Charleston’s food tours pack serious value into compact, well-organized outings. These 2.5-4 hour walks through the historic district deliver generous tastings of essential Lowcountry dishes – from shrimp and grits to authentic she-crab soup. Small groups (usually 8-12 people) keep things personal.
I’m especially fond of tours that combine history with hearty portions. The best ones feature savvy local guides who know their stuff, accommodating special diets while sharing insider stories about Charleston’s culinary heritage. Expect to pay $95-110 per person – worth it for the amount of food and insights you’ll get.
Let’s explore the standout food tours that showcase Charleston’s best flavors.
Key Points
- Charleston offers a variety of highly-rated food tours, typically lasting 2.5-4 hours, that explore the city’s historic districts and Lowcountry cuisine.
- Tours feature signature dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Chicken Bog, highlighting the culinary influences of South Carolina.
- Food tours accommodate dietary restrictions and varying mobility levels, but may have age restrictions and require advance booking due to popularity.
- Charleston’s food tours are praised for their knowledgeable guides, quality food tastings, and engaging historical and cultural insights, often receiving ratings of 4.5 stars or higher.
- Typical tour prices range from $95 to $110.44 per person, with options for booking now and paying later, and alcoholic beverages available for individual purchase on some tours.
Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Embarking on the Downtown Charleston Food Tour, guests embark on a 2.5-hour culinary journey through the city’s historic French Quarter and Market.
With a maximum group size of 12, the intimate experience allows for an engaging narrative from local guides while tasting Lowcountry cuisine at four acclaimed restaurants.
Highlights include exploring the city’s rich history through traditional dishes and savoring a meal for most participants.
Although alcohol is available for individual purchase, the tour’s inclusions cover pre-selected food tastings, gratuities, and a Badge of Excellence backed by over 1,160 reviews and a 92% traveler recommendation.
However, dietary restrictions and physical fitness requirements must be considered prior to booking.
Read our full review: Downtown Charleston Food Tour Review
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Charleston: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors
Savoring the flavors of Charleston’s rich culinary heritage, the Charleston: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors offers an intimate 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s historic districts.
For $110 per person, guests sample traditional specialties at local eateries, bakeries, and restaurants, learning about the city’s 300-year-old food history. Knowledgeable guides lead the leisurely walking tour, providing small bites that total a substantial meal.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 165 reviews, the tour earns praise for its friendly guides, quality food, and value.
While not suitable for children under 14 or wheelchair users, the tour operates rain or shine, making it an ideal way to discover Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene.
Read our full review: Charleston: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors Review
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Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
Visitors can discover the rich culinary heritage of Charleston on the Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour. This 2.5-hour tour takes guests on a leisurely 1-mile stroll through the historic city, stopping at local restaurants to sample signature dishes like shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and collard greens.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience led by knowledgeable local guides. Guests can expect generous food portions, historical insights, and a chance to revisit the featured restaurants.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. With an impressive 90% recommendation rate from over 800 reviews, this walking food tour is an excellent way to savor the flavors of Charleston.
Read our full review: Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour Review
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Charleston: Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour
The Charleston: Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour offers an immersive culinary adventure through the vibrant neighborhood of Upper King Street.
Priced at $95 per person, this 2.5-hour guided tour allows visitors to sample a variety of Lowcountry cuisine staples, from tea sandwiches to shrimp and grits. An expert guide shares insights into the history of food in Charleston, while participants explore the lively district at a leisurely pace.
With a minimum of 2 people required, the tour includes 4-5 food tastings and gratuities. However, it’s not suitable for children under 14, and those under 6 aren’t permitted.
Guests are advised to eat lightly before the tour, as it operates rain or shine.
Read our full review: Charleston: Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour Review
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Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour
Exploring the vibrant Upper King Street, the Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour invites participants on a culinary adventure through Charleston’s thriving New South cuisine.
Rated 4.5 stars from 191 reviews, this 3-hour tour showcases four trailblazing restaurants, offering a chance to savor pre-selected food tastings.
While alcoholic and specialty drinks can be purchased individually, gratuities aren’t included.
Accommodating most dietary needs with advance notice, the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with severe restrictions.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Though a few guests expressed disappointment, many recommend this unique gastronomic experience in Charleston’s historic setting.
Read our full review: Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour Review
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Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour
On Charleston’s historic streets, the Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour offers a captivating culinary exploration. Priced from $109 per person, this 2.5-hour excursion includes guided commentary, food samples from 4 local restaurants, and VIP access to skip lines.
