15 Fantastic Food Tours In Charleston

Charleston stands out as a food lover’s paradise, thanks to its rich culinary history and vibrant Lowcountry cuisine. From classic Southern favorites like shrimp and grits to French-influenced dishes, the city’s diverse flavors are best experienced through guided food tours. Whether you prefer a half-day cooking class combined with history, a small-group walk tasting Charleston’s signature bites, or an exclusive private experience, this city offers something for every palate.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 best food tours in Charleston, highlighting what makes each one unique—be it the intimate private tastings, historical insights, or the variety of local specialties. We’ve included detailed descriptions, practical advice on choosing the best fit for your interests, and real reviews so you can plan your culinary adventure with confidence.

Quick Overview

This list features a mix of half-day, small-group, private, and themed tours. Expect to sample Lowcountry staples like she-crab soup, benne wafers, and barbecue, while learning about Charleston’s cultural influences from African, French, and English traditions. Many tours include walking through historic neighborhoods, VIP restaurant access, and recipes to try at home. For a comprehensive experience, check out options like Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class, which combines history, culinary demonstrations, and lunch, or the Secret Food Tours for a personalized private tasting.

1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

Rating: 5.0/5 (894 reviews)
Price: $250.00 per person
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

This tour offers a distinctive blend of history, culinary skills, and regional flavors. Led by Chef Forrest Parker, you start with a 1.5-hour walking tour through Charleston’s historic district, where he shares stories of Lowcountry influences and architecture. Afterwards, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration, then sit down to enjoy a lunch paired with wine, with recipes to take home. Its dual focus on cultural history and hands-on cooking makes it stand out.

Guests frequently praise Forrest’s entertaining narration and culinary expertise. One reviewer notes, “Fabulous way to spend the morning! Chef Forrest was full of knowledge and humor.” The tour’s value for money is evident in the inclusion of recipes, a guided walk, and a memorable meal. Perfect for history buffs who love to cook or travelers seeking an immersive experience.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, engaging tour for those who want to combine learning, tasting, and cooking in one package.

2. Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (877 reviews)
Price: $110.50 per person
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

This small-group tour explores Charleston’s French Quarter and historic streets, offering tastings at local eateries. Your guide introduces you to stone-ground grits, pralines, collard greens, and South Carolina barbecue, revealing how history shaped the local cuisine. The tour is limited to 12 people, providing an intimate experience and more personalized attention.

Guests often comment on the knowledgeable guides like Diane and Andrew, who make the history come alive while guiding tastings at notable restaurants and bakeries. One reviewer said, “The food was outstanding, and the guide was extremely knowledgeable.” The tour is ideal for visitors who want to sample Charleston’s signature dishes while walking through scenic streets.

Bottom line: An engaging, well-paced introduction to Charleston’s culinary and historic sights, great for a shorter visit.

3. Charleston Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: 5.0/5 (145 reviews)
Price: $370.00 per person
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

For those seeking a more personalized experience, this private tour starts at the U.S. Custom House, where you’ll learn about Charleston’s port history and its link to African ingredients like benne seeds. Walking through the Historic Market, you’ll gain insights into how the slave trade influenced local dishes.

Guests rave about the customized nature of the tour and the depth of cultural and culinary knowledge. One reviewer praised guide Kelli, saying she “went above and beyond,” making it an educational and delicious journey. The private format ensures flexibility, but it comes at a higher price—best suited for travelers wanting exclusivity.

Bottom line: An in-depth, tailored tour perfect for history and foodies wanting a private, intimate experience.

4. Charleston Walking Brunch Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: 5.0/5 (124 reviews)
Price: $110.00 per person
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

This tour focuses on Charleston’s vibrant Upper King Street with a brunch theme. You’ll visit four spots, sampling savory and sweet breakfast and lunch dishes—such as artisan pastries, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and local specialties. Stops include the Aiken-Rhett House and the Charleston Music Hall, blending history and contemporary cuisine.

Guests love the friendly guides and the variety of food. One reviewer said, “The food was delicious, and the guide was very personable.” It’s ideal for those who want a ** leisurely pace**, combining culinary sampling with cultural highlights, making it perfect for late risers or brunch lovers.

Bottom line: A relaxed, tasty way to explore Charleston’s evolving food scene and historic sites.

5. Charleston: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors

Rating: 4.8/5 (167 reviews)
Price: $111 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours (check availability)

On this tour, you’ll taste your way through Charleston’s historic city center, sampling stone-ground grits, benne wafers, and pralines. Led by local guides, the tour offers a deep dive into Charleston’s culinary arts and how African and French influences shaped its cuisine.

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and how the variety of food provided a comprehensive taste of Lowcountry flavors. One guest shared, “The variety of food and restaurant selection was good,” emphasizing the tour’s value for those wanting a broad overview.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded, in-depth taste of Charleston’s culinary history.

6. Charleston’s Historic Downtown Food Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (349 reviews)
Price: $110
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

This tour combines history and food with VIP restaurant access, allowing you to skip lines at some of Charleston’s top eateries. Sample shrimp & grits, she-crab soup, hushpuppies, and carrot cake, all while walking through notable landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Old Exchange.

Guests enjoy the insider knowledge about how pirates and colonial influences shaped the cuisine. One reviewer mentions, “Learned how French and African ingredients influenced Charleston’s dishes,” making it a great option for those interested in food origins.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want VIP access and a mix of history and cuisine in a compact tour.

7. Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (193 reviews)
Price: $110.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Centered on Upper King Street, this tour visits four restaurants offering signature dishes of Charleston’s New South cuisine. Meeting at the Charleston Visitor Center, the tour emphasizes modern culinary trends while passing through historic districts like Cannonborough and Radcliffeborough.

