Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour & Cicchetti Lunch with Wine

Summary

Venice lunchtime food tour through rialto market cicchetti bars and canal walks

You’ll taste your way through Venice’s Rialto Market alongside a local guide, sample cicchetti in bustling bacari bars, sip regional wines over lunch, and wander hidden lanes past Marco Polo’s home and lively campos. Expect laughter, new flavors, and glimpses of daily life you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Venice actually smells like at noon, right by the Rialto Market? It’s not just fish (though there’s plenty of that)—it’s this mix of briny sea air, cut lemons, and something fried drifting out from a bacaro. We met our guide, Giulia, under the shadow of the Rialto Bridge where she waved us over with a grin and a “Pronti?” I was already hungry, honestly. She led us into the market where vendors were calling out prices for soft-shell crabs and tiny artichokes. I tried to say ‘canocchie’ (mantis shrimp) but probably mangled it—Giulia laughed and gave me a proper lesson. The whole place felt alive, even though some stands were closed since it was Monday.

After that we slipped into one of those narrow side streets—calle?—where you can barely fit two people across. Our group ducked into a tiny bar packed with locals on their lunch break. The counter was lined with trays of cicchetti: little toasts piled high with baccalà mantecato or anchovies and pickled onions. I grabbed one topped with creamy cod and took a bite—the texture was so different from anything back home, soft but not mushy. We clinked glasses of cold white wine (Giulia said it was from the Veneto hills nearby), and for a second everything outside felt quiet except for the clatter of plates and someone humming behind the bar.

We wandered past Marco Polo’s old house—I didn’t expect it to be so tucked away—and then out onto Campo San Bartolomeo where kids were kicking around a ball near the statue. Giulia pointed out how Venetian windows have these strange stone faces carved above them; I’d never noticed before. Our last stop was right by the Grand Canal, sunlight bouncing off green water while we finished dessert (something nutty—I forgot the name but still remember that sweet crunch). Four hours went fast, but now when I think about Venice, I remember those small moments more than any postcard view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice market and sightseeing tour

• Explore Rialto Market stalls
• Visit Rialto Bridge
• Walk through Campo San Bartolomeo
• See Marco Polo's Home
• Stroll along Grand Canal
• Visit Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Top questions

How long does the Venice Rialto Market food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is lunch included on this Venice food tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

What foods are sampled on the Rialto Market food tour?

You’ll try local cicchetti dishes—Venetian small plates—and regional wines.

Does this food tour include stops at famous landmarks?

Yes, you visit places like Rialto Bridge, Marco Polo's home, Campo San Bartolomeo, and walk along the Grand Canal.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

The tour can accommodate vegetarians if advised in advance.

Is this Venice food tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can use strollers or prams.

Does the tour run if it rains?

The tour takes place rain or shine.

Are there days when the fish market is closed?

The fish market is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and festive dates.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Venice’s markets and neighborhoods, all tastings of cicchetti dishes paired with regional wines for lunch, plus stories from your local guide as you explore iconic sites like Rialto Bridge and Marco Polo’s home before finishing by the Grand Canal.