Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour

If you’re planning to visit Scottsdale and want to combine sightseeing with a taste of local cuisine, the Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour might just be your perfect afternoon. This highly-rated experience promises a 3-hour stroll through the charming heart of Scottsdale, offering a generous sampling of some of the area’s best dishes, along with insider tips about the neighborhood’s history and culture. With over 240 reviews giving it a perfect score, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour to be both fun and tasty.

What we genuinely love about this tour is how it balances food, culture, and walkability. First, the stops are thoughtfully curated to showcase local favorites—from a handcrafted pizza joint to an authentic English pasty shop. Second, the guides appear to be knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing the overall experience. On the flip side, a small consideration might be that some food portions could be modest for very hungry travelers, and the tour is best suited for those who can comfortably walk about 1.5 miles. If you’re a food lover, appreciate local stories, and enjoy exploring on foot, this tour is likely to hit the spot.

Who should consider this experience? If you’re visiting Scottsdale for a weekend, eager to explore its culinary scene without worrying about where to eat, or if you love learning about a place’s history through its flavors, this walk makes for an excellent introduction. It’s also good for those who enjoy guided tours with a lively group and are over 11 years old (no strollers or babies).

Key Points

• The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles on foot, making it manageable for most travelers.
• Each stop features a signature dish, giving a well-rounded taste of Scottsdale’s local cuisine.
• The guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling ability.
• The experience includes alcohol, with a focus on local beverages like margaritas and tequila.
• Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking, but vegan or gluten-free options are not accommodated.
• The tour offers a fun, social atmosphere with small group sizes (max 16 travelers).
• It starts at the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, conveniently located in Old Town.
• The tour runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately and be prepared for weather.
• It’s especially recommended for those who want a mix of food, culture, and scenic walking.
• The price of $95 per person provides a solid value considering the multiple tastings, drinks, and guided insights.

The Itinerary in Detail

From start to finish, this tour is designed to give a broad yet intimate taste of Scottsdale’s culinary scene, with stops that each have their own unique character and history.

First Stop: Craft 64 Scottsdale

We loved the way this stop sets the tone for the tour. Craft 64 is known for its handcrafted pizzas, made with everything from scratch, including the cheese. The tour includes sampling two types of pizza, which is a great way to start. The emphasis on authentic, local ingredients and the absence of freezers means you’re getting fresh, oven-baked goodness. The 20-minute stop also gives enough time to savor the pizzas and get a sense of Scottsdale’s burgeoning craft food scene. Reviewers often mention how the pizza here is both flavorful and authentic, crafted in a brick oven, which can be a highlight for foodies.

Second Stop: Cornish Pasty Co

Next, you’ll head to a shop specializing in the hearty English pasty—an old-fashioned miner’s meal that’s perfect for a filling, portable snack. This 20-minute stop offers a glimpse into the multicultural influences that shape Scottsdale’s food scene. The pasty is savory, packed with filling, and historically made for miners working long shifts. Visitors tend to appreciate how the pasty is both tasty and substantial, offering a different flavor profile from the previous stop. As one reviewer puts it, it’s “tasty and hearty,” making it a real comfort food.

Third Stop: Růže Cake House

Sweet lovers will enjoy this pause at Růže, famous for their beautiful and delicious confections, especially French macarons. This 10-minute stop is a palate cleanser with a selection of treats that look as good as they taste. The bakery’s selection of wedding cakes and cookies also speaks to their skill and artistry. Expect to pick out your own macaron—an easy choice, but hard to resist! Reviewers often rave about the quality and presentation here, noting that it’s a highlight for dessert fans.

Fourth Stop: Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila

Time to indulge in some classic Mexican fare. You’ll enjoy a taco, chips, and salsa, washed down with a frozen margarita. This lively stop offers a taste of authentic, fresh ingredients and well-made cocktails. The 20-minute tasting is a perfect casual lunch bite that brings a burst of flavor to the tour. Several reviews highlight the quality of the tacos and the fun atmosphere, making it a memorable part of the experience.

