From famous chili and inherited German flavors to unbeatable breakfasts, Cincinnati is a gem for food lovers in the Midwest. With classics unique to Cincinnati and a range of global flavors on offer, it can be overwhelming to know what the must-taste favorites are in Queen City. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights, taking a Cincinnati food tour during your visit is a great option.
From discovering the best brunch spot to exploring the city’s cultural heritage through food, here are some of the best food tours in Cincinnati to give you a taste of everything that the Cincinnati food scene is famous for!
Best Cincinnati Food Tour [🏅Top Pick]
Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market
🌟 5/5 stars (400+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you’ve spent any time in downtown Cincinnati, you’ll have seen the streetcar moving along! What you may not expect is that this streetcar can be a gateway to Cincinnati’s thriving culinary scene.
During this Cincinnati food tour, you’ll do food tastings at 6 local restaurants and eateries. While the specific menu may vary, you can expect an appetizer classic, main dishes that pull in the best of Cincinnati’s ethnic foods, and specialty desserts. With food from different corners of the city, your expert guide will use the tour and tasting to give you an overview of the history of the area.
Veronica H (More Reviews)
You’ll meet downtown at the Great American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, and board the streetcar. You’ll see notable landmarks, such as the Aronoff Center for the Arts, the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Washington Park, and Findlay Market. It’s a perfect introduction for anyone new to Cincinnati!
👍 Highlights Of This Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market:
- Food tastings at 6 different restaurants/eateries
- Friendly, local guide
- See iconic downtime sights, like Findlay Market and Washington Park
- Comprehensive introduction to Cincinnati food and sights
- Hop on the Streetcar – a city icon
Popular Walking Food Tours Cincinnati
Top 10 Sites + Top 5 Cincinnati Foods Morning Tour
🌟 5/5 stars (300+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3-3.5 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a tour that marries great food with the top city sights, look no further than this Cincinnati food tour! This small-group tour will give you a taste of Cincinnati and visit the top ten most popular sites.
This tour features some of the best foods in Cincinnati, such as local ice cream, Belgium waffles, and so much more. You’ll get five food tastings along your tour, with a certified local guide to explain the significance and history of the food, as well as your sightseeing. The food samples can vary, so if you’re expecting something specific, make sure you check on the menu beforehand!
David H (More Reviews)
From the views of the Ohio River and Roebling Bridge to the historic OTR and Findlay market, you’ll see the main sights of Cincinnati. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get to know the history of the city and pick up some travel tips along the way. There really is no better way to introduce yourself (and your tastebuds) to Cincinnati food!
👍 Highlights Of This Cincinnati Foods Morning Tour:
- Guided tour of Cincinnati’s top sights downtown
- 5 different food tastings
- Small group experience with knowledgeable guide
Cincinnati Ethnic Food And Culture Tour
🌟 5/5 stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
From German heritage to other European roots and more recent arrivals, Cincinnati has a thriving ethnic food scene that may not be immediately apparent to visitors. Hop onto this Ethnic Food tour if you want to sample the variety of top foods available in the Queen City! This is one of the best Cincinnati walking tours out there!
On this tour, you’ll visit six different eateries, sampling a wide variety of ethnic dishes along the way. You can expect food samples from each restaurant, so you won’t go home hungry! Along with this, you’ll learn about the history of the area, famous street murals, and architectural elements of the city.
Anna D (More Reviews)
Starting at historic Washington Park, you’ll explore the vibrant energy in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. With groups capped at eight participants, you’re guaranteed to have a more intimate experience and get to know your fellow participants better. If you want to get some real insight into the ethnic food and culture of Cincinnati, this is the tour for you!
👍 Highlights Of This Cincinnati Foods Morning Tour:
- Visit 6 different eateries, with diverse food types
- Explore the Over-the-Rhine district
- Fun and knowledgeable guide
- Historical and cultural overview of the area
Weekend Brunch Food Tours Cincinnati
Saturday Cincy Brunch, History and Streetcar Tour
🌟 5/5 stars | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Sometimes the perfect pairing to delicious brunch is a leisurely walk, and this tour combines the best of both worlds for you! From the popular Over-the-Rhine area to the historic Findlay Market, you’ll see some of the iconic sights in Cincinnati and taste some delicious brunch foods. This is one of the best Cincinnati walking tours you’ll find!
