Italy Food Tour Guide 2026: Our Top Picks by City

We’ve been tasting our way through Italy for years — and now we’ve created this ultimate Italy food tour guide just for you.

From Rome’s street food to Florence’s traditional trattorias and Monopoli’s seaside bites, we’ve joined countless Italian food tours, chatting with passionate local guides and sampling the very best eats in every city.

Along the way, we’ve uncovered hidden gems and authentic flavours we’d never have found on our own.

To help you experience the same, we’ve handpicked the best food tours in Italy by city — each one offering delicious local cuisine, friendly guides, and just the right amount of adventure.

Scroll down to find your perfect Italian culinary experience — your taste buds will thank you! 

👉Check out how to create a custom Italy food tour!

How to choose the best Italy food tour for you

Before you dive into the list of food tours in Italy, use these quick filters to narrow down your best-fit options:

• Budget: Decide your comfort zone (roughly €50–€90 for group walking tours, €90–€150+ for premium/small-group, and more for private or multi-day experiences).
• City / Region: Pick based on your route. Rome and Florence are great “first-timer” food cities, Bologna and Emilia-Romagna are ideal for serious foodies, while Naples and Sicily are perfect if you love bold, street-food-style flavours.
• Tour Style: Choose between relaxed walking tastings, hands-on cooking classes, wine-focused experiences, or full-day countryside food + wine tours.
• Dietary Needs: Look for tours that can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, or other dietary requirements—many operators can adapt if you tell them in advance.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Smaller groups feel more local and intimate, while larger groups are often more budget-friendly and social.
  
  

👍 Find the Perfect Italy Food Tour for You

Rome Food Tours – A key part of the ultimate Italy food tour

Before exploring Rome’s street food scene, here’s what you should know about the best Italy food tours available in the capital.

Taking a Rome food tour is something really special — and trust us, it’s worth it. We’ve done a couple of them in different neighbourhoods, and each one felt completely unique.

In the mornings, we wandered through Testaccio and Prati, sipping espresso at local cafés, browsing lively food markets, and popping into cosy trattorias.

You can really feel the rhythm of the city and see how Romans start their day.

Then, in the evenings, we strolled through the Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori. It felt like eating out with friends while tasting authentic Roman dishes at every stop.

If you’re visiting Rome, do yourself a favour and go on a foodie tour. You’ll want to try everything: porchetta, supplì, pizza al taglio, fried zucchini flowers, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, bruschetta, pasta… and of course, dessert! Cannoli, tiramisu, and gelato are basically mandatory.

Browse Rome food tours below to choose the experience that fits your travel style.

Food tours in Florence, Italy, you shouldn’t miss

Tuscany (including Florence) is a dream for food lovers, and each city offers its own delicious specialties.

In Florence, we always eat well—whether it’s picking up thinly sliced salami at Mercato Centrale, grabbing fresh coccoli from a local bakery, or enjoying crunchy schiacciata sandwiches from I' Girone de' Ghiotti. We never miss a plate of pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale at a cosy trattoria.

And if you're short on time, a Florence food tour is a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and connect with local guides. Those who love cooking may join a cooking class in Florence (various options).

Check out great foodie things to buy in Florence!

Explore Florence food tours below to find the perfect culinary experience.

Food Tours Bologna, Italy – Taste authentic local flavours

Emilia-Romagna, the homeland of Bologna, is one of our favourite food regions in Italy.

It’s no surprise we adore its pasta dishes—this is the birthplace of lasagna al ragù, tortellini, those adorable belly-shaped filled pasta, and tagliatelle, the long, flat ribbons traditionally served with a rich meat ragù.

You can search for great places to eat on your own, or you can join an Italian food tour in Bologna to skip the hassle. We suggest Sfoglia Rina, a must-visit for fresh handmade pasta—just be prepared for lines!

This region is also home to Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar. You can even visit the factories just outside Bologna where these delicacies are made and see how the magic happens.

Check out the Bologna food tours we love—highly rated and perfect for food lovers!

5. Private Parma food walking tour (Artemilia Guided Tours)

This 3-hour private food tour in Parma meets at Garibaldi Square (choose from tours at 10:30am, 1:30pm and 5:00pm). The tour takes you to the favourite eateries and shops in the city. During the tour you'll eat focaccia sandwich, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Modena balsamic vinegar, 2 kinds of handmade pasta, a selection of cured meat, sweets and gelato. Plus, as you pass near the local sights, you'll learn more about them. This gastro tour in Parma collects excellent reviews! 👉 Secure your place on this Parma food tour!

