Venice Rialto Market Food Tour

Venice's food culture is quite different from other parts of Italy and there is no better way to experience this unique culinary culture than at the historic Rialto market. Due to the absence of farmable lands, meat, grains and dairy products are a rarity here. No pizzas as well. However, due to the abundance of water, fish is a common staple and due to a great trading channel, Venice had access to reams of spices from around the world.

The Rialto Market is the heart of Venetian food produce where locals buy seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits. For generations, Venetians have been coming to the colourful stalls at the Rialto market and there is no better place to learn about the culinary history of Venice than here. Along with a Venetian foodie who knows hidden gems and famous eateries alike, you will develop an appreciation for Venice's distinct Italian culinary credentials while sampling local specialities, fresh seafood and seasonal produce.

Meet your local foodie guide near the Rialto bridge and embark on a tantalizing adventure, starting off with the Rialto Fish Market. Here you will come to grips with the strange quirks of living on an island and see locals haggling with sellers to buy the day's catch. This is where most of the restaurants source their quota of fresh seafood, so you will probably see a person buying what you will be eating later in the day.

Passing the colourful stalls, you will reach your second stop for the day. Bacaro, a popular hangout spot amongst locals is where you get the best Cicchetti and Spritz in Venice. While you're here, you can try any 2 items of your choice accompanied by local wine, prosecco and spritz. Your guide is likely to ask you to try Baccala, a salted cod dish which is whipped and slathered on fresh bread as it's his all-time favourite. We are pretty sure it will blow your mind too. Next, you will walk to the best Cicchetti Bar in town and taste food that is synonymous with Venice. Cicchetti's (small snacks or side dishes) are a huge part of Venetian meal and trying a good platter of it in Venice is an absolute must. You will find a spread of rostini, panini, fritti (fried fish and vegetables) along with a glass of wine here and you can indulge in them sumptuously.

After eating to your hearts' content, you will board a gondola and travel across the Grand Canal and take in the beautiful views after your beautiful meal. You will disembark near the Ca d’Oro (Gold Palace) and walk towards the Jewish Ghetto while your guide narrates gripping lores about the buildings you pass and the Ghetto as well. After a short walk, you will settle down in a closeby neighbourhood for a plate of the city's best fish pasta accompanied by a bubbling glass of wine. After this meal, your guide will leave you to explore this part of the city. Before leaving he will be giving you a long list of recommendations for local bars and restaurants that serve moreish Venetian plates that suit your palate so that you can keep your culinary adventure going till you leave Venice.