The Best Los Angeles Food Tours

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The Los Angeles Food Scene

If you love great food, Los Angeles is an amazing city. From sushi to street tacos, Los Angeles is a foodie paradise. Loaded with high-end restaurants frequented by the stars and hole-in-the-wall places that make the most incredible ethnic cuisine you’ve ever tasted, the LA food scene runs the gamut. If you’re visiting Los Angeles and want to sample some of the city’s excellent cuisine, a food tour is a great option. The best Los Angeles food tours are just a click away.

I’ll take you through some of the best tours to sample LA’s fantastic cuisine. These are amazing wheelchair-accessible tours that allow you to experience some of the best dishes in the City of Angels. I’ve provided links to each tour so you can book on the GetYourGuide website. Read on to find out how you can sample some of the best eats in LA.

Los Angeles Downtown Food Tour

One of the best food tours in Los Angeles, this wheelchair-accessible food tour of Downtown Los Angeles takes you on a walking adventure through the downtown area. Your local tour guide will share stories of early settlers, Hollywood’s heyday, and the transformation of LA’s culture and food scene.

Having lived in Downtown Los Angeles for the last twelve years and frequented many of the restaurants on this tour, I’m a big fan. I can promise you’ll be blown away by the amazing food. It gives you a nice sampling of several different cuisines and includes a lot of interesting information about the history of Downtown Los Angeles.

On your Downtown LA food tour, you’ll enjoy tastes from several unique LA eateries, including the best bakeries, ethnic eateries, and renowned establishments that are creating a buzz in the foodie universe. Along the way, your tour guide will introduce you to the unique history of Los Angeles, its evolving food culture, and stunning architecture.

Your flavorful food tour will visit the following LA foodie spots: The Pitchoun Bakery (an authentic French boulangerie in the heart of Downtown LA), The Horse Thief BBQ (delicious Texas-style barbecue located in the historic Grand Central Market), Berlin Currywurst (a taste of Germany’s favorite street food with an LA twist), DTLA Cheese (artisanal cheeses with a fun, modern vibe), Madcapra Falafel (offering locally sourced produce and a unique take on falafel), Guisados (some of the best slow-cooked braised meat tacos in Los Angeles), The Nickel Diner (Home of the maple bacon doughnut), and Bottega Louie (an opulent restaurant, bakery, and gourmet market located in DTLA’s historic Brockman building).

This Downtown Los Angeles food tour shows that behind every great food establishment, there is an equally great story of history, tradition, or innovation. On this food tour of LA, you’ll discover these amazing stories while tasting what has made these eateries such local favorites.

The tour operators also work with people who have food allergies. If you or anyone in your group is allergic to any food, you should contact the tour provider at 877-56-TOURS before purchasing tickets.

Original Farmer’s Market Food And History Tour

Opened in 1934, the Original Farmer’s Market is a hot spot for Los Angeles cuisine. It’s also a great LA hangout for people-watching. This 2 1/2-hour wheelchair-accessible walking food tour of the Original LA Farmers Market gives you an insider’s perspective on the Market and its diverse long-time merchants and tastemakers.

The Original Farmer’s Market has been a long-time favorite of locals and a must-see destination for tourists from all over the world. Offering farm-fresh produce, a hot sauce store offering thousands of varieties of bottled heat, and a massive array of restaurants, snack shops, and specialty stores, the Farmer’s Market should be high on your list of must-do LA experiences.

On this LA food tour, you’ll learn about Los Angeles’s history as you go on a guided culinary experience at LA’s first and foremost foodie destination. Enjoy generous tastings at diverse eateries. Snack on some handmade candy or savor a decadent donut. Go inside a gourmet grocery store and marvel at the sights of delicious food all around you. Visit LA’s very first pizzeria and then enjoy some dessert featuring artisan ice cream. The tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the local history and culture right in the heart of LA.

This tour can be modified for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Just notify the tour company at least 24 hours in advance of your tour.

Los Angeles 3 Hour Secret Food Tour

This is perhaps the most popular LA food tour on my list. If your stay in LA includes time on the West Side, you’ll want to check out this tasty beach area food tour. Not only will you sample some great LA food, but you’ll stroll past a ton of iconic Venice Beach sites that make for great vacation photos.

