Venice Food Walk: Bacari Wine, Cicchetti & Local Stories

Summary

Discover Venice’s bacari culture with wine, cicchetti & stories

You’ll taste Venetian cicchetti and local wines in two hidden bacari, wander secret alleys with your guide’s stories echoing around you, cross Ponte Chiodo, and finish with homemade gelato or dessert. Expect laughter, new flavors, and glimpses of Venice most visitors never see.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way Marco greeted us—just this easy smile and a wave like we’d known him forever. He led us off the main street so quickly I barely had time to glance back at the crowds. Suddenly it was quiet except for our footsteps on the stones and someone’s radio drifting from an upstairs window. We ducked into a tiny bacaro where the counter was sticky (in a good way) and the air smelled like fried fish and old wood. Marco ordered for us—“un’ombra e un cicchetto”—and handed me something on bread I still can’t pronounce. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Italian—probably butchered it.

I didn’t expect how much I’d love wandering these little side streets in Venice, honestly. At one point we crossed Ponte Chiodo—the bridge with no railings—and Marco told us about its history while a couple of kids raced across like it was nothing. The sun was low enough that everything looked golden, but there was this cool breeze off the canal that made me wish I’d brought another layer. We stopped again for another glass of wine (I went for white this time), and Marco pointed out some faded graffiti from the 70s that he said hadn’t changed since he was a kid.

By the time we reached the last spot—a gelateria tucked behind some laundry lines—I felt like I’d seen a different side of Venice entirely. My pistachio gelato melted faster than I could eat it, but honestly, that just made me laugh. There’s something about sharing food with strangers that makes you feel at home, even if you’re hopeless with the language or don’t know which way is north anymore. Still thinking about those narrow alleys and how quiet they got once you left the main drag… kind of miss it already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore authentic Venice and taste local food

• Walk through intimate Venice streets
• See unique bridges and historic buildings
• Visit the unique Ponte Chiodo bridge
• Stroll along a typical Venetian calle
• Taste wine and cicchetti at two bacari
• Enjoy homemade ice cream or dessert

Top questions

How many bacari do we visit on this Venice food walk?

You’ll visit two different bacari for wine and cicchetti tastings.

Is dessert included on this Venice food tour?

Yes, you’ll end with homemade ice cream in summer or a typical Venetian dessert.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, your walk through Venice is led by a local guide who shares stories and insights.

Are drinks included during the tour?

You get a glass of wine (or soft drink) at each bacaro stop as part of your experience.

What is Ponte Chiodo on this itinerary?

Ponte Chiodo is a unique bridge in Venice without railings that you’ll cross during the tour.

Is this Venice food walk suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to where the tour starts and ends.

What’s included

Your evening includes stops at two authentic Venetian bacari where you’ll be served typical cicchetti snacks paired with local wine or soft drinks, plus a final treat of homemade ice cream or traditional dessert—all guided by a friendly local who brings hidden corners of Venice to life.