St. Petersburg, Florida, isn’t just about stunning beaches and artsy neighborhoods—it’s also a fantastic destination for discovering local flavors through guided food tours. With a lively culinary scene along Beach Drive, a diverse array of eateries on Central Avenue, and the fun, interactive street eats tour, there’s a flavor for every palate. We particularly like the St. Pete Beach Dr Walking Food Tour because of its scenic waterfront strolls combined with tasty food from top local restaurants, including a refreshing glass of sangria at Bella Brava. It captures the essence of enjoying culinary delights with a view.
While exploring, you’ll also encounter historic landmarks like the Vinoy Hotel and St. Pete Pier, making this tour a perfect mix of food, scenery, and culture. For those interested in art, the St. Pete Central Ave tour offers a chance to sample local dishes while soaking in the creative vibe around the Morean Arts Center. And if you’re after a lively, fun experience, the Jimbos Jumbo Walking Food Tour combines street food with trivia and secret foodie chants, making it a playful taste of St. Pete’s street scene.
Quick Overview
We’ve chosen three standout food tours that showcase the best of St. Petersburg’s culinary offerings:
- A scenic waterfront walk along Beach Drive, sampling local dishes and enjoying views of Vinoy Park and the St. Pete Pier.
- A cultural and food journey along Central Avenue, blending local favorites with art and international flavors.
- An energetic street-eats experience packed with trivia, hidden gems, and street food from the city’s trendiest spots.
Each tour offers a different vibe, price point, and focus—so whether you’re after scenic elegance, cultural richness, or high-energy fun, you’ll find something that fits your style.
1. St. Pete Beach Dr Walking Food Tour
For around $145 per person, the St. Pete Beach Dr Walking Food Tour offers a 3-hour journey through the charming Beach Drive neighborhood. This guided tour is led by passionate Taste Ambassadors who take you past some of the area’s best local restaurants. The tour’s highlight is savoring a variety of dishes from renowned eateries, including a refreshing glass of sangria at the longstanding Bella Brava, which has been a local favorite for years.
What makes this tour stand out is its scenic setting—walking along the waterfront and Vinoy Park adds a relaxed, picturesque backdrop to your food experience. You’ll visit the St. Pete Pier and the Vinoy Hotel, two iconic landmarks, making this more than just a tasting tour; it’s a mini sightseeing cruise with bites. The curated food and wine pairings at different restaurants showcase the area’s culinary diversity, from seafood to tapas.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a leisurely yet engaging experience that combines great food with beautiful views. Reviewers often mention the friendly guides and the balance of walking and tasting as perfect for a summer afternoon. The only potential drawback is that it’s priced at a premium, but with so much included, it’s good value for a memorable outing.
Bottom line: If waterfront views, local favorites, and a relaxed pace are what you seek, this tour hits the mark.
$145 per person
2. St. Pete Central Ave: Food, Drink & Cultural Walking Tour
At $145 per person, the St. Pete Central Ave: Food, Drink & Cultural Walking Tour offers a 3-hour exploration of one of the city’s most dynamic streets. This tour is perfect for those eager to taste local and international flavors while discovering the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene, especially with stops at the Morean Arts Center.
The tour’s highlights include sampling pizza at a favorite local spot, and visiting popular venues such as Mezzo Bar, The Lure, Bohemios, Sans Market, and Le Macaron. Each stop offers a unique flavor profile, from Italian classics to inventive cocktails and sweet treats. The walk through Central Avenue is not just about food; it’s about enjoying the creative spirit of St. Pete, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and chat with local vendors.
This experience suits travelers interested in culture, art, and diverse cuisine. The inclusion of a visit to the arts center adds a cultural dimension that many food tours lack. The tour reviews praise its “vibrant atmosphere” and the chance to try both local and international dishes in a compact walk.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded mix of art, culture, and flavors, this tour delivers a lively and tasty experience.
$145 per person
3. St. Pete: Jimbos Jumbo Walking Food Tour- Tasty Street Eats!
At $99 per person, the St. Pete: Jimbos Jumbo Walking Food Tour offers a 3-hour high-energy exploration of St. Pete’s trendiest street eats. This tour is all about fun, games, and discovering the city’s best street vendors. It features an engaging mix of street food, trivia battles, and a secret “Foodie Chant,” which adds a playful element to the experience.
What makes this tour unique is its interactive nature. You’ll be munching on bold flavors from hidden gems, while participating in trivia contests with chances to win mystery prizes. The tour’s focus on street eats means you’ll sample a variety of quick bites, from hot dogs to international street snacks, all while learning about the city’s history and local stories from your guide.
Ideal for travelers looking for an entertaining, lively experience that combines food, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. Since it’s the most affordable tour on our list, it also offers great value, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who love a bit of silliness.
Bottom line: If you want an active, humorous way to taste street food and learn about St. Pete’s lively side, this tour is perfect.
$99 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, what kind of experience you’re after, and your physical comfort. If scenic waterfront views and a more relaxed vibe appeal, the St. Pete Beach Dr Walking Food Tour is a fantastic choice. For those interested in art, culture, and international flavors, the Central Ave tour offers a well-rounded experience. If you’re after a fun, energetic outing with street eats and trivia, the Jimbos Jumbo Tour delivers in spades.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your spot. Also, think about how much walking you want to do—these tours range from gentle strolls to more lively, game-filled adventures.
Final Thoughts
St. Petersburg offers a surprising variety of culinary experiences that blend local favorites, international flavors, and lively street eats. For a scenic, relaxed outing, the Beach Drive tour shines. If you crave cultural insights and diverse bites, the Central Ave walk is your best bet. And for a lively, interactive experience filled with games and surprises, the Jimbos Jumbo Street Eats Tour is a winner.
Each tour provides a different way to enjoy the city’s food scene. No matter which you pick, you’ll come away with a full belly and a better sense of what makes St. Pete’s food culture so special. Book early, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for a tasty adventure.