Taking you deep into multicultural, historic enclaves, these delicious locally-led tours highlight the top eats around town — from pizza in Little Italy to pierogis in Brooklyn and soul food in Harlem, you’ll get to taste your way around the most eclectic neighborhoods in New York City.
So come hungry, and prepare for one of the best things to do in NYC: eat! If you don’t know where to start, find my top 3 picks in the table below, or scroll down to see the entire list of the best food tours in NYC!
| # | Tour | Price | Tastings | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour | From US$125 | 8 tastings | 3h |
| 2 | Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Bus Tour | From US$149 | 7 tastings | 4h30m |
| 3 | Greenwich Village Walking Food Tour | From US$94.99 | 7 tastings | 3h |
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1 – Guided Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1586 reviews)
“The entire tour was awesome and Elizabeth was a very knowledgeable tour guide! Special diet restrictions were handled very well.” Harrison. Viator
Two Manhattan neighborhoods that overflow with flavor thanks to their distinct immigrant heritage, both Little Italy and China are culinary Meccas.
But as many run-of-the-mill tourists will attest, there’s almost an overwhelming amount of eateries to choose from. That’s why it helps to have someone from the Ahoy New York Food Tours team leading the way.
Living locally, the tour guides can take you on a beeline to the most historic, most delicious haunts around town — not just the famous names, but the little hole-in-the-wall joints that not even all New Yorkers know about.
Summary of the activity:
- Start the tour in Chinatown with a cup of tea, Chinese pastry, and Beijing-style dumplings
- Explore Little Italy and sample fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, olives, and fresh pasta
- Vegetarian tastings are available upon request
Our review
This tour is exceptionally well organized and run by a fantastic guide (usually Patrick, Hannah or Valerie). You get a lot of food and you learn a huge amount about the local history as well.
The Tenement Museum at the end is a nice touch too. It comes highly recommended!
2 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (734 reviews)
“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious! Definitely recommend this trip.” Ian. Viator
Move over, Manhattan! The Big Apple’s most hipster borough is rapidly proving to be a foodie paradise, and this tour shows you exactly why.
Combining all the best flavors from trendy enclaves like Williamsburg, DUMBO (a haven for sweet tooth and one of the top things to do in Brooklyn) and Greenpoint, this New York Fun Tours foodie adventure will bless you with at least 7 different local staples.
Think Neapolitan pizza, traditional Polish kielbasa, French chocolate bon-bons and a melt-in-your-mouth Italian cannoli. Hungry yet?
Eats aside, you can also expect fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline, with plenty of history, culture and local insights thrown in the mix.
Summary of the activity:
- The tour includes transportation by bus
- Enjoy 7 tastings, including Falafel, Shawarma, Pierogies, Kielbasa, and others
- Vegetarian tastings are available upon request
Our review
Make sure you start this tour with an empty stomach because a smorgasbord of delicious food is in store! Not only are you taken on a culinary journey through Brooklyn, but Laurie, Rick and the team also teach you a lot about local culture and history. A truly A+ tour.
3 – Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1220 reviews)
“Ian’s information sharing really made this trip interesting and eye opening. The food was all very good – as expected. We’ll go back and eat at most of these in the future.” Sam. Viator
While Greenwich is best known for being the home of New York’s counter-culture and bohemian community, it’s also a foodie haven. After some serious gentrifying, the Village has become a hotspot for everything from New York pizza to falafel and artisanal cupcakes.
While you could walk around and discover the street food on your own, the Nice Guy Tours team reveal all of the hidden gems that only the locals know about.
If you’re after the perfect blend of history, culture (you’ll even get to see the Friends apartment), and delicious eats, add this one to the itinerary.
Summary of the activity:
- Sample New York’s specialties and discover hidden landmarks in the city
- Enjoy 7 tastings, including Falafel, Cupcakes, Pizza, Fries, and others
- Vegetarian tastings are available upon request
Our review
Come hungry, leave happy. That’s the gist of this Greenwich tour.
Not only will you get to sample some of NYC’s most famous dishes, but thanks to the friendly guides, you’ll also learn about the fascinating history and culture that has shaped this charming neighborhood. Worth booking!
