Scottsdale’s Original Food Tour

Scottsdale’s Original Food Tour: A Delicious Dive into Old Town Scottsdale

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Old Town Scottsdale, stopping at renowned local restaurants, tasting freshly prepared dishes, and learning about the area’s history—all while being guided by passionate foodies. For $105 per person, this 2 to 3-hour experience offers a well-balanced blend of culture, cuisine, and storytelling. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you to some of Scottsdale’s top eateries, including The Mission, Evo, AZ88, and many more, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

What we love about this tour is how it emphasizes quality over quantity. The food served is consistently described as excellent and generous, and the guides—like Lindsey and Zach—are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude. Another highlight is the way it combines history and culture with culinary delights, giving you a richer appreciation of the city.

The only potential consideration is that this tour is designed for ages 13 and up and does not cater to vegans, halal, or keto diets—though they do accommodate most food allergies if informed ahead of time. If you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply want a fun way to explore Old Town without feeling rushed, this tour hits most of the right notes.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who enjoy authentic local flavors, engaging guides, and a small-group atmosphere. Perfect for first-timers in Scottsdale or those wanting a curated introduction to the city’s culinary scene, it promises a memorable taste of the Southwest’s vibrant food culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Cuisine: Tastes from top Scottsdale restaurants, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts like Lindsey and Zach share rich stories and restaurant tips.
• Balanced Experience: Combines history, culture, and food for a well-rounded tour.
• Generous Portions: Plenty of food at each stop, so you won’t leave hungry.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers for personalized attention and better interaction.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation and accommodating most food restrictions (advance notice required).

The Itinerary: A Walkthrough of Scottsdale’s Food Scene

Starting at the Old Adobe Mission, the tour kicks off in front of this historic church—an iconic piece of Scottsdale’s past—and sets the tone for a journey that’s both culinary and cultural. This initial stop is free, but it gives you a glimpse into the city’s roots before moving into the lively heart of Old Town.

From there, the walk takes you into Old Town Scottsdale, a vibrant area filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and bustling eateries. Over the next two hours, you’ll visit several acclaimed restaurants and tasting rooms, each offering unique flavors and stories. Guests rave about the quality of the food and the generous servings — several reviews mention leaving well-fed and satisfied, sometimes even with leftovers.

Highlights of the Stops

• The Mission: Known for its modern Latin cuisine, this spot is often praised for its delicious dishes and relaxed atmosphere. It sets the tone for a culinary adventure that’s both flavorful and flavorful.
• Evo: A contemporary eatery offering innovative takes on classic dishes, praised for its excellent food and welcoming vibe.
• AZ88: A stylish bistro with a wide selection of drinks and tapas, offering a perfect pause to enjoy some wine or cocktails.
• Malees Thai: Guests love the authentic Thai flavors and the spicy, aromatic dishes that add some international flair to the tour.
• Gelato Cimmino: As a sweet finale, this gelato shop delights visitors with fresh, creamy flavors, rounding out the experience.

What Makes Each Stop Special?

The guide’s commentary is a highlight, providing insights into the history of Scottsdale, the story behind each restaurant, and local tips on other places to explore. One review notes that guide Lindsey’s knowledge about the restaurants and Scottsdale’s history added depth and enjoyment to the experience.

Each tasting is carefully curated to give you a sense of the city’s culinary diversity—from casual bites to more refined dishes—making the tour feel well-rounded. The large portions ensure you won’t leave hungry, often with extra food to enjoy later, which many guests appreciated.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration & Meeting Point: The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, starting at 11:00 am at 3817 N Brown Ave. It ends near the same location—at 7140 E Main St—making return easy for those staying nearby. The tour guides are always available to walk guests back to the start if needed.

Group Size & Atmosphere: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you can expect an intimate, friendly environment. Small groups mean more personalized attention and the chance to ask questions and engage with your guide.

Cost & Value: Priced at $105, this tour offers excellent value—you’re sampling at multiple top spots, gaining local insights, and enjoying a relaxed pace. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the food and guides’ expertise as making this experience worth the price.

Accessibility & Restrictions: The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed. However, children under 13 are not permitted, and vegan, halal, or keto options are not available. They can accommodate most food allergies if informed in advance.

Weather & Cancelation: Since most of the tour is outdoors, it’s weather-dependent. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds, making it flexible should the weather turn sour.

Authenticity and Highlights: What Travelers Say

Guests consistently praise guide Zach’s friendliness and his knowledge about Scottsdale’s history and food. One review states that Zach was “very pleasant” and quick with service, making the whole experience more enjoyable. The food quality gets multiple shout-outs, emphasizing that the dishes are more than just average—they are genuinely delicious and served in generous portions.

Several reviewers mention that this tour is a great way to explore Old Town without feeling rushed, and it offers a deeper understanding of Scottsdale’s culture and dining scene. For instance, one guest noted that the tour provided more history and culture than expected, combined with “plenty of great eats.” The small size of the group also means you get plenty of interaction and personalized recommendations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to taste Scottsdale’s best dishes while learning their stories. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors wanting a curated overview of Old Town’s highlights. If you’re traveling with adults or older teens, this tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to spend a few hours.

It’s less suited for strict vegetarians or vegans, as vegan options are not available, and it doesn’t cater to halal or keto diets. Those with serious allergies should inform the organizers ahead of time. But if you enjoy authentic local cuisine, a small-group setting, and guides who know their stuff, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In short, Scottsdale’s Original Food Tour offers a delightful blend of culinary tastings, local culture, and personalized storytelling. The quality of food, the friendliness of guides, and the intimate setting make it stand out among other options. It’s a fantastic way to explore Old Town Scottsdale from a more flavorful perspective—especially if you thrive on authentic experiences and engaging guides.

If your goal is to savor top-notch food, learn about the city’s history, and enjoy a relaxed, personable atmosphere, this tour hits the mark. It’s well-suited for foodies, first-timers, or anyone wanting a tasty, authentic slice of Scottsdale.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 3817 N Brown Ave and ends near 7140 E Main St, both in Scottsdale’s Old Town area.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 13 are not permitted, mainly due to the nature of the food and experience.

Can I participate if I have food allergies?
Yes, most food allergies can be accommodated if you notify the organizers in advance when booking.

What if the weather is bad?
Since most of the experience is outdoors, bad weather could lead to a cancellation. Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting points are easily accessible by public transportation, and the tour guides are happy to walk guests back to the start.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
Guests love the personalized attention, excellent food, and the stories about Scottsdale shared by guides like Lindsey and Zach.

Are the portions filling?
Absolutely. Reviewers often comment on the generous servings that leave guests satisfied.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.

This Scottsdale food tour offers a genuine taste of the city’s most beloved eateries, guided by passionate locals who care about your experience. For anyone who appreciates great food served with a side of local stories, it’s a delightful way to spend a few hours exploring Scottsdale’s culinary soul.