San Diego Little Italy Food Tour: Pizza, Pasta & Pizzas
San Diego Little Italy Food Tour: Pizza, Pasta & Pizzas
“Eat” with us on a Little Italy food tour!
Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas
No San Diego Little Italy walking tour would be complete without exploring this culinary hotspot’s best places to eat. Known for its variety of restaurants, America’s biggest Little Italy has become a food lover’s bucket list destination, and we’re here to show it off!
Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.
About:
Little Italy is an Italian enclave of great culinary delights in downtown San Diego, and its vibrant atmosphere can be observed during a city tour. San Diego’s Italian quarter has grown in popularity for not just Italian fare, but also for the rich array of local restaurant hot-spots that have opened up in the last 10 years, or so. In addition to the traditional pasta and pizza dishes, Little Italy offers up top chef cuisine, vegan breakfasts, juicy burgers, and lounges for dancing and fine cocktails! Consider every day a Little Italy food fest! The streets of Little Italy are lined with Italian American staples, making the Little Italy Tour a must-try experience among travelers visiting San Diego. The possibilities to whet your palate are endless. After all, what better way to savor the delicious food paired with sangria, beer, or wine tasting. Our Little Italy tours will have you savoring iconic bites while you get an understanding of the history and current vibe of the neighborhood with one of our professional and personable tour guides.
- A walking tour of the exciting history of Little Italy
- Taste a combination of Italian flavors and unique bites from 4 restaurants that represent the area
- Learn about the early fishing industry of San Diego
- Meet some of the local Italians and Italian immigrants who’ve been a part of the revitalization of the area
- Wine, sangria or local beer tasters
Rates:
Adults (Ages 13+): $88.00
Duration:
2.5 hours
Private Groups:
Do you have a group of 10 or more guests? Contact us to book a private tour.
Book Online Now:
Share this tour with someone you love!
UNIQUE FLAVORS
It wouldn’t be Little Italy without pizza, pasta, and paninis. On our Little Italy San Diego food tour, you’ll also get a taste of Little Italy’s thriving food scene, which is full of everything from delectable burgers to vegan breakfasts.
RICH HISTORY
Going all the way back to the 1900s, Little Italy is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city that’s still active today, and you’ll get to learn all about its tumultuous past, from its growth as a fishing hotspot to its decline and eventual comeback.
DRINKS GALORE
Groups of 10 or more can book a private tour at any day and time with a local tour guide. Plus, you can select different add-ons for an even more immersive touring experience of Little Italy.
Explore + Experience
Our Restaurant Partners
1643 India St, San Diego, 92101
(619) 255-7826
This restaurant is the epiphany of everything we love about Italian cuisine. From their handmade pasta, to their traditional pizza, house-baked breads and cookies, and house-made gelato. Enjoy the best of Italian cuisine in a relaxed environment.
Mr. Moto Pizza
1702 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 539-7370
A New York pizzeria offering a unique twist in ingredients and flavors.
1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 546-0444
Whimsical New Zealand-themed pub serving upscale bar fare & a large selection of draft beers.
1602 State St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-4590
One of the original Italian-style cafes in Little Italy offering house-made pastries and gelato. All gelato is made using fresh ingredients and is sourced locally as well as from Italy.
Bobboi
Inside Little Italy Food Hall
&
2175 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Bobboi is known for their delicious, and authentic gelato that is a labor of love by two Italian immigrants, former-lawyers-turned-gelato-creators.
Ballast Point
2215 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Ballast Point is one of the biggest names in San Diego beers. Taste one of their best brews to pair with a delicious fish taco in their gorgeous space.
IF YOU LOVE TO EAT
Here at So Diego, we believe that food and drink are the best way to experience a new place, and that holds true for Little Italy tours especially. From house-made gelato to iconic pizzas and everything in between, you’ll get a taste of the dishes that make this town one of San Diego’s most beloved destinations.
IF YOU LOVE TO HAVE FUN
When we say Little Italy is San Diego’s top spot for food and fun, we mean it. In addition to satisfying your palette, you’re sure to have a great time with one of our tour guides, who don’t just know their Little Italy history, but also how to make the most out of the area’s energetic vibe. Our Little Italy food tour is expertly curated by our boutique San Diego destination management team.
IF YOU LOVE CONNECTIONS
We’re all about genuine connections and authentic experiences. So on this Little Italy food tour, you won’t just connect with the neighborhood through its food. For a totally immersive experience, you’ll also learn about the area’s rich history and meet some of the locals that make Little Italy the charming town that it is.
Ready to experience
the Italian flavors of San Diego?
Book Your Tour
San Diego’s Little Italy is the town of food and fun, and you can join in with just a few simple clicks!
Meet The People
As you taste your way through the town, you’ll get to meet some of the locals that bring this culinary hotspot to life.
