The Big Apple is a haven for foodies and has plenty of food tours in New York City to choose from. The pickings range from savory to sweet and everything in between—you will surely find something to love in NYC! And if you want to explore and have a taste of the city’s culinary culture, learn more about the food’s history, and try your hand at making these culinary creations yourself, then food tours NYC is the way to go! Thus, we’re listing down the Top Food Tours you should try when you visit New York City.
What is a Food Tour?
Food and tour are two of our most favorite things—and we bet you love them too! When combined, the happiness they provide multiplies, creating an activity you’ll want to experience again and again.
A food tour is a professionally guided tour where you’ll visit a range of local places and try out various specialties while learning more details about the food and how it connects to the area’s culture. In some cases, you might even get a chance to try making the dish yourself! This way, you get to understand and experience first-hand the way locals live through tasting (and sometimes making) authentic local food.
How Do Food Tours Work?
A food tour typically starts with a meetup—usually at a restaurant, or a market—and then with introductions, so you’ll get the chance to know who you’re doing the food tour with, and, of course, you’ll have a briefing on what you need to know about the city and the things you’ll expect during the tour.
Afterward, you’ll visit restaurants, markets, coffee shops, pubs, and other popular food places among the locals and try a small dish or beverage from each stop. It might not look like a lot (at first), but after you’ve toured a few places, you’ll wonder if you still have enough space in your stomach for more!
Don’t worry about burning those extra carbs though, most food tours involve plenty of walking. So you’ll offset the food intake with light exercise. And before you say “walking is too tiring”, we assure you it’s worth it!
So before you go on a food tour, remember to wear comfortable shoes, enjoy every dish served (and don’t overstuff yourself during the first few stops because you’re going to try out a lot of delicacies during the day), and don’t forget to get to know your peers and have fun along the way.
How Much Do Food Tours Usually Cost in NYC?
The cost of the food tour depends on the cost of food and the length of the tour, but an average food tour would cost approximately $70 to $120.
How Long Do Food Tours Last?
Most food tours last for about two to four hours. Although some agencies offer tours lasting for the whole day. Some even go for multiple days, depending on the area you’ll cover and the number of stops you’ll visit.
The BEST Food Tours New York City Has to Offer
Without further ado, we give you the best food tours NYC version!
NYC food tours and covid 19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there might be possible changes to the operations and procedures of each New York food tour agency. For more details about their present tour options, you may refer to the food tour agency’s info page which we will include in the links below.
Best New York Pizza Tours
Large, hand-tossed, thin-crust pizza is the thing that every tourist visiting New York shouldn’t miss out on during their trip. New York-style pizzas are the bomb! And if you want to know where to find the most authentic New York-style pizzas, then we have you covered! Here are the best pizza food tours in NYC.
A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
Voted the number one tour of Brooklyn on TripAdvisor, A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour brings you to the many locally famous to-go spots for pizza in New York City. You can skip the lines and enjoy the food while taking in the sights of Brooklyn. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free tours are also available!
Scott’s Pizza Tours
Scott’s Pizza Tours is another awesome guided food tour in NYC. They offer both public and private pizza tours for groups of up to eight people. They also have private pizza walks—where you can choose a neighborhood and get to have a taste of their top pizzerias, and a No Limits Tour where you go to as many pizzerias as possible in three hours!
Best Cultural Food Tours
Cultural food tours aren’t only filling, they’re also filled with a ton of information about culture and beautiful sights highlighting the city’s history. Here are some of the best cultural food tours in NYC.
Nolita & Little Italy’s Secrets
Tour Little Italy and experience Italian food the American way with Nolita & Little Italy’s Secrets food and culture walking tour. You’ll be able to visit sites made famous by the Godfather movie as well as learn about how The Mafia emerged in NYC.
Ahoy New York Food Tours
If you want to try the food in Little Italy and Chinatown in one awesome tour, then Ahoy New York Food Tours is the one for you. This tour includes seven different food-tasting locations, a handout containing a map of the neighborhood and the to-go food places, and you’ll be able to visit family-owned shops and establishments that have been around for over 100 years!
Best Market & Neighborhood Food Tours
Food markets are a treasure cove. They not only have fantastic fresh produce, but they also have plenty of delicious delicacies. And what better way to explore them than by taking a food tour? Here are some you might want to try.
Chelsea Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Take a food tour of Chelsea Market, NYC’s food hall and shopping district with the Chelsea Market Food and Culture Walking Tour! This tour will showcase the classic NYC foods including a hotdog that’s considered the best in NYC, sumptuous ice cream you wouldn’t want to miss, and a ton of other mouthwatering delicacies that’ll possibly go under your list of favorite foods ever!