4 – Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (584 reviews)
“Greg was a wonderful guide, a complete Wealth of knowledge of the city, food and restaurants and shops we visited. I would recommend to anyone looking at food tours in NY”. Vince. Viator
While the next-door neighbor, Little Italy might draw most of the spotlight when it comes to mouthwatering Italian food, it’d be a sin to overlook Greenwich.
Not only is this hipster enclave the home of NYC counterculture, but it’s also developed a reputation in recent years for its outstanding foodie scene. And with the Greg Walks NYC team, you can learn all about it from the perspective of a local.
With over half a dozen stops including bakeries, century-old coffee shops and ravioli joints — and photogenic landmarks in between — it’s a couple of delicious hours well-spent.
Our review
Greg knows his neighborhood down to the inch! Since it’s a relatively small group, he can give personal attention to everyone on the tour.
The food, of course, is absolutely delicious, and the landmarks seen along the way are beautiful as well. A great way to discover the Village!
Read more: Best NYC city tours
5 – The Story of the Lower East Side’s Food Culture
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (271 reviews)
“Mickey was the best! She knew so much history and she was very friendly 🙂 we enjoyed the tour and we had a 12 and 13 year old in our family.” Dee. Getyourguide
Home to 100-year-old bakeries, pizza joints that have passed down generations, and some of the best dumplings this side of the Hudson, the Lower East Side is a coveted smorgasbord of flavors.
Combining areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Nolita, the Intrepid Urban Adventures tour shines a spotlight on how multicultural immigration has made Manhattan the foodie paradise it is today.
Expect to try Ashkenazi Jewish snacks, classic Italian dishes and Chinese staples, with stops at landmarks like the Tenement Museum, the New York Supreme Court and St Patrick’s Old Cathedral adding that extra sightseeing touch.
Our review
Bruce, Mickey and the Intrepid team are so welcoming and so knowledgeable! Since they’re locals, you’ll get to see areas of NYC that most tourists miss.
All the food is delicious, but the fried dumplings are to die for! For a mix of history and food, lock this in.
6 – New York Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (917 reviews)
“This was one of the highlights of our trip to New York. Such a great neighbourhood to explore and the food tastes were just perfect.” Michael. Viator
Everyone knows about Katz’s Deli and Lombardis. This tour takes you away from the usual tourist hot spots and introduces you to the real New York cuisine; the hole-in-the-walls, the mom-and-pop shops and the hidden gems that you won’t find in the mainstream guidebooks.
With two equally fantastic choices — Greenwich Village or Chinatown and Little Italy — you will get to wander through historic, multicultural streets tasting everything from dumplings to bagels, falafels, cupcakes, New York-style cheesecake, donuts and fresh mozzarella.
With a knowledgeable Secret Food Tours guide leading the way and revealing the city’s best-kept foodie secrets, this tour is not one to miss.
Our review
Regardless of whether you choose the Greenwich or Little Italy/ Chinatown tour, you’re in for a treat. The dishes aren’t only delicious, but they reveal the history and culture of their respective neighborhoods.
The guides are so passionate about sharing their love for food and NYC — certainly recommended!
Read more: 35 Best Walking Tours in NYC
6 – Half-Day Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (283 reviews)
“The information on the rich cultural history of Hells kitchen, food selections, and unique trivia about central park created a fantastic experience.” Carol. Viator
While Hell’s Kitchen and Central Park may not sit side by side, they represent two of New York City’s most coveted destinations for first-time (and returning) visitors.
On this particular Manhattan Walking Tour, you get to combine taste-testing with sightseeing — a perfect introduction to the multifaceted city that is New York.
You’ll start by eating your way through international specialties in Hell’s Kitchen, with a mouthwatering ice cream sandwich for dessert. From there, you’ll check off some of the relaxing things to do in Central Park and get a much-needed change of pace.
Our review
An unexpected but fantastic combination, the Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll is widely regarded as one of the top food tours in NYC.
You get to learn about the rich cultural history of the area, making it so much more than just a taste-testing session. A+.
