North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor

4.8 (1,168 reviews) San Francisco, USA
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Definitely one for the food lovers, the Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour is a glimpse into the blend of culture and cuisine of San Francisco. Stroll amongst the cafes and bakeries of North Beach, San Francisco's own Little Italy.

Named one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News and World Report (March 2018)

From the cafés and restaurants, to the smell of fresh-baked pastries in the air. Just when you think you can't feel any more romantic, you discover quaint shops with incredible crafts and ceramics that fill you with a sense of awe. We explore the life of North Beach, as we join family artisans kneading love into every pastry or dish. And just when you think that you can't be in any more of food heaven, we visit real coffee shops. And if that was not enough, we uncover authentic Italian cathedrals where hundreds of couples have felt their heartstrings tug.

What's included

  • Savor local Italian specialties like arancini, deli favorites, and more beloved North Beach bites.
  • Indulge in Award-Winning Chocolate from Z. Cioccolato – One of America’s Top Chocolatiers
  • Relax with a slice of pizza a local favorite in the heart of North Beach.
  • Enjoy fresh focaccia sandwiches from Mario’s, a longtime neighborhood favorite in North Beach.
  • Feel like you're in Italy as you sip a fresh cappuccino or espresso in the heart of North Beach.
  • Savor North Beach – All Food & Non-Alcoholic Drinks Included
  • Explore with a local guide from a trusted SF company and uncover the city’s hidden gems.
  • Bite into a fresh cannoli
  • Taste samples from the old-school Molinari Delicatessen, a beloved North Beach staple since 1896.
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

  1. Little Italy
    15m
    Start fresh with a cappuccino or espresso
    Begin your North Beach food and walking tour with an espresso, cappuccino, or tea. Your guide gets you acquainted with what's in store as you sip a freshly roasted cup of your choice.
  2. Little Italy
    Pass by
    And, as you taste everything from great coffee, truffles, breads, olive oil, specialty meats, and more, you'll learn how the food is made and what to look for back home.

    "Best Tour for 2011" - San Francisco Bay Guardian

    "Top 10 Walking Tours for Globetrotting Foodies - 2013" - Lonely Planet
  3. Little Italy
    Pass by
    North Beach awakens your senses, from the cafes and restaurants, to the smell of fresh-baked bread in the air. Discover quaint shops with crafts and ceramics from around the world. Delve into North Beach life as you join family bakers kneading love into every loaf of bread. Just when you think you have reached food heaven, you'll come across coffee shops which roast fresh coffee beans daily. And if that was not enough, you will uncover authentic Italian cathedrals where hundreds of couples have felt their heartstrings tug!
  4. Little Italy
    30m
    Walk in the footsteps of the Beat generation
    North Beach hums with history of the Beatnik movement. Hear stories of Jack Kerouac, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Allen Ginsberg and their time here. San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Herb Caen, coined the term "Beatnik" back in 1958 to describe the group of artists, poets, musicians, and writers who claimed North Beach as their home. Expect to pass City Lights Bookstore, the Beat Museum, and Vesuvio Cafe.
  5. Saints Peter And Paul Church
    Pass by
    The historic "Italian Cathedral" of the West where Joe DiMaggio was photographed after his wedding.
  6. Washington Square
    Pass by
    The center of North Beach life, perfect for people-watching and local history.
  7. Z. Cioccolato
    20m
    Stop at one of the best chocolate shops in the United States
    Another highlight: a stop at the acclaimed Z. Cioccolato on Columbus Avenue for decadent chocolates. Their fudge has been featured on the Cooking Channel. Expect a special sampling of popular picks and shop favorites.
  8. Coit Tower
    Pass by
    Visible atop Telegraph Hill throughout much of the North Beach walk.
  9. City Lights Booksellers
    Pass by
    Legendary independent bookstore and publisher at the heart of the Beat Generation movement.
  10. Jack Kerouac Alley
    Pass by
    A vibrant, mural-filled alley connecting North Beach and Chinatown.
  11. Molinari Delicatessen
    30m
    Visit two of San Francisco's oldest eateries
    On this tour, you get to visit two food institutions, Stella Pastry and Molinari Delicatessen, both located in the heart of North Beach. Expect generous samples of cannolis, deli meats, olives, and more. Both are owned and operated by the families to this day.
  12. 30m
    Expect Italian food favorites
    During this portion of the North Beach walking tour, experience the friendliness of this neighborhood through its rich and delectable foods. Expect samples from arancini, pastries, North Beach family specialties, and of course local pizza.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We meet at the corner at of Columbus Avenue and Green Street at 480 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133 (the same corner as the BMO Bank\Bank of the West). It is across the street from the Bank of America. Please arrive on time, we will not be able to accommodate late arrivals.

End point

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Same day reservations available
  • ATTENTION: Each Youth or Child registration requires an Adult registration
  • We cannot accommodate nut allergies

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.8 (1,168)
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Operated by Local Tastes of the City Tours · Booked through Viator
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