Best food tours in Venice, Italy (and the rest of Veneto)

Unlike other parts of Italy, Venetian cuisine is all about seafood, small plates, and bold flavours. You’ll try dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped cod), sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines), and freshly fried mozzarella in carrozza. Not sure where to start?

That’s where a local Venice food tour comes in—it takes you straight to the good stuff.

One of the highlights? Cicchetti. These are Venice’s answer to tapas—bite-sized snacks served in cosy wine bars called bacari. You'll hop from one to the next, tasting things like polenta with squid ink, crostini with prosciutto or anchovies, and local cheeses, all paired with regional wines.

Got a sweet tooth? You’re covered. Try a slice of torta di fregolotta, or grab a warm frittella during Carnival season. And of course, gelato is always a good idea.

We’ve rounded up some of the best food tours in Venice, perfect for foodies, first-timers, or anyone curious about what Venice really tastes like.

1. Venice walking food tour (Secret Food Tours)

This morning food tour will show you where to find the best food in Venice (in a small group). You'll sample a variety of dishes such as cookies, cicchetti (the local snacks) paired with spritz, prosecco (the fizzy wine), tramezzini, risotto, polenta and tiramisu. To find out the "secret dish" you'll have to join the tour!

The tour start at 10:30am and lasts 3.5 hours

2. Eat, drink and repeat: Wine and Food tasting tour in Venice

As the name suggests, this tour is all about eating, drinking, and doing it all over again—more than a few times! Along the way, you’ll enjoy several glasses of wine paired with delicious local bites, while hearing fun stories and legends about the food, the wine, and the history of the area.

One of the highlights is Prosecco—a fresh, fragrant white wine that’s usually sparkling, but there’s more to it than just the bubbles. You’ll learn what makes it special, taste different styles, and discover how it pairs beautifully with the local cuisine.

3. Venice Market and Cicchetti Semi-Private 6 People Food Experience

On this Italian food tour in Venice (in a group of only 6 people and your expert local guide) you will explore Rialto Fish Market. Here you'll see how the locals shop and see a variety of seafood. Afterwards, you'll snack on cicchetti and taste prosecco. A short gondolino ride will take you to sit-down lunch, where you'll eat traditional Venetian dishes.

Tour is available every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00am and lasts 2 hours

4. Venice Like a Local: Venice Food, Wine & Spritz Tasting Tour

Explore the backstreet bars of Venice on this great food and wine tour. Your guide will take you to different wine bars where local Venetians go to eat and drink. Besides, tasting regional wines you'll eat plates of appetizers called "cicchetti", black ink calamari, polenta with seafood or seasonal vegetables, tramezzino, lasagna or pasta, risotto and cod in two ways. Finish the tour with well-deserved desert – tiramisu.

Choose from tours at 11:00am and 5:00pm; the tour lasts 2.5 hours.

5. Verona walking food tour with lunch/dinner

Discover Verona’s gastronomy and the city highlights during this half-day tour. Stroll down the quaint streets of the historic city center and learn about the history and traditions of Verona. Tours are modified for each season and you visit historic eateries, wine bars, and restaurants. You also take a ride on the funicular to the highest part of the city for a stunning view of Verona.

Italy food tour experiences in Naples (and Amalfi coast)

If you're planning an Italy food tour, don’t miss Naples—the birthplace of pizza and a treasure trove of unforgettable flavours.

Located in Campania, near Mount Vesuvius, this region is famous for San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and basil—the essentials of authentic Neapolitan pizza, now protected by UNESCO.

But pizza is just the beginning. On our upcoming Naples food tour, we’re excited to try local favorites like:

• Frittatine – Fried pasta bites with cheese
• Babà – Rum-soaked sponge cake
• Pizza Fritta – Deep-fried, stuffed pizza
• Sfogliatella – Flaky pastry with sweet ricotta
• Pasta alla Genovese – Beef and onion pasta
• Cuoppo – A cone of fried street food
• Neapolitan Coffee – Bold, strong, and iconic

Just outside the city, the Amalfi Coast offers lemon-scented seafood dishes and specialties like courgette spaghetti at the renowned Lo Scoglio da Tommaso.

We truly believe a Naples food tour is the best way to explore the city—walking its historic streets, tasting its iconic dishes, and connecting with passionate local guides. We’re dreaming of warm sfogliatella, perfect pizza, crispy crocchè, and ending with a glass of limoncello and gelato.

Here are the food tours we’ve added to our bucket list—and we can’t wait to share more soon!