Guests savor signature Southern dishes like hushpuppies, she-crab soup, and shrimp & grits, all while learning about the city’s iconic landmarks and food origins.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 54 reviews, the tour receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and excellent food quality. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour covers approximately one mile of walking.
Travelers can book now and pay later for added convenience.
Read our full review: Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour Review
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Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Visitors to Charleston can embark on a captivating Charleston Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours, praised for its exceptional culinary exploration of the city.
This highly-rated tour, with 96% recommendation from travelers, offers a diverse array of local delicacies, including the signature Chicken Bog, Benne wafers, and She-crab soup.
Guides, such as Crystin, Joe, Adam, and Robin, are noted for their engaging and informative presentations, providing valuable insights into Charleston’s rich history and culinary scene.
While some reviews suggest room for improvement in guide engagement and group dynamics, the tour remains a popular choice for those seeking a unique and memorable gastronomic experience in Charleston.
Read our full review: Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours Review
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Charleston: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour
For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Charleston, the 3-Hour Secret Food Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant Lowcountry cuisine.
Priced from $110.44 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) takes guests on a 3-hour journey through historic Charleston.
Highlights include sampling South Carolina-style BBQ, seafood, and handmade ice cream, as well as a secret dish.
Experienced local guides provide historical context and cultural insights, earning high marks for their knowledge, service, and organization.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 78 reviews, this tour promises an engaging and delicious experience that showcases the best of Charleston’s food scene.
Read our full review: Charleston: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour Review
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Charleston Food Tour
The Charleston Historic Downtown Food Tour offers a mouthwatering exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary heritage. This highly-rated 3-hour walking tour provides VIP access to top restaurants, where guests can savor a full-course meal’s worth of diverse regional specialties, from she-crab soup to Gullah Geechee-inspired dishes.
Knowledgeable guides explore the African and French influences that have shaped Charleston’s distinctive flavors, while also providing historical context. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour allows for an intimate experience.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates service animals and infants. While some reviewers note average food quality, the tour’s emphasis on culture and generous tastings make it a tantalizing option for foodies.
Read our full review: Charleston Food Tour Review
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Charlestons Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour
This 2.5-hour walking food tour on Charleston’s Upper King Street offers guests a delectable exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour features 5-6 food tastings highlighting South Carolina staples, particularly seafood. Guests will enjoy learning about Charleston’s rich food history as they sample dishes like mussels and fried green tomatoes.
Though some reviewers found the portions small, most praised the tour’s engaging storytelling and culinary insights.
Accommodating up to 12 travelers, the tour operates rain or shine and is accessible for strollers, though not for wheelchairs.
With a 93% recommendation rate, this is an excellent way to savor the flavors of Charleston’s Upper King Street.
Read our full review: Charlestons Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour Review
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Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge
Offered on Fridays and Saturdays year-round, the Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge immerses guests in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
During the 4-hour experience, up to 12 travelers visit the Veggie Bin, select fresh ingredients with a featured chef, and embark on a walking tour of downtown Charleston.
Afterwards, they indulge in a 5-course farm-to-table brunch prepared with the selected ingredients.
With a 98% recommendation rate, the tour combines local market visits, chef creativity, and historical insights for a memorable culinary journey.
Wheelchair accessible and appropriate for most fitness levels, the tour requires a 36-hour notice for dietary restrictions.
Read our full review: Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chefs Challenge Review
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Charleston Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Guided by Secret Food Tours, the Charleston Private Walking Food Tour immerses guests in the Southern city’s rich culinary heritage.
Over 3 hours, the tour showcases iconic local dishes like grits, fried oysters, fried green tomatoes, and a secret specialty.
Travelers will learn about the cultural significance of ingredients introduced by the African slave trade.
The walking tour departs from the United States Custom House, with hotel pickup and drop-off available.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour ends at either Queen Street & Meeting Street or E Bay Street.
With a 98% traveler recommendation across 114 reviews, this private food tour offers an in-depth taste of Charleston’s vibrant food scene.
Read our full review: Charleston Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours Review
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Recap
Charleston’s vibrant food scene offers an array of tantalizing food tours. From downtown explorations to Upper King Street adventures, visitors can savor the city’s diverse flavors. Whether it’s a small-group excursion or a private walking tour, these experiences provide an immersive look into Charleston’s rich culinary heritage and burgeoning food culture. With options ranging from farm-to-table to chef’s challenges, there’s a food tour to suit every palate.