About
Savor Carmel, One Bite at a Time
At Carmel Food Tours®, our mission is to offer an immersive culinary experience that goes beyond just tasting food. We aim to connect our guests with the rich tapestry of Carmel-by-the-Sea's history, architecture, and culture through guided food tours. By exploring hidden passageways and savoring local delicacies, we ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the local community and its vibrant food scene. Our commitment is to provide a memorable and authentic experience that highlights the best of what Carmel has to offer.
Our Team
Staci Giovino - Founder
Staci’s Interior Design background focused on creating a specific experience for the user, and culinary tourism was a natural extension of that skill. With a deep-seated passion for food, wine and exploring her surroundings, Carmel Food Tours® was a soft landing. She is an avid pickleball player, and volunteers as a courier for the National Marrow Donor Program.
Amber - Operations Ninja
Raised on the Monterey Peninsula, Amber creates an enjoyable experience both in front of and behind the scenes at CFT, which she believes exists in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Bonnie - Tour Leader
Born in a Comstock Cottage, but raised in the weirdness of Portland, Bonnie has a local’s perspective colored with real-world experience. She’ll show you exactly why she loves Carmel.
Rusti - Tour Leader
Rusti was born and raised in Monterey County, and now calls Carmel, CA home. After years as a fine-dining and personal chef, she embraced a full-time career as an artist. Today, Rusti leads tours that guide visitors through the flavors, history, and artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea. A pibble named Petunia is the love of her life.
A Culinary Journey Begins
Founded in 2012, Carmel Food Tours® began as the first guided food and wine walking tour in Carmel-by-the-Sea — and we're still locally owned today. Our story started with a simple idea: the best way to experience Carmel-by-the-Sea isn't from a guidebook, it's from the table. We built our original walking food tour around the restaurants, tasting rooms, and specialty shops that define this village, led by guides who actually live here.
Since then, we've grown from that single tour into a full slate of Carmel-by-the-Sea experiences: private group tours (including our Vine & Village wine tasting walk and the fully curated Curated Carmel experience), team-building scavenger hunts, and corporate offsites for Bay Area and Silicon Valley groups. What hasn't changed is the mission — real local guides, real local restaurants, and an honest introduction to the food, history, and architecture that make Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the most walkable food towns in California.
With 850+ five-star reviews and recognition as the #1-rated food tour in Carmel-by-the-Sea on TripAdvisor, we're proud to be the original Carmel food tour — and still the one locals and visitors trust most.
Why choose us?
Carmel Food Tours® offers the only experience of its kind for wine and food tastings at local restaurants that represent Carmel's cultural and culinary traditions. Focused on much more than food, our tours are led by entertaining local guides ready to share insights about the history, architecture, and culture of Carmel.
Your great guide will ensure that you're nourished by the perfect blend of interesting attractions and amazing food that can only be found here in Carmel! Be prepared to walk away as a newly minted Carmel foodie expert!Tasty
Ready to experience some of the best food in Carmel? From off-the-beaten-path food gems to iconic eateries, there's something for everyone on our highly rated food tours. Tasting experiences cover lig...
Ready to experience some of the best food in Carmel? From off-the-beaten-path food gems to iconic eateries, there's something for everyone on our highly rated food tours. Tasting experiences cover light bites, wine tastings, and sweets! This is the ultimate experience if you want to be introduced to the best foods, libations, and desserts on the Carmel food scene. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings and ask questions of the chef. Each experience is perfectly paced to ensure that your samplings leave you feeling satisfied.
Informational
Carmel Food Tours® brings you to the most interesting locations in Carmel! Our tours are carefully curated by our expert team to blend incredible views with exceptional food. Tour options bring you to...
Carmel Food Tours® brings you to the most interesting locations in Carmel! Our tours are carefully curated by our expert team to blend incredible views with exceptional food. Tour options bring you to places situated along the beach, the West End Arts District, and Carmel's most enchanted streets. Our entertaining local guides will chime in to discuss the history and fun facts of the areas you're exploring while you take in your surroundings with awe, wonder, and appreciation!
Engaging
From our scavenger hunts for work teams to our mural photo tours crafted specifically to help you fill your Instagram wall with beauty, Carmel Food Tours® prioritizes your engagement at every step! Ou...
From our scavenger hunts for work teams to our mural photo tours crafted specifically to help you fill your Instagram wall with beauty, Carmel Food Tours® prioritizes your engagement at every step! Our interactive tours ignite your taste for adventure. However, there's plenty of time to stop along the way to rest while taking in the scenery and ambiance! Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions once you're on the road with your knowledgeable, friendly tour guide.
Discover Carmel's Hidden Treasures Carmel-by-the-Sea
Nestled on the stunning Central California coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming village known for its breathtaking ocean views, historic architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Our tours take you on a journey through this enchanting locale, revealing the stories behind its iconic landmarks and introducing you to the flavors that define the region. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, Carmel Food Tours® offers a unique way to experience the heart and soul of this beloved destination.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
It's probably cooler than you think it will be. We hover around 50 in the winter, and 60 or so in the summer. Layers are your friend.
Yes, private group tours are available. Visit our Private Tours page to learn more.
Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours often sell out so we recommend purchasing your tickets early to guarantee your desired tour day.
There is a waiting list option through our reservation server FareHarbor. Look for that option if your preferred date is not available. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sure! Our gift cards are the perfect way to give your special someone the gift of a great experience, and still give them the freedom to choose the date and activity for themselves.
Our tour prices are subject to change (infrequently, but it occurs every few years). We will always honor the VALUE of your e-certificate, and you’ll be responsible for any balance due when you decide to see if it still works after finding it in your drawer from eight birthdays ago.
