The Ultimate Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market, Spritz, and Secret Bites
Venice is full of surprises, but if there’s one thing that truly opened my eyes to the city’s heart, it was this amazing Venice Food Tour, where I had the chance to taste my way through the venetian lagoon
I joined Devour’s Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour, and let me tell you—it changed how I experience this city. From sipping Spritz with locals to trying ‘drunken cheese’ in a hidden shop, this food tour isn’t just about eating, it’s about connecting with Venice on a deeper level.
So, if you’re planning a holiday in Venice, and looking to learn more about Venice Food Culture or all about venice food and where to eat in Venice, this post will most definitely help you!
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Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit
Duration: 3 Hours
This Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour is good for
- Solo Female Travelers
- Families
- Couples of all ages
I embarked on my first tour with Devour, the ‘Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit.’ Our guide, Barbara, a Venice local, enthusiastically shared her passion for showcasing the Venetian way of life. This set an exciting tone for our adventure.
Devour Tours specializes in immersive food experiences across Europe, and this Venice tour perfectly blends culture with cuisine.
Venetian Bars and Small Bites
Kicking off our tour, our first stop was at a bar, but not in the conventional sense.
As Barbara explained, in Italy, a ‘bar’ is more akin to a cafe. This is the kind of place where you’ll typically find sandwiches, pastries, and gelato.
While it might transform into a more traditional bar as the evening unfolds, during the day, it primarily serves as a social hub. Here, Italians gather to meet with friends and family. After all, at the heart of Italian culture lies a deep sense of community and a love for conversation.
INSIDER TIP: As you wander through Venice, you’ll discover typical taverns known as Bàcaro. These cozy spots primarily serve glasses of wine, known as ‘ombre’, alongside ‘Cicheti’.
We had the opportunity to try a Tramezzino, a Venetian sandwich that comes in a variety of flavors.
Mostly with mayonnaise, and the most popular versions being ham and eggs, tuna and olives.
I opted for the Mozzarella and Tomato Tramezzino. What sets this sandwich apart from other sandwiches is the humidity in Venice. Venice is humid during the summer, and the lagoon keeps this bread moist. You’ll enjoy it best washed down with Ombre.
Coffee Matters in Italy
When it came to drinks, Barbara recommended Espresso as the way to go. A mention of Cappucino after 10 am drew a playful remark from her, “That’s a sin, we don’t do cappuccino after 10 am.”
This led to an enlightening discussion about Italian coffee culture. Milk can upset the digestive system, so it’s best to enjoy a cappuccino in the morning with a pastry. I must confess, I think I have broken this cardinal rule many times, and now I understand those surprised looks from Italians.
Spritz and Drunken Cheese
Did you know there is a wide variety of Spritz to choose from? Barbara took us to where the local spot to grab a spritz. Here she explained the difference between the varieties:
- Aperol Spritz: This is the most widely available and popular variant. You’ll add Prosecco, Aperol and carbonated water.
- Campari Spritz: this variant switches things up by using Campari in place of Aperol.
- Cynar Spritz: This variant uses Cynar, an artichoke-based amaro.
- Select Spritz: Try asking for a Select Spritz if you want a super local experience.
Feeling Adventurous I decided to step away from my usual Aperol Spritz and try a Cynar Spritz.
Cynar is an Italian bitter apéritif of the amaro variety and made from 13 herbs and plants, predominant among which is the artichoke, from which the drink derives its name. You’ll often find an olive as a garnish!
At this same location, there is a cheese shop which we turned our attention to. We savored a variety of cheeses from the Veneto Region, which, by the way, boasts some of the best cheeses. Asiago happened to be the first cheese we tried. Then she led our attention to another cheese.
All about Drunken Cheese
‘Formaggio Ubriaco‘ really caught my attention. The cheese it is made from is Montasio & hails from the Treviso area. It is crafted primarily from unpasteurized cow milk.
The cheese matures in barrels filled with pomace, raw grapes, and Prosecco absorbing the flavors and nuances of these ingredients over time. It’s a cheese experience you don’t want to miss. Fortunately for us we were trying it at one of the BEST cheese shops in Venice. The square it is in used to be where cheese markets were scattered.
