Carlsbad Food Tour

Fabulous food tour. Ben was an excellent guide. Gave us some great Carlsbad history. Walking distance between restaurants was pretty minimal. The food was very tasty and good portions. Recommend.

Very fun small group. Loved our guide, Dirt, he was informative, very interesting and respectful of everyone. Lots of delicious food so don't eat before you go. We have visited Carlsbad 2 to 3 times a year for the last 15 years and learned about new places we had never noticed before. We'll worth the time and money to go even if you think you know Carlsbad! Dirt leads tours on Sundays and Tuesdays.

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised by the food tour of this seaside village. The foods were diversified and well prepared including Greek, Mexican, Italian, seafood and sweets. The best part was our tour guide who greeted us with a smile and introduction which increased our anticipation. Ed was very knowledgeable of the Village of Carlsbad history and culture along with a clear understanding of good foods. Our eyes were opened up as to all the village has to offer and will return as well as recommend to our friends and family.

Great experience. Our guide was really friendly and personable and the food was all delicious. We loved the variety of restaurants and foods that we sampled.

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.