Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This Downtown Culinary Tour is provided by CHARLESTON CULINARY TOURS, the longest-running food tour company in Charleston. Visit four food establishments on this 2.5-hour tour that combines elements of a historical tour with a culinary adventure! Learn about Charleston's history as you enjoy tastings of traditional favorites and contemporary innovations, all of which highlight the cuisine of locally-owned restaurants. Insight into Lowcountry cuisine accompanies the broad range of samples on your food tour. This is our original tour around the French Quarter and City Market and focuses on the traditional flavors of the region.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be communicated directly to Charleston Culinary Tours (843-259-2966) at least *36 hours* before your scheduled tour in order to be accommodated.
Vegan, dairy/lactose, & soy restrictions cannot be adequately accommodated. Guests with multiple allergies should contact Charleston Culinary Tours prior to booking to confirm accommodation.
We cannot assume responsibility for those with severe allergies.
We make every effort to provide a full meal for all guests, however, substitutions for dietary restrictions may not be 1-for-1 with regular tour offerings.
We recommend weather-appropriate attire and comfortable walking shoes.
Tours operate rain or shine, hot or cold. In the rare cases of EXTREME weather (e.g. Hurricane!), we will notify all guests as soon as a decision to cancel has been made.
Not recommended for those under 8 years of age.
Not recommended for travelers with severe dietary needs
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be communicated in advance directly to Charleston Culinary Tours (843.259.2966 or [email protected])
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS cannot be accommodated without advance notice (at least 36 hours prior to tour time)
We cannot accommodate vegan, dairy/lactose, or soy restrictions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Charleston
After meeting your foodie guide at the provided meeting location in downtown Charleston, you will begin your walking tour. Sample dishes at 4 restaurants, finishing with dessert. Each stop lasts ~30 minutes, and you'll be seated to rest your legs. For most people, the amount of food served overal is enough for a meal. As you enjoy walking through this historical section of the city, listen to stories about Charleston's culture and cuisine from your guide, who points out landmarks along your route. This wonderful experience will end within walking distance of your starting point. *Food restrictions must be separately communicated to Charleston Culinary Tours at least 24 hours in advance to be accommodated. *We cannot accommodate Vegan, Dairy/Lactose-Free, or Soy-Free diets.
What‘s Included
All pre-selected food tastings at 4 Charleston restaurants (meal for most)
Engaging narrative from local professional guide
2.5-Hour Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour
Gratuities
(available for individual purchase at most locations)
Options
Downtown Culinary Tour
Reviews
1,380 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Book the Tour
Brigett H,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful food…extremely full by the end - Dana was a fantastic guide! I highly recommend this tour!
What a deal!
Jackofalltrades-usa,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding experience. Next time we’re in Charleston we’ll take 1 or 2 of the other culinary tours of CCT. We received in effect a guided tour of the area, got in our steps for the day, had a wonderful meal at different locations, and got dessert all for the price of the culinary tour. Pretty good deal.
Delicious food served with Southern charm.
Chrispaz,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We do food tours on almost every city we visit. This one was a lot of fun. Our Guide, Simon Martineau, was wonderful. Kind, knowledgeable, and interesting! We visited four classic Charleston restaurants. Rudy Royals, Crab House, Pogans and Carmella's. The food was plentiful and delicious. TIP If you are ordering an alcoholic beverage, order it right away. The food comes quick and the drinks were slow to arrive.
Tasty and informative
Monica L,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michael was very knowledgeable and fun for our food tour. We would like to do another tour w him. Lucky to get a great magic trick to end our adventure!
Great tour of Charleston food!
marysuer2026,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was awesome! We learned about the history of the food we were served and also about the Charleston neighborhood of the eateries. Food was plentiful and delicious. Guide was knowledgeable, patient and friendly.
Pace yourself! You’re in for a real treat.
Roxilab,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to get a taste of Charleston. Tour size of twelve was easy to engage and enjoy. Stopped at 4 restaurants - all with a signature mini dishes. Pooghan’s Smokehouse, Church and Union, Rudy Royale and Carmella’s. Each establishment had pre-selected items ready for the group with the option of adding cocktails on your own. From the pulled pork and cornbread to fried chicken slider, collard greens, biscuit and gravy, chocolate peanut butter cake and more, we were all stuffed by the end. The best however was our host Alice! She was gracious, informative, funny, a wonderful storyteller and tailored the experience perfectly.
Wonderful Food Tour!!
RVgal2019,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great choice of restaurants and the tour guide was full of fun history and food facts. The food was delicious and the tour was a lot of fun. I would highly recommend to everyone.
Don’t miss this!
sheilastock1,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This food tour was a great experience. Alice, the tour guide, was very friendly, informative, and funny. She was extremely knowledgeable about all things Charleston and gave great recommendations for things to do. The food chosen for this tour was delicious. We loved the history behind each one. If you are ever in Charleston this is a must do!!
Yummy history and food of Charleston. Our guide, Alice was awesome
11theresaw,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a culinary and history tour with Alice and she was fantastic! She knew her food and the history so well. And she helped us plan another couple of days of fun too! Love her snd highly recommend!
The stops are not too far...
patricia b,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us the history of the area, the food and more. She also recommended restaurants and sights to see. The stops are not too far apart so don’t worry about extended walking. Alcohol is not included but you can order it on your own. One stop was on a second floor of a restaurant-no elevators. Overall a good experience. I would recommend this if you like to eat and learn about Charleston!
From US$110.00
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Operated by Charleston Culinary Tours