Seattle Travel Guide › Food & Market Tours
Updated: October 16, 2023
By Santorini Dave
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A food tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for downtown Seattle. All while sampling some of the best food in the city.
The Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Tour (small-group food tour) explores the foodie highlights in and around Pike Place Market.
The Best Food Tours in Seattle
• Best Pike Place Market Tour: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Tour
1. Savor Seattle
This is Seattle’s biggest and most recognizable food tour outfit. The Savor Seattle guides’ pink umbrellas make it easy to stick with the group, and personal audio devices mean that you won’t miss a detail, even in the thickest crowds. You’ll learn about local history and culture, and meet chefs and producers along the way. No need to eat before or after – these tours are a meal in themselves. Most run about two hours, and there are a few great family-friendly options, like the Signature Pike Place Market tour. Get up early and beat the crowds on the Sunrise Stroll Tasting Tour of Pike Place Market, and watch the vendors set up their wares. Adults-oriented options include the Gourmet Kayak Expedition: San Juan Island.
Tours meet at various locations, check website for details.
Reviews2. Eat Seattle
These Pike Place Market tours are chef-led, and focus on the region’s unique culinary history and identity. Along the way, you’ll sample wares from the Market’s best suppliers of organic produce and sustainable proteins, as well as special tastings created by your chef-guide. Chef-led market tours are two hours long, and kids are welcome. Eat Seattle also offers private food tours that have flexible start times and can accommodate 1 to 16 people.
Tours typically meet outside of Seattle Coffee Works: 107 Pike Street.
Reviews3. Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
The nation’s first organic, fair-trade chocolatier offers tours of their factory, where visitors can learn all about chocolate, see how it’s transformed from bean to bar, and sample heavily along the way. Tours are offered seven days a week, though you need to visit on a weekday to see the factory in full production mode. And because it’s a working factory, they require closed-toed shoes and hair nets (provided), and ask that you leave your perfumes and fur at home. Tours are one hour long, $10/person, and frequently sell out – it’s best to buy tickets well in advance. Kids under 6 aren’t allowed on standard tours, but Theo holds a special, chocolate-themed story time just for them once a week. Also check out the factory’s website for events, classes, and private tours.
Tours meet at Theo Chocolate Factory: 3400 Phinney Avenue North.
Reviews4. Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Pick up a map upon entry in Starbucks’ gorgeous new Reserve Tasting Room, and embark on a self-guided tour, a great way to view the roasting process and dig deep into Starbucks Coffee culture. Watch master roasters at work, preparing the brand’s small-batch reserve beans, then take a seat at the Coffee Experience Bar for a hot or cold coffee-tasting flight. Afterward, peruse the tasting room’s Coffee Library, boasting more than 200 volumes, and explore the many unique and high-end souvenir Starbucks items that are available only at this location. Private tours can be booked on their website.
1124 Pike Street – about a 10 minute walk from downtown Seattle
Reviews5. Self-Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
Recommended shops and restaurants in Pike Place Market that offer small plates or easy to share appetizers or entrees. It’s tough to do but if you truly want to make it a tour, limit yourself to just a few bites so you’re hungry for the next spot.• Matt’s in the Market – Steamed mussels & clams, and Fishwich (cut in quarters) are fantastic and easy to share, great selection of local Washington wines
• Jack’s Fish Spot – Fish & chips, fresh dungeness crab, and clam chowder are highlights
• Pasta Casalinga – The menu changes daily at this informal and delicious lunch spot and dishes are served on take-away plates.
• Daily Dozen Donuts – 1/2 dozen or dozen tiny donuts are great for a group and easy to save for later if needed
• DeLaurenti Food & Wine – makes the best chocolate chip cookie in the market
• Old Stove Brewing Co – great local beer made on location with fantastic water views
• Indi Chocolate – small batch artisan chocolates and bars, cafe serves teas, espresso, and coffee
• Ellenos Yogurt – small servings available, delicious.
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – lots of small bite and easy to share options
About Santorini Dave