Walking Food Tour Downtown Grand Rapids

5.0 (4 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

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4 reviews

5.0

Walking Food Tour Downtown Grand Rapids — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Walking Food Tour Downtown Grand Rapids, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the flavors of downtown Grand Rapids on this guided walking food tour! Sample a delightful mix of savory and sweet dishes from local hotspots while learning about the city’s rich history and culture. Perfect for food lovers, this tour features both hidden gems and popular favorites, making it a must for anyone seeking a unique culinary experience!

Note: The tour involves approximately 1 mile of light walking with frequent stops.

Dining Experiences Olive Oil Tasting Restaurants Small Group Top Product Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Taste of GR

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 5 Stops with food tastings
Included: Iconic Art
Included: Local history
Included: Knowledgeable, Friendly Guide

Not included

Not included: Alcohol may be purchased on the tour with valid ID

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Meet your guide inside Old World Olive Company to get signed in before enjoying a guided gourmet olive oil tasting and education. Learn how high-quality olive oils are made, how to taste them properly, and why they’re a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.
Stop 2

10 min

Hear stories from your guide about the iconic abstract sculpture by Alexander Calder, installed in 1969. Located downtown in Vandenberg Plaza, its bold red steel curves symbolize motion, energy, and Grand Rapids’ identity as a city shaped by art, industry, and creativity.
Stop 3

30 min Admission included

Roam by San Chez brings bold global street flavors to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. On this stop, guests enjoy a tasting of Jian Bing—a beloved Chinese-style savory crepe, freshly prepared with layered textures and rich, comforting flavors. It’s a delicious introduction to Roam’s globally inspired approach and a fan-favorite moment on the tour.
Lyon Square

15 min

Pause at Lyon Square, a new riverfront observation area with views of the Grand River and insight into its role in shaping downtown Grand Rapids.
Stop 5

15 min Admission included

Next we'll stop at Uccello’s Ristorante to enjoy a tasting of classic Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and rich flavor. This stop highlights a Michigan favorite and a longtime downtown dining staple.
Stop 6

15 min

Explore the Woman’s Way alley activation project, where vibrant murals by local artists transform under-the-radar alleyways into public art celebrating historic women leaders from Grand Rapids’ past. This creative stop highlights stories through bold imagery while showcasing downtown’s growing outdoor mural culture and inviting you to discover art in unexpected places.
Stop 7

30 min Admission included

Stop for a delicious tasting of carne paella at San Chez Bistro, where saffron-infused rice is slow-cooked with chicken, local chorizo, and pork belly—showcasing the bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors this beloved downtown tapas spot is known for.
Max's South Seas Hideaway

30 min Admission included

Enjoy a stop at Max’s South Seas Hideaway, a tropical-themed tiki bar and restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, where you’ll roast bonfire s’mores tableside over a cherrywood fire. This fun, interactive dessert adds a cozy and memorable finish to your tour experience.