Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting
5

Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

By Carlsbad Food Tours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Food and wine tasting
  • Professional guide
  • Walking Tour
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation


Start:
  • State Street & Grand Avenue, State St & Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
    We meet at the northwest corner of State and Grand near the fountain. You should see a giant multi-colored beach chair, make yourself comfortable. On the southwest corner you will see Via Vai Cucina Italiana 2907 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10369P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
    • Dress code is smart casual
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10369P2

    From
    $78.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • State St & Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
      We meet at the northwest corner of State and Grand near the fountain. You should see a giant multi-colored beach chair, make yourself comfortable. On the southwest corner you will see Via Vai Cucina Italiana 2907 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Carlsbad Food Tours
      5.0 of 5 bubbles347
      Carlsbad, California
      Joined in November 2013
    • samanthatD8227XT
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Tour!
      I was in town for a conference. I always do food tours as a history nerd and foodie. I am a vegetarian, which they accommodated. I don't drink wine, so I was able to substitute that. David (I think that was his name! I keep forgetting his name) was very knowledgeable and it was obvious he loves his job and loves history. I have been on probably 20 food tours, and this did not disappoint. I had been to the area many times, but never to Carlsbad. I will be back!
      Written August 23, 2024
    • jeffersong81
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see and experience Carlsbad
      This is a great twist on the bland historical walking tour through a downtown--the food stops were great, and the history was fascinating. Kudos to our guide David for being so knowledgable and entertaining. Plus, the food was fantastic. Especially the strawberry shortcake.
      Written April 7, 2024
    • S8224OWbarbaraf
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful weather and great company
      Ben was the best; if you're a foodie, book a tour with him. Stops were evenly spaced, and he handled my gluten intolerance and black pepper allergy with the restaurants so that I had a great time! Highly recommend going on this tour as soon as you arrive!
      Written December 29, 2023
    • SmithGalin
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Carlsbad Food Experience.
      Ben was very enjoyable and gave us the backstory on the various restaurants and local lore. Worth the time and money. Carlsbad is a gem.
      Written November 25, 2023
    • _W9665DH
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      awsome
      Ben is handsome. The food is good! unforgettable definitely! really recommended. Thank you!really have fun.
      Written October 28, 2023
    • RoseCityDuo
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good food + history
      David is enthusiastic and provided a lot of background about the restaurants we visited. He also loves Carlsbad history and wove in many stories about the village’s early days, which we really enjoyed.
      Written October 19, 2023
    • TRB
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointed
      We started at Caldo Pomodoro. The food was great but we spent way too much time getting a long infomercial from the waiter. Then we got the same pitch from our guide and were told to study the menu while we waited for the garlic bread, marinara sauce and artichoke hearts. When we were done and leaving, the waiter came out and gave us more pitch while we were waiting to cross the street. Our next two stops were a home decorating store and a women’s clothing store. Really? I thought this was a food tour. Was our guide getting paid to bring her tours here? Next stop was an olive oil and vinegar tasting place that anyone can walk in and taste at any time. We waited outside. Next stop was an Italian deli where the saleslady gave us a way too long sales pitch. Then we went outside and had a antipasto platter. Next we went to an urban winery where you could have either a wine tasting or a coffee. We had coffee, it was good. The next stop was for a small piece of a cinnamon roll. The next stop was for a very small and taco The next stop was a candy shop for one small piece of chocolate. The next stop was gelato. We tasted four different flavors, all of which were good. At the gelato place, I asked why we had skipped one of the restaurants on the list. The guide said “Oh, do you want to go there? “ I said yes, it’s on the list and I would like to go there. So we went and had a mediocre Italian eggplant slider. All in all, it was not what I would call a meal, mostly Italian, and really very little in the way of quality food. We have been on many food tours in many different cities, and this one did not stand up to any of the others. You could eat much better in Carlsbad by wandering around in your own.
      Written July 13, 2018
    • Jnewman13
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent day
      Cheri shared great stories and information from a local perspective. We all loved the great food and the experience was one we will all remember. A great way to learn about the area and where the locals go.
      Written November 9, 2017
    • sunless_n_seattle
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best tour - Arrive hungry!
      Best thing we did in Carlsbad! Cherie, Mrs. Carlsbad, is a gem! Well worth the money, we made 8 stops with a delicious and great variety. She seems to know everyone in town, which also made it fun. Thanks so much!
      Written June 9, 2017
    • Barry F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great choice of stops
      Terrific look at Carlsbad, CA Italian restaurant was excellent. Mexican restaurant was tasty. Wine tasting great.
      Written August 18, 2016
    • dkraucher
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved explore Carlsbad with a local!
      Took my grown kids for the afternoon and met with Cheri and six others to explore Carlsbad. Cheri was a wealth of great information on both the history and the restaurants we visited. Enjoyed the tastings at Witch Creek Winery and Gaia Gelato. The stop at Humble Oil lead to some tastings of delicious oils and vinegars. The visit to Lola's Market made us feel like we were in a favorite aunt's kitchen, and Cafe Tropes will be a sure visit for breakfast on this trip. Don't miss the garlic bread at Caldo Pomodoro, a stop for your sweet tooth at Carlsbad Chocolate, or the pasta puttanesca at Vigilucci's. I would recommend to tourists and locals alike!
      Written July 26, 2016
    • CAChochip
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Culinary Adventure!
      What a great way to get to know a town! Cherise introduced our small group to 9 well-chosen yummy places to sample. There was something for everyone. The pace was leisurely and everywhere we went was top notch & enjoyable. Our guide was organized but not militant & flexible to the needs of those in her group. I'd highly recommend this tour at the beginning of your stay in the area. You learn the lay of the land so to speak. We returned to places that Cherise took us to for meals & merchandise.
      Written July 25, 2016
    • 13trudi
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Delicious, done well, interesting, fun, DO IT!
      Nice experience for newbies and unaware residents. Learn and experience Carlsbad's downtown area restaurants, winery tasting; Olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting and info; tidbits about Carlsbad's history; and of course, delicious tastings of the goodies Carlsbad offers . Considerate of allergic individuals; well thought out, FUN and Cheri is considerate, informative and knows her 'stuff''. Well planned, right amount of time and Thoroughly enjoyable ...recommend highly.! We are new to the area, however, there were locals who knew nothing about it and loved it as did we all. Trudi
      Written May 23, 2016
    • dakota m
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      preminium chocolates
      The Godiva chocolate ice cream is do die for. It's to bad I made this discovery the day I was leaving Carlsbad. I know I would have gone back again and again.
      Written August 8, 2015
    • oside11
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Carlsbad Village Tour
      Great fun! We learned some Carlsbad history and also got introduced to some hidden gems...places we would have not found. Cherie Marie was a fun, friendly guide and host. Recommended for both locals and visitors.
      Written July 9, 2015
    See all 347 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles329 reviews
    Excellent
    307
    Very good
    18
    Average
    3
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    0

