9 Best San Diego Food Tours: Local’s Guide for 2024
San Diego food tours are the perfect way to learn about both the area’s history and the city’s diverse culinary scene at the same time.
But there are many different types of food tours in San Diego, so let’s find the best one for you!
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From the neighborhoods of downtown San Diego, like the Gaslamp District, Little Italy, and the East Village, to the enclaves of North Park and Old Town, to the beaches of La Jolla, we have the best walking food tours.
For those who want to venture across the border for the ultimate in authentic Mexican food or take a day trip to Southern California’s premier vineyards, we’ve got the best tour options there as well.
Spoiler Alert: Personally, I love the Taste of Little Italy tour. It’s so much fun, and definitely one of the best food tours I’ve taken on the West Coast. You’ll taste lots of delicious food, and your guide will reveal a hidden story about each of the historic buildings in the neighborhood that you would never discover on your own.
However, as a San Diego foodie, a local, and a chef, I can whole-heartedly recommend each of the tours on this list. So, read on for more options and more details.
Best San Diego Food Tours
All of the tours below are rated between 4 1/2 and 5 stars. Since these are the best food tours in San Diego, they do sell out. Make your reservations well ahead of time if you can!
1. Taste of Little Italy in San DiEGO🏆
Pasta being tossed in a cheese wheel on the Little Italy food tour in San Diego
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 225 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 3.5 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 17 people max
For lovers of Italian food and history, this is the best San Diego food tour!
Since I am a lover of both, not only do I think this is the best Little Italy food tour San Diego offers—this is my overall Number 1 walking food tour pick!
“This is an amazing tour! The food was outstanding and Adriana was a great tour guide. She gave some great information about the history of Little Italy. Don't contemplate, just sign up—you’ll be glad you did!” —Greg C. Read more reviews.
Why take the Taste of Little Italy Tour
Your expert guide will regale you with fun facts as he or she leads you to some of San Diego’s best restaurants for Italian specialties. I loved every bite! And maybe it’s because I have Italian ancestors, but I found the neighborhood’s rich history fascinating!
San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the United States—48 square blocks! Because navigating this large area can be daunting on your own, Little Italy tours can save you lots of precious time and money.
You will have a great time as you restaurant hop to four different stops for tastings. It’s a fun way to take a deep dive into some of the best places, sample great food, and get the royal treatment. Our guide knew all of the restaurateurs, and we received a very warm welcome from each!
Our first two stops on the tour of Little Italy were sit-down meals with an abundance of food: gnocchi, fried zucchini, pizza, risotto, stuffed artichokes, orecchiette pasta finished in a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel, and more.
Our third stop was for Part 1 of our dessert, Italian cookies. The last stop was for creamy handmade gelato.
What was most impressive is that we sampled some of the best restaurants in Little Italy. Some with long histories and notable families, and one with a prestigious award from Italy.
And even though not all of them were new restaurants to us, our experience was so unique, I felt like I had never been before.
Enjoy a MeltBurger on the San Diego Walking food tour.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 75 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 3.5 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 11 people max
San Diego’s food scene is a melting pot of international and Californian cuisines. If you want to taste some of this variety, this San Diego walking tour is for you!
“Richard was great! We learned so much about San Diego, and the food was incredible! I highly recommend!” —Rynelle A. Read more reviews.
Why take the San Diego Walking Food Tour
On this small group tour, you’ll learn about the history of San Diego from a local guide who will lead you to six different stops for food tastings.
Crossing through neighborhoods and cultures, you’ll eat at some authentic local gems.
From avocado toast to cheesy burgers to the freshest fish tacos, this San Diego foodie tour offers samples of some of the most popular dishes of the city and some of California’s most famous foods.
Between delicious stops, you’ll learn about lots of historic buildings on the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego food tour.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars—Over 120 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 3 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 12 people max
This guided tour in the downtown area is the perfect way to fully explore the local food of the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.
“Excellent tour, would highly recommend. Great food stops with plenty to eat. Aparna was an excellent guide with lots of spicy stories about the Gaslamp District!!” —Julie K. Read more reviews.
Why take the Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a captivating neighborhood with stunning architecture, historic buildings, and an abundant variety of culinary delights.
