This Californian city has an outlandish air about it and when you visit San Francisco, you are going to be cocooned in it.
The foggy bridges, verdant spaces and stairways, and Victorian architecture are some of San Francisco’s highlights.
Let’s not forget the remarkable culinary scene.
Experience fine dining restaurants, cowboy-laden saloons, organic farms, and sizzling street food by taking a food tour in San Francisco.
We had a look at all the different food experiences and found the following top picks.
1. Wine Tasting and Food Pairing by Helicopter
If you have ever wondered what the Golden Gate Bridge looks like from above, here is your chance.
Combine delicious treats with spectacular aerial views and you have an unrivaled food tour.
Hop upon a helicopter and enjoy the thrilling ride as you gaze at San Francisco’s landmarks from bird’s eye view.
Pass over the lighthouse and fortifications of Alcatraz Island, gnarly vineyards and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The ride will end at either Napa or Sonoma region where you walk through the scenic vineyards and indulge in wine tastings and pairings.
Explore the best wineries and learn about different kinds of grapes and wines.
When the tour ends, take a scenic ride back to San Francisco.
- Departure Point: Fairmont Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square
- Departure Time: 10am
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
2. Russian Hill Gourmet Food Tour
Welcome to Russian Hill, an exclusive neighborhood known for its legendary crooked Lombard Street, cable car rides over the hills and old-school bars and restaurants.
The food tour in San Francisco’s Russian Hill is no less than a quaint adventure.
This three-hour tour includes gourmet tastings at seven unique locations.
Along the way, you will meet skilled butchers preparing meat, savvy gelato makers, cheesemongers with their deluxe selections and bakers at work.
The tour is conducted in a small group and is led by a local guide who will share tips and historical facts.
Indulge in gourmet meals, enjoy the scenic views and soak up in the ambiance at Russian Hill.
- Departure Point: Macondray Lane, Macondray Ln, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- Departure Time: 11:45am
- Duration: 3 hours
3. NoPa-Alamo Square Gourmet Tour
NoPa/Alamo Square is an upscale gathering place at San Francisco specializing in a variety of creativities.
The neighborhood has recently been on the up.
It is bursting with colorful art galleries, chic boutiques, fancy bars and restaurants, vibrant markets, and whimsical streets.
During the three-hours, familiarize yourself with the streets, mingle with locals, and get insider tips from your guide.
The tour involves seven different stops at different eateries.
Some of the highlights fish tacos, New Mexican tamale hand pies, Gourmet focaccia and California cheese, Rotisserie sandwiches and salted caramel ice cream.
It is conducted in a group of 12 people and is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Departure Point: Panhandle, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
- Departure Time: 2pm
- Duration: 3 hours
4. Mission District Culinary Experience
At the Mission, prepare yourself to be completely drenched in Latino vibes and hipster colors.
The up and coming buoyant neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of chef driven restaurants, jaunty cocktail bars, live music venues, tattoo parlors and a lot more.
Walking through the historic streets of the Mission District bursting with vividly-painted murals is one of a kind experience.
Add sumptuous meals to the strolls, and you have a perfect deal.
Stop by at restaurants and eateries where chefs will not only offer you food but share the fascinating stories behind them.
The food tour also has an option for wine pairings for those who are interested.
Wear comfy shoes and wrap up warm and begin the Latin adventure.
- Departure Point: 3543 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Departure Time: 11am, 3pm or 5pm
- Duration: 3 hours
5. Food and Street Art Tour of the Mission District
If you can’t get enough of the exuberant Mission Lands, here is yet another food tour with a twist.
Along with munching on free snacks and tasting gourmet meals, enjoy a free street art tour as well.
The 2.5 hour tour is led by a professional local guide who will give you an insight to the oldest and hippest neighborhood of San Francisco like no other.
Gaze at the beautiful murals on the walls and have artisanal goodies such as Mexican pastries, donuts and pies.
Wash down the food with a fresh glass of agua fresca.
You will also have a stopover at a local taqueria for some delicious tacos.
Your culinary and art tour will end at Dolores Park and the Mission Dolores, the oldest structure in San Francisco.
- Departure Point: 2760 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Departure Time: 9:30am
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
6. Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour
North Beach is yet another gem that you must explore on your trip to San Francisco.
It is a heaven for food lovers.
The neighborhood takes you to Italy with its trattorias, coffee shops, and cathedrals.
As you soak up the beatnik charm oozing from everywhere, the whiff of freshly-baked bread will lure you to the bakery.
