Charleston is a city that offers more than just beautiful streets and historic charm. Its culinary scene is equally captivating, rooted in Lowcountry traditions, rich flavors, and a vibrant food culture. Whether you’re interested in a half-day cooking class with wine, exploring local eateries on a guided walk, or indulging in a private chef-led tasting, Charleston’s food tours deliver authentic tastes with compelling stories. My favorite? The Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class stands out because it combines historic insight, culinary skills, and a delicious meal in just four hours—a perfect blend for food and history enthusiasts.
For those looking for a more casual, quick introduction, the Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour offers a tasty snapshot of Charleston’s culinary landscape in just 2.5 hours. Meanwhile, the Charleston Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours provides a personalized experience, ideal for travelers wanting an intimate look at the city’s food and culture. Whether you want a deep dive or a quick taste, Charleston makes sure every bite is memorable.
1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
At number 1, this 4-hour experience stands out because it combines a 1.5-hour historical walking tour with a cooking demonstration led by chef Forrest Parker. The tour begins in Charleston’s historic district, where you’re led by a certified chef-guide, making sure you don’t miss major sights and culinary influences of the Lowcountry. After exploring Charleston’s architecture and history, Forrest Parker demonstrates how to prepare regional specialties, then you enjoy a lunch paired with wine—and take home his recipes. Guests consistently praise the engaging guide and the delicious food, with reviews spotlighting Forrest’s humor and knowledge. It’s perfect for travelers who love cooking, history, and a good story wrapped into one tour. The value is high considering the full experience and recipes you get to recreate at home. Bottom line: a fantastic choice if you want to learn and eat.
2. Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Savor the Flavors of Charleston, a 2.5-hour guided walk through the city’s culinary hot spots. With a limit of 12 people, this small-group tour focuses on local delicacies like stone-ground grits, pralines, collard greens, and South Carolina barbecue. The guide provides insights into Charleston’s food history, making it both a tasting and storytelling experience. Guests have raved about the variety and quality of food, and the chance to see Charleston’s streets from a food lover’s perspective. The tour visits iconic spots like the City Market and historic neighborhoods, making it a great introduction for first-timers. At $110.50, it offers good value for those interested in sampling authentic Lowcountry cuisine while exploring. Bottom line: ideal for travelers wanting a lively, flavorful overview.
3. Charleston Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 3 is the Charleston Private Walking Food Tour, a personalized 3.5-hour experience that offers an intimate look at Charleston’s food and culture. Starting at the imposing U.S. Custom House, you’ll stroll through the historic district, sampling classic dishes like fried oysters and green tomatoes, while learning how the African slave trade influenced local ingredients. This private tour emphasizes customization and flexibility, making it perfect for those with specific dietary needs or who want a tailored experience. Guests mention the guide’s ability to share local insights, which enriches the tasting. At $370, it’s a premium experience suited for foodies wanting privacy and depth. Bottom line: a top-tier choice for those seeking personalized service.
4. Charleston Walking Brunch Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 4 is the Charleston Walking Brunch Tour, a 3-hour exploration of Upper King Street—a lively, historic area known for its restaurants, bars, and shops. The tour combines brunch bites and history, with stops at places like the Aiken-Rhett House and Charleston Music Hall. Guests enjoy savory breakfast and lunch creations while walking past some of Charleston’s most architecturally significant buildings. Guide reviews highlight the combination of delicious food, local history, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s best suited for those wanting a relaxed, food-focused stroll. Price at $110 makes it accessible, and the focus on local flavors makes it an excellent way to start a day of sightseeing. Bottom line: a flavorful, history-filled morning.
5. Charleston Farm-to-Table Food Tour and Chef’s Challenge
The Farm-to-Table Food Tour is a 3 to 4-hour journey through Charleston’s neighborhood markets and restaurants. It emphasizes seasonal, local ingredients and includes a multi-course feast created by a local chef. You pick ingredients at a neighborhood market before enjoying a chef-led farm-to-table lunch. The tour explores the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, with a focus on sustainable, local foods. Reviewed as “delightful” and “knowledgeable,” many appreciate the interactive nature and fresh flavors. It costs $140, offering excellent value for the experience of buying ingredients and enjoying a chef’s creation. Perfect for foodies interested in local produce and culinary craftsmanship. Bottom line: ideal for those wanting to see where their food comes from.
