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The 3 Best Food Tours in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a city where food is as laid-back and interesting as its scenery. Known for its local-owned eateries, artisanal treats, and a relaxed vibe that encourages lingering over good meals, it’s a perfect place for a food tour. Whether you’re into sampling craft wine, exploring trendy neighborhoods, or discovering hidden culinary treasures, San Luis Obispo offers options that can turn a simple meal into a memorable adventure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three best food tours in San Luis Obispo, each with its own character and focus. From a comprehensive downtown walk with drinks to exploring the lively Mojo District, and a tour that includes wine tastings alongside global flavors — you’ll find a variety of experiences suited to different interests and schedules. We’ll help you compare the highlights, price points, and what makes each tour special so you can choose the one that fits your taste buds and travel plans.
Quick Overview
Our list includes three highly-rated food tours in San Luis Obispo, each offering a different perspective on the local food scene. The SLO Downtown Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks stands out for its variety of local eateries and inclusive tastings. Meanwhile, the Uptown SLO Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks focuses on the trendy Mojo District, with enough samples for a full dinner. Lastly, the SLO Deux Downtown Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Wine Tasting combines diverse cuisines with wine and artisan drinks for an elevated experience. Each offers a unique look at SLO’s food culture, tailored to different tastes and pace.
1. SLO Downtown Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks
At $199 per person, this tour is a fantastic choice for those who want to explore San Luis Obispo’s local food scene with a focus on hidden and well-loved spots. The tour lasts about three hours and includes all food and drinks — so no hidden costs or surprises. You’ll visit a variety of local joints, tasting everything from wine and artisan gelato to California-style barbecue. The guide takes you through the city’s laid-back attitude and culinary diversity, sharing stories about the area’s food culture along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its hands-on approach to local-owned eateries. Guests consistently mention how their guide, Angela, made the experience engaging and personalized. The tour’s reviews praise the variety of tastes, especially the Peruvian dishes, which were a surprise highlight for many. With only 84 reviews and a 5-star rating, it’s clear that this experience offers a fine balance of fun, flavor, and local charm. Perfect for food lovers who appreciate a good story and authentic bites.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, inclusive tour with a friendly guide, great food, and a chance to learn about San Luis Obispo’s vibrant dining scene.
$199.00 per person
2. Uptown SLO Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks
Priced at $179 per person, this tour emphasizes the trendy Mojo District, a lively part of San Luis Obispo filled with innovative restaurants and bars. The tour lasts about three hours and offers enough generous samples to amount to a full dinner. You’ll explore five local venues, tasting a range of flavors from Thai cuisine and creative cocktails to dishes made with fresh local produce.
What makes this tour appealing is its small-group size — capped at just 12 people — which ensures a more intimate experience. The guide, Angee, is praised for her knowledge and engaging style, making each stop informative and fun. Guests often mention how they felt like locals by the end of the tour, having experienced the food scene’s best bites firsthand. The itinerary includes stops that showcase the diversity of SLO’s culinary landscape, making it ideal for those who want a substantial, social, and flavorful outing.
Bottom Line: This is a great pick if you enjoy a lively district, want enough food for dinner, and prefer a small, social group with a knowledgeable guide.
$179.00 per person
3. SLO Deux Downtown Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Wine Tasting
For $189 per person, this tour offers a slightly more sophisticated tasting experience. It’s a three-hour walk through downtown San Luis Obispo, featuring five different establishments that serve everything from Southern barbecue and Italian dishes to artisan baked goods and Ethiopian vegan cuisine. The tour also includes wine, mocktails, and specialty drinks, giving it an upscale touch.
The tour’s highlight is its focus on diverse culinary styles, crafted by passionate local chefs and artisans. The reviews are limited but glowing, with mention of the delicious food and quality drinks. This tour is especially suitable for travelers who want to combine culinary diversity with wine tasting, making it perfect for those who appreciate a sophisticated food experience. The inclusion of artisanal and international flavors sets it apart from more casual tastings.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those who enjoy a mix of global cuisines and wine in a downtown setting, with a focus on quality and variety.
$189.00 per person
How to Choose
Selecting the right food tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after a comprehensive downtown experience with local eats and drinks, the SLO Downtown Hidden Gems is a solid pick. For a trendy neighborhood adventure with enough samples to count as dinner, the Uptown SLO offers an intimate, lively experience. If you prefer a more upscale, diverse culinary journey that includes wine and international flavors, then the SLO Deux Downtown Tour is well worth considering.
Think about your budget and how much food you want to sample. The Uptown SLO tour is slightly cheaper and emphasizes a dinner-like experience, while the other two are more inclusive of drinks and specialty dishes. Also, consider the pace — if you prefer fewer stops with more extensive tastings, the upscale wine tour might fit best. For those wanting a lively, social atmosphere, the small-group tours provide a more personal touch.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure a spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
San Luis Obispo offers a diverse range of culinary adventures, from hidden local gems to trendy dining districts and upscale international fare. For a full exploration of local spots, the SLO Downtown Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour stands out for its variety and inclusivity. If you’re drawn to a vibrant neighborhood and hearty samples, the Uptown SLO is an excellent choice for a smaller, more intimate experience. For those looking for a touch of elegance paired with international dishes and wine, the SLO Deux Downtown Tour offers a refined outing.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead will help ensure you don’t miss out. Each offers a unique look at San Luis Obispo’s culinary culture, making your trip not just a sightseeing stop but a true taste of local life.
