St Augustine’s charming streets aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they’re a culinary playground filled with historic charm, local flavor, and unique tasting adventures.
We particularly love the Cooking Class/Dinner with a Celebrity French Chef, which offers a rare chance to learn French cooking techniques from an Emmy- and James Beard-winning chef. Not only do you get to create a gourmet meal, but you also experience the joy of dining with new friends afterward.
For those who want a more comprehensive taste of the city’s vibrant food scene, the St. Augustine’s Wine, Cocktail and Food Experience is a standout, with top-rated reviews and a lively three-and-a-half-hour itinerary.
Whether you’re eager to get your hands dirty in the kitchen or prefer to hop between celebrated local eateries, these tours highlight the best of St. Augustine’s culinary offerings. Both experiences are highly recommended, especially if you’re interested in authentic flavors, engaging guides, and a blend of history and gastronomy.
1. Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser
At number one, this hands-on culinary experience stands out because of its expert chef instructor—an Emmy and James Beard award winner—guiding you through French cooking techniques. The class lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which you’ll prepare dishes or desserts, then sit down to enjoy your creations around a shared table.
The experience can be customized for your group, making it perfect for couples celebrating something special or small groups wanting a private session.
Chef AlexG is known for his friendly teaching style, and the class covers knife skills, sauces, and techniques for cooking locally sourced vegetables and proteins. An upgrade option allows you to use a mini-torch for caramelizing crème brûlée, adding a fun, professional touch. Reviewers praise the friendly atmosphere and delicious food—”highly recommend this experience,” says one.
The private option is ideal if you’re craving exclusivity, while the ability to customize menus makes this a flexible, memorable option for food lovers eager to get their hands in the kitchen.
Bottom Line: This is a perfect choice if you want to learn a new skill, enjoy a chef-led experience, and have a gourmet meal to share. Suitable for those who love culinary challenges and personalized service.
2. St. Augustine’s Wine, Cocktail and Food Experience
Coming in at number two, this award-winning tour is the most celebrated food and drink outing in St. Augustine, with a perfect 5-star rating from over a thousand reviews. For around $154, you’ll spend about three and a half hours exploring some of the city’s best eateries and sipping wines, cocktails, and local brews.
The tour is designed for those who prefer strolling from spot to spot, sampling a variety of flavors while learning about the city’s history.
It kicks off with a visit to the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., adding a historical backdrop to your tasting journey. You then move on to the Huguenot Cemetery for some local history before diving into a curated selection of food and beverages.
The tour’s highlight is not just the variety of tastings but the engaging commentary from a guide who’s an expert on St. Augustine’s past and present.
Reviewers love the quality of the food and drinks—“every bite and sip was perfect”—and praise the guide for making history come alive.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full sensory immersion into St. Augustine’s culinary and architectural charm, with the bonus of a relaxed schedule and included tastings.
How to Choose Between These Top Dining Experiences
When deciding between a cooking class and a food and drink tour, consider your interests and your travel style. The cooking class offers a hands-on approach, perfect if you want to learn new skills, enjoy personalized attention, and sit down to savor your own creations. It’s especially appealing if French cuisine fascinates you or if you’re traveling with a foodie group.
The food tour, on the other hand, provides a broad taste of the city’s best eateries, paired with local history and architecture. It’s great for travelers who prefer to sample many flavors without cooking, and who enjoy strolling through historic streets with a guide. It’s also more social and relaxed, with alcohol included, making it a good fit for those who like to unwind and chat.
Practical considerations include your budget—both tours are comparable, but the food tour’s included alcohol might tilt your decision if you prefer non-alcoholic options. Think about your fitness level; the tour involves some walking, but the cooking class is more stationary. Lastly, booking early is recommended, especially for the popular food tour, which sells out frequently.
In summary, whether you choose to master French cooking with a top chef or explore St. Augustine’s wine and culinary scene with a knowledgeable guide, both experiences promise a memorable glimpse into the city’s rich flavors. For a more interactive experience with a focus on skill-building, go with the cooking class.
If you prefer a relaxed, social outing with multiple tastings, the food and wine tour is hard to beat. Either way, booking early guarantees your spot in these highly-rated adventures.