Has anyone recently done Alessandro Schezzini’s Venice Cicchetti Tour? He is mentioned in Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook and we really loved our first experience with him in 2016. However, when we did Alessandro’s tour again in early 2023, we were very disappointed, as he seemed very rushed, and we only went to 2 quick places. At the last place we all just sat at a long table outside that had some plates of apps, and he proceeded to field questions, some about differences between American and Italy which seemed to annoy him, and then then he ended it after an hour of being in a sour mood. Maybe he wasn’t feeling good that day or something? So totally different than the first time! Even in spite of that, we would still like to give him another try when we are in Venice this fall, as the first time was a lot of fun. Has anyone else had a recent good or bad experience?
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2173 posts
This is sort of non-response but when we were there is March I tried to set up something knowing that it was probably too early. As I suspected it didn't work out but when I mentioned I was trying to arrange it our friends from Venice kind of made the "I have an opinion but don't care to share it". But when I pressed them they said it seemed like he had gotten "schticky" and it wasn't a real Venice thing.
My recommendation from March is Wine Bar 5000 - we had previously made fun of the name but it is a lovely spot on a side canal that looks way more upscale than its prices. The 5000 in the name is just the address number BTW.
I also enjoyed OZIO on Campiello Santa Maria Formosa. They stress organic and artisanal beers along with wine and the usual drinks and their cicchetti are tiny works of art. This recommendation comes with an asterix because it is in a very busy spot and the owner is fiercely Venice local and actively hostile to tourist shenanigans, but he keeps a close eye on his operation and takes it seriously. If I lived in this section of Venice I can tell by the vibe that this would be on my list of regular places.
Both these places are over north of Piazza San Marco area.
Enjoy Venice,
=Tod
Posted by
Tel Aviv
16110 posts
hired man Thank you for the wine bar recs. I will be in Venice on a return visit, staying near San Marco and I'm looking forward to trying them both.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
11695 posts
My friend and I went on his tour and enjoyed it very much. This was in 2016 so obviously not recent. You apparently had a different experience later.
Posted by
San Francisco, California
6 posts
We did Alessandro’s tour twice and really enjoyed it both times. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Venice and explained a lot about the different neighbourhoods, the bacari, and how cicchetti culture developed. It never felt like a history lecture though, just interesting conversation as we walked around and stopped for food and wine.
Both tours were slightly different and we visited different places, which we liked. He was friendly, happy to answer questions and didn’t seem rushed at all, so I'm surprised. It sounds like you may just have caught him on a bad day in 2023. Based on our experience, I’d happily book with him again.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thank you all for your comments & suggestions! Will update this post to let you know if we decide to try him again and how it worked out (we will be in Venice mid-September). Thanks also for the other places recommended - will definitely give those a try!!
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA (Originally England)
163 posts
I had a great time on his tour but a friend is trying to contact him and no response to her emails and his website does not seem to be working. Maybe he retired?
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2173 posts
He was responsive in March when I emailed him and he got back to me pretty quickly and said he was out of town, but followed up a week or so later with details when he was back. We went back and forth for a bit while I was in Italy but not in Venice trying to work out a day. Our last email was March 13th but he was in good communication.
His website is down but that means less in Italy than in other places since self promotion is not an Italian strength.
I'm sure it's been the same forever but the email he was using was: [email protected]
If anyone hears anything let us know,
=Tod
Posted by
Palm Springs area, CA. USA (winters)🌴☀️ Nomadic (Spring thru Fall)
3984 posts
We did Alessandro’s food tour in 2024. It was just ok. He did seem like he is getting a bit tired (of Americans, tourists)? Not sure.
Posted by
Charleston, SC
8 posts
@lynn who was trying to contact him. I reached him via email a month or so ago and he put me on the list for a tour in early October, although he did say that he wasn't really confirming until a few days before since people are booking and cancelling. It sounds like tourism has been down (possibly because Ukraine, Iran and oil prices and such). For what it's worth, I did his tour in 2009 when I last visited and it was a highlight of my trip. That was 17 years ago though and we've both aged a lot since. Maybe he's getting tired and cranky at times like all of us! He did take a bit to respond to the email. Give him a week and then maybe try again.