Charleston
Over 100,000 5 Star ReviewsSecret Food Tours: Charleston
Skip the tourist traps and truly discover Charleston with our top-rated guided food tour, which takes you to delicious, lesser-known food spots loved by locals
3 - 3½ hours
Charleston French Quarter
6 stops
12 people max
English
Secret Food Tours: Charleston - French Quarter Tour
Over 100,000 5 Star ReviewsSecret Food Tours: Charleston
Skip the overpriced tourist traps Uncover the city's history and culture Exclusive food tours in over 90 cities worldwideDiscover Charleston with our top-rated guided food tour, which takes you to delicious, lesser-known food spots loved by locals
Book your Tour
Also recommended by
3 - 3½ hours
Charleston French Quarter
6 stops
12 people max
EnglishWhat you'll do
Step back through three centuries of history to explore the enchanting Charleston French Quarter, where the scent of salt water meets the echoes of a rebellious past. This journey is a deep dive into the "Holy City’s" soul, wandering through hidden alleyways and past iconic Charleston Single Houses to uncover gritty legends of pirates and colonial patriots. Our story begins in the heart of the district with Chicken Bog, a rustic rice dish paired with a Local Low Tide Aloha Beaches Pineapple Wheat Ale for guests opting for our curated drink upgrade. At the Historic Charleston City Market, beneath the monumental Market Hall, you’ll taste delicate Benne Wafers and learn how this seed became a cornerstone of Lowcountry flavor and a symbol of resilience through the African slave trade.
The narrative deepens as we indulge in Cheese and Chives Hot Little Biscuits, sophisticated She-Crab Soup, and our world-famous Shrimp & Grits, beautifully enhanced by a Charleston Spiked Tea (included in our beverage upgrade). We then set off on an immersive walk through time, passing the hallowed spires of St. Philip’s Church, the legendary Dock Street Theatre, America’s first dedicated playhouse, and the notorious Pirate House. You’ll navigate the lush passage of Philadelphia Alley, a hidden gem of whispered secrets and historical duels, learning how pandemics, fires, and wars left an indelible mark on the city's spirit.
As the late afternoon sun casts long shadows over secret gardens, we invite you to a moment of pure culinary intrigue. Near the silhouettes of the Quarter’s most famous landmarks, we reveal our incredible Secret Dish, a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy reflecting the soulful evolution of Southern cooking, elegantly elevated by a Mini Wine Flight for those enjoying our alcohol upgrade. We conclude our adventure with a Handmade Local Pecan Cluster, crafted with local pride. This is your invitation to feel Charleston’s unmistakable rhythm and taste the history living in every corner of the French Quarter.
SEE ITINERARY
Our journey commences at a vibrant local landmark in the heart of the district. We immediately dive into the rustic traditions of South Carolina with a tasting of Chicken Bog, a flavorful, one-pot rice dish that honors the agricultural spirit of the coastal plains. For guests opting for our curated drink upgrade, this savory start is paired with a Local Low Tide Aloha Beaches Pineapple Wheat Ale, a refreshing brew that brings a bright, tropical lift to the dish’s rich seasonings.
From there, we weave through the Historic Charleston City Market, a bustling landmark since the 1790s, to sample the delicate, nutty crunch of Benne Wafers. Beneath the monumental Market Hall, your guide will share the profound impact of the African slave trade on the Southern palate, explaining how the benne seed became a staple of Charleston’s identity.
We follow our market exploration with warm Cheese and Chives Hot Little Biscuits, a buttery local obsession, before indulging in a sequence of coastal essentials: sophisticated She-Crab Soup and our celebrated Shrimp & Grits. For those participating in our drink upgrade, these iconic seafood dishes are highlighted by a Charleston Spiked Tea, a spirited local favorite that captures the high-stakes history of the harbor.
With our appetites satisfied, we set off on an immersive historical walk. We’ll pass the hallowed churchyard of St. Philip’s Church, the legendary Dock Street Theatre, America's first dedicated playhouse, and navigate the enchanting Philadelphia Alley, a hidden gem where duels were once fought and secrets were whispered.
Our path leads us toward the notorious Pirate House, a former gambling den for colonial buccaneers. Amidst these historic silhouettes and iconic Charleston Single Houses, we reveal our incredible Secret Dish. This mystery specialty is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that captures the deep, soulful flavors of the South, perfectly paired with a Mini Wine Flight for those enjoying our beverage package.
We conclude our adventure with a Handmade Local Pecan Cluster, crafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. It is the perfect sweet finale to an afternoon immersed in the unmistakable rhythm, architecture, and flavor of the Old South.
