
5 Best Scottsdale Food Tours for Local Eats & Drinks
Planning a trip to Scottsdale, AZ, and want to immerse yourself in the city’s unique culinary scene and foodie culture? If so, joining a food tour in Scottsdale is a fantastic way to sample some of the city’s most iconic drinks and eats. However, it’s also a great way to learn more about the city’s history from a local guide while sightseeing, offering great value during a trip to Scottsdale!
Keep reading to learn more about Scottsdale’s culinary scene, the types of food tours available for visitors, and some tips for embarking on a food tour in the “West’s Most Western Town.”
What’s the Food Scene in Scottsdale Like?
Scottsdale offers a vibrant and diverse foodie scene, ranging from casual eats, like street tacos and brunch spots, to upscale fine-dining experiences at high-end restaurants and resorts with award-winning chefs. Scottsdale is particularly known for its Southwestern cuisine, which showcases Mexican favorites, like tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas, with Southwest flair (for example, try a prickly pear margarita!).
Old Town Scottsdale is also home to the Scottsdale Wine Trail, which includes wine tasting rooms serving local wines from vineyards across Arizona.
Popular Food Tour Options in Scottsdale
Scottsdale offers a wide range of public and private tours led by local foodie enthusiasts that showcase the city’s local cuisine and drinks. Read through the following types of food tours in Scottsdale to find the perfect foodie experience for you:
1. Old Town Scottsdale Food Tours
Join a walking tour in Old Town Scottsdale to sample some of the signature menu items at the most popular restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, including The Mission, Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse, Shakes and Cones, Cien Agaves, and more.
Most food tours in Old Town Scottsdale last three hours and include multiple samples of signature menu items at each restaurant (including dessert!) and a few drinks. You’ll also have the chance to learn interesting facts about Old Town Scottsdale from a knowledgeable tour guide and will pass by the town’s charming shops, art galleries, and well-known attractions!
Want to book a food tour in Old Town Scottsdale? Check out the “A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale” Food Tour by Arizona Food Tours or the Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour by Taste It Tours.
2. Taco & Margarita Tours

Scottsdale is known for its Mexican and Southwestern cuisine… so why not sample as much as possible on a taco-themed food tour in Old Town Scottsdale?
The Scottsdale Taco Food Tour by Taste It Tours is an excellent experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the authentic Mexican cuisine of Scottsdale. This three-hour tour stops at popular Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, including Cien Agaves, Los Olivos Mexican Patio, and Loco Patrõn for chips, salsa, tacos, margaritas, and even dessert!
3. Scottsdale Waterfront Tours
Do you want to embark on a food tour that is equally scenic and delicious? If so, you’ll love the Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour from Taste It Tours. This food tour with an expert tour guide includes four to five stops at popular restaurants along the beautiful Scottsdale Waterfront!
Spend the afternoon sampling Mediterranean flatbreads from Olive & Ivy, eating Mexican street tacos and drinking tequila samples from Barrio Queen, savoring locally-distilled spirits and American favorites from One Handsome Bastard, and sipping on delightful tea while snacking on macarons from Ruze Cake House on this top-rated food tour.
4. Progressive Dinner Tours
Looking for a fun night out with friends in Scottsdale? Look no further than the Progressive Dinner Tour in Old Town Scottsdale offered by Arizona Food Tours!
This food tour for adults 21+ includes stops at four restaurants (EVO, Frashers Tavern, Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse, and Malee Thai Bistro) with a full dinner and drink pairing at each location. This progressive dinner is a fantastic way to sample your way through the culinary scene in Old Town Scottsdale (and you won’t need to make dinner reservations — sounds like a win-win to us!).
5. Booze & Wine Tours

From local wine, craft beer, and cocktail tours to “sip” and “sample” experiences that provide the perfect blend of delicious local eats and alcoholic drinks, many food tours in Scottsdale focus on the boozy beverages that make a trip to Scottsdale so much fun! These tours stop at wine lounges and tasting rooms, such as The Wine Collective of Scottsdale and Carlson Creek Wine Tasting Room, as well as cocktail bars in Scottsdale, such as AZ88 and Hula’s Modern Tiki.
For an alcohol-focused tour in Old Town Scottsdale, consider booking the Scottsdale “Sip and Sample Tour or Scottsdale Wine Tour from Arizona Food Tours, the Scottsdale Brews Tour or Scottsdale Wine Walk from Taste It Tours, or the Wine Walkabout Tour, AZ Craft Draft Beer Tour, and Spirits of Scottsdale Tour from Sip & Savor Tours.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Scottsdale for You
With so many food tours in Scottsdale to choose from, how is it possible to narrow your options down to just one? Great question! Here are some factors to consider when selecting a food tour in Scottsdale:
- Public vs. Private Tours — Most food tours in Scottsdale include a group of 10–15 participants. You’ll have the chance to meet lots of other travelers on these tours, and they are generally the cheapest. Some food tour providers in Scottsdale, like Arizona Food Tours and Taste It Tours, offer options for private tours that guarantee an intimate experience with just your family and friends. However, private tours are generally more expensive and may have less availability.
- Dietary Restrictions — Do you have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Some food tours in Scottsdale can accommodate special accommodations, like vegetarian or gluten-free diets, while others cannot. If you do have food restrictions, notify the tour provider in advance so they can arrange special dishes for you with each of their restaurant partners.
- Family-Friendly Options — Traveling to Scottsdale with kids? While some food tours in Scottsdale welcome children, most tours (especially those that include alcohol) are for adults only. Read the age requirements on each tour before booking one for your family vacation to Arizona.
Tips to Prepare for Your Food Tour in Scottsdale
Once the day of your food tour in Scottsdale finally arrives, remember the following tips for a smooth and memorable experience!
- Come Hungry — It should go without saying… but be sure to come to your Scottsdale food tour ready to eat! Most tours include samples or full meals at 3–5 restaurants, and many also include drink pairings, so you’ll definitely want to be hungry enough to sample all the delicious goodies.
- Dress Comfortably — Since most food tours in Scottsdale require a mile or more of walking, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring plenty of sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially on warm, sunny afternoons.
- Bring Water & Cash — While many Scottsdale food tours provide drinks, it’s smart to bring a water bottle that you can sip on throughout the tour to stay hydrated. Additionally, remember to bring cash to tip your tour guide — 15–20% of the tour price is customary (and appreciated!).
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From food tours and cooking classes to high-end dining experiences and local watering holes, Scottsdale offers no shortage of fantastic foodie experiences to enjoy during a trip to Arizona!
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