You’ll meet up at Washington Park, a beautiful park with the historic Cincinnati Music Hall overlooking it. After learning about Music Hall, you’ll proceed to Findlay Market for a tour of the market and some delicious bites. Enjoy a stroll through OTR back towards Washington Park, taking in the architecture and street murals in the meantime. This is the best combination of history and Saturday brunch you’ll find around town!
Glen C (More Reviews)
This tour is a weekend special, which takes small groups (max 12 people) around Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods. You can expect to do some walking and ride the streetcar, so be sure to wear your walking shoes (and wear your eating pants)!
With six local eateries on the schedule, you won’t leave hungry! If that isn’t enough for you, rest assured you’ll end the tour with a map and a list of top restaurants and tips, curated by your guide.
👍 Highlights Of Saturday Cincy Brunch, History and Streetcar Tour:
- Small group walking tour
- Ride on the iconic streetcar
- 6 food samplings
- Map with top restaurants and tips about the area
Sunday Brunch at Findlay Market Tour
🌟 5/5 stars | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you visit Cincinnati, you’ll hear all about the historic Findlay Market in OTR, but if you want to truly experience everything this famous local market has to offer, this tour is for you! Newsweek Magazine rates Findlay Market among the Top 10 Markets in the World, making it a must-see sight in Cincinnati (for the eyes and the stomach)!
This Cincinnati food tour, which spends two hours in Findlay market, allows you to skip the lines with an expert guide and hit all the best spots in the market. And, it’s all at the most popular time of day: brunch! While the specific dishes vary from week to week, you can expect to see some classics, such as a German goetta sandwich, local empanadas, homemade fudge, and Belgian waffles!
Andrew B (More Reviews)
In addition to trying these delicious foods, you’ll learn about the market’s history, as well as the German immigrants who had so much impact on the city. If you’re too full to walk back downtown after the tour, don’t worry! Your expert guide and teach you how to use the free streetcar, which will drop you right back in the heart of downtown.
👍 Highlights Of Sunday Brunch at Findlay Market Tour:
- 2-hour tour with several food samples
- Skip the lines at the historic Findlay market
- Historic and cultural background on the market
- Knowledgeable, kind local guide
Specialty Cincinnati Food Tours And Experiences
Cincinnati Wine And Dessert Tour With Tastings
🌟 5/5 stars | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cincinnati, but this tasting adventure is guaranteed to turn that assumption on its head! Use this Cincinnati food tour to discover the wine and dessert scene in Queen City!
It takes you behind the scenes at the renowned Revel OTR Urban Winery. With several Cincinnati International Wine Festival wins under their belt, Revel is the place you want to be for excellent wines in Cincinnati.
Candra L (More Reviews)
During the tour, you’ll sample four of their excellent wines and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the property. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also enjoy the best wine pairing: three specialty desserts from local businesses!
You’ll meet up in Over the Rhine, a popular neighborhood, and walk to Revel with your seasoned tour guide. This is a unique way to take in the city, as well as enjoy some Cincinnati favorites! Definitely give this tour a try if you have a soft spot for wine or a sweet tooth!
👍 Highlights Of Cincinnati Wine and Dessert Tour With Tastings:
- 4 excellent wine tastings
- 3 local specialty dessert pairings
- Behind-the-scenes tour of the winery & insider knowledge
Mainstrasse Village Food Tour In Covington KY
🌟 5/5 stars | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Right across the Ohio River, you can find some amazing eats in Covington, KY as well! Stretch your Cincinnati food tour experience out into Kentucky. And, what better way to experience Cincinnati’s neighboring city than with an eating tour in Mainstrasse Villages?