On this Gaslamp food tour, it will feel like you’re exploring the city with a close friend who's eager to share prized local favorites.
This 3-hour food walking tour includes tastings at 5 different locations, each with its own unique tale of tradition, innovation, and local culinary prowess. You'll savor scrumptious bites, and uncover the fascinating stories behind each establishment.
The San Diego Public Library in San Diego’s East Village
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 50 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 3 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 15 people max
If you’re looking for San Diego's underground culinary scene, take this booze food tour in the East Village.
“We had a fantastic time exploring the East Village with Stefan! Delicious food, tasty cocktails, and plenty of neighborhood history to boot. Would highly recommend if you want to branch out & discover a different neighborhood of San Diego!” —Rachael W. Read more reviews.
Why take the East Village Food Tour
This is the best drink and food crawl San Diego offers in the "new downtown.” You’ll stop at 4 or 5 different places for enough food and drink to make a meal.
Explore San Diego's vibrant East Village with a knowledgeable local guide as you sip drinks and sample the area’s unique cuisine. You’ll find everything from Greek quesadillas to Thai Beef Jerky.
As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll hear about the history and transformation of the East Village while discovering great places for good food.
Indulge in award-winning cuisine, sample craft cocktails, and savor San Diego's renowned craft beer at various eclectic local restaurants along the way.
After this innovative tour, don't hesitate to ask your guide for the inside scoop on the best food and drinks in San Diego.
Some of the sights on a walking food tour in Old Town San Diego
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars—Over 130 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 2.5 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 15 people max
Of all the San Diego tours, this is the best one for food tasting in San Diego’s Old Town. If you love Mexican food, this is the tour to taste some of the best at the district's finest Mexican restaurants!
“Our tour guide was Kevin. He was awesome and very knowledgeable about the history and any questions we had. The food was amazing and we had the most fun experience we’ve had so far in San Diego.” —Rachel M. Read more reviews.
Why take the Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones Food Tour
Taste a variety of specialties of authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, salsas, and freshly made tortillas. You haven’t had tortillas until you’ve had a handmade fresh one!
On this Old Town food tour, you’ll experience the popular Mexican liquor tequila in cocktails while enjoying lively mariachi music.
You’ll learn about the history of California and the diverse cultures that shaped Old Town San Diego, aka “The Birthplace of California.” As you tour this historical park, you’ll hear stories about Native Americans, Spanish settlements, Mexican Independence, and the California gold rush.
You’ll also stop at the Whaley House and visit the old cemetery for ghost stories and tales of hauntings.
One of the possible brewery stops on the North Park beer tour
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 70 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 3 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 15 people max
If getting an education on the San Diego beer scene over snacks and brews sounds like a study assignment you can get behind, this North Park food tour can help you get a gold star!
“Stephan is very knowledgeable about all things beer. He provided us with great information and we were very impressed with his food pairing suggestions for various beers . . . We truly enjoyed this experience!” —S. Johnson Read more reviews.
Why take the North Park Beerucation Tour
You'll be joined by a local beer expert who will provide guidance on various beer styles, food and beer pairings, and brewing processes.
During this brewery tour, you'll visit 3 or 4 craft breweries in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. You'll have the opportunity to taste a variety of local beers, enjoy some tasty snacks, and engage in eye-opening conversations about beer.
You'll learn about the flavors and the making of the beers you taste. In addition, your guide will share some intriguing stories about the history of North Park, known for its vibrant hipster culture, art, and thriving beer scene.
You have a good chance of seeing sea lions on this walking food tour of La Jolla.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!
⏰ 3 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 12 people max
If you are staying in another part of San Diego, this is a great way to tour La Jolla’s stunning coast, posh village, and delectable eateries in a few hours.
“This tour is 100% worth it! . . . From start to finish, this tour was absolutely one to be remembered! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, the area stunning to journey through, and the food stops top notch. I truly can't recommend this tour enough, both for guests from aboard as well as local San Diegans wanting to get to know their hometown just a bit better!” —TripAdvisor Reviewer Read more reviews.
Why take the La Jolla Food Tour
Disclaimer: La Jolla is one of my favorite staycations in San Diego, and I live here!
That being said, I think it’s the prettiest part of the city of San Diego. And the Sip, Savor and Sea Tour does a great job of hitting the highlights.
