San Diego native Lisa Sikes openly admits she loves her city and its food. When she became owner of the culinary walking tour company Bite San Diego in 2016, she found an ideal way to combine both passions and share them with visitors. With sunny weather that encourages year‑round exploration, guests on her tours sample a range of San Diego cuisine while learning the stories and history that shaped the local restaurant scene.
Experiencing a place through its food is one of the most sensory and revealing ways to discover a destination. “Food is a common bond we all share and such an exciting way to experience a new city or town,” Sikes says. She makes a point of seeking local recommendations when she travels, noting that eating like a local often unveils unexpected and delicious finds. Food connects you to a place’s culture and gives a distinctive perspective on the city you’re visiting, making travel richer and more memorable—especially for your taste buds.
During one tour I joined, Greg Louvier Sr. guided our group starting at Slater’s 50/50 Burgers by Design. Many of the stops that day were in Liberty Station, a well‑known culinary destination in San Diego. From Slater’s we visited Liberty Public Market, sampled crepes at Olala and empanadas at Parana, enjoyed cheeses at Venissimo, and tasted teas at Point Loma Tea. The tour concluded with an impressive meal at Solare, recognized among San Diego’s best restaurants in 2017; its chef Accursio Lota was honored as Best Chef that year.
As San Diego’s culinary scene continues to evolve, Sikes adds new routes and partners with more restaurants for both public and private tours. Bite San Diego aims to offer an immersive experience that highlights standout food while weaving in the neighborhood histories and anecdotes that bring the city to life. Guests leave not only satisfied with great tastes but also with a deeper appreciation for San Diego’s food culture and the stories behind it.
Looking ahead, Sikes plans to expand offerings to spotlight San Diego’s growing craft beer scene and nearby wineries. “Bite and Sip San Diego is on the horizon,” she says, signaling new tours that will pair the city’s culinary highlights with locally brewed and vintner‑produced beverages.