8 – NYC Food Tour: Flatiron & Union Square by Like A Local Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (200 reviews)
“Wonderful day! The food stops were fabulous and our tour guide Justin was really fun and knowledgeable! Tons of great stories about the local architecture. I highly recommend this tour!” Deborah. Viator
An often overlooked enclave of Midtown – yet only to the detriment of those who choose to walk past it – the Big Apple’s Flatiron District is home to an amazing array of delicious foods and drinks.
On the Like A Local Tours walkabout, you’ll quickly realize that this slice of Manhattan boasts so much more than just a triangular skyscraper; Flatiron and Union Square are melting pots of New York City’s history, culture and of course, gastronomic delights.
As you explore the two neighborhoods, you’ll sample everything from classic New York pizza to award-winning bagels and the famous Caffe Lavazza brew at the Eataly Market.
Our review
If you want to explore off-the-beaten-path foodie spots in NYC, then this Flatiron tour is a wonderful option. The guides deliver a great balance between fun facts and history, and are always so friendly and helpful.
So long as you don’t mind a lot of (delicious) carbs, it’s a brilliant tour!
9 – High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (370 reviews)
“Our tour guide Clare was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. She took us to places we would have normally just walked past. The various food stops again were very good.” Barry. Viator
A former railway turned urban park, the High Line has evolved to be one of Manhattan’s most spectacular attractions, regularly sitting high on visitors’ lists of things to do in Manhattan. This 1.45-mile-long stretch of elevated greenery dishes up stunning views of the city, away from the chaotic streets.
Combine that with a walkabout of Greenwich Village, one of NYC’s most charming and avant-garde neighborhoods, and this Manhattan Walking Tour activity makes for a fantastic half-day adventure.
You’ll sample delicious bites along the way like pizza, chocolate, and Italian specialties, popping into a couple of underground jazz clubs and independent bookstores in between.
Our review
Taking two very good tours and combining the highlights into one great adventure, this foodie walkabout is a fantastic way to blend sightseeing with taste-testing.
Alex, Jonathan, Tim, Claire and Jake are all locals who are passionate about New York food and history. One of the top-tier choices.
10 – New York’s West Village Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (120 reviews)
“Adam was awesome!! This was by far our favourite tour on our trip. The food tastings were really good and substantial.” Rossella. Viator
Ask any New Yorker and they’ll agree: Manhattan’s West Village is one of, if not the go-to spot for finding the best food in New York City. Its quaint cobblestone streets and charming old-world architecture make it the perfect backdrop for a day of feasting with Sidewalk Food Tours.
As you wander through this beloved neighborhood, you’ll taste your way through some of its most renowned dishes — the pizza slice named best pizza in NYC 3 years running, award-winning cupcakes, and a real boiled-then-baked New York bagel. It’s a popular tour for a reason!
Our review
Talk about a foodie paradise! The West Village overflows with delectable eateries, and the Sidewalk team knows exactly where to go.
The food tastings are substantial and the guides are so sweet. Takeaway? The West Village Food Tour is a must for any self-proclaimed food lover visiting NYC.
11 – Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (165 reviews)
“Paul’s interesting knowledge of Williamsburg and beyond and the many selections of foods to try. Really loved Pies and Thighs, Joes Pizza and the best doughnut Ive ever had, from Doughnut Plant.” Alexa. Viator
Quickly rising the ranks in the NYC foodie scene, Williamsburg brings together all of the best flavors of the city — pizzas, bagels, classic delis and so much more, all wrapped up in an up-and-coming, eclectic neighborhood vibe.
With the It’s All Good Tours walkthrough of Williamsburg, you’ll get to taste a half-dozen local specialties while passing through some of the trendiest boutiques, galleries and waterfront views in Brooklyn.
Throw in some vibrant street art and postcard-worthy Manhattan skyline panoramas from Domino Park, and you’ve got yourself quite the envy-evoking adventure!
Our review
No trip to NYC would be complete without a wander around this artsy neighborhood, and there’s no better way to do it than on a food tour like this one. Paul and the guides are terrific, and so is the food – you’ll be very full by the end of it!
