North Beach Local Food Tour in San Francisco

You'll stop in at some of North Beach's favorite food institutions to taste the best the neighborhood has to offer, including cannoli, arancini, pizza, pasta, locally-made salamis, and delicious Italian-style chocolate. It's the perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to your San Francisco adventure, and we promise you won't be hungry for a while after!

North Beach Local Food Tour Description

Your 3-hour Little Italy tour includes:

• Guided walking tour of the vibrant North Beach neighborhood

• Up to 8 delicious Little Italy food stops

• Cannoli, pizza, artisan cured meats, and more!

• All food and non-alcoholic drinks included

• A passionate local foodie guide

• Maximum group size of 12

Coffee and Cannoli in the Heart of North Beach

Your tour begins at the corner of Columbus and Green right in the center of North Beach, where you're friendly local guide will be waiting to welcome you to their favorite foodie neighborhood in San Francisco.

As the tour begins in the late morning, the first stop is an Italian tradition. In Italy, cappuccinos are enjoyed only in the morning and are served with a pastry to dip. Enjoy your house-roasted coffee with one of our all-time favorites, the cannoli, while you get to know your group and your guide explains some of the history of this charming little corner of San Francisco.

Chocolate Made the Italian Way

Next, you'll head to an award-winning artisan chocolatier to treat yourself to homemade fudges, chocolates, and candies, and you'll even get a peek behind the scenes to see the techniques that have won this North Beach favorite so many fans.

The chocolate-making tradition in San Francisco is renowned across the US. The most famous chocolate makers in the city are the Ghirardelli's whose former factory is now a city attraction. Though the mass-produced Ghirardelli bars moved across the bay in the 1960's, the artisan chocolatiers of San Francisco remain strong in their craft.

Delicious Bites at an Old School Italian Deli

Since the 19th century, this family-run staple of North Beach has been providing the city with delights straight from and inspired by Italy. Try homemade cured meats as well as tasty olives and street food classics such as Arancini (rice balls). Close your eyes and let your taste buds travel to Italy.

Did you know that Salami from Italy cannot be imported to the US? This means when you are enjoying an Italian sub, the salami is most likely American-made. This delicatessen in the center of North Beach has been producing delicious salamis since 1896, and you'll see just why they've stuck around this long!

Traditional-style Pizza and Pasta

When you think of great pizza, California isn't usually the place you picture eating it, but this San Francisco pizzeria brings the real taste of Italy to the Golden State. Using pizza making methods straight from the bay of Naples, you'll experience delicious wood-fired pizza that'll transport you back to the old country.

Next, you will try a delectable pasta spun directly in a wheel of parmigiano cheese for ultimate creaminess. Made right in front of you, it is like an Italian hibachi experience.

Explore the Hangouts of the "Beat Generation"

While Hemingway and Joyce spent their days at the Parisian cafes along the River Seine, the Beat Writers of the 1950's made San Francisco their home. See the coffee shops where writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg discussed the changing Post-War America. The "Beat Generation" influenced 20th century thought and literature right from its home in North Beach.