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Los Angeles has one of the most diverse food scenes in the United States. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and the cuisines reflect the diverse populations.
Food tours in Los Angeles take you to hidden gems and the best local eateries for amazing culinary experiences.
While we can attest to the deliciousness of the city having lived there, it’s also a busy city and tough to navigate.
However, with a local guide, a Los Angeles food tour is a great way to discover the bustling food scene.
On your travels to “The City of Angels”, here are 7 of the best Los Angeles food tours you’ll want to join.
Comparison Table of The Food Tours in Los Angeles
| Los Angeles Food Tours | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour | $75 | Max 12 | 11:00 am | 3h | Downtown L.A. |
| Los Angeles Food Tour with Secret Food Tours | $85.37 | Max 12 | 11:00 am | 3h | Venice Beach |
| America’s Culinary Frontier With Culinary Backstreets | $175 | Max 7 | 10:45 am | 5.5h | Downtown L.A. |
| Underground Donut Tour | $55 | Max 20 | 11:00 am | 2h | Santa Monica |
| West Hollywood Food Tour | $89 | Max 12 | 11:00 am | 3h | West Hollywood |
| Food Tasting Walking Tour | $99 | Max 15 | 10:30 am | 3.5h | Pasadena |
| Latin Flavors Walking Tour | $125 | Max 20 | 10:00 am | 3.5h | East L.A. |
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Top Food Tours in Los Angeles
1. Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour With Sidewalk Food Tours
Downtown Los Angeles has a dynamic and eclectic food scene. The area is known for its culinary diversity and many historic landmarks.
This 3-hour downtown Los Angeles food tour takes you to at least six food stops for specialties in vibrant neighborhoods.
As your friendly guide shares fascinating stories about LA and Hollywood, you’ll be immersed in the local culture.
You’ll make several stops on your walking tour sampling a range of LA foods. Some of the highlights include artisanal cheeses, Texas-style barbecue, gourmet sides, tacos, falafel, and more.
As for dessert, you will try the authentic Los Angeles donuts. Both sweet and savory flavors are available, to indulge all tastes.
While food is the focus, you’ll also learn about the area’s history as you will pass by iconic attractions.
For example, the Bradbury Building, The Last Bookstore, and the Grand Central Market are part of your food and walking tour.
This LA downtown food tour is a great option for lunch, paired with the city’s culture, tradition, and history.
Cost: $75 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 11:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 12 people
2. Los Angeles Venice Beach Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours
This is one of the best food tours in Los Angeles for exploring the bohemian LA Venice Beach area.
This 3-hour Venice Beach tasting tour, takes you to popular hidden gems, steering clear of tourist traps that are abundant in this vibrant neighborhood.
You’ll dive into the LA food scene with dishes like quesabirria with consomé, fish tacos, California cheeseburger, Sambazon açai bowl, and others.
A local wine tasting, amazing ice cream, and a “secret dish” are some of the other local foods you’ll eat.
On your walking tour around Venice Beach, you’ll explore world-famous places like Ocean Front the Venice Canals, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and more.
This Venice Beach food tour is one of the best food tours in Los Angeles for diving into one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world.
Cost: $85.37 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 11:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 12 people
3. LA Food Tour with Culinary Backstreets
Eating in Los Angeles is a mouthwatering experience with long-standing eateries and amazing food.
The city is a true melting pot of cuisines and cultures and a wide variety of international and ethnic foods.
To dive into the belly of Los Angeles, this 5.5-hour LA food tour takes you on a surprising walking tour around the city.
You’ll start in Chinatown, one of the oldest Los Angeles streets. Heading outside the tourist path you’ll explore Korean, Mexican, Japanese, and other local culinary delights.
Between your 10 to 12 tastings, you will also visit places and landmarks of great importance to the local culture and history.
For instance, you’ll walk down what is considered the birthplace of the city, Olvera Street. Avila Adobe, the oldest residence in LA is another iconic landmark you’ll visit.
This guided tour will also take you to Bradbury Building and the Grand Central Market, where you will meet the local vendors and try their local specialties.
An immersive experience, this LA food tour into America’s culinary frontier is best for intrepid and adventurous travelers.
Cost: $175 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 5.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:45 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 7 people
4. Underground Donut Tour in Santa Monica
Donuts, sweet and indulgent tasty treats come glazed, filled, or topped with chocolate, sprinkles, powdered sugar, and more.
No matter how they are packaged, donuts are a treat for the taste buds.
Focused exclusively on donuts, this Underground Donut Tour in Santa Monica will delight you.
Spend 2 hours with a local guide exploring artisanal donuts in sunny Santa Monica.
Your first two stops will be for LA’s artisanal donuts at institutions like Randy’s Donuts and Sidecar Doughnuts.