    Azuredirection
    Columbia, MD7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    From the moment we met Ed, known in his stunt performer circles as "Dirt," we knew we were in for an extraordinary experience. This wasn't just any food tour; it was a journey enriched with vibrant stories, thrilling personal anecdotes, and, of course, incredible food. Ed has this unique ability to engage and captivate, making everyone feel like an old friend reminiscing about adventures.

    The culinary delights were just as engaging as Ed's stories. Each bite, from the succulent carnitas tacos dripping with pineapple juices to the exquisite avocado toast that has become my husband's new obsession, was a testament to the fresh, quality ingredients sourced mainly from family-owned establishments. It was clear that each restaurant we visited was chosen with care, adding to the authenticity and charm of the tour.

    Ed's tales of motorcycle stunts and his bond with his beautiful horse added an unexpected, thrilling layer to the experience, reminding us of the importance of living a full and adventurous life. As we wandered through Carlsbad, learning about the city's rich architecture and history, it felt like we were walking through a storybook illustrated with culinary delights.

    The tour's atmosphere was unbeatable, blending the warmth of family environments with the lively fun of music and laughter. The Mediterranean flavors, especially the tahini and hummus, were unlike any other, and we couldn't help but rationalize all the walking as a free pass to indulge to our hearts’ content—wishful thinking!

    In summary, Ed's food tour in Carlsbad is more than just a tasting experience; it's a deep dive into the heart and soul of the city, its people, and their stories. It’s a five-star recommendation from us for anyone looking to taste not just the best of Carlsbad's cuisine but to feel a part of its vibrant, storied community.