1. Naples walking food tour (Secret Food Tours)

Looking forward to joining the Naples walking food tour with Secret Food Tours, rated among the city's finest. This 3.5-hour adventure takes you through Naples' historic center with an expert local guide. The tour offers convenient morning or evening slots and keeps groups intimate.

You'll sample delicious local specialties including fresh pizzas, warm sfogliatelle pastries, traditional sauces, cured meats paired with wine, fried treats, espresso, and a special "secret dish." All tastings include beverages, with non-alcoholic options available.

This Italian food tour in Naples promises an exceptional day exploring the city's cuisine. For a more exclusive experience, private tours are available. It's truly a standout among Italian food tours.

2. Eating Naples food tour (Eating Europe)

We chose this 3.5-hour Naples foodie tour as one of the best due to its outstanding reviews. Travellers adore exploring the streets of Naples while savoring local delicacies. During the tour, you'll enjoy an espresso or cappuccino and a flaky sfogliatella, indulge in the iconic freshly baked Neapolitan pizza and deep-fried pasta, taste a Caprese salad made with creamy buffalo mozzarella, sip on limoncello, and treat yourself to gelato. The tour also includes drinks (wine, beer, and water).

The Eating Italy food tour in Naples lasts for 3.5 hours and features 8 tastings - plenty of food for a complete lunch! The guides on this tour are truly passionate about and knowledgeable of Naples! 👉 Reserve your spot on this Naples street food tour!

3. Private Naples food walking tour from pizza to Limoncello (Tours Connect)

What makes this Naples foodie tour unique is that it’s exclusively tailored for you and your travel companions, and it has garnered fantastic reviews. Once you connect with your guide at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, he'll lead you through the city, taking you to the local food spots where residents dine (you’ll enjoy revisiting these places later during your stay).

You'll indulge in an array of tasty foods, from appetizers to after-dinner beverages, featuring fresh mozzarella, crispy fried seafood, tarallo, excellent local wine, famous pasta dishes like "ziti al ragù," delightful desserts, limoncello, and, naturally, the celebrated Neapolitan pizza.

Don’t fret about getting too full too fast. The tour is thoughtfully organized, with tastings spaced out over three hours. Tours Connect can arrange a tour for you at any time during the day! A fantastic culinary experience while in Naples! 👉 Reserve the tour here!

4. Naples traditional food tour (Do Eat Better)

We recommend this 3.5-hour Naples food tour as a fantastic alternative to lunch. The tour begins mid-morning, guiding you through the Vomero district of Naples. What we particularly love about this gastronomic experience is the variety of food options available - ranging from snacks like taratto, street food cuoppo, and crocchè, to more substantial meals such as meatballs in tomato sauce and genovese ziti, a pasta with rich meat sauce (absolutely mouthwatering). And let’s not forget the desserts: sfogliatella riccia (a flaky pastry) and "babà" (a soft, rum-soaked cake), along with a delightful espresso.

Smaller groups ensure a more personalized experience! This Naples food tour is definitely on our bucket list! 👉 Book this Naples foodie walk!

Handpicked Italy food tours in Puglia

The Puglia region, located along the heel of the Italian peninsula, offers some of the most delicious foodie experiences in the country.

Here you can enjoy incredible traditional dishes such as orecchiette and cavatelli pasta (👉 see pasta classes!), freshly grilled fish, rich seafood stews, tasty puccia sandwiches, crispy panzerotti (fried dough pockets), and crunchy friselle—perfect when paired with a glass of local wine.

Don’t forget the region’s amazing cured meats and cheeses. Puglia’s mozzarella, burrata, and stracciatella are truly unforgettable. For an authentic experience, visit a local dairy farm to watch cheese being made, try it yourself, and taste it fresh on the spot.

Puglia is also the land of olive oil, making it the ideal place to sample some of Italy’s finest oils and see how they’re produced.

If you’re staying in Bari, you can enjoy delicious Apulian cuisine right in the city or travel south to explore beautiful towns such as Polignano a Mare, Monopoli (👉 see how we explore it!), or Lecce—all perfect destinations for unforgettable Puglia food tours.

Whether you're a dedicated foodie or simply love authentic Italian flavours, Puglia offers some of the best food tours in Italy.

👌 Best food experiences in Puglia

Best Italian food tours in Sicily

Sicily is one of Italy's most captivating regions for food enthusiasts. Its cuisine thrives on fresh and organic ingredients, featuring a delightful array of fish and vegetables.

As you wander through Sicily's charming villages and medieval towns, indulge in the island's exceptional street food offerings. You can savor arancini (deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella), cazilli (potato croquettes), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza).