On the tour, have some exotic truffles, breads, specialty meats, and a cup of joe made from freshly roasted coffee beans.
Some of the stopovers are Mario’s where you will have Focaccia sandwiches, Z Cioccolato to fulfill your chocolates temptations, Stella Pastry for cannolis, and Molinari delicatessen for deli treats.
- Departure Point: 480 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- Departure Times: 10am or 2pm
- Duration: 3 hours
7. Chinatown Walking Tour
The ever-buzzing Chinatown district of San Francisco is an amalgamation of vibrant alleys, diverse activities, dim sum delights and a rich history.
Take a walking tour of the constantly evolving neighborhood with a professional guide who will ensure you don’t miss anything.
Highlights of the trip are Buddhists temple, an herbal store, Waverly Place, markets at Stockton Street, private clubs and secret societies.
From popular cafes to hole-in-the-wall eateries, the tour offers optional lunch.
You can enjoy a 10-course dim sum meal at one of Chinatown’s best restaurants!
Make sure to read your fortune when you grab a fortune cookie!
- Departure Point: Old St Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- Departure Times: 10am
- Duration: 2 hours
8. A Taste of Japantown
In San Francisco, you will stumble upon one of the three remaining Japantowns in the USA.
Locals are cordial and make you feel right at home. Most of the guides are born and raised here.
The streets are loaded with Japanese art and culture, and the descendants have stuck to their roots.
Check out plazas and courtyards, relax at Asian-themed spas, dare to sing in one of the karaoke bars, and binge on ramen and sushi to your heart’s desire.
Yes, it is absolutely ‘kawaii’ in Japantown.
Some of the popular stopovers are at Post and Buchanan Streets, Japan Center, and Laguna Streets.
- Departure Point: 1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
- Departure Time: 11am
- Duration: 3 hours
9. Gourmet Chocolate Tour
San Francisco and chocolates go a long way back.
It all started in 1852 when an Italian merchant, Domenico Ghirardelli, open the first chocolate confectionery store in SF.
The chocolate hype struck hard, and within a few years, the city revelled in cacao treats.
The gourmet chocolate tours in SF are a dream come true for any chocoholic.
Start the tour at Embarcadero with a local guide and indulge in a plethora of chocolates of unique flavors and textures.
Learn history behind the chocolates, its numerous benefits and recent inventions.
The tour ends at Union Square.
You can also pair your artisanal chocolate treats with craft cocktails and wine tastings.
- Departure Point: Four Embarcadero Center, 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
- Departure Time: 10:30am, 12pm or 2pm
- Duration: 150 to 180 minutes
10. Craft Brews and Bike Tour
Familiarise yourself to the lively streets of San Francisco on a bike ride.
Put on your helmet and cycle through the alleys of Mission District, Arts District, Chinatown and SoMa, and have some awesome craft beer to quench your thirst.
Your guide will give you an insight to the city’s culture, history and daily life.
The tour has three stopovers at the city’s most popular breweries, pubs and beer halls.
Commonly visited places include 21st Amendment, Local Brewing Co, Thirsty Bear Brewing, Southern Pacific Brewing Company, Zeitgeist, Toronado or Magnolia Brew Pub.
After a fun-filled ride, kick back and chill with a beer and chit chat with locals.
- Departure Point: 719 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- Departure Time: 2pm
- Duration: 3 hours
11. Visit Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma are well known for their picturesque beauty and fine wine all over the world.
The expert guides take you on a wonderful wine tour.
Learn about premium wineries and the entire wine making procedure right from grapes picking to a memorable walk through lovely vineyards.
There are plenty of local shops loaded with finest wines and souvenirs to buy on your way back.
Stop by for a hearty meal in Yountville or the Sonoma Square Plaza.
On your drive over, you can absorb the captivating beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge and take some unforgettable pictures of your trip.
- Departure Point: 478 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- Departure Time: 9am
- Duration: 8 hours
12. Napa Valley Wine Train
One of the most unique ways to explore the wonders of Napa Valley in all its glory, is to hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
This train takes you through all the scenic routes with the best wines to couple with lovely landscapes.
The wine train has been in service for over 30 years.
It has a rustic, antique look with the typical 1950s vibe.
The locomotives pull vintage cars are revamped to offer a one of a kind experience to its passengers.
You can opt for an exclusive lunchtime ride, or better yet a full day excursion for gourmet dining and stops at all the famous wineries.
- Departure Point: Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
- Departure Time: 10:50am Ambassador or Grgich Hills
- Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
13. Redwoods and Wine Country Day Trip
The awe-inspiring Coastal Redwood forest is a sight to behold.
