DC’s food scene comes alive through carefully selected walking tours that showcase the city’s best eating spots. The standout Georgetown tours excel at mixing history with exceptional tastings, from classic French pastries to local specialties. For cultural authenticity, head to U Street’s “Black Broadway” tour, where soul food and Ethiopian flavors tell the neighborhood’s rich story.
We especially love the Capitol Hill tour for its mix of market visits and political history, while the Dupont Circle experience offers the best variety of international cuisines in a compact area. The Little Ethiopia tour remains our favorite hidden gem, introducing visitors to authentic East African dishes and traditions.
These recommended food tours will guide you through DC’s most delicious neighborhoods: [Top Tours List follows]
Key Points
- Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour and Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour offer diverse cuisines, historical insights, and high-quality experiences with knowledgeable guides.
- U Street Food & History Guided Walking Tour and Dupont Circle Food Tour showcase local flavors and cultural heritage through personalized attention and unique tastings.
- Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour and Adams Morgan Food Tour provide wheelchair-accessible options and a variety of regional dishes, though with mixed reviews on food diversity.
- Specialized food tours like the Washington D.C. Food Experience, Small Group Food & Drink Tour, and Little Ethiopia Food Tour offer unique gastronomic journeys.
- Many tours accommodate dietary restrictions, provide free cancellation, and highlight local culture, history, and culinary diversity, enhancing the overall experience.
Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk
The Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk is a highly-rated food tour that takes visitors on a delightful exploration of Georgetown’s historic district.
Spanning 2.5 to 3.5 hours, the tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, allowing participants to sample diverse cuisines from 4 local eateries.
Highlights include visiting Julia Child’s former home and the C&O Canal. Tastings, one drink pairing, and vegetarian options are included.
With a 4.8 rating from 390 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, this tour promises an engaging and flavorful experience.
The knowledgeable guides, Jacob and Christine, receive praise for their expertise and storytelling abilities, making this a must-try for foodies visiting Washington DC.
Read our full review: Georgetown Foodie Culinary Tour & Neighborhood Walk Review
Book now: Check availability
Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour
Nestled within the historic district of Georgetown, the Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour invites visitors to embark on a captivating culinary adventure.
Spanning 3 hours, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) explores the neighborhood’s hidden gems, from a mid-1800s Federal-style townhouse restaurant to a famous horror movie location.
Guests will savor a beloved local cupcake and indulge in the tour’s Secret Dish, while also enjoying scenic views along the Georgetown Waterfront.
Though some reviews note shorter-than-advertised duration and lack of historical insights, the knowledgeable guides receive praise for their expertise.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the flavors and sights of D.C.’s oldest neighborhood.
Read our full review: Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
U Street Food & History Guided Walking Tour
Embarking on the U Street Food & History Guided Walking Tour, visitors explore the vibrant and storied neighborhood of U Street in Washington, D.C.
The tour offers a comprehensive experience, guiding guests through the area’s rich history and cultural heritage, while indulging in a sampling of local cuisine. With a maximum of 8 travelers per group, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.
Highlights include exploring the former “Black Broadway,” tasting Ethiopian dishes, and learning about the community’s charitable initiatives.
While the tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, some guests desire more in-depth historical information and smaller food portions.
Read our full review: U Street Food & History Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour
On the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour, visitors explore the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Washington, D.C.’s historic U Street neighborhood.
This 3-hour walking tour, limited to just 8 participants, explores the area’s culinary and artistic offerings. Guests enjoy tastings from local restaurants, learn about the neighborhood’s significance during the Jazz Era, and discover the impact of the Civil Rights riots.
Along the way, they’ll admire street art, murals, and architectural evolution. The tour covers approximately 3 miles and includes a local guide, all tastings, water, and gratuities.
Vegetarian options are available, and a portion of each ticket supports Bread for the City.
Read our full review: Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Walking Tour
The Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to discover the culinary delights and rich history of Washington D.C.’s oldest neighborhood.
This small-group tour provides personal service as participants explore Georgetown’s best eateries, enjoying tastings and learning about the area’s past. The experience includes lunch and drinks, with vegetarian options available.
While unable to accommodate vegan, dairy, or gluten allergies, the tour earns high praise for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, enjoyable food experiences, and engaging storytelling.