On the 3-hour Los Angeles Secret Food Tours, you’ll begin by taking in some fresh ocean breeze on the Venice fishing pier, where you’ll enjoy what the locals call a ‘surfer’s breakfast’, an antioxidant-rich smoothie bowl topped with granola, bee pollen, and hemp seeds. Next, you’ll enjoy a picturesque stroll through Venice’s famed canals as you enjoy that touch of Italy right here in Southern California. After which, you’ll delight in a delicious plant-based Secret Dish. At your next stop, you’ll indulge in an authentic Argentinian Empanada as you admire the muscular bodies pumping iron at world-famous Muscle Beach.

And, of course, no visit to the California coast would be complete without a crispy fish taco right on the Venice Beach boardwalk. Make sure your phone is charged so you can snap some photos of the area’s iconic graffiti walls or grab a video at one of the world’s most famous skateparks. Finally, you’ll be rounding things out with some totally #instagramable quesabirria dipped in consomé and delighting in a Mexican favorite, Churro Waffle bites!

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Secret Food Tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

The tour does work with dietary restrictions and food allergies. Just notify the tour operator at least 24 hours beforehand.

Los Angeles: East LA Latin Flavors Walking Tour

Of course, one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the LA food scene is Mexican food. With such a huge Hispanic population, you’re bound to have some of the best Latin food in the world.

The wheelchair-accessible Los Angeles: East LA Latin Flavors Walking Tour is a 3 1/2-hour walking tour that teaches you about the Hispanic culture of East Los Angeles, home to the largest Hispanic community in the United States. Celebrate time-honored family traditions as you sample eight tastings of family cuisine made from secret recipes. Learn the history of the community and get valuable info from your guide.

Explore East Los Angeles, an area famous for Mariachi Plaza, a popular gathering place for mariachi musicians hoping to be hired by visitors who are looking for a full band, trio, or solo singer. You’ll follow your guide as you stroll around the neighborhood and take public transport. (Yes, it exists in Los Angeles!) You’ll eat traditional family food as you sample eight tastings of delicious Latin food. You’ll also learn the secrets of the recipes as you listen to stories about Latin culture.

Old Pasadena Food Tasting Walking Tour

Don’t sleep on the dreamy LA suburb of Pasadena. There’s a rich culinary scene in Old Town Pasadena, and the wheelchair-accessible Old Pasadena Food Tasting Walking Tour delves deep into the flavors of Pasadena on a taste-bud-tingling 3 1/2 hour food tour. This amazing food tour in Los Angeles will allow you to sample foods and delicacies while learning about Pasadena’s transition from a sunny patch of orange groves into a foodie haven just east of Los Angeles. Colorful alleys and secret thoroughfares spice up the tour as you seek out spectacular eateries specializing in food from around the globe.

As you taste delicious dishes, your guide will regale you with fascinating stories from behind the culinary scene. Whenever possible, you’ll be met and hosted by the merchants who proudly share their incredible offerings with your group. Relax in cafes and restaurants specializing in world cuisine. Sample fine olive oil in a specialty store. Delight your sweet tooth with a trip to a chic chocolatier. To cap things off, you’ll enjoy the sensory experience of a tour of a handmade soap kitchen.

Walking distance for the entire tour is an easy 1.25 miles, with no inclines or stairs.

Beverly Hills Food, Film, And Fashion Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a food tour that’s located in the heart of one of LA’s swankiest neighborhoods, nothing beats the Beverly Hills food tour. This wheelchair-accessible tour of Beverly Hills Food, Film, and Fashion offers a sophisticated yet accessible experience. In just over 3.5 hours, the tour includes 5 intimate food tastings and 2+ adult beverages. You’ll wine & dine like the locals as you visit cinematic settings from hit films such as “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Pretty Woman” while en route to exploring the world-famous Rodeo Drive. This tour offers much more than food. If you’re looking for some good eats and a glimpse into the dazzling world of Hollywood, this tour can’t be beaten.

Whether you are from Tokyo, Nashville, or Toluca Lake, you’ll savor the history and drama of Beverly Hills cuisine. Each tour includes a combination of restaurants, specialty food stores, and one iconic fashion house. Enjoy a combination of five tasting experiences that provide a ‘big lunch’ as you learn about local culture, architecture, cinematic and fashion history.

The tour ends on Rodeo Drive, where guests can enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring one of the most famous streets in the world. Every guest receives a digital album of the tour, complete with photos and videos so they can easily share their experience with friends and family.

It’s important to note that tasting stops are subject to change. But you can be sure the restaurants and specialty shops are uniquely representative of Los Angeles. The majority of the food sampled on the tour is locally grown and/or produced. Tastings may vary from tour to tour, but they will include both sweet and savory items.

Vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated, but only with advance notice.

Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour

If you’re looking for something a little more boozy than foodie, the wheelchair-accessible Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour is a perfect way to spend the day. The 6-hour day trip to Malibu will allow you to discover some of the best wineries that the West Coast has to offer.

After meeting your expert culinary and wine guide at your hotel or location of choice, your private group will travel in a luxury vehicle through one of the most beautiful places in the world. Start out on the Pacific Coast Highway at the award-winning Rosenthal Tasting Room. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosenthal was one of the first producers in the area. Ignite your palate by sampling a flight of wine here before continuing north up the coastline and into the stunning hills of Malibu.

The tour group will wind through some of the most scenic and iconic canyon roads in LA County and arrive at Cielo, a private estate and vineyard perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounded by 18 acres of grapes. Guests will take a guided walk to a scenic overlook of the property followed by a private tasting of the estate wines, paired with a superb selection of meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, handmade crostini, and fresh bread.

The final stop, just 15 minutes farther into the mountains, is the Cornell Tasting Room. Situated next door to the historic Old Place restaurant, Cornell offers wines from all of the local vineyards in addition to some relatively unknown Central Coast varietals. After this tasting, you will start making your return trip via one of the most beautiful sections of Mulholland Highway.

While this is the priciest tour on the list, if you love wine and nature and want to explore the most visually stunning section of Los Angeles, this is a must-book tour.

Santa Monica Donut Tour

I may be biased, but LA is one of the top cities in the US for donuts. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the wheelchair-accessible Santa Monica Donut Tour. Embark on a guided 2-hour tour dedicated to Santa Monica’s most impressive donuts. Learn about California donut culture and the amazing innovators who shaped it, as you savor the iconic flavors of Santa Monica donuts.

The tour begins at the world-famous Randy’s Donuts, famed for its iconic giant donut sign. Taste some classic donuts before continuing to Sidecar Doughnuts. Here, you’ll indulge in artisanal donuts and admire the variety of their meticulously decorated donuts.

Your guide will provide insightful commentary about donuts and their cultural impact in California. You’ll even make a small detour to try the perfect Californian churro before heading to your final stop. The last stop on the route is a delicious surprise and may change based on the group or the weather.

For more information, check out www.donuttour.com.

Final Word On Food Tours In Los Angeles

The best Los Angeles food tours are all just a click away. I hope you’ll enjoy visiting these wildly different Los Angeles neighborhoods and sampling some of the best food the city has to offer. A food tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the city and its people and sample some of its best dishes. It’s also a great way to sample as much culinary variety as possible while visiting the City of Angels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Food Tours

Are food tours in Los Angeles worth it?

Yes. A food tour allows you to sample several restaurants while learning about the history and culture of a neighborhood. It is especially helpful in sprawling Los Angeles, where attempting to visit every noteworthy restaurant independently may require several weeks and a minor degree in traffic management.

Which Los Angeles food tour should I choose?

Choose a tour based on the neighborhood, cuisine, and amount of walking involved. Downtown Los Angeles and the Original Farmers Market offer plenty of variety, East LA is ideal for Latin flavors, Venice combines food with beach history, and Santa Monica’s donut tour is an excellent choice for anyone who believes dessert deserves its own itinerary.

What neighborhoods have food tours in Los Angeles?

Popular food-tour destinations include Downtown Los Angeles, the Original Farmers Market, East LA, Venice, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Old Pasadena. Travelers interested in wine can also consider an experience in Malibu. Since these areas are spread across the county, choose a tour near the attractions or hotel already included in your plans.

How long do Los Angeles food tours last?

Most walking food tours last approximately two to four hours. Wine tours and experiences involving transportation may take half a day or longer. Check the stated duration carefully and avoid scheduling another timed activity immediately afterward.

Is the food included in the tour price?

Most food tours include several predetermined tastings in the ticket price. Alcohol, additional dishes, and guide gratuities may cost extra unless the listing specifically says they are included. Review the inclusions before booking so your culinary adventure does not acquire surprise side dishes.

Will I get enough food for a full meal?

Many tours provide enough tastings to replace a light meal, while others focus on smaller samples. The total amount varies by tour and can change when participating restaurants change. Anyone with medication or blood-sugar needs should carry an appropriate snack rather than relying entirely on tasting portions.

Should I eat before a Los Angeles food tour?

Eat a light meal or snack beforehand if arriving hungry makes you feel unwell, but avoid having a large lunch immediately before the tour. Tastings are normally spaced throughout the experience, so the first plate may not appear the moment the tour begins.

How much walking is involved?

