Travel is about immersing yourself in the local culture. One way to do that is through food. Feeling overwhelmed with the more than 450 restaurant choices available in Santa Barbara? Our food tasting tour has got you covered! Get treated to front-of-the-line service while learning about the history of each tasting venue without walking away feeling stuffed. You will also learn how to successfully navigate the Santa Barbara foodie scene like a seasoned local.

Your tour will be led by a gifted storyteller who is passionate about living "La Dolce Vita." What makes us different is that you won't be part of a large crowd following a guide with a flag. We keep our group small and intimate to allow more personal time with your guide.

About the experience - 2 hours:

On Saturday mornings at 10am, for 2 hours, enjoy four stops in the easily walkable 1 block area of Arlington Plaza for a unique epicurean journey that explores the rich local food culture.

The intent of this tour is for a visitor to taste food from three locally owned small businesses while learning more about each restaurant and the easily walkable 1 block area of Arlington Plaza. The portion size of each of the three tastings are designed to allow room for lunch at the end of the tour at either of those three restaurants or at any of the recommended restaurants discussed on the tour.

Enjoy the "skip the line" benefit of a private table where reservations are not accepted and lines are extremely long.

Gratuity for your guide has not been included in the ticket price and therefore left to your discretion.

Breakfast tasting - 30 mins:

Breakfast tasting - sweet

Breakfast tasting - savory

First stop is the breakfast tasting of authentic Hellenic cuisine. The menu is a combination of the best ingredients that Greece and California have to offer. Choose either a sweet or savory phyllo. We will spend approximately 30 minutes taking in the calming lounge vibes in the beautiful courtyard sitting among manicured trees and floral foliage set in garden planters. Long drapes create a sense of warmth and welcome. The ambiance is light, airy and relaxing.

Main dining area

Main dining area

Lunch tasting - 30 mins:

Lunch tasting - vegetarian mini sandwich

Lunch tasting - non-vegetarian mini sandwich

Second stop is the lunch tasting. It is in a great location, one block away from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, one block away from State Street and two blocks away from the crown jewel of the Santa Barbara city park system: Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. We will spend approximately 30 minutes enjoying a local's favorite hangout. Choose either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian mini sandwich. 

Patio dining area

Patio dining area

Treat tasting - 15 mins:

2 Parisian Macarons

Third stop is the treat tasting... and what a treat it is! You don't need to go to France to taste the best French desserts in Santa Barbara. We will spend approximately 15 minutes tasting something très élégant. Choose a total of 2 Parisian Macarons from an assortment of flavors.

Patio dining area

Patio dining area

Arlington Plaza experience - 15 mins:

Arlington Theatre

Fourth and final stop, we will end the tasting experience by talking about the history of Arlington Plaza for approximately 15 minutes. This area features a curated collection of the very best locally owned dining, retail and service establishments in Santa Barbara. The plaza is located across the street from the iconic Arlington Theatre on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara’s historic cultural arts district. With signature Santa Barbara red tile roofs, patio dining that beckons, and a truly unique retail experience, Arlington Plaza offers something for everyone.

Arlington Plaza

Arlington Plaza

NOTE:
The cut off time for booking same day is 8am.
If booking same day, please text your host and guide Joseph Soltis for confirmation at 908.295.4712. 

Check in with Joseph outside the front gate of 1316 State Street.

Front gate

Please arrive no earlier than 9:45am but no later than 9:55am.

About your Tour Guide:
Joseph is a gifted storyteller, foodie, oenophile and history buff. Prepare to indulge yourself in all things delectable with a bespoke curated itinerary for the discerning traveler. We take the guesswork out of where to go and what to do so you can relax and enjoy more time during your stay.

Escape the ordinary and get introduced to the culture and lifestyle of Santa Barbara as you explore it in an immersive manner with a local tour guide. Gain an insider perspective on the arts, gastronomy and history during your meaningful discovery on one of our tours: wine tasting, food tasting or architectural walking tours. Enjoy each adventure by itself or combine them for an extraordinarily memorable day.