Venetian Cicchetterie

Local food taverns full of delicious food and crisp wine.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Venice
Rialto Bridge
Venice’s busiest and most iconic bridge, the Rialto gives visitors a wonderful view of the Grand Canal.
Rialto Fish Market
This traditional fish market, located right by the Grand Canal, offers a wide variety of fresh fish that marvels both locals and tourists. You can find squid, spider crabs and even moeche, straight from the Venetian lagoon.
Rialto Vegetable & Fruit Market
Explore the colours and scents of fresh produce at the Rialto fruit and vegetable market that marvels both locals and tourists.
Venetian Cicchetti
Enjoy a local food and wine
Rialto Market
A historic market where Venetians buy fresh frutti di mare from friendly fishmongers.
Ca’ d’Oro
Commissioned in 1428 by the family who gave Venice eight Doges, the 'Golden House' is now open to the public as an art gallery.

Related Tours

St. Marks Basilica & Doge's Palace: Private Venice Half-Day Tour
If this is your first time visiting Venice, this is half-day tour is the perfect experience to discover two of the city’s must-see sites: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and to explore the best of the city of canals in a short amount of time.

On your private half-day tour, you will:

  • Step into St Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral of Venice built to house the remains of St. Mark's, and famously decorated with shimmering mosaics;
  • Explore the magnificent buildings of St. Mark's Square, including the Renaissance St. Mark's Clocktower, and St. Mark's Campanile, the  tallest structure in Venice and one of the city's most recognisable symbols;
  • Visit the Doge’s Palace, built in Venetian gothic style, the former residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government;
  • Learn about the sophisticated ruling system of the Republic of Venice as you stand in the opulent Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest rooms in Europe,  decorated by some of Venice's most famous artists such as Gentile da Fabriano, Bellini and Titan;
  •  Walk in the footsteps of condemned Venetians, as you cross the Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison; 
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk through Venice, step off the beaten tourist path and explore magnificent Campi (squares) and charming alleys and often missed gems, like the Aqua Alta Library, the house of Marco Polo, and the Church of Miracles;
  • Cross the Rialto Bridge, Venice's oldest and most famous bridge, and end your tour with magnificent views of the Grand Canal.

Your tour begins with a wow – at the heart of the world-famous St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the stunning St Mark’s Basilica and the absolutely magnificent Doge’s Palace, both of which you will visit with your private guide. 

The Doge Palace was built in 812 and is celebrated as one of the best examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the city. Right next to the Doge’s Palace in St Mark’s Basilica, deemed an icon of Italian art and culture; it is indeed one of the city’s top highlights. 

Then, your guide will take you off the beaten path for a leisurely stroll as you head towards Venice’s most iconic bridge - the Rialto. Famous for being the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops. 

After walking across this fantastic bridge, your tour will end with magnificent views of the Grand Canal where your guide will give you great recommendations for the best food spots during your stay.
Cicchetti & Wine: Private 2-hour Food Tour in Venice
Enjoy a gastronomical experience of Venetian Cicchetti and wine ‘Ombra’ on this foodie tour of Venice. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy the personalised attention of a private tour guide and local foodie expert who will be able to customise this tour to best match your taste buds and interests;
  • Meet your guide at your hotel and explore the surrounding area on this delicious food-tasting tour;
  • Get acquainted with the local food options in three different Cicchetti (Venetian Tapas) bars; 
  • At each stop enjoy a curated selection of two Cicchetti, your guide will be sure to point out local favourites such as baccalà mantecato (salt cod on grilled polenta), sarde in saor  (sardines in sweet and sour vinegar sauce), polpette (meatballs),  or a variety of mouth-watering mini sandwiches;
  • Learn why a glass of wine is called an "Ombra" or shadow in Venice, and practice ordering one at each of the three locations; 
  • Step away from the beaten tourist paths and discover the local side of Venice, through its food and most charming bars.

This experience will be customised to you, according to your interests and your hotel location.

Enjoy wandering around beautiful Venice with your expert, English-speaking private guide on this gastronomic foodie tour of some of the best Cicchetti bars in this unique city on the water.

Cicchetti is a whole culture in Venice, and can be found on almost every street! Cicchetti refers to plates of tasty small eats like Spanish tapas that can be enjoyed as appetizers or even a meal. 

Cicchetti is eaten in a casual manner – with fingers and toothpicks, usually standing up by the counter or at tall outdoor tables, and often enjoyed with a small glass of wine that the locals call an ‘Ombra’ meaning shadow. 

On your private tour, your guide will tailor your route according to your preferences and hotel location. Discover several different taverns popular with the locals, but off the tourist trail, that serve delicious classics Cicchetti and Ombra. You’ll stop in three different places, sample different dishes and be able to soak up the authentic Venetian atmosphere! 

Venetian food is unlike food anywhere else in Italy – with its long history of trading, the food here makes extensive use of exotic spices, while its watery location means fish is on the menu more often than not. 

Venice can make a fantastic break from the usual pizza-and-pasta gastronomy of Italy, but with so many touristy restaurants on the island, it can be hard to make the most of Venetian cuisine and wine on your own.

On this private-guide-led exploration of Venice’s most bustling markets, cafés, and its famous Cicchetti bars, you will delve into an authentic side of Venetian culture, learning what to order, how to find great places and enjoying lots of tastings along the way – so make sure you have a hearty appetite before you join us!
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