Now, locals flock to this spot to get their weekly cheese. I could have left with a whole brick of Ubriaco but I figured that would look strange, but next time I am in Venice I know where to go!
If you want more information on Drunken Cheese here is a fascinating look at it: Drunken Cheese
Prosecco in the Rialto Market
The Rialto Market is a vibrant, historic hotspot right in the heart of Venice. It’s a treasure trove of Venetian specialties where locals flock daily to buy fresh items. The market is divided into two sections: a vegetable market and its famous fish market. Transitioning to the Rialto Market, it quickly became one of my favorites in Venice.
This is primarily because, if you slow down and truly take in the surroundings, you can capture the authentic essence of Venice.
Our guide, Barbara, led us around the vegetable stalls, pointing out items like artichoke flowers. She let us in on a little secret: Venetians don’t actually eat the leaves, they use them for compost.
This shocked me! I grew up scraping artichoke leaves with my teeth after my mom steamed them. Who knew Italians didn’t do this?
INSIDER TIP: Don’t touch the vegetables, you’ll get yelled at.
As we strolled through the market on this tour of Venice, fishmongers showcased their delicacies, with some even packing up for the day.
I couldn’t believe the size of the crab on display!
We wandered over to a local shop that Barbara claimed has “the best prosecco from the area.” She explained that “Secco” means dry, and it’s not supposed to be sweet but floral and crisp.
Along with this, we were given a cup full of deep-fried seafood from the local waters in Venice and Polenta.
Did you know that In the Middle Ages, polenta was considered “Poor People Food,” but I learned that the wealthy used to sneakily eat this. Rich women would stash it between their breasts to keep it warm and hidden. Talk about a hot secret!
These were my top three highlights from this tour of Venice. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, book below!
Conclusion: The Ultimate Venice Food Tour Wrap-Up
If you want to experience the real Venice—beyond the gondolas and postcard-perfect views—this Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Devour is the way to do it. Not only will you savor the city’s most iconic flavors, but you’ll also get to see how Venetians live, eat, and connect with one another.
From sipping Spritz in hidden bàcari to tasting artisan cheeses like the unforgettable Formaggio Ubriaco, this tour gave me a whole new appreciation for Venetian food culture. And honestly? Wandering through the Rialto Market with a local guide who truly loves her city made it even more special.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, visiting as a couple, or exploring with family, this venice food tour is an unforgettable way to dive into Venice’s rich culinary history. Trust me, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
🍷 Ready to eat your way through Venice? Book your spot here:
👉 Book the Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit (Affiliate Link)
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Venice Food Tours
Are food tours in Venice worth it?
Absolutely! Food tours in Venice give you insider access to local spots, authentic flavors, and cultural insights you won’t get just wandering on your own. Plus, with a guide, you’ll learn about the history behind each dish and tradition.
What’s the best food tour in Venice?
The Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit by Devour Tours is one of the top-rated options. It covers everything from traditional cicchetti to local Spritz varieties, cheese tastings, and a deep dive into the iconic Rialto Market.
How long do Venice food tours last?
Most food tours in Venice last between 2.5 to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, eat, and enjoy without feeling rushed.
Do I need to book a Venice food tour in advance?
Yes! These tours often sell out, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred date and time. 👉 Book now to secure your spot! (Affiliate Link)
Are food tours in Venice good for solo travelers?
Totally! Food tours are a great way for solo travelers to meet people, enjoy local cuisine, and explore Venice with a guide who knows all the hidden gems.
What should I wear or bring on a Venice food tour?
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking between stops. Bring a water bottle, and don’t forget your appetite! Some tours might include a stop in a market, so a small tote for local goodies isn’t a bad idea.
What kind of food will I try on a Venice food tour?
Expect to try cicchetti (small Venetian bites), fresh seafood, Spritz (Aperol, Campari, or Cynar), local cheeses like Asiago and Ubriaco, Tramezzini sandwiches, and Prosecco.
Is the Rialto Market included in Venice food tours?
Many top food tours include a visit to the Rialto Market, especially in the mornings. It’s one of the best places to see Venice’s food culture in action!
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