10 Best San Diego Food Tours in 2024 (+ Must Try Foods)
Searching for the best San Diego Food Tours? 🌮🥑
While many people know San Diego as a great spot to enjoy the beach (and it is), there’s another side of San Diego many might not know of: its food scene.
And the food is great! Its diverse population gives way to a melting pot of different foods. From fish tacos to craft beer, San Diego is actually a top foodie destination.
But since there are so many food tours in San Diego to sift through, as a frequent San Diego traveler, I decided to throw together a list of some of the highest rated and most interesting food tours for you.
From walking tours to wine or beer tours, here are the best San Diego food tours for locals and visitors.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tour San Diego
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
✅ Local guide to avoid the tourist traps (and eat lots of Italian food!)
✅ Over 250+ Reviews
✅ Learn about the history & architecture of Little Italy
Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego’s Questionable Past
✅ Over 500+ Reviews
✅ Try local restaurants & foods
✅ Learn about San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
North Park Beerucation Tour 2023
✅ Learn from a local beer expert
✅ Explore the North Park neighborhood
✅ Visit 3-4 Top Breweries
The Best San Diego Food Tours
Here are some of the best food tours in San Diego. I’ve included several kinds across the board – anything from wine tours to taco and tequila tours.
1. Taste of Little Italy Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 250+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Little Italy Food Tour in San Diego includes a local guide that will lead you away from the typical tourist traps and into a more authentic foodie experience – with local restaurants and foods.
If you’re visiting San Diego, you’ve got to take the ‘Taste of Little Italy in San Diego’. I really felt the vibe of ‘Little Italy’. Great commentary and interesting tidbits. My very first food tour ever and it set the bar very high. Fantastic choice of food, each with its own story and region.
-Linda (See More Reviews Here)
You’ll hear lots of fun facts about the area’s architecture and rich Italian heritage along the way. And you’ll absolutely want to explore Little Italy as it’s one of the best places in the downtown area. You’ll sample different foods from fresh pastas to incredible desserts.
This is a top-rated tour that consistently receives rave reviews. Plus, it’s great for both visitors and locals in search of new places to eat or new foods to try.
2. Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 100+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour (while not technically in San Diego) is an epic San Diego foodie tour that takes you across the border for some incredible wine and authentic Mexican food!
Led by a local expert you’ll drive down the beautiful coast with a stop in Rosarito for the first exciting part of the tour – authentic fish tacos!
This whole tour was special from beginning to end! Our guide Oscar was truly a gem and the wineries were so beautiful. Going on a week day meant you basically had the whole place to yourself. Tour group was small enough to get to know everyone and new friends were made. Would totally do this again!
-Julianne (See More Reviews Here)
You’ll visit 3 well known boutique vineyards along the famous ‘Ruta del Vino’ (The Wine Route), in Guadalupe Valley. Sample a selection of reds, whites, and roses plus a grand finale stop at a top farm-to-table restaurant.
You’ll travel in a comfortable, fully stocked van (yes, that includes cold beers and water!) and the small tour size offers a chance to get to know your fellow food and wine enthusiasts.
Note: A minimum of 8 people must sign up for this tour for it to operate.
3. Vino! Vino! Little Italy San Diego Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars with 30+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience the vibrant wine culture of Little Italy with this Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tour in San Diego. This walking tour packs a lot: history, wine, and amazing Italian food.
Journey through the area’s history, stop at three different local places and enjoy perfectly selected wines from California or Italy. At two of these stops, you’ll even enjoy some incredible Italian food, anything from calamari to meatballs.
We had an amazing experience! Met awesome people, ate delicious food and drank fantastic wines! Our tour guide Angela was sweet, funny and charming! Would highly recommend!
-Leyla (See More Reviews Here)
Although some previous attendees felt this tour was slightly overpriced, most found the tour to be a great experience with many praising the friendly and knowledgeable guides. Reviews were also high for the quality and variety of food and wine offered.
Note: There is a max group size of 12 which is perfect for more interaction and chances to meet others.
San Diego Beer Tour
Check out San Diego’s craft beer scene with these top rated tours.
4. San Diego Craft Brewery Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 45+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
Head out on this San Diego Craft Brewery Tour where you and a small group of up to 10 people will dive headfirst into the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
Led by a local beer aficionado, you’ll visit 3 different local breweries of your choosing. Some of the most popular choices include fan favorites like Mike Hess, Belching Beaver, or Fall Brewing.
