

We’ll start with Venice’s iconic aperitif: the spritz. Choose your favorite version — the sweeter Aperol, the stronger Campari, the intriguing Cynar, or the local favorite Select. As we sip together, I’ll share insider tips and even my personal spritz recipe — the perfect way to begin our culinary journey.

2

Rosticceria Stop – Street Food Since the 1930s

In a no-frills historical rosticceria, beloved by generations of Venetians, you can taste hearty fried bites like mozzarella in carrozza, arancini, croquettes, or fish fry-ups. This place has fed San Marco workers since the 1930s — and it still hits the spot.

3

Rialto Bridge & Market

We’ll cross the legendary Rialto Bridge and explore the vibrant market area. Here, the fish market bustles with life: seagulls call out from above, ice crunches underfoot, and locals pick the freshest catch of the day. Nearby, a family-run cheese shop offers traditional specialties like Asiago, Montasio and Dobbiaco.

4

Bacaro Time – Ombra & Cicchetti

In a traditional bacaro, you’ll taste cicchetti — Venice’s signature small bites — paired with a local “ombra” (a small glass of wine). Whether you go for anchovies, creamed cod, or prosciutto-topped polenta, these snacks are best enjoyed standing at the bar, just like the locals do.

5

Sweet Finale – Pastry or Gelato

To end on a sweet note, you’ll choose between a classic artisan pastry shop or a family-run gelateria. Whether it’s a creamy gelato or a traditional Venetian cookie, it’s the perfect ending to our food journey.

6

You Choose – Pay-as-you-go Format

This tour is all about flexibility. You decide what to order, how much to eat, and what fits your taste. You’ll pay directly at each stop, enjoying authentic food and local prices — no fixed menu, just genuine freedom and flavor.