In addition to La Jolla’s miles of sandy beaches and stunning coastline, this affluent area is known for its art galleries, charming boutiques, and fantastic local restaurants.
On this La Jolla food tour, you’ll hear about the town’s shady past as a haven for bootleggers. You’ll also learn how La Jolla became a hub for visionaries who have contributed to its flourishing arts, sciences, and sports scenes.
Take in the breathtaking views, capture photos of sea lions, browse through local art galleries, sample delectable dishes and beverages at three top neighborhood restaurants, and indulge in some of the finest gelato in San Diego.
You’ll find tasty treats and fun souvenirs on the colorful streets of Tijuana.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 75 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 4 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 7 people max
Want to cross into Mexico and have a good time trying some of its famous street food? Why not take a day trip on this Tijuana food tour from San Diego?
“We met Leia just over the Mexican side of the border for an expansive food tour of Tijuana. Not only did she expose us to all types of tasty food (I won't reveal her secret spots here!), she took the time to show us a bit of Tijuana itself. It was a perfect blend of culture, history, and food.” —Michael M. Read more reviews.
Why take the Mexican Street Food Tour
When I attended UCLA, my friends and I used to make the drive south from Los Angeles to cross the border regularly for the food and drinks. It was worth the 3-hour drive! Today’s good news: From San Diego its soooo much closer—a half hour max!
From Baja California to Mexico City to the food of Oaxaca and the Yucatan, street food is an important part of Mexico’s culture and food scene. And the Street Food Tour in Tijuana will give you a taste of it.
There are lots of possibilities, like carne asada, tacos al pastor, grilled corn, and lots more. At the end, relax at an authentic cantina with a refreshing craft beer or margarita.
Pro tip: You will need a current passport. Also, check your emails the day of the tour for the meeting place. It is very likely it may change to the Mexico side of the border and you will be able to walk across.
Beautiful scenery on a Temecula wine tour from San Diego
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 75 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
⏰ 4 hours, 🚶🏽♀️ 7 people max
Temecula is the premier wine region in Southern California. So, taking a wine tasting tour in Temecula is always a good idea! This is especially true when someone else is doing the driving!
“Dave was an excellent guide, informative and entertaining. The wineries were beautiful and the lunch was delicious.” —Pamela S. Read more reviews.
Why take the Temecula Wine Tour
As a San Diego local and wine enthusiast, I am a big fan of Temecula wine country. It’s so much more relaxed than Napa Valley and, of course, a lot closer.
On this day tour to Temecula, you’ll be chauffeured to Temecula’s quaint Old Town, founded in 1859.
Afterwards, you’ll take a scenic drive to your first winery for an upscale picnic lunch and wine tastings.
You’ll stop at three wineries and have the chance to taste between 15 and 20 different wines.
FAQs About San Diego Food Tours
Still have questions about the best food tours in San Diego? Hopefully, the following will help:
A view of San Diego, CA, from the water
Can I take public transportation to or from the tour meeting points?
That depends where you are coming from. San Diego does have train, bus, and trolley systems. Click here for the bus and trolley schedule.
Is it worth taking a private tour?
In general, I think small group tours work wonderfully without the expense of private tours. However, if you want to do a private group tour, say for a family reunion or team-building exercise, sometimes you can find great deals.
Can I give a San Diego food tour as a gift?
Yes! They are the perfect gift for foodies, history lovers, or anyone interested in learning more about San Diego! San Diego tours make terrific experience gifts! Some tours offer gift certificates, otherwise you can book the tour you like in the name of the person or persons you are providing the gift to.
What should I wear on a food tour in San Diego?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Keep in mind that although San Diego has a very temperate climate, the temperature can swing 20 degrees in a day, especially from day to night. So layering is recommended.
Are gratuities included in the price of the tours?
Gratuities for the restaurants are included. On the other hand, gratuities for the food tour guides are not included. If your guide does a good job, it is customary to tip between 10% and 20%.
Are the tours the same every time?
That’s a definite no! Depending on the day and the availability of specific items, tours may need to make adjustments. So, they will be slightly different each time. But guides wants you to enjoy your tour as much as you do, so they will always make their best efforts to include the best parts of every tour each time the tour is given.
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