Walking distances vary significantly. Some compact market tours cover relatively little ground, while neighborhood tours may involve more than a mile of walking, standing, and crossing busy streets. Ask the operator for the exact distance, longest period without seating, and number of stairs before booking.

Are Los Angeles food tours wheelchair accessible?

Several tours featured in this guide are described as wheelchair accessible, but accessibility can depend on the current route and participating restaurants. Confirm step-free entrances, restroom access, seating, sidewalk conditions, and any transportation used directly with the operator. A tour’s accessibility can change when one tasting stop changes.

Can I use a mobility scooter or walker on a food tour?

Possibly, but you should confirm the route and the size limitations of any vehicles, restaurants or elevators involved. Ask whether the tour crosses narrow interiors, crowded markets or uneven sidewalks and whether there will be secure places to park a mobility aid while eating.

How can I make a food tour easier with a chronic illness?

Choose a shorter tour, avoid the hottest part of the day and ask how frequently the group sits down. Bring water, medication, and any emergency snacks you require. Scheduling a quiet afternoon afterward is sensible planning, particularly if standing, heat or a heroic quantity of tacos tends to exhaust you.

Can Los Angeles food tours accommodate dietary restrictions?

Many operators can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free or dairy-free diets when notified in advance. Options vary by tour, and substitutions may not be available at every stop. Contact the company before purchasing rather than adding a dietary request only after the tickets are booked.

Are food tours safe for people with severe food allergies?

A food tour may be unsuitable for someone at risk of a serious reaction because restaurants can use shared kitchens, equipment, and preparation areas. Discuss every allergy directly with the operator and ask whether cross-contact can be prevented. Bring prescribed emergency medication and do not eat anything whose ingredients cannot be confirmed.

Are Los Angeles food tours suitable for children?

Many tours welcome children, although age restrictions may apply to experiences that include alcohol. Consider the tour length, walking distance, and whether the featured foods appeal to your child. A three-hour historical discussion may be fascinating to adults and deeply offensive to a five-year-old awaiting a donut.

Do food tours include alcoholic drinks?

Some tours include wine, beer, or cocktails, while others are entirely alcohol-free. Participants drinking alcohol must meet the legal age requirement and may need to show identification. Ask whether nonalcoholic substitutions are available if you do not drink.

Should I book a Los Angeles food tour in advance?

Yes, particularly for weekends, holidays, and private tours. Group sizes are often limited because restaurants must prepare tastings and reserve space. Booking early also provides more time to arrange dietary or accessibility accommodations.

How much do Los Angeles food tours cost?

Prices depend on the tour length, neighborhood, number of tastings, and whether transportation or alcohol is included. Private and wine-focused experiences generally cost more than group walking tours. Compare the complete inclusions rather than choosing entirely by price.

Should I tip my food-tour guide?

A gratuity is customary when it is not already included in the ticket price. The appropriate amount depends on the quality and length of the experience, but many guests use the tipping guidelines commonly applied to other guided tours. Check the booking information before assuming gratuity has been included.

What should I wear on a Los Angeles food tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the forecast. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for outdoor routes, along with a light layer because coastal neighborhoods can become cooler than inland Los Angeles. Wheelchair users may also want gloves for routes involving long stretches of pavement.

What happens if it rains?

Most food tours operate in light rain because the restaurants remain delicious even when the weather is being uncooperative. Bring suitable clothing and check the operator’s cancellation policy. Tours may be postponed when weather creates unsafe walking or driving conditions.

Is it better to drive or take public transportation to the tour?

That depends on the neighborhood. Metro can be convenient for Downtown Los Angeles, East LA, Santa Monica, and Old Pasadena, while some Malibu experiences are easier to reach by car or arranged transportation. Check the meeting and ending locations because they may not be the same, and review LA Metro accessibility information if you require step-free transportation.

Can solo travelers join a Los Angeles food tour?

Yes. Group food tours are an easy way for solo visitors to explore a neighborhood without dining alone at several separate restaurants. Check whether the operator requires a minimum number of participants before the tour is confirmed.

Are private Los Angeles food tours available?

Many companies offer private tours for families, celebrations, and corporate groups. A private booking may also provide greater flexibility for travelers who need a slower pace, additional seating breaks, or specific dietary accommodations. Confirm that requested modifications are possible before paying.

What is the best time of day for a Los Angeles food tour?

Morning tours are often cooler and may be easier for travelers with heat intolerance, while afternoon tours can work well as a replacement for lunch. Consider rush-hour traffic when choosing a start time and allow a generous travel buffer. Los Angeles considers an estimated arrival time more of a creative suggestion than a binding agreement.