The island is also renowned for its incredible sweets, with cannoli—crispy pastries filled with flavored ricotta cream—being the most famous. Sicily hosts some of Italy's finest food tours, offering a unique culinary experience!

1. Palermo street food tour (Do Eat Better)

This small foodie adventure in Palermo is great for those looking to discover local favorite food spots. It combines tasty dining with a stroll through the city. You'll enjoy sampling yummy Sicilian snacks like panino ca meuza, bread with panella and crocchè, sfincione, and rice arancini. Of course, you'll also get to try Sicilian cannoli and granita! This fun 3.5-hour tour is offered in the morning and early evening, ensuring a good time. This is one of the tastiest food tours in Italy!

2. Palermo walking food tour (Secret Food Tours)

This Palermo culinary tour begins at Porta Nuova, the city's oldest street, with options at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. During this gastronomic adventure, you'll dive into the rich aromas and flavours of Palermo. The journey includes a visit to the vibrant Ballarò food market and stops at various eateries where you'll taste Sicilian delights like arancina, olives, cheese and charcuterie, spiced sausages, assorted vegetables, panelle and crocché (local fried treats), pasta alla Norma, cannoli, and a "secret dish." The tour is 3.5 hours long, and there's also an option for a private tour!

3. Sicilian Street food tour in Messina (Discover Messina Sicily)

Join this great Sicilian street food tour in Messina, starting at 10:30 AM. With a friendly food guide by your side, you'll explore popular spots in the city such as the Cathedral and the Church of Catalans. As you wander, you'll get to taste the delicious traditional Sicilian treats. Sample goodies like arancini, focaccia, cannoli, and granite at different cafès, shops, and bars. Plus, enjoy some wine, beer, liquors, and coffee to complete your journey. There’s also an option to book a private food tour in Messina!

Best Italian food tours in Milan

Lombardy’s cuisine is heartier and butter-rich, influenced by Germany and Switzerland, rather than the typical Mediterranean tomatoes and basil — perfect for lovers of comforting flavours.

On our visit to Milan, we tried incredible specialties like mondeghili (meatballs made from leftover meat, breaded and sautéed in butter), Milanese cotoletta, saffron-infused risotto alla Milanese, creamy polenta, and even more adventurous dishes like cassoeula, a pork-and-cabbage stew.

Freshwater fish from the lakes and pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with greens, potatoes, and cheese) are also local favorites.

For dessert, Lombardy shines. Panettone, the famous festive bread with candied fruit, almonds, and honey, and torrone, a nougat with almonds and honey, are must-tries. We’ve handpicked the top food tours in Milan that let you taste these specialties and more.

Just outside Milan, Bergamo is a food lover’s dream. Here, we savoured casoncelli pasta in butter and sage, polenta with loanghìna sausage, polenta e osèi, and pollo alla casalinga (chicken stuffed with chestnuts, plums, and sausage).

If you’re planning an Italy food tour, Lombardy is a must — rich dishes, local cheeses, decadent desserts, and unforgettable culinary experiences await.

1. Milan favourite food tour

Join this private food tour in Milan, where you'll wander through central Milan, experiencing the flavours of the city while visiting the La Brea district and the vibrant Corso Garibaldi shopping street. Along the journey, taste up to six delicious sweet and savoury treats, such as organic gelato, tramezzino, salumi sandwiches, artisan chocolate, pizza, and local wine. Armando, your friendly guide, will meet you at Piazza della Scala, near the Leonardo Da Vinci statue. This tour is available daily at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm, lasting 2.5 hours. 👉 Don't miss out, book your amazing food tour in Milan today!

2. Eating Milan Navigli food and drink tour (Eating Europe)

On this Milan food tour you'll spend amazing 4 hours walking down the trendy Navigli neighbourhood and indulging your tastebuds with delicious food. You'll eat these delicacies - pizza alla teglia (along craft beer); polenta, carpazzio and gorgonzola cheese; farinata (chickpea flatbread) and risotto alla Milanese. You'll even have opportunity to make your own tiramisù! This tour is both delicious and informative. Choose from morning departure - at 11am, or opt for early evening walk - at 5pm. 👉 Save your spot on this Milan food tour!

Best Italy food tours in Liguria (Genoa...)

Among Italians the city of Genoa is renowned for its culinary riches – almost everyone agrees that the pesto and focaccia here are the best in the country (there’s even a foccacia festival in May). Other specialities from here are fried ravioli, torta pasqualina (flaky pastry pie filled with egg, spinach and ricotta) and farinata (chickpea pancake).

Plan to take one of many foodie tours to walk through several neighbourhoods and taste as many of Genoa’s gastronomic delights as possible.