12 – Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour by Like A Local Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (373 reviews)
“Great food at all stops. Ethnic choices. Guide Seth was fabulous and personable. Highly recommend. Beautiful walk along the Highline.” Kathleen. Viator
One of Manhattan’s most gentrified enclaves, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have evolved into a collective foodie paradise. That’s thanks largely to the market at its center, a coming-together of dozens of international flavors.
Combined with a wander along the High Line (considered one of the best places to visit in New York City), this Like A Local Tours adventure promises a delightful mix of food, history, and culture.
After sampling Sicilian-style pizza, a Doughnuttery doughnut, some halva, and some homemade honey (to name a few), you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for New York’s buzzing food scene.
Our review
This tour is very informative, enjoyable, and delivers a great balance of classic and modern sights. All the market food is fantastic, but the pizza and the mini doughnuts are particularly delicious.
Laura, Svetlana and the team are patient, personable, and make you feel so welcome.
Definitely worth doing!
13 – Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
“Very nice Guide with lots of insides of street food. The food was very tasty. Don’t eat before that tour. Would recommend this tour to everyone visiting New York.” Torsten. Viator
Run by Turnstile Tours, this Midtown Manhattan foodie adventure is all about showing off the tastiest gourmet food in NYC.
Joined by a knowledgeable New Yorker guide, you’ll be led through the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, known for its endless options of delicious street food.
In between no fewer than 6 generous tastings (Mexican tacos, Greek souvlaki, Bengali kati rolls and more), you’ll get to check off landmarks like Bryant Park while meeting local food truck vendors and hearing fascinating tales of the city’s big-name chefs.
Appropriate for all ages, it’s considered one of the top family things to do in New York City with kids.
Our review
You will learn a lot more on this tour than you’d expect! Besides getting to taste local staples, the friendly guides share the history of street food vending in the city – a topic you wouldn’t hear about on most other tours.
The food is delicious and diverse, so come hungry!
14 – New York City Mafia Experience & Local Food With Former NYPD Guides
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (164 reviews)
“The stories were brought to life by our guide, Jonathan. He made sure to connect with each person in our group bringing us together giving the tour a friendly, personal feeling. Our dinner at Benito One was authentic and absolutely delicious!” Suzan. Viator
Why take a mob tour and a food tour separately when you can combine them into one unforgettable experience? That’s exactly what Mafia Food Tours have done — this unique adventure takes you through the East Village, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods, highlighting their controversial history of organized crime with delicious treats along the way.
What makes this tour particularly special is its guides; besides being experts in the local food scene, they’re also former NYPD members! With their insider knowledge and personal experiences, you’ll get a much more authentic rendition of the city’s dark side and infamous mobsters.
Our review
The fact that this tour is run by a former NYPD officer who was born and bred in Little Italy is incredible. Not only will you get insider knowledge about the city’s underworld, but you’ll also delight the tastebuds.
This food tour is definitely one of our top picks for NYC.
15 – From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (58 reviews)
“Laurie was incredible both in personality and knowledge. We loved every minute! This tour is a must when visiting NYC.” Joseph. Getyourguide
A great option for anyone staying in Manhattan who wants to explore beyond the skinny borough, this particular New York Fun Tours excursion covers all the logistics to ensure you have a seamless, utterly delicious day in Brooklyn!
Covering areas like Williamsburg, Greenpoint (where the best pierogies in town await), and DUMBO (for a sweet treat at the Jacques Torres chocolate factory), you’ll be treated to deep dives into food, culture and history all rolled into one.
Being a region renowned for its ethnic diversity, you’ll get to taste staple dishes that originate from all corners of the world.
Our review
Rick and the team are very informative and have a great sense of humor. While it’s a little pricier than other NYC food tours, the fact that all the transport and food are included makes it worth the price.
The food is absolutely delicious and full of history too.
16 – NYC East Village Pierogi Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (26 reviews)
“Great guide, great food, great time! A variety of delicious perogies! Very knowledgeable guide! Lots of fun!” Antone. Viator
If you’re hunting for a good old Polish pierogi, NYC boasts two standout destinations: Greenpoint in Brooklyn, and the East Village in Manhattan.