Best Food Truck Tours
If you want a taste of the best street food in NYC, then these food truck tours might help satisfy your craving.
Sidewalk Food Tours Downtown NYC Food Truck Tour
Sidewalk Food Tours brings you to a stroll along NYC’s financial district where you’ll experience a gastronomic feast of various local favorites.
Best Chocolate Tours
Satisfy your sweet tooth by exploring the most decadent chocolate treats in New York City. Here are some of the best chocolate food tours NYC style.
Best Tours’ Chocolate Tour of New York
Discover the history of chocolate while sightseeing in the streets of some of New York’s best neighborhoods with Best Tours’ Chocolate Tour of New York. This tour lasts approximately two hours and will take you through Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and SOHO. Chocolate lovers will enjoy this!
A Slice of Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Chocolate Tour
Chocolate samples from the most exclusive chocolatiers in Brooklyn and a look at the finest traditional and artisanal chocolates in the world are only some of the many surprises waiting for you on A Slice of Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Chocolate Tour–a certified treat for chocoholics.
Best Dessert Tours in New York City
Want to check out the best places to get desserts in New York City? These New York food tours are for you!
Sugar Tooth Tours
Walking dessert food tours? Why not?! Sugar Tooth Tours will show you the city’s hidden dessert gems that are located off the beaten path. You’ll discover the bakeries where the locals get their sugar fix, the most decadent pastries, and the best pies in the city along with the cultural history behind them.
Best Self-Guided Food Tours
If you want the freedom to explore food stops, then you might want to try a self-guided food tour. This way, you’ll have full control of your itinerary. So go ahead and invite your friends unless, of course, you prefer to go solo (which can also be a pretty good experience!). If this is your kind of style, then check out these self-guided food tour suggestions:
The Girl With the Passport’s Food Tour in SOHO
If you’re itching to explore SOHO, then check out The Girl With the Passport’s food tour itinerary. She lists down some pretty great places to try out when in NYC. Moreover, since it’s self-guided, should you wish to omit or add a few more places, you can do so anytime. It’s your call!
Made to Travel
Made to Travel also offers a pretty good list of must-visits for your self-guided food tour. They’ve tackled all the types of food you should try in NYC—bagels, pizzas, burgers, doughnuts, and others—and where you should go to taste them.
Best Free Food Tours
Food tours don’t have to be expensive. If you want the convenience of having a guide to tour you around the best eats in NYC but have full control of how much you want to eat and how much you want to spend, then Free Food Tours are the way to go. Here are a few of the best walking food tours in NYC style.
Free Tours By Foot
Free Tours By Food will show you the best places to get delicious and affordable food while telling you stories of New York’s culinary and cultural history. The best part is that you have the freedom to choose what you want to eat and how much you want to spend during the tour!
Discover the Best Food Tours in NYC: Explore Diverse Culinary Experiences
New York City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a rich variety of culinary experiences that capture the essence of the city. To truly immerse yourself in NYC’s vibrant food scene, consider joining one of the best New York City food tours. These tours provide an exceptional way to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and taste some of the most iconic dishes.
New York City Food Tours: A Culinary Journey
A well-guided food tour can take you through NYC’s culinary landmarks, offering tastings of classic New York favorites as well as unique dishes that showcase the city’s rich food culture. From savory bagels to delectable falafel, New York City food tours ensure you experience the city’s diverse flavors.
Best Places to Eat: From Iconic Bagels to Gourmet Delights
When exploring NYC, you’ll find that some tours specifically focus on iconic foods like the best bagels and the best hot dogs. Others may offer a broader range of tastings, including specialty food shops that serve everything from classic New York-style pizza to innovative new food creations.
Savor Authentic Flavors in Little Italy and Chinatown: A Culinary Adventure
A food tour of Little Italy and Chinatown provides an authentic taste of two of NYC’s most beloved neighborhoods. These areas are known for their rich culinary traditions and vibrant food culture.
Chinatown and Little Italy: A Blend of Culinary Cultures
On this tour, you’ll explore Chinatown and Little Italy, discovering the best of both worlds. From delicious Chinese dim sum to mouth-watering Italian pasta, the cuisine in these neighborhoods reflects a rich history and cultural fusion.
The Heart of Little Italy: A Taste of Tradition
Little Italy food tours often include a visit to the heart of the neighborhood, where you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes and learn about the area’s history. During events like the Little Italy Food Fest, you can taste a wide array of Italian delicacies while soaking in the local culture.
Walking Food Tours: Experience NYC’s Neighborhoods Like a Local
Walking food tours are an excellent way to experience New York City’s neighborhoods on a more personal level. These tours allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine while exploring on foot.
