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Gourmet Ghosts & Italian Flavors: A Spooky (and Delicious) Night in North Beach
by Jill Loeffler •
Published: July 2, 2025
After living in San Francisco on and off for the past two decades, I didn’t think much could surprise me about the city, especially not in North Beach, a neighborhood I’ve wandered through countless times.
But the Gourmet Ghost Tour from Stretchy Pants proved me wrong in the best way possible.
This tour is the perfect mix of spooky stories, fascinating local history, and, most importantly, fantastic food.
Over the course of three hours, our small group wandered through North Beach’s historic streets, ducked into some local institutions, and enjoyed a multi-course tasting experience filled with unexpected gems.
By the end, I was full, slightly spooked, and completely charmed.
What to Expect During this Tour
We started at the historic San Remo Hotel, which set the perfect tone.
Built just after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, the building oozes old San Francisco character. It’s also home to Fior d’Italia, the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S., a fitting first stop for a North Beach food tour.
Our guide, Robert, was warm, funny, and knew exactly how to draw us in with his storytelling.
Even before the first bite, he had us hooked with tales about why North Beach is named the way it is (spoiler: it’s not near a beach anymore) and the ghostly rumors surrounding the San Remo itself.
Inside Fior d’Italia, we sampled two classic Italian dishes, heard tales about the hotel’s haunted past (including which room ghost hunters always request), and played around with a ghost-hunting app that Robert pulled up on his phone.
It was equal parts eerie and entertaining, and paired with great food and conversation, it was a fantastic start.
From there, we strolled south along Mason Street for what turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Robert shared a chilling ghost story that I won’t spoil here, but trust me, it’s not one you’ll hear on the usual tourist circuit.
This part of the tour felt special, like we were being let in on a secret slice of San Francisco’s haunted history.
Our next stop took us to Washington Square Park, where the wind picked up just as Robert launched into more ghostly tales. The timing couldn’t have been better.
Then it was off to a sandwich shop I’d walked by dozens of times without noticing. (I’m intentionally not naming it. You really need to discover it yourself on the tour!)
The sandwich was made with bread from the iconic Liguria Bakery, and although it was vegetarian, the flavor was rich, complex, and completely satisfying. I never thought a meatless sandwich would stand out on a food tour, but this one blew me away.
As we continued deeper into North Beach, we learned more about several spots steeped in history, including the Saloon and Caffe Trieste.
I’d been to both before, but hearing the stories behind them, especially in the context of ghosts, artists, and musicians, gave me a fresh perspective on their place in San Francisco’s colorful past.
Then came pizza. I’d visited this spot many times before (again, no spoilers), but hearing Robert’s take on the location’s history while enjoying a slice with the group gave it new life.
It was also a great moment for our small group to relax, chat, and share travel stories. The intimate group size (just four guests plus Robert) made it feel more like hanging out with friends than being on a formal tour.
Finally, we wrapped up the night with something sweet. Dessert was at a beloved spot that has changed hands in recent years, but thankfully, the old owners passed down their treasured recipe.
After all that food, I almost didn’t have room, but I powered through and was so glad I did.
Final Thoughts
This tour is a true San Francisco treat. The walking distance is less than a mile (with the longest stretch between the first and second stops), and the pace is relaxed.
North Beach is fairly flat, making it accessible to most people. I’d recommend dressing in layers. San Francisco evenings are usually windy and chilly, with a layer of fog in the summer.
Comfortable shoes and a warm jacket will make a big difference.
The food is included in the tour cost, but drinks are extra, so bring a little cash or a card if you’d like a glass of wine or a cocktail along the way.
And yes, don’t forget to tip your guide, especially if it's Robert, who absolutely nailed the balance of being knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining.
And lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the company name: Stretchy Pants. By the end of the evening, after all that focaccia, pasta, pizza, and dessert, the name couldn’t have felt more appropriate. You’ll definitely want to wear yours.
Whether you're a local looking to rediscover a familiar neighborhood in a new light or a visitor wanting a deliciously offbeat introduction to San Francisco, the North Beach: Gourmet Ghost Tour is a hauntingly good time. Highly recommended.
Find out more on the Stretchy Pants official site.
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