Some reviewers note a mismatch between the price and quality, as well as a desire for more historical context and diverse tasting portions.
Read our full review: Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour
Visitors seeking to explore the culinary and historical riches of Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood can embark on the Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour.
This 3-hour walking tour limits its group size to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests will enjoy food tastings at local restaurants, learning about Georgetown’s transition from a port city to an elite enclave.
The tour also highlights the influence of French cuisine and other cultures on the local fare. Included are electronic photos taken by the guide and a portion of the ticket price supports a local charity.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5, this tour is likely to sell out quickly.
Read our full review: Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
3 Hours Washington D.C Food Experience
This 3-hour Washington D.C. food experience offers an overview of the city’s culinary offerings.
With a 4.6 rating from 17 reviews, the tour takes participants on a lunch journey, including tasting various dishes, a secret drink, and bottled water.
The meeting point is at a small park near the Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown, and the tour returns to the same location.
While some reviewers felt the experience lacked depth, the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable food variety, and educational insights into the city’s history and cuisine have been praised.
Travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction to Washington D.C.’s food scene may find this tour a convenient and satisfactory option.
Read our full review: 3 Hours Washington D.C Food Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Small Group Food & Drink Tour From Union Station to Union Market
A small-group food-and-drink adventure awaits travelers on this Union Station-to-Union Market tour in Washington, D.C.
The 2-hour tour, capped at 12 participants, showcases the best of the city’s culinary scene. Guests will sample alcoholic beverages, food, and snacks, with gratuities included in the $125 per-person price.
The tour starts at the Dubliner Irish Pub and ends at the La Cosecha Latin American Market. It’s wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, though not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Small Group Food & Drink Tour From Union Station to Union Market Review
Book now: Check availability
Little Ethiopia Food Tour
Explore the vibrant U Street neighborhood and discover the rich culinary delights of the largest Ethiopian community outside of Ethiopia on the Little Ethiopia Food Tour.
This highly-rated 4.8-star experience lets you sample a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes, from deep-fried lentils to signature breads.
Led by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the culture and history of the local Ethiopian community. The tour includes food tastings, a tour escort, and guide gratuities.
It’s a wheelchair and stroller-accessible experience, conveniently starting and ending at the U Street Metro Station.
With a maximum of 12 participants, this intimate tour offers a personalized exploration of Ethiopian cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC.
Read our full review: Little Ethiopia Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
The Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours offers a delectable exploration of Georgetown’s diverse culinary delights. Rated 4.5/5 stars based on over 159 reviews, this 3-hour walking tour takes guests on a flavorful journey through the neighborhood.
Highlights include sampling old bay crab sushi, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and a secret dish. While the tour can’t accommodate dietary restrictions, it provides an engaging mix of food tasting and historical insights.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, though some desire more pacing and visual aids. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour offers an intimate, social experience for $99 per person, subject to group size.
Read our full review: Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
Dupont Circle Food Tour
For those looking to experience the diverse culinary offerings of Dupont Circle, the aptly named Dupont Circle Food Tour provides an afternoon of gourmet discovery.
This 3-hour walking tour takes a maximum of 12 travelers on a guided exploration of the neighborhood, with stops to sample locally-sourced foods from around the world, including Moroccan and Malaysian cuisines.
The tour eliminates the hassle of navigation, allowing participants to fully enjoy the ambiance of Dupont Circle while learning about its rich architecture and history.
Priced from $84 per person, the tour includes food tastings and guide gratuities, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the neighborhood’s vibrant food scene.
Read our full review: Dupont Circle Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour
Frequently, travelers venture to Capitol Hill to enjoy the neighborhood’s rich culinary culture and captivating history through the Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour.
This 3-hour walking adventure allows groups of up to 12 participants to savor a diverse array of cuisines, including Anglo-Indian, Salvadoran, and soul food. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour provides insight into the area’s culinary traditions and historical significance.
Wheelchair and stroller-accessible, the experience caters to various dietary needs. While some reviewers noted a lack of food diversity and found the duration too long for the price, the majority praised the guide’s expertise and the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
Read our full review: Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
Travelers often embark on the Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour to enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
This 5-star rated experience takes guests on a delightful journey, where they’ll indulge in a breakfast of donuts and coffee. The tour starts at Western Market, where a guide in donut tour attire will greet the group.