1. Food tour in Genoa (Do Eat Better)

On this food tour of Genoa, that starts at 11:30am, you'll explore fresh flavours and traditional recipes handed down through the generations. You'll eat lots of delicious food, including basil pesto sauce, sciamada (savoury pie), focaccia with stracchino cheese, fried squids, stockfish, olives, anchovies, frisceu (small pancakes with vegetables) and gelato and espresso in the end. The tour lasts for 3.5 hours. 👉 Pick between several itineraries to fit your interests!

2. Genoa food tour with wine tastings (Slow Travel)

This 2-hour food tour in Genoa takes you onto exploration of artisan food shops, market stalls and other food gems. During the tour you'll taste a variety of savoury and sweet treats, including fried fish, basil pesto sauces, baci di dama cookies (nutty cookies with melted chocolate), several types of focaccia and wines from the slopes of Ligura. This food tour perfectly fits into your sightseeing of Genova city! This tour brings you six tastings and 2 wines! 👉 Book your place on this food tour in Genoa!

How to create a custom Italy food tour

The custom Italy food tour is built by combining multiple food tours across different cities. Each tour can be booked individually, or paired with others to create a deeper culinary journey through Italy. With several tour options available in every destination, you can customize your experience based on time, interests, and travel plans.

If you’re dreaming of a food-focused getaway, planning your own culinary trip through Italy is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country.

Start by picking a few must-visit destinations—and in each one, take time to dive into the local food culture with cooking classes, market strolls, and unforgettable meals.

For example, you could begin your journey in Rome, wandering through ancient streets, learning to make fresh pasta, and eating your way through charming trattorias.

Then head north to Tuscany for rolling hills, Chianti wines, and rustic farmhouse lunches. Finish your adventure in Venice, where you can explore vibrant bacari bars, sip local prosecco, and take a seafood cooking class.

Or flip the route: start in Rome, soaking up its rich culinary heritage, then make your way south to Naples, where pizza was born and fried street food is a local obsession. Round it all off with a stay along the Amalfi Coast, where fresh seafood and lemon-infused dishes steal the show.

There are hundreds of ways to craft your perfect Italian food tour—it all depends on what you want to see (and eat!).

Start by picking your dream destinations and building a flexible itinerary. In each city, book a cooking class or guided food tour to dive deeper into the region’s specialties. Not only will you get to taste incredible dishes, but you'll also learn the stories and traditions behind them.

Prefer not to plan everything yourself? Try booking a multi-day food tour in Italy. These organized trips usually include cooking classes, food tastings, nice places to stay—and lots of delicious meals along the way.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Rome or a full Italian itinerary, exploring the best Italy food tours will elevate your trip.

If you’re visiting Italy for the first time and want a classic “taste of everything,” start with a small-group evening food tour in Rome or Florence, then add one cooking class to learn a signature dish.

If you’re a serious foodie who doesn’t mind traveling for great meals, focus on Bologna or Emilia-Romagna for a full-day food and wine tour, then add a market-to-table experience in Naples or Sicily for street food and seafood.

Best Italy food tour packages for 2026

An Italy food tour package can be an excellent way to explore the country's finest foodie destinations while immersing yourself in its rich culture and history.

Travel companies provide a variety of guided food tours throughout Italy, ranging from shorter 3-day trips to more extensive 11-day explorations.

When selecting a tour, consider which cities and regions you want to visit and the duration of your trip. Additionally, think about whether you prefer guided food tours, cooking workshops, wine tours, or other activities, depending on your interests. We’ve compiled a list of Italian food tour packages featuring intriguing itineraries and top reviews.

10-day food tour Italy - itinerary:

For those who want to taste the finest Italian food, from the very north to the south, we have curated a 10-day food tour itinerary. You'll hop from one region to another while discovering the best local cuisines.

Throughout this culinary journey, you'll have the chance to sample famous regional dishes, participate in hands-on cooking classes, join engaging foodie tours and wine tastings, and visit local producers to see how food is made firsthand.

In addition to satisfying your taste buds, you'll have the opportunity to connect with warm and welcoming locals. You'll witness everyday life in each city you visit, enriching your overall experience.

You don't have to follow this Italy food tour itinerary to the letter; you can simply take a couple of ideas and create a completely new one that better suits your needs. We have included our recommendations for food venues as well as fabulous places to stay in each destination.

Keep exploring Italy with these:

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery

Rome to Florence day trip

Travel from Croatia to Italy

Best Italian pasta-making classes

Benvenuti!

Join us as we share our latest journeys through Italy and the delicious bites that stole our hearts along the way.

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