Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Charleston, United States

Downtown Charleston Food Tour

Outty Ranking 75 4.7 · 1,485 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $110
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 1,485 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Downtown Charleston Food Tour worth booking?

Downtown Charleston Food Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $110 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,485 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (1,485)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$110 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    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

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      150 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Charleston

    Find *Charleston Culinary Tours* in the back of the courtyard behind the iron gate.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    End points vary depending on route. All tours finish within 3-4 blocks of the starting location.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Charleston Culinary Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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 info@charlestonculinarytours.com)
    • 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

    Photos

    Shrimp and Grits, Downtown Charleston Food TourHaving Fun in Charleston, Downtown Charleston Food TourPulled Pork Sliders & Collard Greens, Downtown Charleston Food TourDowntown Charleston Food Tour, photo 5Downtown Charleston Food Tour, photo 6Crab Succotash, Downtown Charleston Food Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,479 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    9 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    1,479 verified traveler reviews for Downtown Charleston Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,245
    4 star
    130
    3 star
    68
    2 star
    25
    1 star
    11
    Sort
    GH_travel_places · September 2026

    Great food tour in historic Charleston!!

    Great walking food tour with Jessi as she shared her story along with the history of Charleston as we enjoyed great food of the area! Highly recommended

    Response from the operator: Jessi's personal connection to Charleston is woven into every stop, and that is what turns a great food tour into something you actually remember. Thank you for the recommendation!

    via Tripadvisor

    MariaCarmela_M · September 2026

    Georgia was our tour...

    Georgia was our tour guide and she was the best! She took us to some great restaurants and we enjoyed all the food. She was so informative as well and so sweet!

    Response from the operator: Georgia makes every group feel like they are in the best possible hands, and her knowledge of Charleston's culinary scene runs as deep as her warmth. So glad the Downtown Charleston Food Tour delivered on all fronts! Thank you, Maria!

    via Viator

    L3078ASpennyb · September 2026

    Fun Charleston Food Tour

    It was wonderful. The food was great. Jessy gave us so much great information about Charleston and the food. She took us to great places. Would highly recommend. And I will do it again when I’m back in town.

    Response from the operator: Jessi has a way of making Charleston's culinary history feel like something you want to keep exploring, and the fact that you are already planning a return trip says everything. We cannot wait to have you back on the Downtown Charleston Food Tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    Kathy_Z · September 2026

    Informative and good food!

    Guide was Jessie and she was well informed and provided lots of tastings. We so enjoyed the East Bay meeting house that we returned the next day. Was not disappointed!

    Response from the operator: Going back the next day is just about the highest compliment a restaurant can receive, and it speaks to what Steve and his team have built at East Bay Meeting House. Jessi has a way of making every stop feel worth returning to. Thank you for joining us on the Downtown Charleston Food Tour, Kathy!

    via Viator

    X2367KSrandys · September 2026

    Great Tim!

    Awesome time, great information and delicious food!!!

    Response from the operator: The Downtown Charleston Food Tour delivers every time! Thank you for joining us, Randy!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    520
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Charleston Culinary Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.1.

    See everything Charleston Culinary Tours runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)88
    Booking momentum (14% weight)87
    Value for money (12% weight)40
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)39
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Downtown Charleston Food Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.

    How much does Downtown Charleston Food Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Charleston usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Downtown Charleston Food Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Charleston is not rushed.

    Is Downtown Charleston Food Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,485 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Downtown Charleston Food Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Around 520 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Charleston can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Charleston and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Downtown Charleston Food Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Charleston within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Charleston?

    +

    Charleston's best experiences are small: house museum tours with an architectural historian, Gullah heritage walks, harbour sails at sunset and Lowcountry food crawls through the market district. Plantation day trips vary enormously in how honestly they handle the history, and our ranking factors that in directly. On Outty we rank every Charleston experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Charleston?

    +

    March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Charleston?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Included: All pre-selected food tastings at 4 Charleston restaurants (meal for most); Engaging narrative from local professional guide; and 2.5-Hour Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour. Not included: Gratuities; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Find *Charleston Culinary Tours* in the back of the courtyard behind the iron gate. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Downtown Charleston Food Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Downtown Charleston Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Downtown Charleston Food Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Charleston. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Downtown Charleston Food Tour?

    +

    Across 1,485 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Downtown Charleston Food Tour.

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