Local Food Tours in California

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about three popular food tours—in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego—from some “tasteful” guides who are truly passionate about the flavors of their respective cities.

First Johnson connects with Avital Ungar, who runs Avital Tours in San Francisco. Ungar delves into the Italian food scene in the city's North Beach neighborhood, and how some of the traditional dishes one can find there have fascinating ties to the people and history of San Francisco.

Next Johnson talks to Sally Tiongco of Six Food Tours in Los Angeles. “Sally from the Valley,” as she calls herself, offers a taste of what you'll find on mouthwatering food tours through Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. From a secret Italian bistro in the Broadway Theater District to a classic English pub near Santa Monica Pier, she says the foodscape offers an endless array of gems that are hidden in plain sight.

Finally Johnson chats with Bianca Beale, who runs So Diego Tours in San Diego. Beale is devoted to the diverse cuisine of her hometown, and raves about the culinary delights one can find in Old Town, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy. (Spoiler alert: This segment of the podcast includes irresistible descriptions of classic San Diego tacos.)

Guests

Avital Ungar, Avital Tours

Sally Tiongco, Six Taste Food Tours

Bianca Beale, So Diego Tours

Resources

Avital Tours founder Avital Ungar says she designs her tours around experiencing San Francisco food like a local.

San Francisco

Mission District

North Beach

Washington Square Park

Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood

Barbara Pinseria & Cocktail Bar

Tommaso's Ristorante Italiano

Lush Gelato

Six Taste Food Tours founder and guide Sally Tiongco believes food tours are a great way to uncover neighborhood favorites you might have otherwise missed.

Los Angeles

DTLA

Angels Flight

Grand Central Market

Sarita's Pupuseria

Sticky Rice

Broadway Theater District

Uli's Gelato

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Public Library

Colapasta

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Ye Olde King's Head Restaurant & Gift Shoppe

Santa Monica Pier

The Georgian Hotel

Tongva Park

Bianca Beale of So Diego Tours is passionate about San Diego and its unique culinary mix.

San Diego

Downtown San Diego

Old Town San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

Little Italy San Diego

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Herb & Wood

Juniper and Ivy

Cafe Coyote

Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila

Tahona Bar

La Jolla

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.