Welcome to the dynamic and delicious world of food tours in Washington, DC. If you’re a food enthusiast or love exploring new flavors, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable adventure.
From iconic restaurants to hidden gems, this dynamic city has something incredible for every palate. Join a food journey through the heart of America’s capital, where history and culture seamlessly blend with mouth-watering bites.
Prepare yourself for delicious surprises around every corner because when it comes to food tours in Washington, DC, hunger is the best travel companion!
Whether you’re a Washington, DC native or just visiting for a few days, a food tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s culinary offerings.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your Washington, DC, food tour tickets.
Table of contents
- What to expect on the food tour
- Georgetown Foodie Tour and Neighborhood Walk
- U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour
- Capitol Hill Food Tour
- Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour
- Dupont Circle Food Tour
- Beer Lover’s tour with Tastings and Meal
- Wine tasting tours from Washington, DC
- Cruises with dining options
- Tips for making the most of your food tour
- FAQs
What to expect on the food tour
Washington, DC, is known for its diverse food scene, and a food tour is the perfect way to sample some of the city’s best. From traditional American fare to international cuisine, there is something for everyone on a Washington, DC, food tour.
One of the great things about Washington, DC’s food scene is the variety of cuisines available.
From BBQ to burgers, there are plenty of classic American dishes to enjoy on a Washington, DC, food tour.
Also, there are countless Italian restaurants in Washington, DC, each with its unique take on classic dishes like pasta and pizza. For a truly authentic experience, head to one of the city’s Little Italy neighborhoods.
Chinese cuisine is always famous, and you’ll find great options in Washington, DC. Be sure to try some dim sum, and it’s a local favorite!
Japanese cuisine is perfect for those who want something light, from sushi to ramen.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you can find it in DC. And with so many different cultures in the city, you’ll find an incredible variety of flavors.
Georgetown Foodie Tour and Neighborhood Walk
Joining a gourmet food and walking tour in historic Georgetown means you can handle getting lost or consulting guidebooks.
Your tour guide will take you to hidden gems popular among locals, such as a deli and an Indian eatery that has been around for two decades.
The tour starts at 2 pm and covers about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) on foot at a comfortable pace. Along the way, you’ll stop at local eateries every 20 minutes to sample four to five delicious food items and enjoy a wine or Spritz pairing.
Your tour guide will share interesting insights about Georgetown’s culture and architecture between tastings. Once the tour is over, you’re free to explore more independently.
This food tour includes visits to a local deli, an Indian-owned restaurant, International Spice and Olive Oil, an Italian Café and Grocery Store, and a military-focused American bakery.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 1 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$79
U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour
Explore the historic U Street neighborhood of Washington DC, through a guided culinary walking tour. Dubbed ‘Black Broadway,’ these streets are home to unique foods that reflect the area’s culture and history.
By joining the tour, a portion of your ticket price will be donated to help feed district residents in need.
This tour will mainly cover the US corridor steeped in history. Walking between restaurants, the guides will share stories and insights about the area’s diverse community.
Also, take a moment to appreciate the Lincoln Theater and learn about its rich history and the events there.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$112
Capitol Hill Food Tour
Embark on a walking tour to explore Capitol Hill’s rich history and diverse culinary traditions. Along the way, indulge in the neighborhood’s various cuisines and flavors.
Explore the food and culinary culture of Capitol Hill with a knowledgeable guide on a walking tour.
Discover the history and diversity of this historic neighborhood while tasting a range of delicious dishes, including Anglo-Indian cuisine, Salvadorian specialties, soul food, and more.
This tour guarantees personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere thanks to the small group size. You’ll have the opportunity to sample Indian, soul food, Salvadoran, and other cuisines, each with its unique twist.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 2 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$79
Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour
Discover Old Town Alexandria’s rich history and delicious cuisine on a half-day walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour takes you through the city’s past and introduces you to local dishes you may have missed otherwise.
As you stroll down King Street, we’ll pass by the impressive Ramsey House, and the guests are encouraged to return here after the tour to speak with the friendly staff and learn more about the area.
You’ll also visit the Athenaeum, a gallery of fine arts and a performance space that showcases stunning Greek Revival architecture.
At the end of King Street, you’ll visit Alexandria’s newest park, which features temporary public art installations. You won’t want to miss a unique and memorable experience.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$112
Little Ethiopia Food Tour
Join us for the Little Ethiopia Food Tour, where we will explore the heart of the world’s largest Ethiopian community outside Ethiopia.
Starting at 10:30 AM, we will take you through the historic U Street to 9th Street, where you will experience the intricate flavors, textures, and colors in Ethiopian cuisine while learning about the history of the Ethiopian people.