In this three-hour walking tour, you’ll be immersed in German flavors and scenery. From European architecture to classic food items, get a real taste of the German heritage in and around Cincinnati. Between enjoying the cobblestone streets and fanciful buildings, you’ll try local craft beer, Bavarian pretzels, goetta chili dogs, homemade desserts, and more!
Tammi G (More Reviews)
In addition, you’ll see the most iconic parts of Mainstrasse, from the Goose Girl Fountain to the 100-foot-tall German Clock Tower! With an expert guide and a small tour group, you can get an intimate and on-the-ground experience in the city. Make sure you show up hungry because you’ll have plenty of things to taste!
👍 Highlights Of Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY:
- 3-hour walking tour in Covington
- Tastings of German food & drink
- Small group tour with knowledgeable guide
What To Expect In Cincinnati Food Tours?
See the Sights: Downtown Cincinnati, and the larger Covington KY area, have a lot of history! From historic Findlay Market and Washington Park to the Great American Ballpark and Roebling Bridge, Cincinnati is full of notable sights. These tours take you around the city, giving you background on the history and culture of the area.
In short, you can expect to learn about more than just food on these tours! It’s a great way to get to know Cincinnati’s culture and its flavors. Some of them are even Cincinnati walking tours, so you can get some steps in while you see the sights!
Meet People: Most of these tours guarantee small groups! This means you’ll be with a handful of food lovers getting to know the city. You can take advantage of the small group setting to meet your fellow travelers and build connections. The small group also means you can have a more personal experience with your guide, if you’re looking to pick up local tips and tricks along the way.
Taste the Classics: When visiting a new city, it can be difficult to know exactly where the best restaurants are or what dishes you’re supposed to try! Cincinnati has some classic dishes and notable restaurants that true foodies will not want to miss.
Cincinnati food tours are a great way to explore all these flavors. Taking a food tour with an expert guide is one way to guarantee that you’re getting some of the best flavors that Cincinnati has to offer.
Get Expert Tips: Every one of these tours has a professional guide, who can take you through the food in the area, as well as the history. From its German immigrants to the rise of the city as a business center, Cincinnati is full of history and flavor. There is really no better way to get local expertise than spending the morning or afternoon in the company of a real expert!
FAQ About Cincinnati Food Tours
Is a Cincinnati food tour worth it?
Absolutely! If you are looking for more than just trying the famous dishes, food tours are a great way to get an introduction to Cincinnati, uncover some of the local haunts and get more recommendations for the rest of your days in the city. It’s also a nice way to meet fellow food enthusiasts.
You also get to learn about the food culture and even history behind some of the dishes and restaurants. It’s often a more wholesome experience than just eating.
Are drinks included on the tour?
Most times, unless explicitly included, beverages like soda, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are not included in the cost of your tour. When these items are not provided, they are often available for purchase.
Of course, if you’re going on a wine-tasting or brewery tour, you can expect some drinks to be covered! Check with your tour provider if you want specifics on what they provide, and consider bringing along a bottle of water if you want to save a little cash.
How long is a food tour?
Food tours will generally last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on how many sites you visit and tastings you do. Either way, you can expect a food tour to take up a good chunk of your day. Every tour will be different, so make sure you check with your tour provider before committing, if you need to stick to a certain schedule.
What food is Cincinnati known for?
Above all else, Cincinnati is known for its chili. Cincinnati chili is a beloved regional dish, which is differentiated from chili around the United States. It has a slightly sweet and complex taste, due to the mix of spices and special ingredients (sometimes even chocolate)! The presentation is also unique, as it’s frequently served on top of spaghetti noodles or on top of hotdogs.
What if I have dietary restrictions/allergies?
If you have a specific dietary concern, you should always check with your tour provider before committing to a tour. Some tour companies cannot accommodate certain dietary restrictions or allergies, while others are happy to do so, as long as you give them sufficient notice.
Make sure you verify with your tour company before signing up for a Cincinnati food tour (and remind them, as your tour gets closer)!
