If there’s one thing Charleston has gained prominence for, it’s the city’s food! From traditional Southern fare and delicious seafood(opens in a new tab) to farm-to-table dinners and innovative cocktails, Charleston’s burgeoning culinary scene has received attention from the likes of Bon Appétit, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and Food & Wine magazine. In AFAR magazine’s words, “Charleston is home to world-famous chefs, as well as restaurants that have been preparing time-tested recipes for generations. This is a city that celebrates both haute cuisine and Lowcountry fare.” Whether you’re a local or visitor to Charleston, read on--because today, we’re going to give you our picks for three of the city’s most enticing food tours. Happy reading--and bon appétit!
#1: Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour(opens in a new tab)
Looking for a culinary tour that includes a healthy dose of local Charleston(opens in a new tab) history? The Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour would be right up your alley! On this tour, you’ll stop at 4 restaurants over the course of 2.5 hours to sample a wide range of delicious dishes and beverages that are sure to fill you up. Each restaurant stop will give you the chance to rest your legs, taste delectable dishes such as sliders and pies, and hear from the restaurant staff and chefs. In addition to the fantastic cuisine and fascinating historical information, reviewers of the tour consistently mention the magnetic energy and liveliness of the tour company’s guides. Individual tickets are $60--click here to learn more and book your spot!(opens in a new tab)
#2: Savor the Flavors of Charleston Food Walking Tour(opens in a new tab)
Bulldog Tours’ Savor the Flavors of Charleston Food Walking Tour is, as one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, “worth your time.” As you stop by local restaurants, markets, and bakeries over the course of two and a half hours, you’ll have the opportunity to taste local delicacies ranging from grits to South Carolina barbecue. With no shortage of samples, you’ll get in a full meal’s worth of food. And for mixology, beer, and wine enthusiasts, you will have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages along the way. Individual tickets are $65--reserve your spot and learn more here!(opens in a new tab)
#3: Farm-to-Table Experience (opens in a new tab)
For all of you organic, fresh, and local food devotees, the Farm-to-Table Experience from Charleston Culinary Tours is a must. This farm-to-table experience combines the talents of renowned local chefs with fresh produce, dairy, and other food products available at a Travel + Leisure-appraised Charleston farmers market. Over the course of three hours, the tour will play out as follows…
- A tour guide and that day’s participating chef will lead the group to the farmers market to pick out the freshest ingredients the market has to offer.
- From there, you’ll follow your guide as he or she takes you on a 45-minute walking tour of the city. Meanwhile, the chef will prepare a multicourse meal utilizing the ingredients purchased at the market.
- At the end, you and your fellow participants will sit down to a scrumptious and healthy brunch--a true farm-to-table experience!
Individual tickets cost $75--learn more and claim your spot here!(opens in a new tab) These tours are incredibly popular, and space is limited--so don’t hesitate to make your reservation.
Do you have another culinary tour to recommend? Tell us about it in the comments below!
