Venice: Bacaro Food Tour with Cicchetti & Aperitivo Stops

Summary

Walk Venice’s alleys tasting cicchetti sipping spritz and laughing with locals

You’ll wander Venice’s Cannaregio side by side with a local guide, tasting classic cicchetti in tiny bacari, sipping spritz among Venetians, and finishing off with artisan gelato made from fresh ingredients. Expect laughter over mispronounced words, warm fried snacks in your hand, and a real glimpse into everyday Venetian rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

We met outside the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo—honestly, I was still fumbling with Google Maps when our guide waved me over. She introduced herself as Marta and had that easy way of talking that makes you forget you’re technically on a “tour.” Right away, we ducked into these winding streets in Cannaregio. The air was thick with the smell of frying—something cheesy, maybe?—and I could hear someone singing (badly) from an upstairs window. Our first stop was this tiny tavern where the counter was lined with little plates—cicchetti, Marta said, like Venetian tapas. I tried one with baccalà mantecato on crusty bread; it was creamy and salty and honestly better than I expected. There was a spritz too—bitter orange, cold glass sweating in my hand.

We moved on to an osteria tucked down an alley so narrow I almost missed it. Inside felt like someone’s living room: old men arguing softly over cards, wood beams overhead. Marta told us how bacari are part of daily life here—not just for tourists—and pointed out which cicchetti to try if you want to sound local (I failed at pronouncing “sarde in saor,” but she just laughed). At the rosticceria stop, we got mozzarella in carrozza—hot, gooey cheese sandwiched between bread and fried until golden. It burned my tongue but I didn’t care. That’s when it hit me how different Venetian food is from what you get elsewhere in Italy—more seafood, more pickled flavors. Also: more standing while eating than sitting.

Somewhere along the way the sun started to set and everything turned gold—the canals looked almost fake. We stopped at a lively bar for another round of cicchetti (I grabbed one with artichoke and anchovy), then wandered toward our last treat: gelato from a place Marta said locals actually go to. Mine was pistachio and tasted somehow both earthy and sweet at once. Walking back through Cannaregio after all that food (and maybe two spritzes too many), I felt weirdly at home—even though my feet hurt and my Italian is terrible. Still think about that pistachio gelato sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice food tour and tastings

• Meet local food expert at Basilica
• Visit cozy tavern for cicchetti
• Enjoy cicchetti at old Osteria
• Taste mozzarella in carrozza at Rosticceria
• Stop at local bar for seasonal cicchetti
• Have artisan gelato at famous shop

Top questions

How long does the Venice Bacaro Food Tour last?

The tour covers several stops around Cannaregio over a few hours; exact duration isn’t specified but expect an afternoon or early evening walk.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary needs?

You can advise specific dietary requirements at booking; options may be available depending on stops.

Are drinks included during the bacaro food tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages like spritz are included along with bottled water at multiple aperitivo stops.

Where does the tour start?

The experience begins at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice’s historic center.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at the designated starting point.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour runs in English and Italian; other languages may be available upon request.

Is this walking tour accessible for people with reduced mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility due to uneven streets and walking distance.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes at least four aperitivo stops through Cannaregio where you’ll sample cicchetti and enjoy drinks like spritz alongside bottled water; there’s also a visit to an artisan gelato shop before finishing up near where you started—all led by a local guide who shares stories along the way.