Whether you’re walking the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a trip on the iconic cable cars, these San Francisco food tours know no trip is complete without checking out the best attractions the city has to offer. Known for its highly diverse culture, San Francisco is home to an amazing culinary scene that’s brimming with variety! From historic Japantown to North Beach, we’ve curated the best San Francisco food tours that’ll have you eating like a local. Plus, the city’s fascinating history and striking landscapes make it the perfect background for a wide variety of other cool and exciting adventures.
Travelling up the West Coast? Discover the culinary delights and intriguing stories of Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Or, dive into the sunny metropolis of Los Angeles, too!
The Best San Francisco Food Tours + Activities
Soak up the rich history and cultural diversity of the city on these San Francisco food tours!
1. Local Tastes of the City Tours
Local Tastes of the City Tours (calendar) understands the importance of quality when it comes to food tours. Their North Beach/Little Italy Walking Food Tour will have you eating food just like nonna made, at traditional cafes and restaurants. One of the founders of this tour, Tom Medin, has been guiding for a decade and has even authored several cookbooks. So you can be sure that you’re getting the real insider taste of Little Italy! This captivating tour is fun and educational. You’ll learn how chocolates are made at Z Cioccolato, one of the best chocolatiers in the nation, and enjoy cannoli from Stella Pastry, operating since 1942! Also included are generous servings of homemade pizza and fresh focaccia sandwiches, so you won’t leave hungry. After visiting beat generation hangouts and learning about the history of North Beach, you’ll see why Little Italy is so integral to San Francisco’s cultural identity, and even feel like you’re part of the family.
Book Your Tour2. Sidewalk Food Tours
Running food tours in six cities, the folks at Sidewalk Food Tours know what they’re doing! Backed by thousands of five-star reviews, they pride themselves on knowledgeable guides and unique, award-winning food. They also run comprehensive group cooking classes. Their most popular Mission District Food Tour will show you Latino markets and colorful murals, accented by tastings from five diverse tastings. Plus, it’s vegetarian friendly! This eclectic tour will show you an intimate side of San Francisco where multiple cultures converge. After this tour, you’ll understand how the Mission became one of San Francisco’s most cherished neighborhoods!
Book Your Tour3. Dandyhorse SF Bike Tours
San Francisco is a big city, and cycling is one of the best ways to catch all of its amazing views and neighborhoods. Dandyhorse SF Bike Tours (check Tour Calendar)“> combines the fun of cycling with gourmet adventures around the coolest neighborhoods and iconic parks in the city. This top rated tour features owner-led tours, small group sizes, and custom-built bikes along safe, flat routes! You even have the option to ride the Golden State Bridge on every tour. The Essential SF Bike Tour gives you a local perspective of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, with an emphasis on food culture. Learn about the birthplace of 1960’s hippie culture in Haight Ashbury, and get a 360 view of the city at Alamo Square. This tour is packed with activities, so you’ll never have a dull moment!
Book Mighty Local Tour Book Essential Electric Bike Tour4. Wild SF Walking Tours
Wild SF Walking Tours offers a wide array of creative tours that are sure to give you a delicious and unforgettable experience. Rated as the TripAdvisor Best of the Bay winner from 2015-2018, this is a tour you won’t want to miss! Led by passionate locals, you’ll get a unique perspective of the city while tasting the best joints along the way. Check out their Food Crawl, where you can try dim sum in Chinatown and fresh cannoli in Little Italy, while enjoying a rooftop view of the city.
5. SF Native Tours
First time in San Francisco? Then SF Native Tours has got you covered! Follow a 5th-generation San Fran guide as you embark on a history-rich tour while enjoying cuisines from local communities. With the help of an iPad, SF Native Tours provide the best immersive introductions to the city. Their Original Tour covers San Fran’s most popular neighborhoods, including hidden downtown gems and Barbary Coast. After a day full of snacking, you’ll conclude with a visit to the last handmade fortune cookie factory in Chinatown. No matter your preference, SF Native Tours will give you the extensive experience you want!
6. Edible Excursions
Featured in The New York Times and CNN Travel, the team behind Edible Excursions is dedicated to everything food-related. Their tours feature spots you won’t find in guide books, and personal stories behind the chefs driving Bay Area’s thriving culinary scene! Their Japantown tour is a truly authentic exploration of one of the nation’s last three Japantowns. Enjoy sweet potato lattes, takoyaki, and mochi from markets and family run businesses in this bustling community! Walking around such an authentic neighborhood, you might forget you’re still in San Fran. You’d be hard pressed to find a similar culinary journey anywhere else.
