Food Lover's Guide to San Francisco
San Francisco’s culinary scene trots the country and the globe, from the cafes of North Beach and eateries in Chinatown to classic taquerias of the Mission District. Foodies and casual diners alike find authentic and critically acclaimed cuisine influenced by the city’s Italian, Chinese, and Latino immigrants.
Must-Try Dishes
Starting in North Beach, the city’s Little Italy, try shellfish stew calledcioppino—it’s a San Francisco original. Of course, there’s nothing quite like a large slice ofwood oven-fired pizza, with dough made fresh before your eyes. Traditional dishes such asgnocchi(dumplings) andhouse-made pastasare always on the menu. Delicatessens serve classicItalian sandwicheswhile cafes are known forgelatoandcannoli. Meandering into Chinatown, it’sdim sumthat’s the star attraction, from multicourse sit-down meals to mom-and-pop shops serving up individual dumplings.Empanadas,tacos, and Mission-styleburritosare made daily in one of San Francisco’s most diverse neighborhoods. Gourmet desserts range from freshly madedoughnutstohorchata-flavored cupcakes, or opt for the classicpan dulce(Mexican pastry) at a local bakery.
Must-Do Experiences
- Sip a cappuccino at Caffé Roma in North Beach and learn how coffee is roasted on-site.
- Observe fortune cookie production at the Fortune Cookie Factory and taste a variety of dim sum dishes on a food walking tour of Chinatown.
- Sample Mission District cocktails on a guided tasting tour that pairs food with drinks.
- Meet artisan food purveyors at the San Francisco Ferry Building, known for its oysters, artisan breads, and farm-fresh cheeses, to name a few.
- Combine stops at city landmarks, from Coit Tower to the Women’s Building MaestraPeace Mural, en route to beloved San Francisco restaurant.
10 Tours and Activities | All San Francisco Tours
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Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour
464
If you fancy yourself a foodie or culture enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy—the neighborhood of North Beach. Voted one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News, join an insider guide and experience a slice of the top things to do in North Beach, such as tasting coffee and witnessing bread being freshly made. Soak up the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular districts as you learn about its cafes and bakeries and see landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.
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From
$73.60
From
$73.60
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch
565
Dive deep into one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods on this Chinatown walking tour. From paper lanterns to medicinal herbs to a fortune cookie factory, explore both popular and lesser-known gems in this bustling district with an in-the-know guide. See sights including a Buddhist temple, and upgrade, if you wish, to include a 9-course lunch of dim sum for an even more memorable experience.
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From
$75.00
From
$75.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Secret Food Tour of San Francisco's Mission District w/ Private Tour Option
205
The Mission district in San Francisco has famously inspired its own style of burrito, but leave room for more than rice and beans on this culinary walking tour. Sample classic dishes from bakery-style cookies to San Francisco clam chowder, and learn about the neighborhood with your guide between bites.
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From
$221.20
From
$221.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Chinatown and North Beach Walking Tour
153
Stroll through North Beach and Chinatown, two of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods, by night on this food and walking tour. Discover the spots only locals know for dim sum, coffee, and other treats while you learn about the history and culture of these diverse districts from your knowledgeable guide. Samples make up enough for a meal so come hungry!
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From
$73.60
From
$73.60
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
71
Tour San Francisco's Ferry Building on the original tour established in 2004 with a culinary expert guide during this 2-hour excursion.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Classic Chinatown Tour and Optional Hosted Dim Sum Tasting Luncheon
55
Experience the distinctive architecture, history and culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown with a 3-hour guided walking tour through this thriving, colorful community. Explore Chinatown alongside a knowledgeable guide, visit an exclusive teashop that specializes in fine Chinese teas and browse traditional remedies at a Chinese herbal shop. Learn how the neighborhood was founded and built then get a glimpse inside the area’s elaborate Taoist and Buddhist temples. Stay after the tour for an optional meal, and enjoy a sumptuous dim sum tasting menu followed by an entrée, side dish and dessert.
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From
$39.67
From
$39.67
Lonely Planet Experiences: Chinatown & North Beach with Tea & Dessert Local Tour
33
Discover the highlights of Chinatown and North Beach on a 2.5-hour walking tour. Your knowledgeable guide provides insight into the Chinese and Italian immigrant cultures that have shaped these famous San Francisco neighborhoods. In Chinatown, visit a historic Chinese temple, bakery, fortune cookie maker and tea shop for tastings of their delectable goods. Then stroll past Italian cafes and restaurants in neighboring North Beach where you visit City Lights Bookstore, hear about the Beatniks and Barbary Coast, and see Coit Tower and Washington Square Park.
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From
$68.20
From
$68.20
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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San Francisco Food Tour: A Taste of Japantown
15
Bring your appetite and your walking shoes for a delicious Japantown food tour. Learn about the history of this unique neighborhood in San Francisco and visit several authentic markets, restaurants, cafés, and tea houses with your gourmet guide. Discover where locals go for the best Japanese food in town, and taste six to seven samplings, from red bean ‘taiyaki’ to sweet rice ‘mochi.’
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From
$110.00
From
$110.00
North Beach Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
12
North Beach has a thriving restaurant scene, so much so that it can be hard for travelers to discern local gems from tourist traps. This walking tour of the neighborhood—which visits at least five mom-and-pop eateries to sample local and ethnic food—makes it a lot easier. Plus, travel with a guide who helps you experience the history, architecture, and culture of one of San Francisco’s most celebrated neighborhoods.
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From
$75.00
From
$75.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Mission 18th Street San Francisco Food Tour
10
Get a taste of San Francisco’s Mission District on this 3-hour food tour. Led by a local guide, you'll treat your taste buds to a diverse range of cuisine, from traditional Latin recipes to modern spins on local dishes. Bring an appetite for authentic tacos and Mexican delicacies, house-cured pastrami sandwiches, horchata-flavored cupcakes and more. This tour is offered along Mission in the evening along 18th Street.
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From
$115.00
From
$115.00
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