Greg Walks NYC takes you on an in-depth walkthrough of the latter – an amazing neighborhood known for its multicultural enclaves (Little Italy, Chinatown and, of course, Little Poland) and rich food culture.
On this tour, you’ll get to experience firsthand the variety of Polish staples; far more than just pierogies, the menu also features traditional favorites like kielbasa, egg cream, and rugelach.
With five eateries included in between sightseeing, it promises to be a couple of hours well spent.
Our review
Great food, great times. The pierogies on this tour are some of the best in the city. Tour guide Greg is an expert in the local culture and also points out some amazing buildings along the way.
If Eastern European cuisine is one of your guilty pleasures, then the Pierogi Walk food tour is one for the ages.
17 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (127 reviews)
“This tour was one of the highlights of my holiday, what a wonderful night and great tour guide. The food was fabulous.” Linda. Viator
With a reputation that precedes it, Harlem has long been known as a hub for music (jazz and hip-hop, in particular) and delicious food.
This private evening tour by Harlem Spirituals combines the best of both worlds, allowing you to experience the intricacies of Harlem’s soul food scene (think: cornbread, spare ribs, collard greens and tender fried chicken) while notching up some jazz riffs along the way.
Thanks to stops at quintessential tourist attractions in New York City like the Cotton Club, Minton’s Playhouse and the Apollo Theater, and a live jazz performance to boot, this highly educational tour is guaranteed to have you tapping along.
Our review
It’s not the cheapest tour going around, but if you’re traveling as a large group of music lovers, it can be a marvelous evening.
By the end of the night, you’ll be stuffed, you’ll be dancing, and you’ll have learned so much about Harlem’s history.
18 – Retired NYPD Guided Gangster, Crime and Food Walk
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
“Grear dollar value, great experience, and a great history tour that is cleverly combined with some great food stops. Go for it!.” Rod. Viator
Rolling back the curtain on the gritty underbelly of New York City, this Like A Local tour dives into crime, corruption, and the seedy side of the Big Apple. And thanks to the retired NYPD guide, the stories are all the more authentic. But don’t worry, it’s not all cemeteries and shady characters — the walkabout also includes stops at some of the best food joints in town.
Come hungry — you’ll get to indulge in some red sauce pizza at John’s of 12th Street, try some of Russo’s handmade cheese, dig into a mouthwatering cannoli for dessert, and a handful more.
Our review
Ideal for history buffs who want to ditch the run-of-the-mill food tours and go beyond the more touristy neighborhoods, this tour promises a rare, brilliant insight into the lesser-known side of NYC.
Dennis’s warmth, knowledge and passion are second to none. Highly recommended!
19 – NYC Greenwich Village Music And Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (35 reviews)
“It was really a unique tour combining food, music and other historical elements of the Village. The food was great and provided a lot of variety.” John. Tripadvisor
Besides being the home of artists and writers (and the wider counterculture movement), Manhattan’s eccentric Greenwich Village is also known for its lively music scene and delicious food. And this Greg Walks NYC tour combines both!
Following behind a Manhattanite local, you’ll wander through the Village streets, passing postcard-worthy landmarks and discovering all the hidden gems along the way.
En route, you’ll stop at iconic music venues and cafés, and learn all about the famous musicians who called Greenwich home. With delicious treats like pizza and spring rolls thrown in, you get a real taste of the local flavors too.
Our review
Combining 450 years of neighborhood history with a splash of music and plenty of delicious, big-portion food, this tour is excellent if you want to learn a little bit about everything.
Stops at Pete Seeger’s Home and Cafe Wha! really show off the rich culture. The guides are great too!
How to book food tours in NYC?
Being a foodie city on the world stage, NYC is home to a plethora of amazing food tours. But with countless options on the menu, it can be hard to know which one to choose – and at what price.
That’s where the TourScanner search engine can be a lifesaver. It compares all the available food tours in NYC, and their reviews and prices, allowing you to nail the best deal possible.