7 Best Pike Place Market Food Tours In Seattle, WA [2025]

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The historic Pike Place Market is one of the most famous destinations that Seattle is known for. It is an icon of Seattle’s gastronomic scene and Pike Place food tours are an exciting way to explore the market’s many culinary delights.

With knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the market’s history and culture while tasting some of its best dishes from local vendors. From freshly caught seafood to artisanal bread, cheeses, and pastries – each bite is an unforgettable journey through one of America’s oldest public markets.

These are some of the best Pike Place food tours to experience the vibrant food scene of Seattle.

Best Pike Place Market Food Tour [🏅Top Pick]

Chef Guided Pike Place Market Food Tour (Eat Seattle)

chef-guided-pike-place-food-tours
Photo Credit: Eat Seattle, Viator

🌟 5/5 stars (2670+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

Join the Chef-Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market if you want to embark on a 2-hour walking adventure led by a local chef who knows all the best spots!

During the tour, you’ll get to taste some amazing foods like fresh seafood, delicious cheese, and locally roasted coffee. Also, forget about not playing with food. The fish tossing is one of the most fun and amusing “performance” to see.

You’ll learn plenty about the rich history and culture of the area and hear some fascinating stories about the people who work and shop at Pike Place Market. Our guide really knew her stuff and had some great insider knowledge to share.

Chef Brendan was an amazing, informative and entertaining tour guide. I have been to Pike Place Market a ton of times and learnt a bunch of new things I had no clue about. All of our food samples were amazing and by the end of the tour I was stuffed. I highly recommend this tour.

Naomi (More Reviews)

The tour is good for all ages and they can accommodate dietary restrictions if you give them a heads-up in advance. It was nice that they had options for different diets.

They also keep the group size small to make sure everyone gets a personalized experience. It felt like a fun outing with travel buddies rather than a big crowded tour.

This is a great way to see the highlights of Pike Place Market with an expert guide, and eat lots of delicious food along the way!

👍 Highlights Of Chef Guided Pike Place Market Food Tour:

  • 9 stops at the best food spots with 10-15 tastings.
    (This is one of the most among all)
  • 10% Discount card with partner vendors at end of the tour
  • Skip the line at the popular Pike Place Chowder
  • Other stops include Beecher’s Mac N Cheese, Elleno’s yogurt, Chukar Cherries, and more. This can vary depending on the day of the tour.
  • Tap on the expertise and knowledge of local Chef guides that really know their way around food and the city’s history.
  • Small tour group for more personalized experience

Skip-the-Crowd Pike Place Market Food Tour

Early-Bird Tasting Food Tour At Pike Place

pike-place-market-seattle-food

🌟 5/5 stars (1035+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

Want to get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Pike Place Market in Seattle? Then the Exclusive Early Access Food Tour is perfect for you!

Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll get to explore the market before it opens to the public, avoiding the crowds and experiencing the relaxed atmosphere. And the best part? You get to taste some amazing local foods from some of the market’s most famous vendors, like fresh seafood, delicious cheese, and mouthwatering chocolates.

This was a wonderful introduction to Seattle’s history and the importance of the small business community. Our tour guide, Lucky, did a fantastic job of showing us the area and giving us great information about the market. We would definitely recommend anyone visiting Seattle for the first time take this tour.

Linda (More Reviews)

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the history of the market and its vendors, as well as its impact on Seattle’s food scene. The tour is great for all ages and they can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

👍 Highlights Of This Pike Place Market Food Tour:

  • Early behind-the-scene access without much crowd
  • Small tour groups limited to 12 pax, which makes it more intimate
  • Chance of interacting with local vendors as it’s not as busy

Other Well Received Pike Place Food Tours

Pike Place Market Tasting Tour

pike-place-culture-food-tour
Photo Credit: Savor Seattle, Viator

🌟 5/5 stars (1555+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

Get your taste buds ready for a fun-filled culinary adventure through Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market with a 2 hours Food Tasting Tour. Led by an enthusiastic guide, you’ll taste a variety of delicious treats and local products.

As you walk around the market, hear interesting stories behind Seattle’s vibrant food scene and the history of the market. Take your time to savor every bite and soak up the sights and sounds of the bustling market.

If you’re a food lover or just looking for a fun way to discover Seattle, this Food and Cultural Walking Tour is the perfect way to do it. So come with an empty stomach and an open mind and get ready to explore one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions!

👍 Highlights Of Pike Place Food Tasting Tour:

  • 8+ delicious food tastings
  • Stops can include gourmet truffle salt, fish fry, Greek yogurt, handmade pastry, cherry-inspired treats, and the famous Pike Place chowder.
  • Small tour group
  • 10% Discount card with partner vendors

Taste Pike Place Walking Food Tour (Show Me Seattle)

taste-of-pike-place-food-tour
Photo Credit: Show Me Seattle, Viator

🌟 5/5 stars (890+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

Discover the famous vendors and must-try foods as a friendly guide lead you through the market’s vibrant history and culture. Get the opportunity to taste fresh seafood, delicious cheese, and artisanal chocolates – just to name a few!