    We left with full bellies, warmer hearts, and the profound lesson of ensuring a life well-lived, thanks to our remarkable guide, Ed. This tour is a must-do for foodies and story lovers alike!
    Written August 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Laura H
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were hoping this experience would be a good one and were already looking forward to it. However, our tour guide Sue went above and beyond to make our experience absolutely wonderful! Her personality, her knowledge of Carlsbad, her infectious laugh, made it one of the best tours we've ever done! She was so kind and patient with us really trying to make sure that she gave us her undivided attention and it showed! Also, by the way, kudos to the manager of the business as well. She was gracious enough to go ahead and set up a private tour for us as there was a scheduling glitch with Groupon. We were frustrated but was able to talk to the manager directly. She contacted Sue , the tour guide, to make sure she was still available and thankfully, we ended up having a private tour. So kudos to both! We highly recommend the "Carlsbad Walking Food & Wine Tour! Don't forget to see if Sue is working!
    Written December 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Beth S
    South Lake Tahoe, CA487 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Friends
    Ed was an amazing host and guide. All of the eateries were within walking distance as we explored Carlsbad Village. Ed provided history of Carlsbad, stories of historical buildings, and an update on the Carlsbad culture. The menu was per-selected at each of the eateries so we got a nice sampling of their dishes. We started at Village Kabob and the sampler plate included many things I had not tried before; and they were great. We continued to Cicciotti's Cucina Italian where the appetizer of bread and sauce was enough to make a meal, and we continued with gnocchi and an after dinner "drink". Witch Creek Winery had a sampling of 3 wines. Senior Grubby's Mexican food had wonderful tacos. I would skip the Margarita though (paid extra). Choice Juicy was the California Health Food we all avoid. It was good as health food, but not something I would gravitate to. We finished the tour at Goods Doughnuts as a dessert. All the places had great food, made from scratch, and fast service. I would recommend this tour so that you can sample the flavors of the area and then make a decision to come back later for a full meal. Many of these places were "hole in the wall" places that many of us would pass by.
    Written January 31, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Destiny M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Couples
    I gifted my husband this experience as a Christmas present. We both have been on a few food tours including a couple in Italy and this food tour was amazing! We are local to San Diego but haven’t explored the Carlsbad Village so it was awesome to discover a few hidden gems. Our tour guide, Sue, was so friendly, accommodating and made sure that we had a great experience! She always checked on us and gave us fun knowledge about the city of Carlsbad as well as fun facts about the places we visited. The food and drinks were delicious and Sue always made sure we had plenty! We left very happy and full! Thank you so much Carlsbad Food Tours and Sue for a great experience. We can’t wait to book another!
    Written January 4, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Chuck M
    San Jose, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was an awesome tour. Dave was our tour guide and he was so knowledgeable about Carlsbad that kept us entertained and moving from one restaurant to another. The three hours went by so fast. The food was great and very filling. We took our 10 year old grandson and he really enjoyed himself tasting the different foods.
    Written May 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the great review, we love hearing from our happy customers.
    Written May 30, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Pamela T
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Much more than a foodie tour. Our guide Ben gave us background on the restaurants we visited and showed us outdoor art , architecture and Carlsbad history. The group was at the limit and congenial. We had some fun conversations along with the tasty food which included donuts, ravioli, savory crepes, al pastor street tacos and strawberry 🍓 shortcake.
    Written September 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    kacicheer
    San Bernardino, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2024 • Couples
    We had a great time. The tour had a variety tastes and the dishes and portions we were provided were delicious. Sue, our guide, was very friendly, easy to talk with and informative on the restaurant styles, the dishes, the stories behind the restaurants we visited. Would highly recommend as a “to do” when visiting Carlsbad.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    DYR81
    Gilbert, AZ61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an enjoyable afternoon on this tour. Ben was an excellent guide/host and shared the history of the city and the various establishments we stopped at. The food was very good and the portions were bigger than expected based on other food tours we’ve been on. I also thought it was nice that they gave the people who didn’t want alcohol another option. I would highly recommend this tour for individuals or couples that are visiting the city.
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Debbie M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Friends
    What a wonderful afternoon spent touring the quaint and adorable town of Carlsbad✨
    Our fantastic guide Sue gave us a wonderful education on the history of Carlsbad, shared amazing tastes from savory to sweet.
    Took pictures of us in front of long-standing landmarks and artwork created by local artists.
    Such a fun way to learn about this clean coastal city. Be sure to ask for Sue she is exceptional.❤️🤩
    Sincerely Debbie from Texas
    Written December 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mary J
    Kananaskis Country, Canada6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    Ed was a great tour guide and was informative about the history of the Carlsbad and arranged for us to taste some wonderful food. His relationship with the restaurant owners was professional and he was very knowledgable about the cuisine that we were served. I would highly recommend doing this tour when you first arrive in Carlsbad. Hint: Don't eat before you start the tour, there is plenty of food served.
    Written February 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

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