Upgrade your Secret Food Tours: Charleston, experience with three drink selections chosen to pair with the food you'll be served. You must be 21 and older and have a valid ID.
Charleston Spiked Tea
Low Tide Aloha Beaches Pineapple Wheat Ale
Mini Wine Flight
*Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Book Your Tour
$104.99 / person
Lowest price guarantee
Over 100,000 5 Star ReviewsIf you have any issues with payment, please email us at [email protected] with the city, date and time of tour, and how many adult and child's tickets you need so we can assist you.
If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.
*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.
Looking to gift a memorable experience?
We've got you!
What you'll taste
THE FOOD
Chicken Bog
Cheese and Chives Biscuits
Benne wafers
She-crab soup
Shrimp & Grits
Handmade local Pecan Cluster
Our delicious Secret Dish
THE DRINKS
Water
For more drinks see the Alcohol Upgrades above
See Our Other Secret Tours in Charleston
(4.92)
$104.99
Secret Food Tours: Charleston - Upper King St. Brunch Tour
Trendy CharlestonOn our Secret Food Tour: Charleston - Upper King St. Brunch, you'll discover a thriving, contemporary community of restaurants, bars, and shops located just north of the Historic District.
3 - 3½ hoursWashington Square6 stops12 people max
(5)
More Cultural/Historical Tours
Charleston is a city rich in history and culture. Join us on one of our other cultural and historical tours, where you'll discover the hidden stories and fascinating legends of this beautiful city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order?
It's easy! Simply head to our "Book Now" page, where we detail our tours. Select your tour and the time of your tour and book it! Are you looking for something special or organising an event? Just email us at [email protected] and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an email confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email
*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*
What is included in the food tour?
All the delicious food and drinks mentioned above, but if you want more alcohol (and who doesn't?) We offer a upgraded drinks package that gives you 2 drinks (tax and tip included).
Where is the meeting spot?
You can find the meeting spot here and if it's not clear you can always contact us.
The meeting spot is Port of Call Food + Brew Hall, located at 99 S Market St Suite 5, Charleston, SC 29401. Your guide will be there with an orange umbrella and a big smile!
»»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««
Where the tour will end?
Charleston tour will end on either Market Street (one block over from where we began the tour), or on King Street, near Marion Square.
Is your food tour suitable for a vegetarian or someone with other dietary requirements?
Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us at [email protected] prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.
I am traveling with my family, is the tour ok for infants/children?
Children are more than welcome to our tour and it's free for any child 2 years or under! We have had many families attend from all over the world and everyone enjoyed the tour.
I don't drink alcohol. Can I book your tour?
This is not a problem. Just inform our guide before the tour starts.
Is there enough food during your tour?
We give enough food to all our customers. Trust us: you will not need to go to the restaurant after the food tour!
Where do I add my discount voucher?
I would like to take your tour but it is already fully booked. Is there a way I can do the tour?
Our tours are often sold out very quickly. If the date you requested is not available, please do not hesitate to email us and we can see if there is anything we can do.
Is there a lot of walking?
To join our food tour, you must wear comfortable shoes. There will be around 1 hour walking but it's not too difficult and there are no hills or stairs. If you walk slowly, then our guide will walk slowly as well.
How many people max are on this tour?
We take 12 people maximum. If you are more than 10 people, please do not hesitate to email us and we will try to see if we can accommodate.
I cannot find a way to print the confirmation. Is it OK if I have it on my phone?
You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!
If I purchase a voucher as a gift, or am given a voucher how long is it valid for?
All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.
Where does your food come from?
We work with small shops in the Charleston area. The food and drink we buy is top-quality, fresh and local!
What if it rains or I change my plans?
Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in Charleston. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions.
Can I pay the tour in cash?
You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.
Why do we need to pay for a booking fee?
The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.
Foreign Transaction Fees
A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.
Are the food tours wheelchair and/or stroller accessible?
Many of our tours are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. We recommend contacting us before booking to discuss this specific tour and accessibility options.
What is the lowest price guarantee?
We always offer the lowest price on our Secret Food Tours. If you find one of our food tours listed at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Over 100,000 5 Star ReviewsREADY TO TASTE THE REAL Charleston?
Book our award-winning Secret Food Tours: Charleston - French Quarter Tour before it fills up!
Now In Over 120 cities !
Essor Ltd. © 2026 - Secret Food Tours is a trading name and registered trademark of Essor ltd. Registered in England and Wales company no 8368703.
MORE INFO
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Discover the world's best bites with us. Subscribe for updates on new tours, foodie tips, and exclusive deals.
Proud Members Of
