Salt Lake City is a surprisingly lively hub for food lovers. While many travelers think of it as a Mormon stronghold or a gateway to outdoor adventures, its culinary scene offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and flavor. What makes Salt Lake City stand out is how its food tours blend storytelling with tasting. For instance, Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City offers a small-group experience that combines historical insights with sampling foods from three different restaurants, making it perfect for those who want a deeper understanding of the city’s roots alongside delicious bites.
If you’re after a more curated, chef-led experience, then the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour stands out. This tour highlights Salt Lake’s evolving food scene with tastings of award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and even a chicken sandwich, all while exploring downtown landmarks. Plus, the Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour offers a broad look at the city’s architecture, community, and cuisine, including Italian, German, and Indian dishes. Each tour offers a unique way to connect with Salt Lake’s food culture—whether you prefer a scenic, historical walk or a chef-curated tasting adventure.
1. Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
At number one, the Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City is a standout for its blend of history, culture, and culinary stops. Priced at $150 per person, it lasts about 2 to 3 hours and is set in downtown Salt Lake City. The tour begins at the Beehive House—famous as the home of Brigham Young—where guide Maxwell shares insights into Utah’s Mormon roots and the city’s early days. From there, the walk takes you past several historic sites, offering a chance to learn about the pioneers as you taste food from three different local restaurants.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on small-group intimacy, which keeps the experience personalized. The inclusion of food from diverse eateries ensures variety, and the opportunity to ask questions along the way adds a layer of engagement. Reviewers praise Maxwell’s depth of knowledge and friendly style, calling it “an excellent overview of Salt Lake’s culture and history.” The tour’s affordability in comparison to private dining options makes it a good choice for travelers seeking both education and tasty bites.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy a relaxed stroll through history, paired with tasty samples and rich storytelling, this tour offers excellent value and a genuine taste of SLC.
2. Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
The Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour is a chef-curated experience that showcases the city’s culinary innovations. Priced at $150 per person, it lasts roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, walking through downtown Salt Lake and passing notable landmarks like Pioneer Park, City Creek Center, and the Gallivan Center. The tour kicks off at Pioneer Park, where you’ll get a quick rundown of Salt Lake’s foundation and history, including its Native American roots and the influence of Mormon pioneers.
During the walk, you’ll enjoy tastings of award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and a signature chicken sandwich, all selected and explained by the tour’s professional chef. The experience is enhanced by visiting key locations like City Creek Center and the Gallivan Center, where you can relax and savor your food in beautiful settings. Reviewers consistently mention Ray, the owner and guide, as being “very knowledgeable” and passionate about both food and local history. Several note that the tour offers “tasty experiences we might not have had on our own,” making it ideal for those who love learning about both food and local stories.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a curated, chef-led tasting tour that combines urban exploration with exceptional bites, this experience is hard to beat for its comprehensive approach and personable guide.
3. Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour
Finally, the Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour offers a more general overview rooted in downtown Salt Lake. At $150 per person for a 2-hour walk, it emphasizes local flavors from Italian, German, and Indian cuisine, alongside insights into Mormon history, community, and the city’s architecture. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in tasting a wide variety of dishes while gaining some cultural context.
Participants learn about Salt Lake’s diverse cultural influences, and the tour visits some of the best local restaurants. While it has a smaller review base, those who enjoyed it appreciated the chance to savor a broad spectrum of the city’s culinary heritage. Since this tour emphasizes the area’s architecture and community stories as well as food, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a varied, enriching experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors eager to sample multiple cuisines and learn about Salt Lake City’s community and history in a brisk, 2-hour format.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour for You
When selecting a food tour in Salt Lake City, consider your interests and travel style. If you love history and storytelling, the Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City offers a deep dive into the city’s past alongside food. For those who want a culinary-focused, chef-curated experience, the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour provides expertly chosen tastings and engaging commentary. If your goal is to sample a range of local flavors and learn about community influences, the Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour is a good fit.
Budget-wise, all tours are similar in price, but value varies depending on how much history, culture, or cuisine you want to experience. Book early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot. Think about how much walking you’re comfortable with, as some tours last longer or cover more ground.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City offers a variety of food tours that cater to different interests. Whether you’re drawn to historic storytelling with bites from local restaurants or prefer a chef-led tasting route through downtown, there’s an option for you. For travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to the city’s flavors and stories, the Local Food Walking Tours and the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour are excellent choices. For those seeking a broader overview of diverse cuisines and community insights, the Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour rounds out this list.
No matter which tour you choose, you’re set for a delicious and insightful journey through Salt Lake City’s vibrant culinary scene. Be sure to book early to enjoy these flavorful experiences during your visit.