About

Mission

Locally Owned. Customer Focused. Uniquely Cincinnati.

Since 2016, Riverside Food Tours has been Cincinnati’s favorite way to experience the city’s vibrant food, history, and culture.

By choosing us, you’re not only treating yourself to a first-class VIP experience, but you’re also supporting a proud local business that partners with small, family-owned establishments.

Unlike large franchises with cookie-cutter formats and tiny bites on the go, we deliver hearty portions at sit-down restaurants, where you can relax, savor every flavor, and soak in the stories behind the dishes.

Every tour is designed with you in mind, offering a personalized, welcoming experience to make your time with us truly memorable.

Meet Our Team

Our Passionate Guides

Laura Noyes

Laura Noyes

Laura Noyes has worked tirelessly to make Riverside Food Tours rank highest in the city for customer satisfaction. Laura personally sources the best restaurants, ensuring high-quality, generous portions all while supporting small family-owned businesses. Behind the scenes, Laura meticulously researches the history and handpicks the best local guides, offering 10 unique tours, she’s created options to suit every taste and schedule. When you join a Riverside Food Tour, you’re not just taking a tour—you’re sharing in Laura’s love for her community and its vibrant flavors.

Mike Noyes

Mike Noyes

My wife Laura and I created Riverside Food Tours in the spring of 2016. We enjoy living in downtown Cincinnati and being so close to sporting events, concerts, great food and the city parks. As a tour guide, I really enjoy meeting visitors and answering questions about what to do and see. I also enjoy sharing the history, pointing out the beautiful architecture, the Ohio River, parks, street art murals and of course the food. We’re fortunate to have so many family owned local restaurants. They add a lot of fun and variety to our tours.

David

David

I am a proud resident of northern Kentucky, sometimes known as ” the south side of Cincinnati”. I am the guy that friends call when they need to know where to take out-of-town guests or what new restaurants to try. Because of my interest in and love of Cincinnati, years ago I created the board game, ‘Queen City Trivia”. I have also been an extra in numerous films shot in the area. What I love most about the “Top 10 Tour” is that it is like “Cincinnati 101”. You learn so much and see all the city’s top sites while enjoying iconic Cincinnati foods.

Jackie

Jackie

I love Cincinnati and I love good food! We moved downtown from the suburbs to experience the renaissance occurring in OTR and Downtown. I’m very involved in the Downtown Residents Council and I love telling our guests about the latest news, tips & openings. Riverside Food Tours allows me to share my passion for our city’s history as well as great food choices available in the area. My favorite meal is the short rib ravioli at Sotto (YUMMY!) and my favorite place is Over the Rhine in Washington Park and Findlay Market.

Beth

Beth

I am a retired educator who has a passion for the local history, arts and food of the Greater Cincinnati area. Although I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life, I’m spending a lot more time in Cincinnati volunteering downtown. Since Cincinnati is such a foodie city, I’ve also made it my mission to dine out more! Riverside Food Tours is the perfect way to blend my passions and allow me to share my “new discoveries” with lots of friendly like minded folks.

Terry

Terry

I am a proud Cincinnatian that has enjoyed living in other parts of the country and have twice moved back. It is a pleasure to share the story of Cincinnati along with the downtown architecture and the dynamic renaissance of the OTR. Being able to include the many diverse tasting options that Cincinnati has to offer completes the experience. I might add that after 40 years in radio, including “WKRC Cincinnati”, I have always prided myself on delivering an interesting presentation and it will be my goal to make everyone’s tour a memorable experience.

Juliann

Juliann

Whenever I travel, the first thing I do is take a food tour. It’s genius! You get a smattering of local history while you enjoy regional specialties. Bonus– you get a better idea of the places you want to return to during your trip! When the opportunity arose for me to become a food tour guide in Cincinnati, I was thrilled. I am a native Cincinnatian and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the city. I love hosting the Over-the-Rhine Cocktail Tour and welcome the chance to share the spirit and flavors of the Queen City with guests.

Adrienne

Adrienne

I love traveling and making new connections, especially since I’m not originally from Ohio. Exploring the state and delving into Cincinnati’s rich history has been a passion of mine. As a librarian, I’ve relished uncovering the innovative spirit and numerous “firsts” associated with this remarkable region. I take great joy in sharing my enthusiasm for discovering new facts and “aha” moments with participants on Riverside Food Tours. Interacting with new acquaintances, exchanging stories, and highlighting the historical landmarks of this captivating city bring me immense pleasure.

Donna

Donna

Cincinnati is my hometown and I love sharing its history, telling stories of the past, and introducing local foods to guests. I began exploring the restaurants, bars, museums, and beautiful parks when we moved downtown after raising our family in the suburbs. Becoming a Riverside Food Tour guide is a natural transition from my career as an educator. I love meeting the fun and interesting guests as they get a taste of Cincinnati foods, our rich history, and the warm hospitality of the Queen City.

Marcia

Marcia

I’m a transplant from West Virginia who came to Cincinnati for my first job out of college. So much about Cincinnati was wonderful to me then, and that remains so today. For me there’s nothing better than delicious food and the interesting stories behind them. I’m from a ‘food’ family. My father supplied restaurants with fresh produce back home, and now one of his grandsons owns three restaurants in the entertainment district of my adopted city. For years I have heard about Cincinnati’s being one of the “best kept secrets” in the Midwest. As a guide for Riverside Food Tours, I will show you why Cincinnati is so special!

Story

From Passion to Plate

Riverside Food Tours launched in the spring of 2016, founded by Mike and Laura, a couple with a deep love for the tri-state area. The first tour was a Saturday morning tour in Mainstrasse Village, a quaint German neighborhood in Covington KY.

When Cincinnati OH installed a new streetcar in the fall of 2016, the couple saw the potential of a ‘Streetcar Tour’ and developed a morning tour, followed by an afternoon tour, gliding through downtown from the Banks to Findlay Market. An evening wine tour, a cocktail tour, an ethnic tour and more ensued.

For Mike and Laura, the most satisfying aspect of owning a food tour company is being able to support other small businesses. The couple have a deep connection to the food community. They are grateful to partner with over 70 local businesses and employ a team of eight talented guides.

The couple feels it is incredibly rewarding to know that every guest leaves with a lasting positive impression and an unforgettable connection, not just to the tour but also to the city itself. With over 3000 5-star reviews, Riverside Food Tours is known for its engaging guides and unforgettable culinary adventures.

Why choose us?

Choose the Highest Rated Food Tour Company in Cincinnati, OH.

  • We are the Highest Rated Food Tour in Cincinnati; over 3,000 reviews in 8 years!
  • We are locally owned and operated, which means a VIP experience every time.
  • We feature sit down dining with generous portions from hand selected restaurants.
  • Our team of experienced guides are locals, who are fun and entertaining.
  • We feature the city’s history, and how food has shaped the area's culture
  • We offer 10 unique tours seven days a week, via the streetcar, walking or both.
  • Our tours are perfect for all ages and all occasions.
  • Our tours are refundable up to 24 hours before. Simply call 513-289-0035.

Fun

Visiting a new city can be daunting, but we make it fun and easy! Food tours combine fascinating stories with vibrant flavors that give you a well-rounded taste of what makes this city unique. Laug...

Visiting a new city can be daunting, but we make it fun and easy! Food tours combine fascinating stories with vibrant flavors that give you a well-rounded taste of what makes this city unique. Laughter and great food are guaranteed at every stop! We fit your schedule. Choose from a variety of food tours seven days a week.

Informative

Our tour guides take great pride in highlighting the best restaurants loved by locals and overlooked by tourists. Learn historical tidbits, fun facts and the unique stories behind each meal. It's a...

Our tour guides take great pride in highlighting the best restaurants loved by locals and overlooked by tourists. Learn historical tidbits, fun facts and the unique stories behind each meal. It's an experience that's as enriching as it is delicious!

Highest Rated Tours

Book with confidence. Trip Advisor ranks us #1 out of 62 Food and Drink Attractions. Maximize your time and value by choosing the best. Guests consistently award Riverside Food Tours 5-star reviews...

Book with confidence. Trip Advisor ranks us #1 out of 62 Food and Drink Attractions. Maximize your time and value by choosing the best. Guests consistently award Riverside Food Tours 5-star reviews on Google, Trip Advisor, Airbnb, Facebook, and more. We are the experts in sightseeing culinary adventures.

Location

A slice of paradise Cincinnati, Ohio

Riverside Food Tours is highly rated for its exceptional culinary experiences in Cincinnati and Covington.

Here are some food-related facts about Cincinnati & Covington:

  • The second largest Oktoberfest in the world takes place in Cincinnati every fall, celebrating German culture with food, music, and beer.
  • Known for its distinctive chili, served over spaghetti and often topped with cheese, a must-try for visitors.
  • Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and artisanal foods.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Yes they do accept gratuities. Gratuities for your tour guide are not included in your tour price. So if you had a great time and would like to show your appreciation, gratuities are welcomed.

The Cincy Top 10 Sites and Bites City Tour + Streetcar is best suited for children. The tastings are quick and easy, and the tour is fast-paced, stroller and budget-friendly. We welcome families with children on all our tours! Since it depends on the child’s age and attention span, we leave it to the parents to decide whether a 3-hour walking/streetcar tour is appropriate for their child. In our experience, children 10 and older, interested in history will enjoy the tour. Children five years and younger are free, but do not receive any food. Parents may share or bring snacks. The streetcar is stroller-friendly. Children ages six and older require a ticket.

Yes. Tickets are purchased through our secure website. For last minute ticket requests, call 513-289-0035.

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