One of the best ways to learn about a new place is through its cuisine. Preparing food, serving dishes, and sharing memories are integral to many cultures. What’s the best way to discover a city’s best eats? Take a food tour and explore what the town has to offer. 

In this article, we’ll use San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, which is full of incredible restaurants, as an example of what to expect in a food tour. Here’s what you need to know about this culinary experience.

What Is a Food Tour?

As the name suggests, a food tour takes you around a city to discover its best eats. You’ll test the town’s top restaurants during your stay and explore the local cuisine. These tours are beneficial if you’ve never been to a city before and want to engage with the community. Learning about food is vital because it tells you about the city’s history and people.

For example, a food tour in Little Italy could take you to iconic spots like Nonna + Zucchero, where traditional Italian recipes come to life, or Ironside Fish & Oyster, where seafood is served in a stylish setting that reflects the neighborhood’s coastal roots.

Sampling the local fare reveals the neighborhood’s rich Italian heritage and modern twist on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll not only taste exquisite dishes but also learn about the evolution of Little Italy as one of the city’s most vibrant dining destinations.

How Can You Take a Food Tour in Your New City?

If you’re visiting or moving to a new city, the abundance of activities can feel overwhelming. That said, a food tour could be just what you need to learn the ins and outs. Here are a few ways to commence this adventure:

Book a Tour

The first option is to book a food tour with a local organization. These experts regularly host cuisine courses in their city and understand the best places to go. A carefully crafted tour immerses you in the local culture and makes you feel like a lifelong resident. Plus, you might make new friends looking for a similar experience.

In Little Italy, a guided tour could take you to Barbusa, known for its modern Italian flair, or Mona Lisa Italian Foods, a classic spot for authentic Italian dishes. Some tours may also highlight the history behind these restaurants, such as the influence of Italian immigrants who established the neighborhood as a culinary hub.

Walk With a Local

While guided food tours are great, they may only suit some personalities. You may prefer a smaller and more intimate group for your experience, so a tour with a local could be up your alley. Have you made friends at work or in your neighborhood? Ask somebody to take you to their favorite spots in the immediate area or even across town.

If you ask a local from Little Italy, they might recommend hidden gems like Buon Appetito, a cozy restaurant with a fantastic menu. They may also recommend Civico 1845, known for its fresh plant-based options alongside traditional Italian dishes. These recommendations are often more personal and will reveal the local favorites you might miss on a larger tour.

Create Your Own Experience

If you can’t find a tour you like, you can create your own experience. First, you can research local food blogs to find the best restaurants and which hidden spots are worth trying. Alternatively, you could walk around the city and try restaurants at random to form your own opinions. Your experience will be valuable for showing family around or introducing future neighbors to the city’s cuisine.

In Little Italy, creating your own tour might lead you to well-loved spots like Bencotto Italian Kitchen, where pasta is handmade daily, or The Crack Shack, which offers gourmet fried chicken with an upscale twist. With so many delicious options, a DIY food tour in a new city is bound to be a culinary adventure.

What Are the Benefits of a Food Tour?

Food tours take you on a tasty trip around town and create fun days. What do you gain from this experience? Here are three benefits of your food tour:

1. You Get to Know the City

Whether you’re visiting or moving to a new city, it’s always helpful to learn as much as possible beforehand. Researching the local restaurants, attractions, and transportation options can make your move smoother. If you’re relocating, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the city is to travel there before a permanent move. Even a week in your new town helps the immersion process — especially if you are familiar with the food.

In Little Italy, food is central to the community’s identity. Strolling through its streets, you’ll find great restaurants but also the Piazza della Famiglia, a central gathering space where locals come to eat, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at Pappalecco for authentic gelato or sipping espresso at Caffe Italia, you’ll feel the heart of this neighborhood through its food.

One of the primary obstacles to an extended visit is work. However, sites like Anyplace make it easier to find rentable workspaces for your trip. Use the accommodation search to see the best spaces for you. These furnished apartments typically include gyms, on-site laundry and fast internet. Staying here means you can easily live — and eat — like a local. 

2. You’ll Experience Diverse Cultures

Visiting a new city is an excellent experience because you see its diversity. People travel from around the world to live in various U.S. cities, and a food tour is a great way to see their impact. This guided opportunity could be your chance to expand your palate if you’ve never tried a specific cuisine. When will you get another opportunity to try Ethiopian or Sri Lankan restaurants?

Little Italy may be rooted in Italian tradition, but it also reflects a diverse food scene with influences from across the world. You’ll find everything from Italian specialties to modern seafood, Asian fusion, and innovative California cuisine, showcasing the evolving diversity of the neighborhood.

3. You Will Support Small Businesses

When you embark on a food tour, you want to see the best restaurants in the city. While the most famous spots have terrific eats, your experience is better when you support small businesses. Locals value these mom-and-pop shops and restaurants because they’re the heartbeat of a community. Without them, the city wouldn’t be the same.

Many of Little Italy’s beloved restaurants are small, family-owned establishments that have been part of the community for generations. Dining at places like Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, a family-run institution since 1950, is not just a meal but a connection to the neighborhood’s history.

Finding Fun With a Food Tour

Food represents togetherness, as sharing a meal creates bonds between people. Testing a city’s cuisine fosters the same ideals, as eating at local restaurants helps you understand the community.

If you want to familiarize yourself with a town, try a food tour to see the best places it offers. You’ll explore new dishes and make new connections along the way. 

And if you book your trip with Anyplace, you’ll have the chance to live and eat like a local, discovering hidden gems and authentic flavors that longer-term travelers get to enjoy.

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