6. Charleston: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors
Number 6 is the Small Group Food Tour, a 2.5-hour journey exploring Charleston’s culinary scene with local guides. It covers over 300 years of food history, with tastings at local eateries, bakeries, and landmarks. Highlights include beyond just the food, learning about Charleston’s history and how it shaped the cuisine. The tour’s small size (limited to 8) ensures a personalized experience. Guests enjoy sampling everything from pralines to regional dishes. Priced at $111, it offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s flavor profile. Bottom line: perfect for curious travelers wanting depth and intimacy.
7. Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour
At number 7, the Upper King Street Food Tour takes you on a 2.5-hour walk through one of Charleston’s most vibrant culinary areas. It features four trailblazing restaurants that showcase South Carolina’s contemporary cuisine and historic charm. The guide offers fresh insights into Charleston’s “New South” food scene. Guests love the mix of delicious dishes, local stories, and the lively atmosphere. The tour is suitable for those who want a short, energetic food experience. Costing $110, it provides a good balance of variety and storytelling. Bottom line: a lively tour for those who love trying different restaurants in one go.
8. Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour
Number 8 offers the Historic Downtown Food Tour, a 2.5-hour walk through Charleston’s iconic neighborhoods. The tour includes tastings from highly-rated restaurants, featuring shrimp & grits, hushpuppies, and she-crab soup. You’ll learn about landmark buildings and how they connect to local culinary traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine food with a bit of sightseeing. The tour is priced at $112, reflecting the quality of food and location. Guests appreciate the skip-the-line access and local stories. Bottom line: great for those who want to eat well and learn about Charleston’s history.
9. Charleston Private Brunch Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 9 is the Private Brunch Walking Tour, a 3.5-hour exclusive experience for your own group. It starts on Upper King Street, visiting historic sites like the William Aiken House and the Charleston Music Hall, with brunch bites at local eateries. The private aspect allows for a tailored experience, with the guide sharing stories behind Charleston’s pre-Civil War architecture and culinary evolution. Guests love the personalized service and the variety of sumptuous dishes. Costing $370, it is best suited for couples or small groups seeking a luxury, private foodie experience. Bottom line: excellent for travelers wanting exclusivity and detailed storytelling.
10. Charleston’s Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour
The Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street is a 2.5-hour guided walk that emphasizes local eateries and culinary landmarks. Perfect for those who want to try South Carolina staples like shrimp and grits and learn about the area’s food history. The tour is suitable for all ages and offers a taste of Charleston’s lively restaurant scene. At $110.50, it balances value and variety. Guests mention the informative guides and delicious food. Bottom line: another solid choice for a quick, flavorful exploration.
11. Tastes Through Time – Charleston’s Best Food Tour
Number 11 is Tastes Through Time, a 2-hour tour mixing culinary delights and local history. Highlights include famous restaurants, church architecture, and the city’s evolution. The tour explores how Charleston’s culture shaped its cuisine, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits. Priced at $109, it offers a well-rounded experience suitable for travelers interested in both food and history. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it stand out. Bottom line: best for those who want a quick, history-rich food tour.
12. Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 12 features the full 3-hour Walking Food Tour, the most comprehensive in our list. It takes you through the City Market, Dock Street Theatre, and other landmarks, while tasting classic Southern dishes and secret dishes. Renowned for its local flavor and variety, this tour covers Charleston’s culinary roots and popular dishes. With over 1,387 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite. The price of $110 makes it a value-packed experience for those wanting an in-depth look at Charleston’s food scene. Bottom line: a must for serious food lovers.
$110.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour for You
Picking the right food tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you love cooking and history, the Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class is unbeatable. For a quick taste of local flavors, consider the Savor the Flavors of Charleston or Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street. Those seeking a more personalized experience should look into the Charleston Private Walking Food Tour, perfect for groups wanting intimate insights.
Travelers with limited time might prefer a shorter tour, while foodies looking for a deep dive should consider tours that include multiple tastings and local stories. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Charleston offers a diverse array of food tours suited to different tastes and schedules. From hands-on cooking classes to private chef experiences, you’ll find options that showcase everything from classic Lowcountry dishes to innovative modern cuisine. We especially recommend the Undiscovered Charleston for a full immersion into food and history or the Secret Food Tours for a comprehensive walk through the city’s culinary roots. Whichever you choose, booking early will help ensure you get your spot at these popular tastings. Happy eating!