Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara worth booking?
Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara is a 2-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $99 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (6)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Travel is about immersing yourself in the local culture. One way to do that is through food. Join us for a delectable journey through Santa Barbara's vibrant food scene while soaking in its rich history and beautiful arc
What you get
About this experience
Travel is about immersing yourself in the local culture. One way to do that is through food. Join us for a delectable journey through Santa Barbara's vibrant food scene while soaking in its rich history and beautiful architecture. This two-hour Saturday morning adventure is perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike. Immerse yourself with the help of a local gifted storyteller passionate about living "La Dolce Vita." At 3 unique local restaurants within the Historic Theatre District you'll enjoy a guided, curated food tasting. Equal parts food tasting and equal parts easy walking, this tour strikes a perfect balance of guided activity and epicurean exploration. See parts of Downtown Santa Barbara that most visitors miss, as we saunter through some of the hidden paseos and learn about the history of key iconic sights in the Historic Theatre District. At the end of the tour, you will have learned how to successfully navigate the Santa Barbara foodie scene like a seasoned local.
What's included
Included
- Brunch
- Snacks
- Breakfast
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Our first stop at Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro transports you to the heart of Paris with a taste of authentic French cuisine fresh enough that it could easily come from a side walk cafe or boulangerie. Renaud and Nicole Gonthier founded Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro in anticipation of Santa Barbara's desire for and lack of a quality French pastry and croissant venue. Renaud's is the fulfillment of a life-long dream, that of creating refined pastries from the best ingredients available with a focus on quality and detail in every dish. Choose either Chocolate or Almond croissant. Savor the flaky goodness while you take in the classy yet casual vibes in the beautiful courtyard while also learning the interesting culinary pedigree of this restaurant's namesake. Fun fact: Renaud appeared on two episodes of The Food Network's Emeril Live. Then, in August of 2007, Renaud was again featured on The Food Network, this time on an episode of Sugar Rush with Warren Brown.
25 minutes here
Arlington Theatre
Next, we talk about the history of Arlington Plaza, including the Arlington Hotel and the iconic Arlington Theatre on State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara’s historic theatre district. This area features a curated collection of the very best locally owned dining and retail in Santa Barbara.
15 minutes here
Arlington Theatre
In the El Pueblo Viejo Historic District, there are charming pedestrian walkways, called paseos, that snake through Santa Barbara and are often overlooked by visitors. Dating back to Spanish California days, they were expanded when the downtown was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1925. It is here, along these twists and turns, that past and present are nestled side by side, with some buildings dating from the 1700s through the 1800s and embodies the best of Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. In this section, we will explore the former VIP limousine entrance as well as the transformed 125 space parking lot on the north side of the iconic Arlington Theater.
10 minutes here
Next, we explore the premier open-space food hall of the Public Market, a Santa Barbara legacy that showcases the incomparable bounty of California’s Central Coast since 2014. This unique space was the first and only of its kind in Santa Barbara; a space created to be shared by multiple restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and food counters that would allow for newer restaurateurs to try out novel ideas. Here you will find a wide selection of artisanal food and drinks to please any palate, conveniently located under one roof.
10 minutes here
The Granada Theatre
Prepare to discover white stucco walls, memorable red tile roofs, flower bedecked courtyards, hidden passageways, notable restaurants, world-class performing arts theaters and museums. The next paseo we encounter is Victoria Court. Once we get through the maze to the other side, we will take a little stroll on State Street past the iconic 1924 Granada Theater. This is home to the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, and Opera Santa Barbara. Then we meander through the San Marcos Building. Exiting this pre-1925 arcade brings us right in front of the 1941 Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a building that was at one time the Santa Barbara Post Office (1912–1932). Now, it is home to a collection of ancient through contemporary works and photography represented by Asian, European and American artists. Afterward, we make our way through our last charming paseo. Lined with restaurants, shops and galleries, the 1926 La Arcada will definitely evoke images of Spain.