The people we met in our van we’re really fun and friendly. We were all good friends by the end of the tour! The beers and breweries were excellent-high energy and great service. And our driver, Mike, was very entertaining😁 and organized throughout the tour. We highly recommend!!
-Rosemarie (See More Reviews Here)
But this isn’t just about tastings—it’s about learning, too. You’ll get the lowdown on each beer you try, all while sipping on a selection of flights included in the tour price. Past tasters rave about their knowledgeable guide and the steady flow of beers.
And don’t worry about transportation as you’ll enjoy a fun, open-top van that’s perfect for catching that perfect San Diego weather. Plus, with hotel pickup and drop-off available upon request, all you need to focus on is the frothy goodness of each brew.
5. North Park Beerucation Tour 2023
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 80+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
This North Park Beerucation Tour is your passport to San Diego’s vibrant beer scene! Led by a local beer expert (and self identified beer nerd), you’ll head into the heart of North Park, a hipster neighborhood known for its artsy flair, culture, and (of course) exceptional craft beer.
Stefan is super knowledgeable and great energy. I know a lot about beer and beer history but still learned a lot from what he shared. Also great to learn so much about the San Diego local beer scene. Food pairings were delicious too.
-Paula (See More Reviews Here)
Your beer journey will take you to 3-4 top breweries, and you’ll enjoy a wide variety of local brews. But even better- this is more than just a tasting, it’s an education in the art of beer. You’ll learn about different beer styles, the brewing process, and even the secrets of pairing beer with food.
All beer tastings are included in the tour price, and you’ll also enjoy snacks along the way. Past reviewers rave about the fun and helpful guides, amazing beer and food pairings, and learning so much along the way!
San Diego Gaslamp Foodie Tour
The Gaslamp District is a lively, historic district known for its rich Victorian architecture, buzzing nightlife, diverse dining scene, and plenty of shops and galleries.
6. Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego’s Questionable Past
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars with 500+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Unleash your adventurous spirit with this Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour. This 2.5-hour walking tour of the Gaslamp Quarter gives a taste of the area’s food and bar scene along with juicy stories of its seedy history.
“Anna was incredible! Insightful, friendly, personable, witty, and kind. The best tour we’ve gone on our entire vacation!!! The food was good (we bought the ‘hot’ salsa served at the first restaurant stop because it was so good!). The ice cream was some of the best we’ve ever had…“
-Rachel (See More Reviews Here)
Equipped with the insider’s scoop from your guide, you’ll have the chance to sample food at 4 local spots as well as try unique drinks at 3 different places.
Discover the city’s nightlife in what has become the main dining and entertainment area, which has gone through lots of transformation over the last two decades. This food and booze tour is a great way to try some new foods and walk through this lively neighborhood.
7. Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars with 130+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Join this Gaslamp Quarter Downtown Food Tour for an exciting 3-hour walking tour to explore and taste your way through 5 local restaurants.
Phil was very knowledgeable about the history and other fun things to do and other places to eat. It was a great walk with stops along the way not just for food but history and photos. The food was all incredible and filling. Favorite was the cuban empanadas!!
-Michelle (See More Reviews Here)
From family owned restaurants to top ethnic food destinations, you’ll sample a variety of great foods (and the include large sample sizes, so no skimping here!). Lunch and water are included in the price, but if you’d like to add a splash of spirits, alcohol is an additional expense.
Not only will your stomach be full, but your mind will be too as you learn about the rich history and culture that shapes this vibrant neighborhood and the foods you’re tasting. Many reviewers rate this as a top San Diego food tour!
8. San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 27+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
On this San Diego Walking Food Tour, you’ll discover the many flavors that make up the food culture in San Diego. You’ll explore one of San Diego’s most culturally rich neighborhoods (the Gaslamp Quarter) and check out the local food scene.
Taste a unique blend of foods influenced by Mexico, Asia, and Italy.
“We had a great time with our guide and group. Very pleasant to be around and food choices were great. We’d recommend to anyone who was looking to do a food tour in SD.“
-Chris (See More Reviews Here)
You’ll taste foods from the classic fish taco and California meat burger, to trendy avocado toast or refreshing local juices. Plus end on a sweet note with some local ice cream and a secret dish that you’ll have to take the tour to find out!