This food tour is perfect for adventurous eaters who appreciate quality and authenticity over ambiance.
You can expect to taste traditional breakfast and the Ethiopian national dish, among other specialties.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$71
Dupont Circle Food Tour
Join a gourmet food and walking tour through the multicultural Dupont Circle neighborhood and discover its best eateries.
During the tour, you’ll get to sample a variety of locally sourced foods from around the world, including Moroccan and Malaysian cuisine.
With over fifty countries represented in the neighborhood, you’ll experience various cultures through traditional ceremonies and authentic cuisine.
You can look forward to enjoying dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, hand-crafted beverages, and mouth-watering desserts.
The tour provides enough food that you may not even need to eat dinner afterward. Immerse yourself in Dupont Circle’s multiculturalism with the Dupont Circle Food Tour.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 3 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$79
Beer Lover’s tour with Tastings and Meal
Discover the vibrant brewpub scene in Washington, DC, by embarking on a guided brewery tour. Sample various award-winning beverages and gain insights into the beer-making process by chatting with brewery owners.
Experience the best of DC’s brewpubs as you visit four top-rated establishments and indulge in delicious beer-centric food pairings that are filling enough to be a meal. The tour includes round-trip transportation by bus for your convenience.
Experience a tour of four of Washington, DC’s premier brewpubs with the guidance of an expert. Witness the beer-making process firsthand as you go behind the scenes.
Savor classic pub cuisines like hickory-smoked ribs and buffalo wings, expertly paired with 15 to 20 beer samples.
Choose between a lunchtime or evening dinner option. Enjoy round-trip transportation from downtown DC for a hassle-free experience.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11.30 am and will last around 5 hours.
Ticket Price: US$119
Wine tasting tours from Washington, DC
If you’re a wine lover visiting Washington, DC, try one of the two wine-tasting tours available. The Virginia Winery Day Tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel and includes a designated driver and guide to Virginia’s wines.
You’ll be able to indulge in wine tastings at two different wineries and enjoy lunch while taking in the breathtaking countryside views.
For a more luxurious experience, consider the Loudon County Virginia Wine Country Private Tour to visit the wine-producing region.
You’ll travel in a comfortable SUV to three local wineries and get a chance to tour the vineyards and cellars.
Tastings are available at an additional cost. The best part is that since it’s a private tour, you can customize it and travel at your own pace. Budget permitting, this private tour is the way to go.
Cruises with dining options
Washington DC, offers various ways to savor local cuisine, and food tours are among them.
Potomac River cruises are popular options for those who want to combine dining with sightseeing. You can choose from brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks.
The Premier Dinner Cruise is perfect if you fancy dancing under the moonlight. It comes with a 3-course meal and live music.
Meanwhile, the Scenic Lunch Cruise is ideal for those who love to groove to the latest Top 40 hits played by a DJ on spacious dance floors.
If you want to indulge in a weekend brunch while enjoying the scenic shoreline of Washington DC, the 2-hour brunch cruise is the way to go.
Tips for making the most of your food tour
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience when you hop on a food tour:
Food tours are about indulging in delicious bites, so arrive with an appetite. Pace yourself throughout the tour, as you’ll likely have multiple tastings.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and potentially changing weather conditions. You’ll be exploring different neighborhoods and establishments, so being at ease is important during the tour.
Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated between tastings. Staining refreshed is essential, especially if you’re sampling various flavors and spices.
Capture the memorable moments and tastings during the tour by taking photos and jotting down notes. Sharing your experience on social media can also be a fun way to document your food journey.
Take the time to soak in the surroundings, observe the surroundings, and enjoy each location’s ambiance.
FAQs
Here are some general frequently asked questions about food tours in Washington DC.
Washington, D.C., is known for its diverse food scene, and a food tour here can offer various dishes. You can expect to try anything from traditional American cuisine to ethnic foods representing various cultures, regional specialties, gourmet desserts, and more.
The duration of food tours can vary, but most tours last between 2 to 4 hours. Some specialized tours or those covering a larger area might extend to 5 hours or more.
Most food tour companies in Washington, DC, accommodate vegan diets and individuals with dietary restrictions. They offer alternative options that suit various dietary preferences.
It is highly recommended to make reservations for food tours in advance. Popular tours can sell out quickly, and some tour operators may have limited group sizes to ensure a better participant experience.
Tips for the tour guide and restaurant staff are not included in the Washington DC food tour price. Tipping the tour guide for their service and knowledge is customary, and participants are encouraged to tip at restaurants if gratuity is not included in the meal cost.
Refund policies vary among food tour companies in Washington, DC. You should cancel your tickets at least 24 hours before your visit to get a full refund. If the tour is canceled from the organizer’s side, your amount will be refunded/rescheduled.