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

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.

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

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!

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.

The historic "Italian Cathedral" of the West where Joe DiMaggio was photographed after his wedding.

The center of North Beach life, perfect for people-watching and local history.

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.

Visible atop Telegraph Hill throughout much of the North Beach walk.

Legendary independent bookstore and publisher at the heart of the Beat Generation movement.

A vibrant, mural-filled alley connecting North Beach and Chinatown.

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.

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.