9 Local-Led San Diego Food Tours You’ll Wish You’d Tried Sooner
Looking for an amazing San Diego food tour?
Like much of the West Coast, San Diego is a diverse foodie wonderland bursting with flavors, especially having so much influence from the city’s next-door neighbor, Mexico. Having lived in Los Angeles for three years, if I’d had enough of my usual Asian fusion places up north, I’d casually make a visit to San Diego just for a change of pace and their fish tacos.
With an ever-evolving food scene, it’s impossible to hit all the San Diego hotspots. Gaslamp, Old Town, or Little Italy? There’s always a new food truck or pop-up restaurant waiting to be discovered. That’s where food tours come in handy.
Just want to pick the best? This is my top choice. Reserve this Gaslamp Quarter Food and Drink Tour – Brothels, Bites & Booze with a near 5-star rating that includes delicious food and the dark history of San Diego.
For other areas and samplers, here are 10 of the best San Diego food tours, all led by authentic local guides and thoroughly vetted by us. Whichever you pick, come hungry!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tours in San Diego
Top San Diego Food Tours
1. Gaslamp Quarter Food and Drink Tour – Brothels, Bites & Booze
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Dive into the questionable history of San Diego with this ‘Brothels, Bites, and Booze Culinary Tour.’ This tour combines delicious food with a dash of seedy history for a unique experience catering to foodies and history buffs alike.
This 2.5-hour guided tour promises to satisfy your stomach and entertain you while looking at San Diego’s red light district, nightlife, and haunted side.
Uncover the secrets of its scandalous past in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, from the wild days of the Gold Rush to the Prohibition era. Along the way, sample mouth-watering food from four popular eateries, from street tacos to margaritas.
With three departures per day and limited to 15 people, this trip includes all food tastings and a local guide.
We stopped at some great places and all were very good food and drink samples. We walked through some historic areas including the cemetery, and a haunted house. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend.
– Monica (Read more reviews)
2. Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Packed with chic eats and trendy bard, be in the know of where to eat on this tour through Little Italy. Explore the architecture and culture of how Little Italy came to be while pampering your stomach with a variety of Italian dishes, from gnocchi and stuffed artichokes to an authentic gelato finish.
Walk by clothing boutiques and beautiful piazzas. You’ll hit up locally-owned restaurants and eat at the gourmet food and craft stalls of Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market.
Limited to just 12 people, this package includes a 3.5 hour guided walking tour, with dinner included. Note: They only have tours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Really enjoyed the tour. The food was great and it was fun to learn about the history of Little Italy. I enjoy tours like this because the culture of an area and its food go hand in hand. Our tour guide Arianna was great!
– DAVE (Read more reviews)
3. Old Town Food & Drink Walking Tour – Tequila, Tacos & Tombstones
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Eat your way through the oldest town in California on this Old Town San Diego Food Tour.
If you love Mexican food, this tour really goes all in on this cuisine. Eat award-winning tacos, enchiladas, and sopapillas at some of the best eateries around. You’ll also sample handcrafted tequila to round off your meal, all while joining in the lively atmosphere of mariachi music.
Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town as your guide shares gripping tales of the Wild West, pass by a cemetery, and hear tales about the most haunted house in America, the Whaley House.
With a maximum of 12 people, this 2.5-hour tour includes all food and drink tastings.
Love the experience, our group was small, not overwhelming with a big group. You were able to hear and explore San Diego history…I would definitely suggest going on this tour.
– SANDRA (Read more reviews)
4. Mexican Street food, Tijuana Day trip from San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Hop across the border to another country on this Tijuana Mexican Street Food Day Trip from San Diego. I mean, how cool is it you can eat an actual breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Mexico all on a 7 hour trip!
You’ll have to get yourself to the San Ysidro Border Crossing on the southern edge of San Diego. After an easy walk across the border, you’ll meet your expert guide on the Mexican side. Here, you’ll suddenly find yourself navigating through markets and colorful street stalls as you’re introduced to Mexican culinary traditions.
Taste authentic al pastor tacos, sweet churros, and other local favorites. Do what the local’s day and sprinkle lime and pepper on your fresh fruit. Gnaw on a delicious boiled corn, enhanced with melted butter, lime, and salsa.
With up to 15 other people, make new friends as you learn about Tijuana’s culture and history, with all food tastings included.
If you are looking for a fun filled day in Tijuana seeing where the locals go—look no further this is the tour for you! Tadeo was incredible- he asked our group what we wanted out of tour and he tailored it to make sure we had the experience we wanted! The food, the history, the tequila and shopping were such an awesome way to see Tijuana! This was a 10/10. Highly recommend!
– KATHERINE (Read more reviews)
5. Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 10-12 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Go even further into Baja California on this Premium Valle de Guadalupe tour to one of Mexico’s best wine regions. Along with a taste of Mexico’s finest wines from three boutique wineries, it will be complemented by tasty dishes from a highly-regarded local restaurant.