10 minutes here
At our second stop Goodland Waffles and Melts, we will introduce you to a unique restaurant experience that has locals standing in a long line waiting for that perfect bite. Choose either The Locale: Riviera Bread Company sourdough, 7 cheese blend, garlic salt with choice of bacon, ham or turkey or Waffle-Cado Toast: savory half waffle, avocado, sea salt, cherry tomatoes, crispy onions, balsamic glaze. Fun fact: Waffles became a way of life when the chef's wife was pregnant with their first child. It was the one thing she craved throughout her pregnancy, so he set out to make the best waffle he could. Their waffles are unlike any waffle you’ve had before. Light, airy, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender! From classic Belgian waffles to sweet and savory creations that'll have you drooling, they have got a waffle for every craving. And don't forget about their melts! Imagine gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread - it's a match made in heaven!
25 minutes here
The Historic La Arcada Courtyard
Our final tasting stop is a sweet treat in a grown-up Candyland. Indulge in what many locals and visitors alike consider to be the best donut in town, a perfect finale to our culinary exploration. Although the aesthetic is carefully curated for Instagram-worthy shots, there is nothing superficial about their truly delicious menu. Inspired by nouveau donut artists such as Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica, Hook & Press is taking what a typical donut shop would do and elevates it by using an overnight brioche dough made with European-style butter, eggs, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Then prepare to satiate all your sugar-laden dreams by enjoying a sample off their gourmet donut menu which changes seasonally. Angela Borda wrote in Food & Home Magazine that the “donut masterpieces” are “unusual enough that people are tagging them on Instagram". Fun fact: “Hook” refers to the mixing attachment used to make the dough, and “Press” for coffee, which is the donut's finest accompaniment.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
We will meet in front of Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro located in the Arlington Plaza. The cross street is Arlington Ave. I will be wearing a white Taste and See SB branded shirt.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Located in La Arcada Plaza.
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
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Taste and See SB
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A tasty historical peek into Santa Barbara!
Joseph was a knowledgeable, humorous and fun tour guide. We appreciated all the tasty stops and the historical tidbits he added! Joseph managed a good balance between fun discussion and historical information. You can also depend on him to give good local restaurant and wine bar recommendations.
via Tripadvisor
Delish Tate of Santa Barbara
A beautiful outing in Santa Barbara with friends. Joseph knowledge of Santa Barbara’s history was interesting.
via Viator
Food and some history
It is fun to walk through neighborhoods and eat local food, or rather, fun things with a California flare. The guide was knowledgeable, and the snacks were great. The savory breakfast croissant was especially memorable
via Tripadvisor
Great fun!
Good food and Joseph was knowledgeable about the history of Santa Barbara. It was enjoyable! My brother and his wife were on the tour with me and even though they’ve lived in Santa Barbara many years, they learn new things also.
via Tripadvisor
Not good
Joseph the tour guide was nice but the food was not I expected. Half a sandwich and 1 macaroon??!! It's not worth 40 dollars per person. So hungry after the tour.
Response from the operator: Nilda, I am sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations. As the owner and guide of this recently started small business, I am always looking to improve the tour, so I value your constructive feedback. The intent of the tour was to provide a "skip the line" experience where a visitor would taste food from three locally owned small businesses while learning more about each restaurant and the easily walkable area of Arlington Plaza. The portion size of each of the three tastings are designed to allow room for lunch at the end of the tour at either of the three restaurants or at any of the recommended restaurants we discussed during the tour. That is the reason why we have the tour time slotted from 10am to 12pm so you would be ready for lunch afterwards. I apologize for not making that point clear. In regards to pricing, the cost of the food, the tip for each of the three food tasting locations and the booking platform fees are all included in the $40 price. The value is the "skip the line" experience with a reserved private table at restaurants where lines are extremely long and seating is at a premium. Thank you for your transparency and taking the time to write a review. For anyone reading this review, please note that Nilda only lists two food items. There are actually a total of three food items included in this tour: one for Breakfast, one for Lunch and one for Treat (BLT).
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara cost?
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Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Barbara usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Santa Barbara is not rushed.
Is Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara?
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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 Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara?
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Around 2 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 Santa Barbara 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Barbara and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
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Santa Barbara runs wine tours into the Santa Ynez Valley, harbour sailing and whale watching, Channel Islands day trips, and Spanish colonial walking tours through the Presidio and Mission. Tasting-room access and group size make the biggest difference in wine tours here. On Outty we rank every Santa Barbara experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour, Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide, Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards. 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 Santa Barbara?
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March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer. 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 Santa Barbara?
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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?
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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.
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