Los Angeles Downtown Authentic Food Tour with 5 Local Dishes
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Why settle for one flavor when you can taste the world in a single neighborhood? Our Downtown Los Angeles food tour isn’t just a walk; it’s a curated journey through LA’s history. We start with the 18th century roots of Olvera Street and wind through the neon pulse of Little Tokyo.
Whether you join our lively shared tour to swap stories with other travelers or opt for a private tour for an intimate, tailored experience for your small group, you’ll go beyond the tourist traps. We’ve handpicked 6 iconic tastings that define the city: legendary French Dip Sandwiches, hand-rolled Taquitos, and savory Pork Gyoza.
Explore the bustling aisles of Grand Central Market and discover our Secret Dish, a mystery bite that changes with the seasons. Led by a local who knows the shortcuts and the stories, you’ll leave with a full stomach and the keys to the city. From Butter Chicken Samosas to hidden gems, this is the LA you came to find.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances
Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The beginnig of LA starts on this historic road, taste an LA staple at Juanita's as we walk through
The oldest standing residence in the city dated 1818
What‘s Included
Pork Gyoza
Butter Chicken Samosa
Taquitos
French Dip Sandwich
Our Signature Secret Dish
Takoyaki
Guide's Gratuities
Transportation
Options
LA Downtown Small Group Tour
Small Group Food Tour: Choose this option to join our LA Downtown Food Tour in a group of 12 people or less!
Private Food Tour Upgrade
Private Tour: Choose this option to upgrade to a private LA Downtown guided food tour for your group only!
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing food tour through Los Angeles downtown
jennycL3361MG,Jan 11, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a private tour, out guide was John Vogel. John made sure we had a great experience, was very accommodating and fun! We were 9 people, including my parents who have difficulty walking, however they were able to enjoy the tour and loved the food and every single stop we made. Just a great tour, highly recommend it to anyone, either you like in LA or are visiting, it’s a great experience!
Amazing Food Tour with lots of history involved!!!
clarehG8383MR,Jan 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was incredible. I bought it as a Christmas present for my boyfriend. I am an LA native but he is from Buffalo, New York and we both totally enjoyed every second of this tour. The food was amazing and our guide Sara did such a wonderful job giving history and chatting with us.
Not Just a Food Tour -- A History Tour As Well
RioVistaPatty,Dec 26, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, John, is an LA native. The food stops were places he was very familiar with, some since his youth. There were just three of us. We stopped for taquitos, then the French Dip, followed by Chinese and last burgers at Burgerlords. Then we walked to the Catholic Cathedral and finished our tour at the Music Center. The tour was three hours and John provided lots of insight about the city and the ethnic groups that have shaped it. I definitely recommend this tour. We got the drinks upgrade, which I do not necessarily recommend. It's a strenuous tour and the alcohol slowed me down a bit.
LA downtown food tour
Stallingspride19,Nov 25, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sara was a exceptional tour guide, very personable and knowledgeable of the city history and cuisine. It was a lot fun and enjoyed by all in our group.
Fabulous Foodie Tour with John!!!
tourbeez,Nov 14, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have never done a food tour before and I am so happy I did! I have lived in LA all of my life and never knew these little gems of restaurants existed! Our guide John was so knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting historical details that just added to experience. And then there was the food! Best burger I have tasted in years and who knew that it could be found in Chinatown?!! I will absolutely be doing the beer tour next, which looks like a blast! What a great way to spend the day! I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting or to someone like me who really enjoyed discovering something new in her own backyard! Thank you John for a wonderful adventure!
Downtown LA
RedBob4,Nov 12, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very cool to go from Mexico to Chinatown on one walk. Started with Taquitos freshly made and went on to a fab sammy, Chinese duck and ended with a burger, all unbelievably delicious. Stories from John added food for the mind and soul. Thanks to Secret Food tours for an afternoon well spent, excellent value.
Great experience with assorted food options
joyheyue,Nov 10, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Sara was very friendly and helpful. As a LA local, she introduced the cultures and histories behind landmarks as we navigate the downtown area. The tour began at Union station and went towards the direction of Chinatown. It was a walking tour that allows you to explore different street corners.
Both Downtown and the Beer Tour are a must when visiting L.A.
NitoSoume,Oct 8, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am always challenged to take more tours but I must now say Secret Food Tours never fails. The Downtown tour is truly the food created in LA and so delicious, so much information, easy meeting spot (if you are using public transit). I am in love with the French Dip Sandwich which if you choose the alcohol is served with a California Cabernet. I never expected this from a simple roast beef. So much good food, sun, history all from John. Excellent! And BEER on the beer tour, so well done, so much information and so much fun. I am back there also this weekend and may take Venice as well then report on that.
Great tour!
lindanish,Sep 26, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took the downtown secret food tour and I highly recommend it! If you don't feel like doing hours of homework, but want to eat at the little hidden gems in Los Angeles, this is a great way to go! Every spot we went to had delicious food and libations and John Vogel, our tour guide was knowledgeable about both the food and the history of the area. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon while getting to know a city.
Downtown Los Angeles secret food tour
Q8817HHbobm,Sep 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time on the Tour! The food was Fantastic (I could not eat another bite at the end) and the tour guide was very informative. I would highly recomend this to everyone as a way to see and taste downtown L.A..
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Operated by Secret Food Tours