From there, they’ll explore the city, visiting various donut shops and learning about the local food culture. The tour concludes at CityCenterDC, leaving participants satisfied and eager to explore more of Washington DC’s culinary delights.
With inclusions like gratuities and parking fees, this tour offers a hassle-free experience for a price of $70 per person.
Read our full review: Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Adams Morgan Food Tour
The Adams Morgan Food Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse culinary landscape of this vibrant Washington DC neighborhood. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 4 reviews, the tour provides guests with the opportunity to experience a range of cuisines, including Peruvian and Nepalese.
Guided by knowledgeable tour guides, the experience offers insights into the local area. With food tastings included and an option to add a gratuity for the guide, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and operates rain or shine.
Travelers should arrive 15 minutes early and note any dietary restrictions when booking. The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Adams Morgan Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Discover and Enjoy Local Arlingtons Fast Food Casual Scene
Often, locals and visitors alike rave about Arlington’s vibrant fast-casual dining scene, which offers a diverse array of flavorful and convenient options.
Discover this scene on a private tour with Duncan, where you’ll experience the local favorites. The tour starts and ends at 3100 Clarendon Blvd, with a 1:00 PM departure time.
For €96.21 per person, you’ll enjoy a Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking, so check availability for your preferred time and get ready to savor the best of Arlington’s fast-food casual dining.
Read our full review: Discover and Enjoy Local Arlingtons Fast Food Casual Scene Review
Book now: Check availability
M Street: Food and History Experience
Combining the vibrant food scene of Arlington with the historical richness of Washington DC, the M Street: Food and History Experience offers an engaging exploration of the city’s culinary and cultural tapestry.
This 4-star rated tour takes visitors on a journey through iconic dishes from Italy, India, and Lebanon, complemented by desserts and a glass of wine.
The experience includes lunch, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and private transportation. Guests meet at the designated location and are led by knowledgeable guides.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation and accommodates a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
Read our full review: M Street: Food and History Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
The 10 Tastings of Washington With Locals: Private Food Tour
Amid the vibrant tapestry of Washington DC’s culinary scene, the “The 10 Tastings of Washington With Locals: Private Food Tour” offers an immersive experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
This private tour guides guests through the city’s renowned Eastern Market, providing 10 food and drink tastings. With vegetarian alternatives available and the tour’s carbon emissions offset, it caters to various dietary needs and environmental concerns.
While the tour doesn’t include entrance fees for attractions, it offers a moderate level of physical activity and is stroller accessible.
With a private guide leading the way, this 3.5-star rated tour provides an intimate exploration of Washington’s local flavors.
Read our full review: The 10 Tastings of Washington With Locals: Private Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Food Tours?
Many food tour providers offer dietary accommodations. Guests can typically request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking. It’s best to communicate any dietary needs in advance to ensure the tour suits your requirements.
Are the Food Tours Suitable for Families With Young Children?
Many food tours in Washington, D.C. welcome families with young children, offering kid-friendly options and activities. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator about their policies and accommodations for families before booking to ensure the experience is suitable for your group.
Do the Food Tours Include Any Alcoholic Beverages?
Most food tours include alcoholic tastings, but some may offer non-alcoholic alternatives for families with children. It’s best to check the tour details ahead of time to ensure it meets your group’s needs and preferences.
How Long in Advance Should I Book the Food Tours?
It’s generally best to book food tours in advance, often at least 2-3 weeks prior to the desired date. This ensures availability and allows time for any special requests or dietary needs. Many tours sell out quickly, so planning ahead is recommended.
Are the Food Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Most food tours are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to ensure the tour route and any stops can accommodate your needs. Many operators are happy to make accommodations for guests with mobility challenges.
The Sum Up
Washington D.C. offers a variety of fascinating food tours to satisfy any palate. From the historic neighborhoods of Georgetown and U Street to the bustling food scene in Arlington, these tours provide an immersive culinary experience, showcasing the diverse flavors and rich history of the nation’s capital. Foodies and history buffs alike will find something to delight their senses on these expertly curated tours.