Monterey Walking Food Tour: Five Tastings Downtown
Downtown Monterey food tour: small bites, crepes, ice cream, beer, wine & cheese in 3.5 hours
A guided food tour through Old Monterey's historic downtown that stops at five local restaurants and artisans over three and a half hours. You'll taste savory bites in a historic setting, handcrafted ice cream straight from the kitchen, traditional Indian or Greek dishes, pasta and pizza, local beer or cider, and wine paired with cheese, while your guide shares stories about Monterey's history and cultural landmarks. The tour covers about 1.5 to 2 miles on foot, includes gratuities at each stop, and ends at a wine and cheese venue where you can linger afterward if you choose.
Step-by-step itinerary
Guided walking food tour in Monterey
- Meet guide at Old Fisherman's Wharf
- Enjoy small bites in historic setting
- Walk to Alvarado Street and downtown back streets
- Taste Indian, Greek, cider, pasta, and deep dish pizza
- Visit artisan ice cream shop and sample ice cream
- Walk past historic Monterey buildings and hear stories
- Sip local wine and savor local cheese
- Farewell guide and group; optional stay at last stop
The Experience
You meet your guide in front of the Old Fisherman's Wharf and walk into Monterey's downtown, starting at a historic site where small bites set the tone. From there the route moves to Alvarado Street and the back streets locals actually eat on—the places tourists miss. Each stop is a different kind of food: traditional Indian or Greek cuisine at one spot, pasta and gastropub fare at another, deep-dish pizza somewhere else. The walking itself is steady but not strenuous, and your guide fills the time between stops with stories about Monterey's past, its firsts in California, and the people who shaped the city.
One stop takes you inside an artisan ice cream shop where you watch the kitchen at work before tasting the handcrafted product. Another brings you to a local brewery or cidery for a tasting of what's made nearby. The final stop is wine and cheese—a chance to slow down, taste what the region produces, and say goodbye to your group. If the place appeals to you, you can stay after the tour ends and order more.
Your guide speaks English, German, Hindi, or Chinese depending on which departure you book. Gratuities at each food and drink stop are already included, so there's no separate tipping at the register. Vegetarian and vegan options exist at the stops—email the host ahead if you have dietary needs that matter. The tour runs in all weather, so bring layers and comfortable shoes that can handle a couple of miles on pavement.
What’s included
- Five food and drink tastings at local restaurants and artisans.
- gratuities at each stop.
- a live guide in your choice of English, German, Hindi, or Chinese.
- wine, beer, cider and other local beverages.
- handcrafted ice cream with a look at the kitchen.
- stories about Monterey's history and cultural landmarks.
Operated by Monterey Bay Food Tours
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide to set the pace and sequence of stops—you'll taste at five different spots while learning the neighborhood's history, rather than planning the route yourself.
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What exactly do I taste at each of the five stops on this Monterey food tour?
The five stops include small bites at a historic site, traditional Indian or Greek cuisine, pasta and gastropub fare, deep-dish pizza, handcrafted ice cream (with a look at the kitchen), local beer or cider, and wine paired with cheese. The exact restaurants and artisans may vary, but the mix of savory, sweet, and local beverages stays consistent.
How much walking is involved on this Old Monterey tour?
You'll cover about 1.5 to 2 miles total on foot through the historic downtown and back streets, moving at a leisurely pace between stops. The walking is steady but suitable for all fitness levels, and comfortable shoes are essential.
Are gratuities and drinks included in the price?
Yes—gratuities at all five food and drink stops are included, as are the wine, beer, cider, and other beverages you taste. Tipping your guide is optional and separate.
Can I request vegetarian or vegan options?
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the stops. Email the host before your tour with any dietary requirements or restrictions so they can arrange it with the restaurants.
What languages does the guide speak?
Your guide speaks English, German, Hindi, or Chinese depending on which departure time you book. Check the available times to see which language option fits your schedule.
What if I want to stay longer at the last stop after the tour ends?
The tour concludes at the wine and cheese venue, but you're welcome to remain there afterward and order additional food or drinks on your own.
Monterey Walking Food Tour: Five Tastings Downtown
3h 30m · EN · HI +2
from US$ 164 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96234 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider





















