Little Italy (North Beach) Food & History Walking Tour

Group

English

What you’ll do

Your tour will commence at the Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building), home to Francis Ford Coppola's and George Lucas's "Zoetrope Film Studio." Outside Zoetrope Café, our tour guide will warmly welcome the guests and provide an overview of the day's itinerary. As the tour progresses towards the second stop, our guide will share both historical and current events that have played a part in shaping San Francisco's North Beach District. You'll have the opportunity to admire the exquisite murals created by Italian fin-de-siècle painter and illustrator Luigi Brusatori at the Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Strolling along Columbus Avenue, you'll pass by a variety of fantastic restaurants with patrons dining outside. Your tour will continue with a delectable stop at Mona Lisa Restaurant, where you'll have the chance to savor a selection of Antipasti. Our guide will take the opportunity to explain the diverse origins of the food you'll be tasting. Upon arriving at Stella Pastry, you'll be treated to a delightful house-made treat, whether it's biscotti, plain or dipped in chocolate, cannoli, café mocha, or other delectable options. Stella Pastry has been a fixture in North Beach for over 70 years and is an integral part of this close-knit community. The leisurely stroll will lead you to Washington Square for further exploration of San Francisco's "Little Italy." As the group assembles in the park, our guide will take a moment to go over the pizza choices and beverage options for the next culinary segment of the tour. They will also share the fascinating stories of the Peter and Paul Church. Next, we'll head toward "City Lights Book Publishing Company" and "Jack Kerouac Alley." The group will have the opportunity to spend time in this iconic bookstore and explore the alley known as "Jack Kerouac Alley" just around the corner. Murals adorn the walls of this one-block alleyway, connecting the tail end of Chinatown with North Beach. Before the conclusion of the tour, we'll spend time at one of the numerous local watering holes in the area for a beer or cocktail. You can savor your drink while our guide summarizes the day's activities and addresses any questions our guests may have.

Highlights

Pass By: Colombus Tower (Sentinel Building)
Stop At: City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Pass By: Jack Kerouac Alley
Stop At: Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant (Antipasti taste)
Stop At: The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
Stop At: Washington Square
Stop At: Golden Boy Pizza or Giovanni's (Pizza or Focaccia sample)
Stop At: Sts. Peter & Paul's Cathedral
Stop At: Victoria Pastry (Italian Cookies)

Itinerary

Pass By: Colombus Tower (Sentinel Building) Our journey begins at the distinctive copper-green Flatiron-style building, completed in 1907. It currently houses the Zoetrope film studio, co-founded by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in 1972.

Stop At: City Lights Booksellers & Publishers City Lights Booksellers & Publishers: Step inside this iconic bookstore to immerse yourself in the rich literary history of the "beat generation," featuring works by Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Pass By: Jack Kerouac Alley Capture the vibrant murals and graffiti in Jack Kerouac Alley, a photogenic spot filled with artistic expression.

Stop At: Mona Lisa Indulge in a delectable tasting experience at Mona Lisa Restaurant, sampling a variety of Antipasti. Your guide will share insights into the diverse origins of the foods you'll enjoy.

Stop At: The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi Explore the heart of San Francisco's historic North Beach district at Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Learn about the captivating murals by Italian artist Luigi Brusatori, vividly depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Stop At: Washington Square: Savor pastries and coffee from Stella Caffe while exploring the surroundings of Washington Square. Discover the history behind the park's statues and learn about the intriguing time capsules buried within.

Stop At: Golden Boy Pizza or Giovanni's (depending on availability) Relish a stop at Golden Boy Pizza, where you can savor one of the city's best pizzas or enjoy delightful Focaccia, depending on availability.

Stop At: Sts. Peter & Paul's Cathedral: Sts. Peter & Paul's Cathedral Gain insights into the history of the "Italian Cathedral" of San Francisco.

Stop At: Victoria Bakery Conclude your exploration at the renowned Victoria Bakery, a North Beach institution celebrated for its exceptional Italian cookies.