Fifth Stop: Red Canyon Cafe

Next, a European-inspired stop featuring artisan gelato, crepes, and gourmet coffee. This 15-minute break is a sweet finale to the savory stops, with the chance to try a creamy gelato or a delicate crepe—perfect for a warm day. Guests often comment on the European vibe of the café and how it feels like stepping into a small patisserie abroad. It’s a nice breather before the final spice shop.

Sixth Stop: The Spice & Tea Exchange

Finally, you’ll visit a shop where the senses are engaged. With over 85 spice blends made in-house, this stop is a sensory delight. You can smell, sample, and learn about different spices and teas. The 15-minute visit provides insight into how flavor is built and gives travelers the chance to pick up a souvenir or two. Reviewers love the staff’s enthusiasm and the variety of spices, often mentioning how it’s both educational and fragrant.

The Cultural Context

Along the way, the tour shares fun facts about Old Town Scottsdale, helping you appreciate the historic and cultural fabric of the area. This isn’t just about eating; it’s about understanding how Scottsdale’s past and present intertwine through its food and neighborhoods. The visit to the Western Museum in Old Town adds an optional cultural layer, giving a broader perspective of the region’s history.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is priced at $95 per person, which includes all tastings and alcoholic drinks. Considering the multiple stops, this is a reasonable value—especially since each tasting is substantial, and the drinks add a festive touch. The tour lasts about three hours, covering roughly 1.5 miles on foot. This moderate pace means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Booking usually opens about three weeks in advance, reflecting its popularity. The small group size (up to 16) ensures an intimate experience, allowing for meaningful conversations and personalized attention. The meeting point at the Western Spirit Museum is centrally located, making it easy to access via public transportation or taxi.

It’s worth noting that the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suited for children under 11, partly due to the seating arrangements and walking distance. Also, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for sun or rain.

Authenticity and Value

The reviews highlight how guides bring enthusiasm and local knowledge, turning a simple food walk into a lively storytelling experience. Many guests mention returning multiple times, which suggests that the tour’s mix of food and history resonates with repeat visitors. The fact that vegetarian options are available upon request adds some flexibility, though vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions are not accommodated.

While the tour’s focus is on local eateries, some guests note that food quality can vary slightly—pizza may sometimes be a bit dry, or the portions smaller than expected. Still, the overall consensus is positive, especially praising the guide Maggie’s energy and knowledge.

Final Thoughts

This Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour offers a flavorful introduction to Scottsdale’s culinary scene, with a good mix of savory, sweet, and spicy tastes. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to combine light sightseeing with authentic eating, all guided by friendly and informative hosts. The tour’s value comes from its multiple stops, expert guides, and the chance to learn about the town’s culture through its food.

Ideal for food lovers, curious explorers, and those who appreciate a relaxed pace, this experience is a tasty way to spend a few hours in Scottsdale. Just come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a delightful walk through one of Arizona’s most charming neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join this tour if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available if you request in advance, but vegan, gluten-free, and other restrictions are not guaranteed.

How long is the tour in total?
It lasts approximately three hours, covering about 1.5 miles on foot.

Is alcohol included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes alcoholic beverages like tequila and margaritas, along with non-alcoholic drinks.

What is the meeting point?
It begins at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located at 3830 N Marshall Way.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 11 are not allowed, and strollers or babies are not permitted due to tour logistics.

Are there options for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested when booking, but vegan and other special diets are not specified.

What if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for sun or rain.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 24 days ahead, but booking earlier ensures you get a spot.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, due to the reserved seating at high-top tables and the walking distance, it is not wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This food tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting to get a taste of Scottsdale’s local flavors without spending hours searching for good restaurants. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn about the city’s culture through its cuisine, and for anyone who enjoys walking and tasting in a lively atmosphere. The mix of historical tidbits and delicious bites makes it ideal for first-time visitors wanting an authentic introduction, or repeat visitors looking for a fun, guided way to revisit Old Town.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to explore Scottsdale’s culinary heartbeat. Just remember to come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a memorable, flavorful journey through Old Town Scottsdale.