10 Best Food Tours In San Francisco, California - Updated 2024

food tours in san francisco
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Scenic San Francisco is already well known and well-loved for the stunning beauty of its bay, the iconic architecture, and the unique and quirky attitudes of the city’s suburbs. But if you need another reason to visit the “City by the Bay,” the gastronomic scene in San Francisco is unparalleled. This Californian metropolis has the highest density of restaurants in the United States, and you won’t find a mundane meal in the city. Celebrate the creative and inventive flavors of San Francisco and join one of these food tours for a culinary expedition across the vibrant, distinctive districts.

1. Dogpatch Neighborhood Food and Libations Tour (from 79 USD)

Long Bridge Pizza
Source: Photo by user Dale Cruse used under CC BY 2.0

Dogpatch is not the most visited of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, but its growing reputation as an artisan district crafting unique foods, drinks, and crafts is increasing the popularity of this laid-back neighborhood. A local guide will lead you through this neighborhood that brings innovative flair to one of the city’s oldest working-class districts. Try gourmet-inspired takes on classic foods, and sample craft beers and wines. Bustling with new restaurants, shops, and businesses, there is so much to explore in Dogpatch even when this walking tour ends.

Dogpatch Neighborhood Food and Libations Tour

Price: from 79 USD

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2. San Francisco Food Safari (from 20 USD)

Dessert
Source: Viator

With a chef as your guide, scout out the best treats and try local favorites in this 2.75-hour walking tour. Select either the Mission District or North Beach tour and discover delicious eateries, legendary delis, and neighborhood gems that are off the beaten track. In addition to leading you to incredible cafes, your guide will provide background history on the neighborhood and the food scene in the city. No matter which neighborhood you choose to explore, you are sure to find the best snacks in San Francisco!

San Francisco Food Safari

Price: from 20 USD

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3. San Francisco Craft Beer, Bites, and Brewery Tour (from 135 USD)

Beer flights!
Source: Photo by user Jarrett Campbell used under CC BY 2.0

Travel by open-air coach to some of the most popular spots in the city. Pairing craft drinks with innovative, unexpected snacks means this five-hour excursion is a foodie dream come true. Stop at unique establishments and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about how these tasty treats and drinks are made. Explore the neighborhoods of Dogpatch, South of Market (SoMA), the Haight, and Mission, and experience the distinctive flavors of each district. Enjoy local craft beers and endless samples of San Francisco delicacies as a knowledgeable guide points out city landmarks and attractions.

San Francisco Craft Beer, Bites, and Brewery Tour

Price: from 135 USD

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4. San Francisco Vegetarian Food Tour (from 99 USD)

Ananda Fuara Restaurant, San Francisco
Source: Photo by user John Gillespie used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Starting in the Mission District, this food tour highlights the brilliant vegetarian and vegan food scene that thrives in San Francisco. Follow your guide as you walk past eccentric urban art and local landmarks to amazing restaurants. Sample flavorful fare that will have even non-vegetarians enthusiastically chowing down.

San Francisco Vegetarian Food Tour

Price: from 99 USD

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5. San Francisco 2-Hour Craft Cocktail Tour (from 72 USD)

Cocktail Tour
Source: Get Your Guide

Some of the nation’s top mixologists are based in San Francisco and on this tour, you can go behind the scenes and meet them. Stop in at classy, modern establishments and local favorites and watch how liquors and spirits are transformed into delectable cocktails. Taste Pisco Punch, a drink made famous in San Francisco, and enjoy Poquito Picante from inside a historic speakeasy. The walking tour is two-hours long, but you can be assured you won’t be thirsty!

San Francisco 2-Hour Craft Cocktail Tour

Price: from 72 USD

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6. Mission District Food Tour - North (from 99 USD)

Mission District Tour
Source: Get Your Guide

Lauded as the foodie capitol of San Francisco, the Mission District is brimming with buzzy establishments. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the vibrant streets to award-winning restaurants where you can taste incredible samples that bridge cultures and palates. The itinerary changes with the seasons (and with the time of day!), so there is always something new and distinctive to try on this tour.

Mission District Food Tour - North

Price: from 99 USD

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7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz (from USD 174.0)

Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wgreaves used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A combined food tour and Alcatraz sightseeing excursion, this trip is an exciting way to learn more about the history and the gastronomic culture in San Francisco. A walking tour takes you to the Ferry Building Marketplace where you can sample fresh organic produce and artisanal treats. Taste delightful delicacies from local businesses and indulge in scrumptious snacks like macarons, chocolate, and craft coffee. From there, head down to Pier 33 and board a ferry to Alcatraz. Your guide will fill you in on the history of the infamous island as the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and San Francisco skyline sparkle against the water.

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San Francisco Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz Admission

Duration: 1 to 4 hours

151 reviews

8. Food and Culinary Walking Tour of North Beach

Caffe Greco North Beach San Francisco
Source: Photo by user Pamla J. Eisenberg used under CC BY 2.0

Enjoy a taste of Italy as you explore the historic North Beach neighborhood! On this three-hour tour, you will traverse San Francisco’s Little Italy, and learn about the Italian-American heritage that has led to a culinary tradition served with gastronomic flair. Sample award-winning pizza, gourmet truffles, and artisan coffee as you walk past local treasures and iconic landmarks. While the tasting menu changes with the seasons, you can always count on rich, authentic flavor, and a commitment to traditional, artisan cooking.

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Signature Foods of The French Quarter Food Tour, New Orleans Best

Duration: 3 hours

169 reviews

9. San Francisco Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour (from USD 78.6)

Dim Sum
Source: Get Your Guide

This incredible three-hour tour lets you explore the largest Chinatown outside of Asia through the flavors and history of food. Start in the markets and wander through aisles of fragrant herbs, fresh ingredients, traditional teas, and Chinese antiquities. Learn about the culinary history of fortune cookies as you watch artisans craft the treat by hand. Don’t fill up on samples though, because you will also stop at a Dim Sum restaurant and the oldest bakery in Chinatown. Enjoy a feast of culture as your guide leads you to a local Buddhist temple and through the iconic small alleyways.

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San Francisco: Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour

Duration: 3.0 hour

150 reviews

10. San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise (from USD 159.4)

San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge at night
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wgreaves used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Sail past the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and admire the city’s skyline from the bay as you feast on a delectable meal. This dinner and dance cruise provides you with a four course meal and the chance to see some of San Francisco’s most memorable attractions. Try fresh, California ingredients in seasonally-inspired dishes and savor local Napa wines as you sit under the stars on the deck. Your tour takes you past many of the city’s beautiful and iconic areas including Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, Tiburon, and Sausalito. Gorgeous scenery combined with gourmet food is the perfect recipe for a memorable experience in San Francisco.

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San Francisco: Luxury Dinner Dance Cruise

Duration: 2.5 hour

33 reviews

The flavors of San Francisco

The best way to sample San Francisco is with the help of a guided food tour. Explore the unique neighborhoods and taste the distinctive flavors inspired by the district’s cultures. Enjoy the taste of innovation and marvel at the gastronomic creativity that is present in every eatery. A culinary journey awaits you in San Francisco; book a tour today!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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