7. Avital Tours
Avital Tours focus on storytelling and community through a deep exploration of San Francisco’s best cuisines. They value curiosity and always put quality over quantity. The founder, Avital Unger, is a leader in artisan food tours, a certified sommelier, and lover of all things delicious! Along with her team of local, passionate guides, you’ll be treated to a true culinary experience. Their Mission District Food Tour is a 4-course dining program that spans multiple restaurants, allowing you to talk with chefs and owners. You’ll learn what makes Mission District unique as you engage with locals about its Latin history and culture. This tour was made by locals, for locals, so you’re sure to learn something new every time! Enjoy authentic pupusas, salted caramel ice cream, and so much more in a social, engaging setting.
8. Green Dream Tours
Along with an extensive culinary scene, San Francisco is also home to an impressive, fast-growing brewing culture. Green Dream Tours is sure to get your buzz on experiencing local flavor at some of the city’s finest microbreweries and tap rooms. Thanks to their industry connections, Green Dream Tours provides you with an intimate behind-the-scenes VIP visits to handpicked destinations. You’ll stop by two of SF’s best craft beer bars and breweries with good company in a celebratory atmosphere. What’s not to love?
Book Your Tour9. Gourmet Walks
Bring out your inner foodie at one of the many awesome tours at Gourmet Walks! Running tours since 2007, they’ve perfected every detail to ensure the most enjoyable and delectable experiences. With small groups that cap off at 12 to 14 people, generous tastings, and local guides, you’ll be treated to intimate insider tastings at each stop. You’ll definitely want to try out their Russian Hill tour, which takes you through stunning bay views, antique cable cars, and iconic architecture. On the way you’ll be able to try succulent fish tacos, unique deli sandwiches, cheese tastings from the city’s best gourmet cheese shop, and more! By the time you’re finished you’ll feel like a Russian Hill local yourself.
10. Tastebud Tours
Tastebud Tours takes all the best parts of North Beach and puts them into one fun-filled tour! This family-run tour has been taking people on culinary journeys through San Francisco food tours since 2009, and have got them down to a science. After all, over 3,000 5-star reviews can’t be wrong! Their Little Italy tour strikes the perfect balance of walking, history, and of course, eating. You’ll be treated to six tastings from North Beach’s most respected food stops, including pizza from a 13-time World Pizza Champion and gelato made from scratch! Come hungry, and your taste buds will thank you by the time you’re finished this authentic, extensive tour.
Book Your TourCity Tours + Activities
Don’t forget to check out these city tours and exciting activities that will help you discover the best parts of San Francisco!
11. Vantigo Tours
Let’s face it: typical bus tours that play recorded scripts to you tend to get a little boring. That’s why Vantigo Tours offers a creative, personal way to experience San Francisco. Here, you get the opportunity to view the city in a fully restored vintage 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Bus! These buses hold a special place in San Fran’s psychedelic history, and offer amazing views thanks to their wrap around windows. Their San Francisco City Tours explore famous districts, and includes an option to visit Alcatraz Island! Led by expert local guides, you’ll learn about 1960’s counterculture, the gold rush, Twin Peaks, and so much more.
12. Painted Ladies Tour Company
Painted Ladies Tour Company is a small, family-run business that understands the lively spirit of San Francisco. In the nostalgic comfort of classic Volkswagen hippie vans, you’ll be taken on a journey through the most storied areas of San Francisco. Whether it’s Haight Ashbury or Billionaire’s Row, you can be sure to be entertained and educated throughout the entire time! Want something a little more off the beaten path? Look no further than their Wine Country Tour, a voyage through the beautiful Sonoma Valley. With stops at three award-winning wineries that include samples, you’ll learn about the wine making process in lovely atmospheres. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of stops for photo taking opportunities as well!
13. Max Napa Tours
One of California’s defining characteristics are its extravagant vineyards and wineries. Max Napa Tours offer full-day, premium tours of Napa or Sonoma Valley, two of California’s most famous wine regions. Led by certified sommeliers, you’ll get exclusive access to wines available only in the tasting rooms of small family-run boutiques, in small intimate groups! Check out their Napa Valley Wine Tours, where you can choose between semi-private and private tours of “by appointment only” vineyards. The best part is, you can customize your tour according to your favorite grape type and region! You’ll be treated like friends and family as you travel between each distinct winery.
14. Streets of San Francisco Bike Tours
The team behind Streets of San Francisco Bike Tours is passionate about cycling. Their top-rated tours include private and electric bike options, so you’ll get the experience that’s right for you! Get an insider view of the city with local guides and small group sizes. Their Majestic Electric tour spans 20 miles and passes the best neighborhoods, parklands, and the Pacific coast. Don’t worry about hills, the electric bikes ensure a sweat-free ride so you can focus on sightseeing!
Don’t forget to check out our wonderful Canadian food tours that are sure to have you coming back for more!