Our small group size ensures a personalized experience, so feel free to ask questions and learn about the market’s influence on Seattle’s food scene. They can also accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

I have been to Pike Place Market before, but never like this. Our guide, Bob, was informative, gracious, and inspiring. We learned a lot and enjoyed the many food tastings and discovered how rewarding it is to connect to a place through a wonderful blend of history, food, and people.

Scott (More Reviews)

A fun and delicious tour that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Pike Place Market and its amazing flavors!

👍 Highlights Of Taste Of Pike Place Food Tour:

  • 8+ diverse food tastings
  • Stops can include Greek yogurt, Mexican street tacos and smoked salmon, truffles, Bavarian meats, and the famous Pike Place chowder.
  • Small tour group

Pike Place Market Seafood Tasting Tour (Thoughtful Chef)

pike-place-food-tastings

🌟 5/5 stars (155+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

Seafood enthusiasts can dive into the delicious world of Pike Place Market’s seafood scene on this Pike Place Market Seafood Tasting Tour!

This 1.5-hour walking tour takes you to some of the best seafood vendors in the market. You’ll get to taste some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood dishes in the Pacific Northwest, including salmon, scallops, and shellfish that are locally caught and prepared with love.

This tour fantastically intertwined the story of Seattle with it’s rich seafood history, from it’s roots in indigenous settlements, to modern day creative culinary exploits. Carolynn was an extremely knowledgeable, authentic and friendly guide for the tour. Highly recommended!

Shams (More Reviews)

As you walk around the market, learn about its history, culture, and impact on Seattle’s food scene. This is suitable for seafood lovers and anyone curious to explore the market’s culinary traditions.

👍 Highlights Of Pike Place Market Seafood Tasting Tour:

  • Led by a knowledgeable chef guide
  • 6 guided tastings focusing on seafood dishes with various preparation methods
  • Small group with more personal attention

Craft Cocktail Gourmet Food Tour

happy-hour-tour-pike-place
Photo Credit: Sum Good, Viator

🌟 4.7/5 stars (65+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

The Craft Cocktail Gourmet Food Tour is a 2-hour guided walking tour to some of the popular spots in downtown Seattle.

Enjoy a variety of drinks and small bites, including craft cocktails and delicious appetizers. Along the way, they’ll learn about the neighborhood’s history and architecture, and its role in shaping Seattle’s nightlife.

This was a great experience since it was my first time visiting Seattle and I truly enjoyed exploring the local food spots and crafty cocktails and got to meet some cool people at the same time! I’d recommend this experience especially if you’re traveling and exploring solo and need an insider scoop 🙂

Melina (More Reviews)

This tour is suitable for adults over 21 years old looking to have a relaxing and social evening out. It is also recommended to bring your ID along.

👍 Highlights Of Craft Cocktail Food Tour:

  • Visit 3 of the best restaurants in downtown Seattle
  • Enjoy alcoholic drinks and snacks to go along
  • Small group limited to 12 pax

Pike Place Market Food Tour For Vegans

Plant-Based Food Tour In Pike Place Market

pike-place-plant-based-food

🌟 5/5 stars (85+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2+ Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW

For veggie lovers and curious foodies, the Plant-Based Food Tour is the best option to discover the best plant-based eats in Pike Place Market.

This will be a 2-hour walking tour to some of the most creative and delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes in the area. You can expect to taste amazing plant-based dishes like juicy vegan burgers and savory meat-free bowls!

Will was an amazing guide. Not only was it great plant based food, but great history. Will has a good relationship with the different establishments to make vegan alternatives, if they didn’t already have vegan menu items. My absolute favorite was the vegan queso with nachos. Yum!

Dexter (More Reviews)

Along the way, learn stories about the neighborhood’s culture and history, and its impact on Seattle’s food scene. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, this tour offers a different perspective.

👍 Highlights Of Plant-Based Pike Place Market Food Tour:

  • 12 specialty plant-based food tastings across 10 vendors
  • Plant based food options that are not usually covered by other tours
  • Small intimate tour group

What To Expect On Pike Place Food Tours

If you’re joining a food tour for the first time, it’s natural to feel a little unsure of what to expect. Here is a general rundown of what to expect, but of course, things can vary depending on the tours.

A typical Pike Place food tour will start off at a designated meeting point, usually near the entrance of the market. Make sure to take note of the location, and also what the guide will be wearing. This will usually be in the form of a colored uniform or a colored umbrella for easy identification.

The tour guide will provide you with a brief introduction and outline of what to expect during the food tour.

Set off on your food adventure: Once everyone is ready, the tour will begin! Your guide will lead the way as you explore the local food scene and taste some of the best dishes in the area. Throughout the tour, you’ll stop at several different vendors and food stands to sample a variety of dishes.

Learn about the local culture and history: In addition to the food, your guide will also share stories and insights about the local culture and history. You’ll learn about the traditions, ingredients, and techniques that make each dish unique.