Enjoy stories and local tips from the expert guides and the small group sizes for a more personalized experience.
Note: Private group tour upgrades are available as well for those interested.
9. Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour of San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars with 140+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Go on a foodie and history journey into the heart of San Diego’s historic Old Town with this Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Food Tour. This experience brings together the best Mexican foods, tequila cocktails, and even a touch of the supernatural.
Raul was amazing. The tour was very informative and the food was great. We had tacos, churros, elote, & churros!
-Johnna (See More Reviews Here)
As you walk the quaint streets, you’ll stop at some of the best Mexican restaurants in the area all while enjoying tacos, fresh tortillas, and zesty salsas. You’ll also learn about California’s history, from the Native Americans, Spanish, Mexicans, and gold rush prospectors who left their mark on this vibrant region.
This is a great tour for anyone who loves haunted houses and ghost tours and would make a great October tour for Halloween! You’ll visit the Whaley House, recognized by “America’s Most Haunted” TV show as the most haunted house in America as well as an ancient cemetery.
Though some reviewers feel the food portion is not quite as generous for the price, the consensus is that the tour is well worth the experience, with high praise for the food selection and guides.
East Village Food Tour San Diego
East Village in San Diego is the largest downtown neighborhood. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy restaurants and bars, and numerous live music venues.
10. Libations on the East Side: A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars with 59+ reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Libations on the East Side Tour is an exciting look at San Diego’s “new downtown,” the East Village. You’ll explore the neighborhood’s transformation from warehouses and factories to the latest foodie haven.
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 (See More Reviews Here)
Led by a local, you’ll visit 4-5 restaurants and bars, enjoying unique foods and the newest cocktails or local brews. A sample menu ranges from Wagyu Sliders and Greek Quesadillas to Thai Beef Jerky and freshly made pizza.
This tour is not just a food and drink experience, but a voyage into the heart of San Diego’s underground culinary scene, and a perfect way to discover hidden gems in this trendy neighborhood.
What Food is San Diego Known For
San Diego is famous for its fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, and innovative dishes from the city’s thriving farm-to-table scene. You’ll have the chance to sample many of these foods on the tours on this list.
Here are some of the top foods to expect in San Diego:
- Fish Tacos: A perfect blend of Californian and Mexican culinary traditions, these are a local favorite.
- California Burritos: A San Diego original, this burrito includes French fries along with the usual ingredients.
- Carne Asada Fries: Another local favorite, these are fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Baja-Style Lobster: Lightly fried and served with warm tortillas, beans, and rice.
- Ceviche: Made with locally-sourced fresh seafood.
- Craft Beer: San Diego is famous for its thriving craft beer scene.
- Acai Bowls: A healthy and popular choice, topped with fresh fruit and granola.
- Avocado Toast: A true Californian staple, this dish shows off the state’s incredible avocados.
San Diego Foodie Tour: FAQs
No, the tip for your guide(s) is not included in the price. You’ll want to tip 15-20% depending on your experience.
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking around. Plus, the weather can vary throughout the day so layering is always the best option.
It might be easier to list what food isn’t good in San Diego! The best foods in San Diego fish tacos, seafood, and Acai bowls by the beach (my personal favorite!).
Yes! San Diego shares a border and a history with Mexico, resulting in some of the most authentic and tasty Mexican dishes you’ll find stateside. You haven’t truly experienced San Diego until you’ve savored a fish taco or a California burrito here!
San Diego’s food culture is a blend of multi-cultural influences, with a heavy emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Grab some fish tacos and watch the sunset!
Yes, it’s the perfect gift! You can give an experience gift of a food tour by contacting the tour company or registering in the name of the person who will receive the gift.
🤩 This San Diego Taste of Italy tour is my #1 pick with over 250+ rave reviews and plenty of great Italian food!
Final Thoughts: Best San Diego Food Tours
San Diego’s incredible food and history make for the best kind of setting to take a food tour. Not only will you explore some of San Diego’s best restaurants or authentic local gems, you’ll find new tastes and explore different neighborhoods.
Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican food, fresh seafood, or local craft beers, there are plenty of options.
My list has some of the best San Diego food tours for different kinds of foods or neighborhoods you might want to explore. I know you’ll find one that fits what you’re looking for! Just make sure to reserve your spot quickly as these food tours can fill up quickly!