Taking a stroll through the lush green trees, while the fresh pine scent fills up your senses is the best way to unwind during your trip and set your mind at ease.
You also get a chance to experience fine wine and dining at the Sonoma and Napa valleys through this tour.
For lunch, you can head to the historic Sonoma Plaza.
There are three wineries that you can tour in this day trip and stop by to enjoy the finest wines.
You also get the opportunity to take pictures with the charming Golden Gate Bridge backdrop.
- Departure Point: San Francisco, CA, USA
- Departure Time: 30 AM
- Duration: 10 hours
14. Muir Woods & Wine Country Tour
This is not just a food and wine tour, but also highlights two of the most iconic landmarks of the Bay Area in a single trip.
The relaxing tour allows you to taste some of the finest wines of the world throughout the day at two wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valley.
There is a wide assortment of wines ranging from white, red and dessert wines.
Enjoy a refreshing and peaceful walk through the woods and stop by at the Muir Wood national monument.
There is also the opportunity to explore the historic Sonoma Plaza and take pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge backdrop for a picture perfect holiday card!
- Departure Point: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, 333 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- Departure Time: 7:30am
- Duration: 10 to 11 hours
15. Dinner Dance Cruise
Dinner Dance Cruise is a fun way to experience San Francisco Bay while partying with family and friends.
The dinner cruise has a duration of about 2.5 to 3 hours and includes 4 high class gourmet meals prepared with fresh and local ingredients.
After you’ve enjoyed the delicious feast, you can dance to the beats of the live band.
Have the time of your life with breathtaking nighttime views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, the stunning city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
To make your experience even better, get a window seat with a bottle of sparkling wine.
- Departure Point: Hornblower Cruises & Events, Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
- Departure Time: 6:30 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
16. Champagne Brunch Cruise
This buffet brunch cruise comes loaded with onboard entertainment, fascinating views and delicious food to feast on.
The highlights of the cruise include a meticulously prepared gourmet brunch with the finest, fresh ingredients and unlimited champagne to sip on while sailing through the San Francisco Bay.
The views from the cruise include the remarkable San Francisco skyline, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the lovely Alcatraz Island.
The local musicians heighten your experience with lovely tunes, and there are a lot of opportunities to pose for pictures.
You might even find a memorable click to remember your trip by from the ship’s photographer.
- Departure Point: Hornblower Cruises & Events, Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
- Departure Time: 11:00 AM
- Duration: 2 hours
17. Fisherman’s Wharf Pass
Cover the most iconic sights and the best of San Francisco has to offer, with this two day Fisherman’s wharf pass trip.
You can enjoy plenty of local attractions with this trip.
Aquarium of the Bay is a great place to spend an evening amongst killer sharks and variety of fishes.
This is followed by a tour of Madame Tussauds to pose with the wax figurines of your favorite stars.
The tour also includes a thrilling 7-D experience and the San Francisco Dungeon, where you can witness the historic events of value recreated on the impressive 360 degree sets.
Wind up the tour with a romantic cruise along the tranquil bay on a lovely Gold and Blue Fleet cruise.
With all these attractions nearby, you’ll have plenty of time to freely explore all the restaurants and food in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
- Departure Point: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- Departure Time: Flexible
- Duration: 2 days
18. Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz
As its name suggests, this is more of a combo tour to combine the goodness of delectable cuisines with the beauty of Alcatraz Island.
The food tasting tour is at the Ferry Building Marketplace, and usually in the presence of an expert food tour guide.
The highlights of the food tour include:
- Heavenly tasting fresh loaves from Acme Bread
- Colorful macarons from Miette
- Chocolate confections from Recchuiti
- And of course, fine artisan cheese from Cowgirl Creamery to pair with some fine wine.
This is followed by a 4-5 hours long tour of Alcatraz Island, which you can explore at your own pace.
The main attraction of the sight is the world-famous prisons and a beautiful lighthouse overlooking the serene blue waters.
- Departure Point: Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
- Departure Time: 10:00 AM
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
San Francisco offers everything food lovers want, along with culture and history.
If you still can’t make up your mind, have a look at our other food tours and adventures in the area.
Also read:
- 11 Best Luxury San Francisco Hotels Near Union Square
- 20 Best San Francisco Hotels for Families
- 10 Best San Francisco Hotels Near Airport With Free Shuttles
- 10 Best Beaches in San Francisco
- 24 Fun Things to do in San Francisco at Night
- Is Alcatraz Island Open For Tours?
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