Carlsbad Food tour

A great tour. Enjoyed all the food and learning about Carlsbad. Eat a very light breakfast so you can enjoy the delicious meals. We had Mediterranean, Italian (freshly made bread and pasta) and Mexican food (taco and margarita) along with a lunch crepe and a choose your own donut for dessert. Definitely fills you up. Along the tour you learn about the history of Carlsbad, artwork on the street and important buildings. Take the tour you won’t regret it.

Always a must do when we hit Carlsbad and never disappoints, from the food to the history and the friendliness of the guides

David was an amazing guide/host. I loved his mixture of food and the history of Carlsbad. Would absolutely recommend!!

We had an absolutely fantastic time on the Carlsbad Food Tour, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Ed, aka “Dirt.” Our group showed up excited for good food, but we left talking just as much about how knowledgeable, funny, and engaging he was throughout the entire experience. The food itself was incredible from start to finish. We kicked things off with a Mediterranean spread that set the tone perfectly—baba ganoush, homemade hummus, and warm, fresh pitas that were so good we could’ve stayed there all afternoon. From there, we moved on to the Italian stop, where the tomato spread and the cheese ravioli in vodka sauce were rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. This was so good that we went back to here for dinner that night. Next came the margaritas and birria tacos, which were a total crowd‑pleaser. The flavors were bold, the tortillas were perfect, and the margaritas hit that ideal balance of refreshing and strong. After that, we enjoyed savory crepes that were so beautifully made and flavorful they felt like a little surprise in the middle of the tour. And to wrap it all up, we finished with fresh donuts—warm, sweet, and the perfect ending to a day of great bites. What really elevated the whole experience was Dirt himself. With a nickname like that, we weren’t sure what to expect, but he turned out to be incredibly knowledgeable about Carlsbad’s history, architecture, food scene, and hidden gems. He shared stories and insights that made each stop feel connected to the community, not just a place to eat. His personality made the tour fun, relaxed, and memorable. If you’re visiting Carlsbad—or even if you’re local—this food tour is a must. And if you’re lucky enough to get Dirt as your guide, you’re in for an exceptional experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for a fun way to experience Carlsbad, Ben’s food tour is an absolute must! The food was delicious, the restaurant selections were fantastic, and the portions were surprisingly generous. What really set the experience apart was Ben’s knowledge of Carlsbad’s history, local art, and hidden gems. He kept the tour engaging, informative, and entertaining from start to finish. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking to discover something new, this tour is worth every minute. We left full, happy, and with a greater appreciation for Carlsbad. Highly recommend!

Ben was fun and informative. Told us about the restaurants, local history and local artists. Wide variety of delicious food.

Great way to get familiar with the area and local foods. The tour length was perfect and really took advantage of the local gods and history

We had a great food tour. The guide was excellent, all his food choices were delicious and he was so knowledgeable about not just the food, but the history of the town.

Dirt was an excellent tour guide providing knowledgeable information about Carlsbad, its history and local eateries.

Our Carlsbad food tour with guide David was a trip highlight. The connection was immediate from the moment we met him. When he learned we'd already visited two spots on the planned route, he adapted without missing a beat. The stops ranged from Village Kabob's whipped tzatziki and light dolmathes to housemade pasta at Chiotti's. Then craft beer and lively energy at Pizza Port, standout tacos al pastor with a unique serrano chile salsa at Señor Grubby's, and exceptional gelato at GelatoLove. And I had no idea that phyllo flakes are what put Dubai chocolate over the top?! Along the way we met owners, bartenders, and a limoncello maestro; all of whom made the experience a genuinely personal introduction to the interesting people making the food scene a reality in this coastal village. More than just a tasting, it was a window into the community and character of Carlsbad. We left full and informed on history. Ready to book the restaurants on David's must-visit list. Loved it. Thank you David!