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3 hours
Mobile ticket
This Carlsbad village tour features 5 mouth-watering food samplings at unique eateries with insightful historical, architectural and cultural presentations! Enjoy Carlsbad's specialty foods, including Strawberry Shortcake from The Strawberry Shack & Gelato. The goal is to entice your taste buds and stimulate your mind with the sights, flavors and way of life in Carlsbad.
Come and experience Carlsbad Village of the past while listening to stories about some of its architectural jewels. Knowledgeable guides will share some of the interesting facts about the village in the early days. The Village is steeped with history, and this experience will be an insider's view of old and new Carlsbad.
Alternate Tasting Locations may be added to tour:
Froglanders -French Crepes
The Goods - Donuts
Strawberry Shack - Strawberry Shortcake
Choice Juicery - Avocado toast
Blue Water Grill - Fish & Chips, Chowder
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Dress code is smart casual
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Ciccotti’s also has great Italian cuisine. Our tasting here will be pasta or gnocchi and cannolis.
Meza Sampler
3 hour guided walking food tour around Carlsbad Village with 7 stops for tastings at unique eateries and wine. Insightful historical, cultural and architectural presentations.
Walking Tour
Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Food tastings: 2-3 Savory & 1-2 Desserts
Gratuities
Transportation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
533 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
davidwQ92DL,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
David was an amazing guide/host. I loved his mixture of food and the history of Carlsbad. Would absolutely recommend!!
Marcy B,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had an absolutely fantastic time on the Carlsbad Food Tour, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Ed, aka “Dirt.” Our group showed up excited for good food, but we left talking just as much about how knowledgeable, funny, and engaging he was throughout the entire experience. The food itself was incredible from start to finish. We kicked things off with a Mediterranean spread that set the tone perfectly—baba ganoush, homemade hummus, and warm, fresh pitas that were so good we could’ve stayed there all afternoon. From there, we moved on to the Italian stop, where the tomato spread and the cheese ravioli in vodka sauce were rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. This was so good that we went back to here for dinner that night. Next came the margaritas and birria tacos, which were a total crowd‑pleaser. The flavors were bold, the tortillas were perfect, and the margaritas hit that ideal balance of refreshing and strong. After that, we enjoyed savory crepes that were so beautifully made and flavorful they felt like a little surprise in the middle of the tour. And to wrap it all up, we finished with fresh donuts—warm, sweet, and the perfect ending to a day of great bites. What really elevated the whole experience was Dirt himself. With a nickname like that, we weren’t sure what to expect, but he turned out to be incredibly knowledgeable about Carlsbad’s history, architecture, food scene, and hidden gems. He shared stories and insights that made each stop feel connected to the community, not just a place to eat. His personality made the tour fun, relaxed, and memorable. If you’re visiting Carlsbad—or even if you’re local—this food tour is a must. And if you’re lucky enough to get Dirt as your guide, you’re in for an exceptional experience.





K4946RVjenniferp,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for a fun way to experience Carlsbad, Ben’s food tour is an absolute must! The food was delicious, the restaurant selections were fantastic, and the portions were surprisingly generous. What really set the experience apart was Ben’s knowledge of Carlsbad’s history, local art, and hidden gems. He kept the tour engaging, informative, and entertaining from start to finish. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking to discover something new, this tour is worth every minute. We left full, happy, and with a greater appreciation for Carlsbad. Highly recommend!







Teresa F,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
Ben was fun and informative. Told us about the restaurants, local history and local artists. Wide variety of delicious food.
Lisa,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great way to get familiar with the area and local foods. The tour length was perfect and really took advantage of the local gods and history
Linda B,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had a great food tour. The guide was excellent, all his food choices were delicious and he was so knowledgeable about not just the food, but the history of the town.
Donna V,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Dirt was an excellent tour guide providing knowledgeable information about Carlsbad, its history and local eateries.
Michael L,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our Carlsbad food tour with guide David was a trip highlight. The connection was immediate from the moment we met him. When he learned we'd already visited two spots on the planned route, he adapted without missing a beat. The stops ranged from Village Kabob's whipped tzatziki and light dolmathes to housemade pasta at Chiotti's. Then craft beer and lively energy at Pizza Port, standout tacos al pastor with a unique serrano chile salsa at Señor Grubby's, and exceptional gelato at GelatoLove. And I had no idea that phyllo flakes are what put Dubai chocolate over the top?! Along the way we met owners, bartenders, and a limoncello maestro; all of whom made the experience a genuinely personal introduction to the interesting people making the food scene a reality in this coastal village. More than just a tasting, it was a window into the community and character of Carlsbad. We left full and informed on history. Ready to book the restaurants on David's must-visit list. Loved it. Thank you David!
rogercV5004BK,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very good historical tour of downtown and the food stops were perfect. I loved the fresh strawberry shortcake the best!! Give it a try if you are new to Carlsbad.
Laura B,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our guide was excellent! My only negative was that I think there should only be one sweet and that should be the donuts. They were amazing!!
Operated by Carlsbad Food Tours