Tampa Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Favourites Classics
Description
On our walking food tour in Tampa, you'll enjoy a variety of classic bites. From award winning Cuban sandwiches and deviled crab to handcrafted guava pastries from a critically acclaimed bakery, our experienced guides will take you through Ybor City, a vibrant neighborhood where history and modern culture collide in the best way possible. Originally founded by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian cigar manufacturers in the late 1800s, Ybor has held onto its roots while evolving into a lively hub for food, music, and art. Day or night, you'll see an eclectic crowd strolling past colorful murals, exploring century-old buildings or gathering in outdoor cafés under the soft glow of string lights. From the bustling 7th Avenue to its hidden alleys and parks, Ybor City exudes an old-world charm blended with a bold, contemporary edge that feels like a little slice of Havana right in the heart of Tampa.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will meet outside of the museum for a tasty treat!
On the way to our first restaurant, we will stroll through this iconic park filled with historic statuary and home to Ybor City’s famous chickens. Afterwards, we lead you to a bite that has quite a bite itself!
Next, we’ll stop at the state’s oldest restaurant in for a true Floridian delicacy, while gazing at stunning tile work. Some of the celebrities spotted here have included Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, and Bruce Springsteen.
Discover the hidden gems of Ybor City as we wind our way through one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods. Age-old cigar shops, vibrant murals and curious shops combine for an experience like no other. While we wander, we’ll stop for THE don’t-miss Tampa dish, as well as a Greek specialty at a place that’s been delighting locals for years. As we continue through this Florida treasure, you will see scenic palm tree lined streets and enjoy the vibrancy of the area. We’ll end our time together with a lush dessert that will perfectly cap off our tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- *Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
- *Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations’ availability, weather, and other circumstances.
- *This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Reviews(23)
The secret food tour was a great way to see YBOR city and taste some of the delicious Cuban inspired foods they offer. Jacob was a great tour guide, very relaxed and informative.
Thanks for spending part of your visit with us, Debi! We hope we'll have the chance to welcome you again wherever your travels take you with Secret Food Tours.
Our guide, Jacob was friendly, pleasant, and very knowledgeable of the history of Ebor The restaurant choices were great. The food tastings were great overall experience top-notch.
We truly appreciate you sharing this. We’re glad we could contribute something enjoyable to your time in the city and be part of your day. We’d love to see you again with Secret Food Tours!
Jacob was so friendly and excited to teach all about the history of Tampa! The Rooster/chicken history of the city of Ybor is so unique. Such a great visit of learning about the melting pot of culture that molded Tampa. Every stop on the Tasting tour was delicious! Alligator tacos were incredible. The Cuban sandwich and the crab cake were awesome. Every owner of the restaurants were accommodating and welcoming to our group. Absolutely recommend to anyone! My kids have some allergies and Jacob made sure to plan for the few substitutions for them. 5 stars for sure.
We really appreciate this review. Hearing that the experience felt worthwhile from beginning to end means a great deal to everyone involved. Secret Food Tours sends our thanks!
Great fun, food and history. James was fun and informative. Loved walking around seeing the city, chickens, and the murals.
We truly appreciate your comments. It’s great to know the food and storytelling added real value to your time with us. We hope to see you again on another Secret Food Tours!
James was a wonderful tour guide. He was very informative about downtown Ybor. Would highly recommend this tour.
James was an excellent guide, and we enjoyed learning about the historical and cultural facts of Ybor City while we tried a variety of dishes with local flavors!!
Thank you for your positive review! We’re glad the tour gave you a good feel for the local food scene. We look forward to welcoming you again on another Secret Food Tours.
The tour was a highlight of our trip. Guide, Jacob, was knowledgeable, passionate about his city, and engaging for all of us. It was the best gator taco I've ever had ... well, first gator taco, but it may have been the best TACO I've ever had!!! (I'm not exactly sure why we had the Greek food but it was good. ) definitely worth it!!
We’re grateful you wrote this review! It’s always nice to know the tour left a strong impression. You’re always welcome back on Secret Food Tours.
We did the Tampa Secret Food Tour on 3/20/26 with our tour guide, Jacob. The secret food stop was my favorite, but all of the dishes were delicious! The portions were more than generous! Jacob was welcoming and knowledgeable. We even made some new friends. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in learning about the rich history of the Ybor neighborhood while sampling a unique variety of food!
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased our tour added something special to your day. You are always welcome back on another Secret Food Tours!
This was a wonderful and educational time, very informative, delicious food and a great experience from a wonderful host. Will definitely do this again!
Appreciate you taking the time to post this. It’s always great when the experience feels balanced and easy to enjoy the whole way through. We’d happily have you again on Secret Food Tours!
James was very knowledge and easy going; it was just the 2 of us so we appreciated getting the tour! Tampa and moreso Ybor City are very interesting and the tastings were great!
Thank you for posting your feedback! It’s nice to hear the tour came together in a way that worked well for you. We’d happily host you again on another Secret Food Tours.
