You can eat your way through NYC though some amazing food tours that the city has to offer. New York City is a self-proclaimed food capital of the world. Food tours are a great way for both locals and tourists to experience new neighborhoods and culinary experiences from a guide who has privileged foodie insight. Some of the tours are given by NYC locals, chefs, and even former cabbies who know their stuff. Tours are also a great way to learn a little about New York history. If you need a lowdown on the quintessential New York foods, see our article.
So, buckle-up buttercup, you’re on the fast track to food lover’s paradise! Make sure you wear your favorite walking kicks on these NYC food tours. You’ll definitely get your steps in.
7. Free Tours by Foot
Free Tours by Foot is pay what you will NYC food tour. There are multiple food tours to choose from and each tour will take you to four to five locations. Your guide will make recommendations, and unlike other tours that charge $45.00, you get to decide when and how to spend your money. Anticipate spending a ballpark of somewhere between $7-$15 dollars on food.
Free Tours by Foot offers five regularly scheduled tours in the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, Chinatown, East Village, and Greenwich. The Lower East Side Tour is popular. On the LES tour, you can experience some of the best Chinese dumplings, while snacking on pickles and learning some Yiddish in a neighborhood that is a melting pot of Eastern European and Russian immigrants.
They also offer a selection of seasonal tours, like their Harlem Gospel and Soul Food Tour. Reservations need to be booked in advance online and expect your tour to run about 2 hours and to cover at least a mile of walking. Free Tours by Foot also offers tours beyond food. Their ghost tours are super fun and are also free.
6. Nice Guy Tours
See New Yorkers are nice. Nice Guy Tours is led by its founder and CEO, Dante Mercadante. This company offers a tour of Greenwich and LES. They also offer private and team building tours, great for a Match.com date as well. Tours will cost about 60 bucks and will cover a minimum of seven hot food spots in roughly three hours. Nice Guys continually receives five-star reviews.
5. Dessert Tours: NYC
If you have a sweet tooth, then this tour is for you. On Dessert Tours: NYC, you can celebrate the art of dessert. They offer tours in SoHo and the East Village for around 60 bucks. The Holiday Lights tour is a new NYC food tour and will take you through Grand Central and up around Rockefeller center to enjoy sweet treats and holiday lights. Your Instagram is gonna look pretty sweet with the most artisanal donuts, cupcakes, and macaroons.
4. Sunday Funday: A Boozy Brooklyn Tour
Williamsburg is a great way to spend an afternoon. On Sunday Funday: A Boozy Brooklyn Tour, you will be guided by an expert to a Brooklyn microcosm of brew houses and local eats for the market price of $60.00. You will begin at the thrift store Artists and Fleas for your intro and complimentary tote bag. Then, you will venture to three food tastings and two beer samplings, along with a special cocktail tasting. Included is a hot sauce tasting by a hot sauce sommelier (so Brooklyn). Thankfully, you will also make a stop at Odd Fellows Ice Cream. You can wash down the hot sauce with your ice cream by the Williamsburg waterfront, which is stunning.
3. Secret Food Tours
Secret Food Tours is offered internationally and is offered in multiple cities around the country. Their NYC addition provides tours in the city and also has secrets pizza tour. The New York tour begins with bagels, followed by Reuben sandwiches from a local alehouse and then desserts of cupcakes and donuts. Then of course, there is the mystery stop.
2. Foods of New York
Foods of New York is one of the most reputed food tours and has been in operation since 1999. This is a Mom and Pop kind of tour, so expect to eat some killer cannolis and pizza. Your money will also get you great architecture and history expertise. They offer tours in six neighborhoods, including Chelsea Market.
1. Famous Fat Dave’s
You cannot go wrong with Famous Fat Dave’s tour. As the late Anthony Bourdain remarked on Dave’s tour, “Aside from knowing New York City’s streets like the back of his hand, he’s got a firm grip on the underbelly of Manhattan.” Dave was a former cabbie and knows his city. You can experience this tour walking or driving.
They have multiple hours and themes to choose from including a Midnight Munchie Madness for the night owls. This is really a rare treat for foodies. You’ll see the city through the eyes of food critics and writers on this NYC food tour. You’ll truly find the best soft-shelled crab and hot dogs the city has to offer.