From brunch and food halls to pizza and coffee shops, we know San Diego’s food scene sizzles. In fact, there are so many pockets of culinary gems, many local communities host annual “Taste of” events — self-guided food tours spotlighting a neighborhood’s buzziest restaurants. Let’s take a scrumptious stroll, shall we?
Taste of Third | March | $55
Sip and sample your way through 25+ hotspots in downtown Chula Vista guided by a “passport” that highlights participating businesses and their offerings. This year’s event went down on Thursday, March 20 — don’t miss next year’s round.
A little cheers to big flavors.
Photo via Fabulous Hillcrest
Taste of Hillcrest | April | $35
This year’s event featured ~25 restaurants, from cozy cafes to high-end spots. We can’t wait for the 2026 edition.
Taste of City Heights | April | $40
City Heights businesses are in recovery mode after a lengthy construction project heavily impacted traffic to University Avenue for many months. San Diego was able to show local businesses some love at the inaugural Taste of City Heights this past April, and we love that.
Taste of La Mesa Village | April | $40
The La Mesa Village Association debuted this event on April 24, 2025 and it quickly sold out. With so many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in The Village, we think this is a perfect addition to our local “Taste of” offerings and hope it returns in 2026.
Taste of Cardiff | May | $50-$55
Cardiff 101 Main Street hosts this fun foodie event featuring the best bites and drinks from 20+ eateries along San Elijo Avenue in downtown Cardiff and Restaurant Row along South Coast Highway 101.
The self-guided foodie stroll in East Village is on May 21 + May 22, 2025.
Photo via Taste of East Village
Taste of East Village | May | $44
This year, more than 30 restaurants offered their tastiest samples for the two-day event. There’s a tasting and mapping “passport” involved at this one, too, which makes it extra fun.
Taste of Little Italy | June | $71
This two-day food event will showcase food and drinks spanning the 48 blocks along the popular neighborhood. When you check in at Piazza della Famiglia, you’ll receive a “Taste Passport” to track your palate’s progress. This year’s event is set for Tuesday, June 17 + Wednesday, June 18, 4-8 p.m.
Taste of Cardiff typically takes over the community in early May.
Photo via Cardiff%20101%20Main%20Street
Taste of Adams Avenue | June | $50+
This gastronomic trek along uptown SD’s beloved thoroughfare is scheduled for Sunday, June 29. The lineup will include 40 restaurants, coffeehouses, bakeries, pubs, breweries, and wine bars; tickets usually go on sale in early June.
Taste of San Diego East | June | $45+
The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce typically hosts this event every summer in Hotel Circle to shine the spotlight on La Mesa’s food scene. This year, the event will be at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa on Monday, June 23, 5-8 p.m.
Taste of Little Italy is so big, it’s a two-day affair.
Photo via Little Italy Association
Taste of Eastlake | July | $80
Enjoy samples from more than 40 local purveyors, listen to live entertainment, and partake in a silent auction in support of Eastlake K-12 public schools at this country-themed food event happening Friday, July 25 at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Grab tickets.
Taste of Encinitas | August | Price TBD
Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association will host this annual foodie event on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. with bites from eateries that make the coastal town a real catch. Tickets should go on sale soon.
Sabor del Barrio | August or September | Price TBD
The inaugural event debuted in late August 2023 highlighting 30+ establishments in the Barrio Logan Culture District — from breweries and coffee shops, to food trucks and street vendors. It returned in September 2024 and we hope for a three-peat this year.
Taste of East Village is one of the newest foodie tours on the block.
Photo via Oveth Martinez
Taste of Old Town | September | $44+
Snacks with a side of history. Stroll through the “Birthplace of California” while enjoying the landmark’s restaurants on Thursday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m.. Pro tip: Upgrade your tickets with the Tequila Tour and sip on sample cocktails from participating restaurants.
Taste of South Park | September | $50+
After a five-year hiatus, the neighborhood foodie event will return on Saturday, Sept. 13, 12-4 p.m. with 20+ local eateries offering samples of their best bites and sips. Pro tip: There will be free trolley rides throughout the neighborhood during the event.
Taste of Gaslamp | September | $62+
More than 20 restaurants and bars spanning 16 blocks in the heart of downtown San Diego shine at this annual event. We’re anxiously awaiting its return in 2025 — it’s going down on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1-4 p.m. Get tickets.
All aboard — Taste of College Area returns this September.
Photo via College Area Business District
Taste of College Area | September | $44
This event — happening Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — will stretch from El Cajon Boulevard and 54th Street to 73rd Street and the SDSU campus, highlighting neighborhood hot spots like Scrimshaw Coffee, SciEats, The Luau, The Mesa Bar & Grill, and many more. Bonus: Attendees can score free Old Town Trolley rides along the event route to travel between participating eateries. Pro tip: Use the promo code EARLY10 for 10% off tickets through August.
Taste of North Park | October | Price TBD
Nosh your way through this food-centric neighborhood that some of SD’s buzziest restaurants call home. This event typically includes 40+ participating eateries, plus breweries and cideries. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, and details should be released this summer.
Taste of Point Loma | October | Price TBD
The San Diego Yacht Club spearheads this fall event featuring dozens of local food and drink vendors like Bali Hai, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, and Point Loma Fish Shop.
Taste of Coronado | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | $80+
The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club will host the 16th annual installment of this foodie event featuring food + drinks from the island’s top restaurants. This year’s event will benefit Forever Balboa Park and the ongoing restoration of the landmark’s historic carousel.
Taste of Carlsbad Village | October | Price TBD
The heart of the Village will be poppin’ for this one — there’s a lot to see, drink, and eat.
Taste of Cardiff is a must-do event for foodies in San Diego’s North County — it returns May 1, 2025.
Photo via Cardiff 101 Main Street
Taste of Oceanside | October | Price TBD
MainStreet Oceanside hosts this annual event in the heart of O’Side. Pro tip: Be on the lookout for a VIP party the night before the big event — in the past, this gathering has been held at the Oceanside Museum of Art, featuring a guest chef.
Taste of Ocean Beach | November | Price TBD
Ocean Beach MainStreet Association hosts this stroll through the laid-back beach community’s restaurants, bars, and breweries. Attendees receive a “tasting card” that serves as their guide to the participating businesses. OB’s event typically closes out the “Taste of” affairs for the year in SD.
Did we miss a great “Taste of” event in your community? Send us an email with details — we could go for another round.
