Best Food Tours in Charleston SC

Most Charleston food tours include 5-7 tastings spread across 2.5 to 3 hours. Portions vary from appetizer-sized bites to small plates. Combined, they typically add up to a full meal—arrive hungry but not starving. Some tours advertise specific dishes (shrimp and grits, she-crab soup), while others leave the menu as a surprise based on what's fresh that day from local suppliers.

For first-timers, the Charleston Culinary Tours Downtown tour provides the best introduction to Lowcountry cuisine—you'll hit essential dishes like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup. For a more immersive experience, the Undiscovered Charleston Tour combines a walking tour with a cooking class led by a local chef. For cocktail enthusiasts, Bulldog Tours' mixology experiences offer a different take on culinary history.

Most Charleston food tour operators accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and common allergies if notified at booking. Vegan options are more limited since Lowcountry cuisine leans heavily on butter, bacon, and seafood. Contact your tour company at least 48 hours in advance to discuss substitutions. Some restaurant stops may not have alternatives available for every restriction.

Skip breakfast or lunch depending on your tour time—you'll be eating generously for several hours. A light snack is fine if you need something in your stomach, but don't show up full. Water is usually provided between stops, and guides build in rest time for digestion. Plan to skip or eat very light for your next meal.

Charleston food tours typically range from $70 to $130 per person, with most falling around $90-110. Premium experiences with cooking classes or wine pairings can run up to $220. The price includes all food tastings; alcoholic drinks are usually extra unless specifically noted. Tips for your guide are separate and appreciated.

Downtown culinary tours cover 1-1.5 miles over 2-3 hours with frequent stops for eating. The pace is leisurely—you're dining, not hiking. Upper King Street tours stay on flatter, modern sidewalks. French Quarter tours involve some uneven cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes regardless of which tour you choose.

Most food tours welcome children, though the experience works best for kids who enjoy trying new and unfamiliar foods. The walking and standing between stops may tire younger children. Some tours offer reduced prices for children under 12. Call ahead to confirm—evening tours with alcohol components may have age restrictions.

Tips for your guide are appreciated and expected in the industry. The tour price covers the food, but guides often work primarily on tips. $10-20 per person is standard if you had a good experience. Some tours include gratuity for restaurants in the ticket price, but guide tips are always separate.

Lowcountry cooking comes from the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, where tidal rivers and marshes shaped local food traditions. The cuisine blends West African, French, English, and Caribbean influences through centuries of port trade and the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, hoppin' John, red rice, oyster roasts, and BBQ.

Late morning tours (10-11 AM start) work well as a substantial brunch that replaces lunch. Early afternoon tours (1-2 PM) let you sleep in and fill you up for a light dinner. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking weather. Summer tours are fine but hot—opt for earlier times. Book at least a few days ahead for weekend tours.

Most tours include Lowcountry staples: shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, BBQ, stone-ground grits, benne wafers (sesame cookies), and possibly oysters or crab cakes. The specific restaurants and dishes vary by operator, but you'll get a thorough introduction to what makes Charleston cooking distinctive.

Most tours operate rain or shine—you'll be moving between covered restaurants anyway. Heavy downpours may result in rescheduling. Walking portions become less pleasant in rain, but the eating portions proceed as normal. Check your operator's weather policy when booking; most are flexible about rescheduling for severe weather.