As you walk around Santa Monica, your local guide will share tidbits about the entertainment industry including the TV shows, music, and movies that have been filmed in the area.
You’ll also learn the history and landmarks of Santa Monica, from the bustling Third Street Promenade to the local restaurants and shops.
Your tasty and sweet culinary adventure continues to other local eateries to taste more delicious donuts with your new friends.
If you’re looking for food tours in Los Angeles that offer sweet adventures, make sure you don’t miss this one.
Cost: $55 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2 hours. Tour starts at 11:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 20 people
5. West Hollywood Food Tour
Known for its vibrant nightlife, West Hollywood is also a great destination for Los Angeles food tours.
This 3-hour West Hollywood Food Tour takes you on a delicious journey sampling a range of diverse Los Angeles foods.
With five stops along the way, you will sample amazing food from different cuisines, like Mexican and Thai.
On your walking food tour, you’ll also visit The Original Farmers Market for tastings at local restaurants, food shops, and bakeries.
As you discover West Hollywood, your knowledgeable guide will take you away from the tourist traps, showing you the daily life of the locals.
You will also pass by celebrity homes learning more about the area’s famous residents including the neighborhood’s history.
Aside from enjoying delicious food and having an amazing time, you’ll leave much more knowledgeable about the vibrant culture and community that make West Hollywood a popular destination.
This West Hollywood Food Tour is a great pick if you are looking to explore the vibrant local food scene in an iconic neighborhood.
Cost: $89 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 11:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 12 people
RELATED: The 15 Best Farmers Markets in Los Angeles With Daily Schedule
6. Los Angeles: Old Pasadena Food Tasting Walking Tour
Pasadena, a picturesque city, located about 11 miles northeast of downtown LA, has a dynamic food, culture, science, and art scene.
Exploring Old Pasadena, one of the most historic neighborhoods on a food tour is one of the most enjoyable things to do.
This Los Angeles Old Pasadena food-tasting walking tour takes you to the thriving local restaurants and independent artisans for a delicious experience.
With your local friendly guide, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on a culinary adventure that will stop at 10 different eateries.
You’ll eat and sample different dishes, from empanadas, chicken tikka, falafels, Mexican tortas, and more.
At local independent stores, you’ll stop for local chocolates and cupcakes for sweet treats. And, you’ll also taste exclusive California olive oil at a specialty store.
As you walk through Old Pasadena, you’ll learn the history of the city and its transition to a foodie city just east of LA.
This city where the cheeseburger was invented has surprising and deep culinary roots.
An Old Pasadena food tour is one of the best LA food tours in one of the most popular foodie hotspots.
Cost: $99 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:30 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 15 people
7. Los Angeles: East LA Latin Flavors Walking Tour
Explore one of the largest Hispanic communities in Los Angeles, while learning about their traditions and tasting century-old recipes.
On this 3.5-hour East LA Latin Flavors Walking Tour, you’ll visit Mariachi Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood.
As you navigate the area, you’ll stop for 8 tastings of homemade and traditional dishes.
Be warned the portions are generous, so plan to go hungry.
Your cultural exploration in one of America’s largest Hispanic communities will come to life with stories about the area’s history from your local guide.
Between all the food stops, you’ll learn about the East Los Angeles attractions and the notable mariachi culture.
This LA food tour is a great opportunity to learn about Latin culture, history, and foods. It is one of the best food tours for Latin flavors.
Cost: $125 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 20 people
What to Consider When Choosing a Food Tour in Los Angeles
Food tours in Los Angeles are quite different from one another. From location to food menus, these food and walking tours offer distinct experiences.
Before booking your next culinary adventure, here are some thoughts to consider.
READ MORE: Uncover The 12 Tastiest Food Trucks in Los Angeles
What Kind of Food Tour Experience Do You Want
As you consider booking any one of these food tours in Los Angeles, take note of your preferences.
Are there any specific neighborhoods or areas in Los Angeles that you want to explore?
Are there any particular local foods or cuisines you want to eat?
How much time do you have? The food tours range from 2 hours to 5.5 hours.
With these considerations in mind, simply select the LA food tour that meets your preferences.
What Is Your Budget for Your Los Angeles Food Tour
Another point to consider is your budget for any of these food and walking tours.
The best food tours in Los Angeles range in price from $55 to $175 per person.
Some of the tour operators may be willing to negotiate discounted rates, depending on your group size.
On a positive note, all these tours have a free cancellation policy up to 24 to 72 hours before the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Los Angeles Famous For?
The Los Angeles food scene is creative and diverse reflecting the city’s multiculturalism. One of the most famous LA foods is the cheeseburger, which was invented in nearby Pasadena but exploded in popularity in Los Angeles. Other famous LA foods are tacos, Koren BBQ, and food trucks.
Have you taken food tours in Los Angeles before? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest