North Beach Local Food Tour in San Francisco
Join a passionate local guide to explore culinary traditions in San Francisco's vibrant Little Italy
Looking to add a bit of Italian flavor to your San Francisco vacation? Then North Beach is the place for you, and our local foodie guides are ready to lift the lid on San Francisco’s Italian soul! With a small group of food-loving travelers, taste the best of Little Italy’s artisan produce and meet the family-run businesses who’ve kept this community fed for generations. Plus, see the hangouts of the famed Beat Generation of the 1950's and trace the steps of greats like Kerouac and Ginsburg!
What You Get With This Tour
-
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
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Explore the hangouts of the "Beat Generation"
Born out of Post War America, these writers changed social commentary and the beliefs of a generation -
2
Discover Little Italy with a local foodie guide
Your friendly local guide will lead you through the heart of the city's historic culinary center -
3
Meet the people behind the food
Many of North Beach's favorite spots have been here for generations. Meet the owners of these family-run institutions. -
4
Freshly ground coffee and sweet cannoli
San Francisco is obsessed with coffee, learn how the coffee is roasted to perfection -
5
Italian chocolate making in action
A master chocolatier will show you how delicious fudge and candies are prepared -
6
Old school delis full of traditional flavor
Since the 19th Century, this Delicatessen has been curing amazing cured meats -
7
Pizza the Neapolitan way
San Francisco's Italian Community developed just after the gold rush and they brought their most valuable cuisine along with them! -
8
Pasta, arancini, and more!
Freshly-made pasta, delicious olives, and incredible arancini. Enjoy the flavors of Little Italy!
Additional Information
After meeting your small group and friendly foodie guide in the heart of North Beach, you'll get acquainted over a delicious Italian coffee before setting off on your journey through the flavors of Little Italy. Over the next few hours you'll stroll around this enchanting neighborhood learning its rich history and how it became home to the famed Beatnik movement of the 50's. The highlight is the food though, of course...
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.
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour
See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican
Free Cancellation
Scenic Golf Cart Tour of Rome in a Small Group
Experience eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rome by Golf Cart
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
La Scala Theatre and Museum Tour in Milan
Skip the line into the world-famous opera house and museum with a local guide
Free Cancellation Likely to Sell Out
Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise
Admire twinkling Paris at night from the best spots in the city and sip Champagne while cruising
New Tour Transportation Included
Pisa & Cinque Terre Day Trip From Florence
Explore the charming towns of Monterosso and Manarola, embark on a coastal hike, and tour Pisa
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Chinatown Local Food Tour in San Francisco
Taste your way around Chinatown’s lively streets, markets, and hidden gems with a local foodie guid
Free Cancellation Likely to Sell Out
Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour
Savor 11 exquisite tastings, including a sit down meal and dessert, across 5 stops in Le Marais
Guided Tour Trusted Partner
Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery and Gardens Small Group Tour
Admire Renaissance and Baroque art and stroll the Villa Borghese Gardens with an expert guide
Free Cancellation New Tour
Trastevere Market Tour and Pasta Making Class in Rome
Visit a local market and learn how to make fettuccine from scratch with unlimited wine!
Free Cancellation New Tour
Dinner and Cabaret Show at Paradis Latin in Paris
Enjoy a 3-course dinner with wine, champagne, and a vibrant performance at this historic venue
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Florence Highlights Tour with David and Duomo Entry
See Michelangelo’s David, visit the Florence Duomo, and walk the city’s historic heart
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Skip the Line Sagrada Familia Tour
Discover the stories and secrets behind Gaudi’s grand basilica with an expert tour guide
Private Tour Skip the Line
Catacombs Private Tour in Rome with Transportation
Experience the Catacombs, Capuchin Crypts, and Santa Maria in Cosmedin with a personal guide
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
The Quickest Direct Access Private Vatican Tour
Explore the Vatican on a shorter, tailored tour that includes the Sistine Chapel
Exclusive Access Private Tour
Private Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Stand where gladiators fought on the Colosseum floor, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Day Trip Trusted Partner
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Tour by Train from Munich
A moving journey of remembrance, reflection, and history
Free Cancellation Private Boat Private Tour
Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour
Explore colorful streets and ancient trades in Murano and Burano with a private boat and local guide
Guided Tour Skip the Line
Statue of David Evening Tour
Skip the line to see Michelangelo's David on a later tour of the Accademia Gallery with fewer crowds
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb and Secret Terraces
View this charming city from the hidden terraces of Brunelleschi’s dome after touring the cathedral
Skip the Line Likely to Sell Out
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure
Customer Reviews
Isabella did a great job, and the variety of food and the sights we saw were fantastic.
This was a fabulous tour with Brian as our tour guide! He was so fun, and we were able to sample lots of Italian food, including cannolis, pizza, salami, sandwiches and more. Would highly recommend!
Our guide was Isabella and I would definitely ask for her for every tour I take in San Francisco. Our tour was an the food was amazing.
I had an amazing time. The food was wonderful and Isabella was very knowledgeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Some comfortable shoes and a healthy appetite!
What if I'm vegetarian or vegan?
No problem! Just let us know in advance so we can make the arrangements.
What to bring?
Some comfortable shoes and a healthy appetite!
How much walking is involved in this tour?
This is a walking tour but an easy one, with plenty of stops and a gentle pace.
What if I have other dietary needs?
Just get in touch after booking so we can make sure your dietary needs can be catered for.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
The tour covers about 8-10 city blocks with some slight inclines on hills.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Sure, if your kids like their food then they'll love Little Italy!
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in San Francisco. They're a specialist local tour company who we know uphold our high standards.
Is it "North Beach" or "Little Italy"?
These are both names for the exact same place. Most locals refer to the neighborhood as North Beach, although elsewhere it's often referred to as Little Italy.
Are drinks included?
As well as the food, non-alcoholic drinks are also included.