Reviews praise the friendly guides and the variety of restaurants, with one saying, “Mimi was the best guide—tasting and hearing about Charleston’s food scene in one tour.” It’s perfect for foodies who want to explore specific neighborhoods with a smaller group.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a personalized, neighborhood-focused food experience.

8. Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour

Rating: 4.8/5 (64 reviews)
Price: $112 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
This tour pairs signature dishes from renowned restaurants with local stories, walking past landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Pineapple Fountain. Tasting everything from hushpuppies to she-crab soup, it offers a delicious overview of Charleston’s culinary identity.

Guests mention the knowledgeable guide and the quality of food. One review states, “Best she-crab soup we’ve ever had,” making it a go-to for seafood lovers.

Bottom line: A compact, flavorful tour for anyone wanting local favorites and history in one walk.

9. Charleston Private Brunch Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: 5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Price: $370.00 per person
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Focusing on brunch in Charleston’s Upper King Street, this private tour offers several stops featuring breakfast and lunch dishes like pastries, hearty sandwiches, and local specialties. Starting at the William Aiken House, you’ll visit culinary landmarks like the American Theater and Music Hall while learning about local history and architecture.

Guests love the customized experience and delicious food. One said, “Jesse was a fantastic tour guide,” emphasizing the personalized attention.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a luxury, private brunch experience with a mix of food and culture.

10. Charleston’s Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (126 reviews)
Price: $110.50 per person
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

This guide-led walking tour explores Upper King Street’s restaurants, focusing on local staples and culinary traditions. You’ll sample dishes like she-crab soup, and learn about the history of food in Charleston. This tour is seafood-heavy, making it great for seafood lovers, but possibly less suitable for those with allergies.

Guests enjoy Nancy’s engaging narration and the variety of tastings. One says, “The food was delicious, and the guide was very knowledgeable.”

Bottom line: Perfect for seafood enthusiasts who want to experience Charleston’s lively restaurant scene.

11. Charleston: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour

Rating: 4.6/5 (86 reviews)
Price: $117 per person
Duration: 3 hours
This tour offers a balanced mix of history and cuisine, starting at the U.S. Custom House and visiting local eateries in a neighborhood outside the main tourist areas. Tasting iconic dishes like She-Crab Soup, you’ll also learn about Charleston’s port history.

Reviewers praise the energetic guides and the variety of authentic flavors. One shared, “Robin was great—friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tour special.”

Bottom line: A great option for those wanting a deeper cultural experience along with food.

12. Tastes Through Time – Charleston’s Best Food Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Price: $109.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours
This tour combines culinary tasting with history of Lowcountry culture. Starting at the famous Historic District, you’ll enjoy VIP service at top restaurants, sampling dishes like shrimp and grits while hearing stories about Charleston’s evolution.

Guests mention the friendly, knowledgeable guide and delicious food. One reviewer says, “Page is super friendly and knowledgeable about Charleston and the local cuisine.”

Bottom line: An excellent, story-driven food experience for those interested in both taste and history.

13. Charleston: Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour

Rating: 4.4/5 (10 reviews)
Price: $111 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
This tour focuses on Upper King Street, exploring popular restaurants and sampling local staples. It highlights Charleston’s culinary diversity, with stops featuring benne cookies, she-crab soup, and more.

Many reviews note the friendly guides and the delicious food. One says, “A couple of things to know: it’s a walking tour that takes you a few blocks but nothing strenuous.”

Bottom line: Good for foodies wanting a neighborhood taste with a manageable walking pace.

14. Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: 5.0/5 (1,387 reviews)
Price: $110.00 per person
Duration: 3 hours
This highly-rated tour covers classic Charleston dishes like fried green tomatoes, barbecue, and She-Crab soup. It includes stories of the city’s history and recommendations for local spots.

Guests love the passionate guides and the variety of food. One reviewer noted, “The food was excellent, and the guide shared fascinating stories,” making it a top choice for authentic flavors.

Bottom line: A dependable, well-rounded tour perfect for those wanting to taste the city’s best offerings.

15. Downtown Charleston Food Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (1,244 reviews)
Price: $110.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Centered in the Historic District, this tour visits four restaurants for tasting Lowcountry staples. You’ll learn about Charleston’s history while enjoying dishes like shrimp and grits and seafood chowder.

Guests mention the friendly guide and the delicious sampling. One review states, “We loved learning about Charleston’s culture as we tasted local favorites.”

Bottom line: An excellent, accessible introduction for those wanting a taste of Charleston’s culinary heritage.

How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Charleston

When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and culinary interests. If you want a comprehensive, hands-on experience, the Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class offers an immersive mix of history, cooking, and lunch. For a more intimate and private experience, the Charleston Private Walking Food Tour provides personalized insights and VIP tastings.

Those on a tighter schedule might prefer shorter tours like the Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour or the Charleston Historic Downtown Food Tour, which combine history and food in around two and a half hours. If seafood is your obsession, look for tours that highlight local specialties with detailed tastings, such as the Charleston’s Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour.

Booking early is recommended, especially for the private and small-group options, to secure your spot in these popular experiences.

Final Thoughts

Charleston’s diverse culinary scene makes it an ideal city for food tours. From cultural insights and historic neighborhoods to delicious local dishes and hands-on cooking, each tour offers a distinct way to experience the city’s flavors. For those interested in an immersive, educational experience, the Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour is hard to beat. Meanwhile, if a private, tailored experience appeals, the private tours provide an intimate look at Charleston’s culinary origins.

No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance ensures a spot on these popular trips. Once you’re there, let your taste buds lead the way — Charleston’s food scene is a story worth tasting.