One of our most popular offerings, and a must for foodies of all sorts. An up-close, behind the scenes introduction to not only what, but who makes up consumable Venice, guaranteed to afford you one of the most authentic, informative, and sensual (literally) Venetian experiences of your visit.
Too many landlubbers miss some of the best meals available in the city because “they don’t care for fish.” Often this is because they’ve never tasted fish that, as we say, “was swimming with his brothers just a few hours ago.” “It’s alive!” shrieks a visitor, recoiling from the claws of an indigo-blue astice. Says Loris (bettern known as Lolo) Manna, the Rialto Fish Market President: “If it’s not alive…it’s no good!”
Let Lolo give you the insider’s perspective on one of the most famous fish markets in the world. He’ll introduce you to its proud members, just arrived from the lagoon inlets and the high Adriatic, and beyond. They come in every form and fashion, depending on the season: shrimp to scampi (do you know the difference?), scallops to razor clams, eels to rays, tuna to swordfish. You’ll hear about Venetian fishing and cooking traditions and how they’ve evolved, even get tips on how to choose and prepare some simple dis hes yourself.
After leaving the market we’ll take the traghetto across the Grande Canal and head for the recently-revamped Fontego dei Pescatore, an elegant restaurant at night and lively bàcaro at lunchtime. Lolo is the proud proprietor, a guarantee of the quality of the fish in the tasty cichetti we’ll sample — some traditional, some contemporary creations — all Venetian to the core. We’ll also sample a flight of wines from the Tre Venezie (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto Adige), paired to accompany this ichthyic lunch that will combine all the elements of the morning. Whether you opt for a generous sampling of classic cichetti and a hearty seafood risotto, or a four course gourmet meal, it’s all created with quello del’megliore che c’è, the best ingredients available, guaranteed to please everyone from the most adventurous to the pickiest of diners.
INCLUDES:
Rialto Fish Market tour with Loris Manna, President of the Rialto Fishmongers Association
- Private Rialto Fish Market tour with Loris Manna, President of the Rialto Fishmongers Association
- Olive oil sampling
- Tre-Venezia wine tasting
- Lunch comprising all the elements of the tour, either a variety of fish and vegetable cichetti including piping hot seafood risotto all’onde, or a four-course gourmet meal
COST:
Prices are for generous cichetti and risotto lunch, second are for the four course meal:
- 2pp €260 / €360
- 4pp €350 / €520
- 6pp €440 / €660
Please note: when booking this tour, do let us know of any allergies or dietary concerns you may have.
NOTE:
This tour is available from Wednesday – Saturday.
This tour may not be available in August, when the fishing is at its leanest.