Learn The History
Get a closer look at Little Italy’s extensive history and how the district has become the thriving neighborhood it is today.
Mangia!
From traditional pasta to modern culinary creations, Little Italy has enough food variety to satisfy just about anyone’s tastebuds.
Ready to experience
the Italian flavors of San Diego?
Book Your Tour
Little Italy is the town of food and fun, and you can join in with just a few simple clicks!
Meet The People
As you taste your way through the town, you’ll get to meet some of the locals that bring this culinary hotspot to life.
Learn The History
Get a closer look at Little Italy’s extensive history and how the district has become the thriving neighborhood it is today.
Mangia!
From traditional pasta to modern culinary creations, Little Italy has enough food variety to satisfy just about anyone’s tastebuds.
Little Italy Tour FAQ
Our San Diego Tour Guides
Our San Diego Tour Guides
Kaylee Killebrew - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: 5 years, I quickly fell in love with this city.
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting people from all over the world, making them laugh, showing them some of my favorite spots and creating meaningful memories.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: Hillcrest or Old Town. Both are walkable and friendly places with endless restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc. You can find me in Old Town most weekends.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: This is a tough choice, for atmosphere and cocktails probably InsideOUT or Coasterra. For Breakfast…Morning Glory or Great Maple. For Dinner, Queenstown, Underbelly or Bronx Pizza. There are way too many options to choose from!
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: To Read on the beach, host dinner parties with friends or scope out new happy hour spots.
Kaylee Killebrew
Kaylee Killebrew - Tour Guide
Read BioMagdalene Medofer - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: my whole life, I was born here.
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: meeting new folks and sharing San Diego with them.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: Barrio Logan, I love the history of Chicano Park, the eclectic artisan shops, and extensive food scene. The weekend is the best time to explore and watch the lowrider car clubs cruise the neighborhood and visit the shops.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Artifact at the Mingei in Balboa Park. Any dish off their international food menu will blow your mind. They also host monthly themed dinners that highlight a particular cuisine and region.
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Go for a hike at Cuyamaca State Park and swim at Green Valley Falls.
Magdalene Medofer
Tour Guide
Read BioAparna Thakur - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: 1 ½ years!
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting new people, showing them around and telling stories and history of the city.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: La Jolla because of its beautiful beaches, great restaurants and shopping as well as abundance of sea life.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Brigantine
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Watching sunset in point loma Ocean Beach
Aparna Thakur
Tour Guide
Read BioRaul Torres Valadez - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: One year recently and also when I was a teenager.
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting new people.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: Pacific Beach and Coronado.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Oscar’s Mexican seafood and Birrieria la Huasteca.
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Hike in the canyons.
Raul Torres Valadez
Tour Guide
Read BioBen Schorr - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: 5 years, I quickly fell in love with this city.
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting people from all over the world, making them laugh, showing them some of my favorite spots and creating meaningful memories.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: Hillcrest or Old Town. Both are walkable and friendly places with endless restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc. You can find me in Old Town most weekends.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: This is a tough choice, for atmosphere and cocktails probably InsideOUT or Coasterra. For Breakfast…Morning Glory or Great Maple. For Dinner, Queenstown, Underbelly or Bronx Pizza. There are way too many options to choose from!
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: To Read on the beach, host dinner parties with friends or scope out new happy hour spots.
Ben Schorr
Tour Guide
Read BioBleu Ford - Tour Guide
I’ve lived in San Diego for: A long time! I moved to San Diego in 1986 so I have lived here for most of my life. I consider it my adopted home town.
My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: I love both meeting new people and sharing knowledge about this beautiful city. After retiring from USPS I wanted to do work that brings me joy and I have found that being a guide. I love getting a laugh from a group or seeing the spark of excitement when I share a bit of San Diego’s colorful history.
My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: I am partial to my own hood, North Park. I love living here! We lost so many great places due to Covid but it warms my heart to see that this neighborhood is returning to being a vibrant and fun place. It always seems like there is something new or some fun event happening.
My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: A few of my go-to favs are Buona Forchetta in South Park for relaxed patio dining with great food Jimmy Carter’s in Hillcrest for the comfortable and colorful ambiance and great Mexican comfort food and Shwarma Guys food truck (which parks regularly at 30th and Grape in South Park). It is my go-to “I’m super hungry and too tired to cook” take home. It always hits the spot.
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: I recently got an e-bike and my new love is re-discovering the uptown area on two wheels. It is pretty amazing how differently you see the city on a bike. I love strolling through Balboa Park with my wife. We are so lucky to have this awesome park with such a rich history so close to our home. Finally, you can’t beat an early morning walk along the harbor. The waterfront is beautiful in the morning quiet with a bit of fog hanging in the air.
Bleu Ford
Tour Guide
Read Bio