Enjoy the company of your group: Food tours are a social experience, so be sure to chat with your fellow foodies! You’ll likely meet people from all over the world who share your love of food and adventure.

Finish at a designated location: After a few hours of eating and exploring, the tour will usually end at a designated location. This is where you also want to take advantage of your guide’s local knowledge to get any other recommendations or tips for continuing your culinary adventures in the area.

pike-place-market-food-tour

FAQ About Pike Place Market

Are Pike Place food tours worth it?

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks and attractions. It is not just the food but also the history of the place and culture behind the food scene. A food tour is a great way to explore the market, with knowledgeable guides and delicious tastings.

How long should I spend at Pike Place Market?

On average, it takes about 2-3 hours to explore Pike Place Market. This includes time for shopping, eating, and sightseeing. However, you can easily spend up to 6 or 8 hours if you want a more leisurely experience.

What is the best time to go to Pike Place?

The best time to go to Pike Place Market is in the early morning before noon or late afternoon. This way, you can avoid the main crowds. You can usually get a better selection of food items from the vendors if you are early.

Thursday through Monday tend to be the busiest days.

Why is Pike Place Market so famous?

Pike Place Market is famous for being one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the United States. It has been around since 1907 and is home to a variety of vendors, restaurants, shops, and more. It is also known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views of Seattle’s waterfront.

Is Pikes Place a tourist trap?

Pikes Place Market is touristy but not a tourist trap. It’s one of the most popular landmarks in Seattle, with locals and visitors alike visiting the market to find unique items, sample delicious food, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.

There are also plenty of authentic eateries located here so you can get your hands on fresh ingredients or treats.

What food is famous in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its seafood, especially salmon and oysters. You can also find a variety of other local favorites like crab, clams, mussels, halibut, and more. There are also some iconic dishes and famous Seattle foods specific to the Pacific Northwest region like chowder fries and Seattle-style hot dogs.

Famous Stalls At Pike Place Market

There are some renowned names that you will likely visit during the Pike Place Market Tour, although it can vary depending on tours. Nevertheless, you can also try them out yourself, but be prepared to queue for some of them.

Pike Place Chowder

This award winning chowder place that have been around for decades is a mainstay in the market. Almost all pike place market food tours will bring you to this family-owned gem; it’s a must-visit stop.

As soon as you walk in, your senses will be hit with the amazing smell of freshly cooked seafood and the buzz of the bustling market. Pike Place Chowder is all about quality and flavor, using sustainable seafood and local ingredients to create their mouthwatering delights.

The star of the show here is obviously the chowder! From classic New England to the flavorful Seafood Bisque, every bowl is packed with the essence of the Pacific Northwest. They also have some delicious seafood rolls on offer.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

For cheesy aficionados, this is the place to visit. Located in the bustling Seattle Pike Place Market, you will find this cozy shop showcasing a variety of handcrafted cheeses. Beecher’s is known for their commitment to quality and a passion for all things cheesy.

Apart from their signature Flagship Cheddar that you can take home, the stall also serves up some mouthwatering delicacies made with their amazing cheeses. From the creamy Mac and Cheese to their delish grilled cheese sandwich, cheese lovers will find the ultimate indulgence here.

Many Pike Place Market Food Tours tend to make a stop here, not just because the food is incredible, but the premium cheeses also make for great souvenirs to bring home.

Indi Chocolate

Now, some of us always have room for dessert and crave something sweet after devouring the savory dishes. Indi Chocolate is a haven for those who appreciate the art of handcrafted chocolate.

If you are lucky, you might be greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted cocoa beans because they also hold chocolate-making classes! Regardless, you will find a tantalizing range of quality chocolate, from their smooth and velvety dark chocolate bars to their unique flavored truffles.

Similarly, most Pike Place market tours like to stop here because chocolates are easy to sample, and these sinful delights are easy to take a few packs home to remember your Seattle adventure.

Pike Brewing Company

While some of us need something sweet, there are many who prefer to wash it all down with a cold beer. This beloved institution right around Pike Place has been brewing up delicious craft beers since 1989.

You will find a wide range of brews to tickle your taste buds. From classic styles like pale ales and IPAs to unique seasonal creations, there’s always something new and exciting to try for regulars. They also serve some tasty pub fares to go along with your pint.

Even if you don’t visit here on your tour, you can always grab a pint, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the brewery after exploring the market.


PIN THESE PIKE PLACE FOOD TOURS FOR LATER!

PLANNING YOUR TRIP? CHECK THESE RESOURCES!

Book Your Flight

I usually use a combination of 2-3 of the following search engines to find cheap flights: Skyscanner, Momondo, Google Flights

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Booking.com is my usual platform for finding accommodation options as they have one of the largest selections. Hostelworld is great for booking hostels. For more private or long term accommodation, Airbnb is my go-to platform.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is important for to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. I usually look at a few insurance companies depending on my travel needs.
  • SafetyWings for Travel Health Insurance
  • IMG Global for added Insurance when doing activities outside of usual coverage
Packing for your trip? Check out the packing list for ideas on what to bring

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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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