Verona: Food & Wine Walking Tour with Full Meal

Summary

Verona flavors and stories on foot from Porta Borsari to Piazza delle Erbe

You’ll taste your way through Verona’s heart alongside a local guide — from lively taverns to family-run osterias — sampling crostini, Veronese pasta, hearty polenta dishes, and finishing with sweet risino or gelato in Piazza delle Erbe. Expect laughter, new flavors, three glasses of regional wine, and those little moments you can’t plan for but remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first bite in Verona to be so… loud. Not the crostini itself — that was soft and warm — but the tavern near San Lorenzo was alive with chatter, glasses clinking, someone’s laughter echoing off the old stone walls. Our guide, Marco, poured us a glass of something local (I forgot the name instantly, sorry) and explained how this was how evenings start here. I tried repeating “aperitivo” with his accent and got a grin for effort. The wine tasted like summer fields — or maybe I just wanted it to.

We wandered past Porta Borsari, dodging bikes and locals who looked like they’d done this walk a thousand times. At a modern spot tucked behind the old gate, Marco slid plates of Veronese pasta across the table. It was simple but somehow perfect — chewy ribbons tangled in sauce that tasted way deeper than it looked. Another glass of wine showed up before I realized I’d finished the first. Someone at another table nodded at us; I think he approved.

The osteria near Santa Anastasia felt like stepping into someone’s living room — wood beams overhead, the air thick with something meaty simmering out back. We tried polenta with Pastissada (which Marco said is basically “horse stew” — not as weird as it sounds), and soppressa too. The red wine was bolder here; it matched the food and made me wish I could linger longer.

Piazza delle Erbe was buzzing by dessert time — kids darting between tables, market stalls packing up for the night. Marco handed me a risino (sort of like rice pudding in cake form?) and told me this was Verona’s comfort sweet. I ate it standing up, watching golden light spill over ancient statues. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m hungry at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Verona culinary walking tour

• Start tour at Porta Borsari
• Enjoy aperitif near Basilica di San Lorenzo
• Taste Veronese pasta near Porta Borsari
• Savor Polemnta dishes near Basilica di Santa Anastasia
• End with dessert at Piazza delle Erbe

Top questions

How long does the Verona food & wine walking tour last?

The tour covers lunch or dinner over several stops in central Verona; exact duration isn’t listed but plan for a relaxed half-day experience.

Is lunch or dinner included on this Verona food tour?

Yes, both lunch or dinner are included along with snacks and three glasses of local wine.

Are there vegetarian options available during the tour?

You can request specific dietary requirements at booking; options may vary by stop.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you’ll meet your guide in central Verona.

What languages is the tour offered in?

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

Can children join this walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

Will alcoholic drinks be served to all participants?

Alcoholic beverages will only be served to guests aged 18 or older.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through historic Verona with stops for snacks, a full meal (lunch or dinner), three glasses of regional wine, bottled water throughout, plus plenty of stories from your local guide before you finish up in Piazza delle Erbe.