Like the excursion above, the meet-up point is at the border crossing or in Tijuana. A comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle will transport you south down the beautiful Baja coast, with a fish and shrimp taco stop in Rosarita Beach. Then, you’ll delve into the Valle de Guadalupe’s intricate process of winemaking before stuffing and drinking your face full.
The tour accommodates up to eight passengers. It includes wine, food, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages to keep you full during the 10 to 12 hour excursion.
Had a great time on this tour. The wineries were great that we went to…Would highly recommend this if you’re wanting to check out the Valle wine scene.
– GABRIELLE (Read more reviews)
6. Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour.
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 5-7 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Or you can choose this Puerto Nuevo private tour that whisks you away to Baja California for a day of authentic Mexican food, drinks, and music, all without the hassle of visas, rental cars, or hotel bookings. And it’ll just be you and your group.
If you’re nervous about crossing the border yourself, this outing begins with a convenient pickup from San Diego and transports you across the border to key attractions along the Baja Coast in Tijuana, Rosarito, and Puerto Nuevo.
Each person will get up to five craft beer tastings and a sumptuous lobster lunch while sipping on margaritas. You can even tack on an optional ATV and horseback riding experience.
As a family visiting Mexico for the first, we were really unsure what to expect, but Mario’s tour made for an amazing experience…The lobster lunch was delicious with a wonderful view and private table. Crossing the border into Mexico and traveling back into the US was seamless.
– (Read more reviews)
7. Downtown Food and Drink Tour: Libations on the East Side
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Back across this side of the border, find hidden culinary gems on this food tour through San Diego’s East Village. Sample unique craft beers and innovative cocktails while savoring bites from local eateries in the city’s “new downtown.”
As you wander through this burgeoning neighborhood, you’ll learn about the transformation of the East Village while discovering awesome spots for delicious food.
The itinerary takes you through four to five stops, including award-winning breweries and trendy restaurants, from Wagyu Sliders to Thai Beef Jerky.
We all enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and social aspect of getting to know other people that we may have not had the opportunity to talk to otherwise. Our guide Angela was a ton of fun, full of energy, and was great about accomadating my food allergy.
– nicki (Read more reviews)
8. La Jolla Food and Drink Walking Tour – Sip, Savor & Sea
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Head just north of San Diego to see the sea lions and cliffsides on this La Jolla Foodie Tour. Blend of sightseeing, local cuisine, and wine tasting all in one as you explore the stunning coastline and catch glimpses of sea lions and seals in their natural habitat.
Next, you’ll dive into the local food scene, savoring artisanal bites from pasta to tacos to sliders at 4 to 5 of the town’s top eateries. You’ll also get to taste exquisite local wines and stop at a few fun landmarks.
Join this exclusive 3-hour tour with a limit of just 10 people! You’ll get to enjoy all food and wine tastings, plus gratuities at all the restaurants are included in the package.
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and he took us to some amazing restaurants and a gallery that we never would have found on our own even being locals.
– (Read more reviews)
9. San Diego Vegan Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2-3 Hours | 😍 Book it!
Just an option for all the non-meat eaters out there. Discover the vegan food scene of San Diego with a walking tour through North Park. This experience is perfect for health food lovers that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Eat a variety of plant-based dishes from places like Tribute Pizza to Sipz and Tacotarian. This tour takes you into San Diego’s vegan culture and also teaches you about the city’s history and architecture.
The tour package includes dinner with a maximum limit of just 8 travelers.
I am a San Diego local who recently became vegetarian, so this tour was an awesome way to learn more about the great vegetarian/vegan options in my own neighborhood!…I will be going back to every one of the restaurants on the tour!
– (Read more reviews)
San Diego Travel Guide and FAQ
What is San Diego best known for?
San Diego, often called “America’s Finest City,” is known for its year-round glorious weather, beautiful beaches, and Mexican influence. The city is famous for landmarks like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum, and its rich naval history.
What food is San Diego most famous for?
San Diego is particularly famous for its Mexican cuisine due to its proximity to Mexico. Local favorites such as fish tacos and California burritos are considered must-try dishes for anyone visiting the city.
Is San Diego a foodie city?
Yes, San Diego is a foodie city. Its culinary scene blends international cultures and flavors, providing everything from high-end dining to street food.
Final Thoughts: Foodie Tours in San Diego
I don’t think there’s ever a moment I feel hungry in this California city. In every neighborhood, there are San Diego food tour options. The fusion of flavors and getting a nice history lesson make this experience a must-do while visiting.
In case you’re still not sure which to pick:
- If it’s your first time in the city, join this Gaslamp Food Walking Tour.
- Focus on Italian food; sign up for this food trip through Little Italy.
- Go to Tijuana to eat Mexican food; book this day trip across the border.
If you’re planning to explore more on your own, make sure you don’t miss my awesome one-day guide to San Diego.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?
I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.
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- Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
- One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
- Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
- Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
- Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
- Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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