Lower East Side Food Tour: Taste the Classic Flavors
The Lower East Side is known for its rich history and diverse food offerings. A Lower East Side food tour will take you to some of the best specialty food shops and eateries in the area, including stops for classic New York bagels and other local favorites.
Greenwich Village Food Tour: Discover Iconic Flavors
Greenwich Village is a neighborhood famous for its unique food scene. A Greenwich Village food tour often includes stops at notable eateries and specialty shops, offering a chance to taste both traditional and contemporary dishes. Some tours even focus on specific foods like cupcakes, providing a delightful culinary experience.
The Best of Brooklyn: From Pizza to Hidden Gems
Brooklyn’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, with numerous tours highlighting the best the borough has to offer. Whether you’re looking for the best pizza or exploring hidden culinary gems, Brooklyn’s food tours are a must for any foodie.
Best Pizza Tours in Brooklyn: Slice into Deliciousness
Brooklyn is renowned for its pizza, and a pizza tour in the borough will guide you to some of the best pizzerias. These tours often include tastings of various styles and flavors, showcasing the unique pizza culture of Brooklyn.
Secret Food Tours and Specialty Experiences
For those looking for something off the beaten path, secret food tours in Brooklyn provide a chance to discover hidden culinary treasures. These tours often include stops at lesser-known eateries and specialty food shops, offering a unique and memorable experience.
Secret Food Tours and Historical Food Adventures: Unique NYC Experiences
For a truly unique experience, consider a historical food tour or a secret food tour. These tours combine delicious tastings with intriguing stories and historical insights.
Historical Food Tour: Taste and Learn
A historical food tour allows you to explore NYC’s culinary past while enjoying some of its most iconic dishes. These tours often focus on specific periods or cultural influences, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s food history.
Underground Donut Tour: A Sweet Surprise
For a sweeter experience, the Underground Donut Tour offers a chance to sample some of NYC’s most decadent donuts. This tour takes you to various donut shops and bakeries, showcasing both classic and innovative donut creations.
Explore NYC with Expert Tour Guides: A Comprehensive Guide
New York City offers a myriad of food tours, each guided by knowledgeable tour guides who bring the city’s culinary landscape to life. With the help of these experts, you can explore a wide range of neighborhoods and taste delicious food, all while learning about the history and culture that define each area.
Tour guides in NYC are skilled at curating experiences that highlight the best of the city’s food scene. Whether you’re on a food and history tour or one that focuses on the foods of New York, your guide will ensure you have an informative and enjoyable experience. Tours typically start with a briefing on what to expect, including a rundown of the food tastings and stops along the way. From iconic eateries to hidden gems, these tours offer an in-depth look at NYC’s culinary offerings.
Immerse Yourself in Culture with NYC Food Tours: A Local’s Perspective
Food tours in NYC are not just about tasting delicious food; they also offer a deep dive into the city’s rich culture. A culture tour or like a local tour allows you to experience New York through the eyes of a local. These tours often include visits to neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, where you can savor authentic Italian and Chinese cuisine.
Tours of NYC’s diverse food scene highlight the best places to eat and provide insights into the cultural significance of each dish. Whether you’re interested in sampling the best falafel or discovering the secrets of Little Italy during its food fest, these tours provide a comprehensive look at the foods of New York. Public tours and bus tours offer a more relaxed way to explore, while more focused tours, such as the Greenwich Village Cupcake tour, provide a sweet, specialized experience.
Taste the Best of NYC: Food Tours in Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and Beyond
One of the best ways to experience New York City is through its food tours. The best NYC food tours take you through iconic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and the West Village, offering a taste of both classic and contemporary dishes.
The NYC food tour in Greenwich Village, for instance, focuses on showcasing the neighborhood’s unique culinary landscape. From delicious food tastings to exploring famous eateries, these tours ensure you get a well-rounded experience. Similarly, food tours in Greenwich Village and West Village highlight the best local spots, making it easy to find the best places to eat.
Tours operate throughout the day and include various options, from three-hour tours to more extensive experiences. Each tour focuses on different aspects of NYC’s food scene, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in a village tour that explores the heart of the city’s neighborhoods or a bus tour that covers multiple areas, NYC’s food tours offer a fantastic way to taste and experience the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
Conclusion: NYC has a lot of culinary delights and one of the best ways to sample them is by planning a food tour!
You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a taste of New York City’s delicacies. Food tours can provide an avenue for you to discover the city through its culinary culture. Try out any (or all) of our suggestions above and let us know which food tour NYC is your favorite!
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