South End Food Tasting and Walking Tour

Explore and experience Boston in a truly unique way and enjoy local food favorites along the way! By combining the best of sightseeing with local food tastings, a perfect recipe for a fun adventure in the culinary scene of Boston's historic South End neighborhood.

Explore as you stroll through the neighborhood, view some of South End's beautifully-planned Victorian bow-front row houses and communities, hear about the area's cultural development and enjoy listening to historical and fun facts about South End's famous landmarks and residents.

Your guide will lead you to 6 South End eateries, including restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and specialty food markets, where you will sample local favorites. You will learn about the history of the establishments and hear fun and interesting stories about the proprietors.

Tasting locations visited on this Boston South End Food Tour may include (and are subject to change):

• French-Cambodian restaurant with a bi-cultural menu
• Latin kitchen with Venezuelan influence
• Specialty wine and cheese shop highlighting local makers
• A popular neighborhood bakery with mouth-watering treats
• Roman Trattoria with delectable homemade pasta dishes
• Southern-inspired spot offering spicy Cajun seafood and Creole fare
• Local pizza favorite with unique pies and house-made ice creams
• Lebanese-Armenian eatery with a fast-casual concept and open kitchen

Essential Information

Duration

Experience Provider Info

Maximum Participants

Spectators

Weather Dependent

What To Wear

Rescheduling & Cancellations

1. What should I bring with me on the day of the experience?

   It is recommended to bring a bottle of water, rain gear (a rain jacket and/or an umbrella are a good idea in cases of inclement weather), and your camera (the South End has beautiful parks, scenery and architecture that make for great photo opps).  

2. Can children participate in the tour?

   Children may participate in the tour, however, parents should assess whether a 3-hour walking food tour is appropriate for their own children. As a general guideline, this tour is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

3. How much food is served on the tour?
   The tour includes 6 food tastings, which is enough for most participants to replace a meal.
4. Are beverages included?
   Water will be provided at a couple of the tasting locations, but there are no beverage-specific tastings on the tour. There will be an opportunity to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage midway through, but guests can also feel free to bring their own bottle of water if they would like something to drink throughout the tour.
5. What if it rains?
   Tours are held rain or shine. It is recommended to dress appropriately for expected weather.
6. What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

   Please be sure to let Cloud 9 Living know if anyone in your party has a dietary restriction or food allergy at the time of booking. Substitutions can be provided with advance notice for vegetarians, nut allergies, shellfish allergies, and those who do not drink alcohol. 

7. Is the tour wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?

   Strollers are not allowed on this tour. The experience provider can accommodate guests in wheelchairs with advance notice. 

8. Where does the tour begin and end?

   The exact meeting location will be provided at time of booking. The end of the tour is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the starting location.

9. Is parking available near the starting location of the tour?
   Parking is available, but limited in the South End. It is recommended to either use the MBTA or take a cab, but nearby parking options will be provided with the meeting location details once your date has been booked.
10. Are restrooms available during the tour?
    Restrooms will be available at the beginning and end of the tour at the corresponding tasting locations.
11. How much walking is involved? What is the walking pace like?
    The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and while you will be standing most of the time, there is seating at some of the tasting locations. The tour is conducted at a moderate pace, covering less than 2 miles and stopping frequently at tasting locations and neighborhood sites.
12. Do we just walk around and sample food?
    No! You will learn about the rich history and cultural development of Boston's South End as well as learn about some of it's famous sites and residents. The tour is fully narrated by your guide who will discuss history, culture and architecture.
13. Are cameras allowed on the tour?
    Yes, cameras are permitted and taking photos is highly encouraged.
14. I live in or around Boston - is this tour for me?
    Absolutely! While you may be familiar with the route and some of the stops, you will have the opportunity to try new food items at the tasting locations and learn about the establishments. Additionally, your guide will be sharing fun facts about the neighborhood's history, architecture, and culture that you may find fascinating. Being a local, you have the unique opportunity to re-visit the eateries you'll stop at on the tour, as well other recommendations, at your leisure!
15. Can I make purchases during the tour?
    The tour has been coordinated in advance to ensure an on-time tour and fresh food tastings; it is critical to stay on schedule during the tour. We ask that you refrain from shopping during the tour, but will provide all the information necessary for you to return to your favorite spots once the tour is over.
16. Does the tour guide accept gratuities? Are they included in the ticket price?
    Gratuity is not included in the ticket price, but is graciously accepted and appreciated by the tour guides.