Food Tours in New York City

When it comes to eating out in New York City, you are truly spoiled for choice! Whether you’re craving a juicy hamburger, an authentic Indian curry or a cheesy Italian-style pizza—you’ll definitely find the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds on the streets of the Big Apple.

Food tours in New York City provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culinary culture and learn more about the diverse variety of cuisines on offer.

Must-try meals include so much more than just hot dogs and cheesecake. New York is inhabited by people of all races, religions and cultures, and this makes for a truly phenomenal array of restaurants, eateries and street food vendors to choose from.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in New York City.

What are the most popular food tours in New York City?

Chinatown and Little Italy food tour in New York City

Take the opportunity to visit not just one, but two of New York City’s most-loved foodie neighborhoods when you join this fun-filled, 3-hour tour of Chinatown and Little Italy.

Your local guide is there to lead the way and show you a few hidden gems alongside some of the more famous eateries. Enjoy several tastings from street food vendors and sit-down restaurants alike as you stroll through these iconic Manhattan neighborhoods.

Feel free to ask your friendly guide about where to eat during the rest of your stay in NYC. As this tour is limited to a certain number of participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and there will be plenty of opportunities for asking questions.

Half-day Brooklyn food tour in New York City by bus

Brooklyn is known for being home to a vast array of trendy dining experiences. Visiting this area on your own can be overwhelming simply because of all the options available, but your local guide is there to ensure that you have a comfortable experience and don't miss a thing!

Meet your guide in Manhattan’s West Village and climb aboard a comfortable bus before beginning your exciting foodie adventure in Brooklyn. Some of the delicious dishes that you’ll taste along the way include Neapolitan pizza, traditional dumplings, tasty falafel and creamy cannoli.

In addition to tasting some of the best that Brooklyn has to offer, you’ll also get to see a few iconic sites, such as Prospect Park and the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Whether you prefer salty or sweet, this tour offers something tasty for everyone.

Hell’s Kitchen food walking tour in New York City

Hell’s Kitchen is easily one of NYC’s most fascinating culinary neighborhoods as it is filled with authentic dishes from around the world, including France, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Turkey, Ethiopia, India and other countries.

Walk through this colorful and diverse area as your local guide teaches you about Hell’s Kitchen’s history and how it got its iconic name! Discover the incredible diversity that Hell’s Kitchen is known for, tasting five incredible dishes along the way.

Some of the international foods you’ll taste include curry puffs, empanadas and donuts. This tour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local culinary culture and get a local taste of NYC!

Italian food tour in Greenwich Village in New York City

See Greenwich Village and MacDougal Street from an entirely new perspective when you visit the area with a local guide. You’ll hear fascinating tales and learn more about the neighborhood’s Italian heritage, all the while tasting delicious Italian food along the way.

Some of the specialties that you’ll get to sample include ravioli, arancini, bocconcini, arborio rice pudding and Italian meatballs. One of the tour’s highlights is visiting a family-run coffee shop that was established back in 1907, and offers over 100 different types of coffee!

The tour also visits a few local monuments, such as Father Demo Square and Our Lady of Pompei Church.

Where will you go on a NYC food tour?

Most food tours focus on a specific foodie neighborhood in New York City, such as Little Italy, Chinatown, Greenpoint and Greenwich Village among others. There are also food tours that visit two or three different neighborhoods throughout the tour.

In most cases, you’ll visit a variety of eateries, restaurants and street food vendors so that you get a well-rounded idea of a particular area’s culinary scene. You can expect to spend a short time in each eatery, sampling dishes and perhaps even speaking to the chef.

As you make your way between foodie locations, you may also stop to admire various NYC landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park and other points of interest.

Each food tour in New York has a distinctively unique itinerary, so it is best to check which places are visited before making a booking to ensure the itinerary aligns with your interests and preferences.

How much do food tours in New York City cost?

The price of food tours in New York City usually depends on the length of the tour, whether it's a private tour or group excursion, and how many tastings are included.

The Italian food tour, which takes place in Greenwich Village, is one of the more affordable options available, costing around US$80 for a 2-hour excursion. This tour includes a variety of food tastings and takes place within a 1-kilometer radius.

Hell’s Kitchen food walking tours in New York City typically cost US$100 per person for a 2-hour group excursion that includes at least 5 food tastings.

Chinatown and Little Italy food tours provide several tastings and usually cost US$130 per person for a 3-hour experience, and US$70 per person for a 2-hour experience.

Brooklyn food tours in New York last as long as 4.5 hours, making them one of the most comprehensive food tour options available. These tours tend to cost roughly US$150 per person.

What do NYC food tours included?

When you book a food tour in New York City, you’ll be provided with everything you need for a comfortable experience, including transport between the different locations on the itinerary, a local guide to lead the way and several food tastings at various restaurants and eateries.

Keep in mind that gratuities, drinks and any other personal expenses are not typically included in the cost of food tours in New York City, so you may want to bring along a little extra spending money.

Where do they start?

While certain private tours offer hotel pickup services, in most cases you’ll need to meet your guide at a nearby restaurant or café. Popular meeting points include Silk Road Cafe, Marie Blachère Bakery & Cafe and Gyu-Kaku among others.

Make sure that you know how to reach the tour’s starting point ahead of time, at least 10 minutes before the tour starts.

How long do they last?

While the typical duration of a food tour in New York City is around 3 hours, there are many slightly shorter tours, lasting around 2 hours, as well as more comprehensive food tours, lasting as long as 6 hours, available.

Whether you’re looking for something short and sweet or a full-day foodie experience, there is a food tour in New York City that is perfect for you!

Are they wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, the majority of food tours in New York City are not wheelchair-friendly and do not cater to wheelchair users. This is because of a variety of factors, which are mostly related to the accessibility of the venues visited on tour itineraries.

When is the best time to go on a food tour in New York City?

The best time for a food tour in New York City is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather for walking between food destinations. Morning tours allow for fewer crowds, but evening tours provide a unique dining atmosphere. Each neighborhood has its own culinary gems, so your experience can differ widely.

Travel tips

• Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as you'll be walking between food stops in New York City.
• On your NYC food tour, you'll sample a variety of dishes, so it's best to go on an empty stomach. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring.
• Food tours in New York City can fill up quickly, especially the popular ones. Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot.
• Inform your guide of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
• Your guide is a local expert. Don't hesitate to ask for restaurant recommendations for the rest of your trip.