Chinatown Food Tour for $99
Avital’s Chinatown Food Tour (private tour only) starts at $99 per person + $25 service fee = $124 per person total. No hidden fees or extra charges.
Secret Food Tours vs. Sidewalk Food Tours in San Francisco: Which One Should You Book?
October 6, 2025
Trying to decide between Secret Food Tours and Sidewalk Food Tours for the best San Francisco food tour? San Francisco is an amazing culinary city and one of the best ways to experience it is through a food tour. But not all food tours are the same; some leave you with lifelong memories while others leave much to be desired.
As the team behind Avital Experiences, we’ve led thousands of San Francisco food tours and are experts when it comes to what makes a great experience. In this post, we’ll compare these two popular SF food tour companies to help you pick the best tour for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Secret Food Tours | Sidewalk Food Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 per person | $89 per person |
| Duration / Format | 3-3.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Number of Food Tastings | 5 tastings, including “Secret Dish” | 5 tastings |
| Alcohol / Drink Inclusions | Water; alcohol upgrades available | Some restaurants will provide water |
| Neighborhoods | North Beach & Chinatown Mission District | North Beach, Chinatown, Mission District |
| Group Size (Public) | 12 guest max | Must book at least 2 tickets; 12 guest max |
| Tour Availability | Everyday at 11am | Varies by tour |
| Flexibility & Private Options | Private tours available; some customization | Private tours available; some customization. Price increases to $99+ |
| Reputation & Reviews | 4.9 stars, 200 reviews | 5 stars, 400 reviews |
Brand & Background
Secret Food Tours
- Secret Food Tours is a global brand operating in many cities, including San Francisco
- Founded in 2013 in Europe
- Tours are more established and consistent with the same run of show from tour to tour.
- Tours are available every day
- They offer tours in North Beach & Chinatown, and a tour in the Mission District
Sidewalk Food Tours
- Sidewalk Food Tours is offers food tours in several US cities, including San Francisco.
- Founded in 2011 in NYC
- Tour run of show varies based on restaurant availability.
- Limited tour availability
- They offer tours in Mission District, North Beach, and Chinatown,
- Like the name states, many dishes are served outside, on the sidewalk
Price
Secret Food Tours
- Secret Food Tours are $79.99 + $2 Booking Fee + Tax = ~$90 per person.
- Updated drinks package upgrade is available for ~$25 per person.
- Gratuity for your host is not included in price. 15-20% is the industry standard, which comes to ~$15-30 per person.
- All-in pricing comes to $105 to $145 per person.
Sidewalk Food Tours
- Sidewalk Food Tours are $89 + $11 Booking Fee = ~100 per person.
- No drinks upgrade available
- Gratuity for your host is not included in price. 15-20% is the industry standard, which comes to ~$15-20 per person.
- All-in pricing comes to $115 to $120 per person.
Tour Experience & Flow
Secret Food Tours – Mission District Tour
- Meeting Point: Mission Tour (1268 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110)
- The tour starts at one of the neighborhood’s best-known taquerias, where guests try a Mission-style burrito.
- The next stop features Quesabirria, a Mexican specialty known for its slow-cooked beef and melted cheese.
- Participants then visit a long-standing neighborhood bakery, operating for more than 65 years, to sample traditional Mexican sweet bread.
- The tour also includes a stop for mariquitas, a Cuban-style plantain chip snack
- The last stop is a local small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate maker for the “secret tasting.”
Sidewalk Food Tours – Mission District Food Tour
- Meeting Point: Pirate Store (826 Valencia Street, San Francisco 94110)
- The itinerary includes approximately five stops, which may vary by tour. Typical tasting locations have included:
- Craftsman & Wolves – a contemporary bakery where food and design intersect.
- Taqueria Cancun – serving authentic Mexican tacos with fresh ingredients.
- Arepas Latin Cuisine – offering Venezuelan arepas and other Latin American bites.
- Tartine Bakery – a well-known French-style bakery where guests skip the line.
- Curry Up Now – featuring Indian street food with fusion twists, such as tikka masala burritos.
Dietary Restrictions
Secret Food Tours
- Most of Secret Food Tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. You can email [email protected] prior to booking your tour to see if they are able to accommodate your dietary needs.
Sidewalk Food Tours
- Sidewalk Food Tours does accommodate most dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, diabetic, and nut allergies.
- Some guests have reported allergic reactions due to dietary restrictions not being followed as requested.
Group Size, Customization & Private Tours
Secret Food Tours
- Public tours have a maximum group size of 12 guests.
- They offer private tours and customizable options (depending on availability).
- Because they’re a bigger brand, scheduling flexibility may be more limited in peak demand times.
Sidewalk Food Tours
- Public tours have a maximum group size of 12 guests.
- They also offer private or custom tours for large groups. Private tours start at $99 per person.
- Possibly more flexible to adjust stops or side detours depending on guest interest.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
Secret Food Tours
Which Tour Is Best for You?
Secret Food Tours if you…
- Want a consistent tour structure
- Want to know what you are tasting before booking
- Don’t have dietary restrictions
- Want to use the same company for different global city tours
Sidewalk Food Tours if you…
- Want to try lots of tastings
- Don’t mind tastings served standing
- Don’t need to know the exact tastings ahead of booking
- Want to use the same company for different US city tours
When to Choose Avital’s San Francisco Food Tours
Both Sidewalk and Secret food tours are good options if you’re interested in trying lots of small tastings, potentially served standing on the sidewalk. They both also do a great job of incorporating tidbits and fun facts about the neighborhood you’re touring. However, if you’re looking for a higher-end experience, Avital’s San Francisco food tours may be right for you.
You want a higher-end seated experience
All of our tastings are served seated at reserved tables
You want to visit the best restaurants in San Francisco
We visit the best of the best, like James Beard award-winning restaurants and Michelin hot spots.
You want to add alcohol
All of our tours include an option beverage package which includes 3 alcoholic (or n/a alternatives) beverages, perfectly paired with your meal.
You have dietary restrictions
We accommodate all dietary restrictions so every guest feels full and cared for.
You are booking a private food tour
We specialize in private food tours for team building, corporate events, and birthday celebrations.
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