Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour: A Historical Journey into Local Lowcountry Cuisine

Embark on a 2.5-hour culinary tour in downtown Charleston, exploring the rich history and flavors of Lowcountry cuisine. Sample traditional favorites and contemporary innovations at locally-owned restaurants.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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 overall 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
  • Pre-selected food tastings at 4 Charleston restaurants
  • Engaging narrative from local professional guide
  • 2.5-Hour Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • (available for individual purchase at most locations)
Additional Information

Embark on a 2.5-hour culinary journey through downtown Charleston that blends elements of historical exploration and gastronomic adventure! Dive into the city’s past while indulging in tastings of both classic delicacies and modern innovations, all representative of locally-operated eateries. The comprehensive variety of food samples offered during your tour will come with an insight into Lowcountry’s culinary art. This inaugural tour, which hovers around the French Quarter and City Market, lays emphasis on the authentic tastes of the region.

  • 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
Location
184 E Bay St
East Bay Street
We are behind the brochure stand. Head into the courtyard through the iron gate. You'll find us behind the #99NailsDoor on your left.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(1124 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Amy_s
Aug 29, 2024
Great tour! - We loved this tour! Very well done! Timed well with the perfect blend of a variety of food and history around the city. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Darryl_k
Aug 25, 2024
Great tour for the price! - This was a great food tour. John has extensive knowledge of Charleston history and makes good recommendations for other activities and restaurants. The food at each of the 4 stops was ample and high quality. The stops are about 20 mins each..so there are not long periods of walking between stops. We reommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_l
Aug 24, 2024
Great tour guide and delicious food! - Simon our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave great insights to the history of Charleston and the food scene. The food was delicious and conversation was excellent. Toured with a great group of people. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Mimi_l
Aug 23, 2024
Great way to see Charleston - Jessica was amazing. We really enjoyed the food choices. We brought our picky 12 year old, and he loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_h
Aug 19, 2024
Awesome tour! - Awesome food and history tour! Simon was great and we visited four restaurants. We recommend highly.
Review provided by Viator
Jarlandmichael
Aug 19, 2024
Awesome Food (and History) Tour! - We were in Charleston with friends and decided to do the Charleston Food Tour and it was absolutely amazing. Simon gave us a great introduction and then we began our tour and visited four different restaurants, all of which were outstanding. Thank you Simon for leading us through a fabulous food experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louise_l
Aug 6, 2024
Charleston foodie tour - John was a great tour guide. He was fun, knowledgeable and told some great stories. You can tell he loves what he does. The food was fabulous and they gave very generous portions. This is the 2nd time we have done this foodie tour and is definitely worth doing.
Review provided by Viator
Murray_p
Aug 5, 2024
An experience full of taste and history - Mimi shared how various cultures food was merged together in this area . Well organized and planned.
Review provided by Viator
Melg131
Jul 23, 2024
Recommend! - A small group of friends booked this the night before and ended up with just one other person on the tour with us. Our tour guide, Jessi, was amazing... really knowledgeable and personable. We enjoyed all four of the stops and felt full by the end. We would definitely recommend this food tour. You learn a lot of local history along with food history while getting to try things you might not order otherwise. The Oyster House was probably our favorite stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_h
Jul 21, 2024
Wonderful tour…come hungry! - The tour with Simon is a must. He was knowledgeable about Charleston culture, history, and culinary expertise. He was super helpful in finding great places for us to eat during our stay. The food that was served at all 4 places was fabulous. We couldn’t have picked a better tour or guide.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today