New York is a bustling, living city, every corner that you turn possessing a different story. You could live there for years and never see everything it has to offer! Amongst the chaos of commuters, hipster coffee hang-outs, museums and culture, is also one of the country’s greatest food scenes.
Any kind of food you can think of, it’s likely New York has it. Aside from the classic bagels and pizza by the slice – an integral part of any New Yorker’s diet – there are a myriad other options from every cuisine imaginable.
So, where to begin? Whether you’re a born and raised New Yorker or are just visiting, the huge array of food options can be so overwhelming that you might even find yourself guiltily ordering a Big Mac and fries just for the ease of it.
That’s where food tours come in… step awaaay from the fries, and join a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure led by a passionate expert who knows the best places to eat in New York like the back of their hand. Whether you want to explore Chinatown, see what vegan food the city has to offer, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, endless culinary adventures are waiting for you in New York City.
Read on to find out our favorites!
| The Bronx Little Italy Guided Walking Tour – from $44
Who doesn’t love Italian food? Explore the epicentre of authentic Italian cuisine in the beating heart of New York City with this Bronx Little Italy guided walking tour.
This food tour lasts approximately three and a half hours; ample time to fill up on the huge array of delectable cuisine this area has to offer!
You’ll meet your guide in Little Italy to begin your interactive culinary adventure. From there, they’ll lead you into the many vibrant eateries of Little Italy, meeting the vendors behind the cuisine, and learning the stories behind how Little Italy came to be.
During the three-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll explore the pastry shops, delis, and restaurants that have called Little Italy their home for generations. Many of these businesses are family-owned, so you know the owners’ hearts and souls are being poured into every delicious offering!
Enjoy samples at each establishment, and learn the history of this fascinating neighborhood.
| Harlem Historical Food Tour from Taste Harlem – $78
You’ll be in excellent hands during this Harlem historical food tour, as your expert food guide takes you on a journey through this culturally diverse district. Everything is included in the price of the ticket, so all you need to do is show up with an empty belly.
With a huge variety of flavors, cultures and cuisines on offer in Harlem, it’s hard to know where to begin. During this tour, you’ll visit a variety of Harlem establishments serving soul food, Caribbean and African cuisines.
While you fill your stomach, you’ll also fill your head with knowledge about Harlem as your guide tells you all about the area’s history and architecture.
| Chelsea Market Tour - $58
The Highline has become an essential part of New York City’s many architectural offerings, with its ‘urban garden’ feel and unparalleled views of Chelsea. No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to this impressive outdoor structure, so why not combine it with a tour of Chelsea’s famous food market?
During your 3 hour tour, your food guide will take you through the many independent vendors who together make up the rich landscape of this stunning indoor food market.
Taste that quintessential New York food, the humble hotdog, in arguably its greatest form. Enjoy the locally made ice cream which is tipped for big things (watch out, Ben, and watch out, Jerry...). Explore the 120 year old building filled with history, delicious smells and friendly faces, and hear the story of how the Oreo cookie was created right on these premises.
Next, you'll stroll over to the Gansevoort Market to taste mouth-watering Neopolitan pizza, and take a walk along the High Line. This is a jam-packed tour and is sure to satisfy any seasoned foodie.
| Midtown Food Truck Tour – from $75
No longer is the food truck cursed with a reputation of doling out oily hamburgers, dry falafels or hotdogs made from questionable meat product… no, in recent years, the food truck has come into its own as a new and innovative way to experience the country’s best cuisine on the go.
Everything from authentic tacos to mouth-watering dessert is being served up from these portable restaurants, and New York City is home to plenty of them. Where better to explore this facet of NYC cuisine than bustling Midtown, where an eclectic mix of vendors line the streets and delicious smells waft from every direction?
Your guide will take you on a tour through Midtown’s best food trucks, tasked with feeding the country’s busiest business district. During the 2 hour tour, you’ll sample a mix of sweet and savoury offerings and learn about the history of Midtown and its food truck scene.
The food can change depending on what’s available, but you can expect anything from lobster rolls to authentic Belgian waffles on this one-of-a-kind tour. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be hungry by the end of this experience!
| Williamsburg Brooklyn Food Tour - $56
Williamsburg is a fascinating area steeped in history, from the traditional Hasidic community who has called it home for generations to its newer, boutique food scene. With an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries to explore, you won’t leave Williamsburg feeling full.
During this 3 hour tour with Like A Local Tours, you’ll savour sweet and savoury delights including pierogis from the traditional Polish bakery, award winning BBQ from Mable’s Smokehouse, pizza, compost cookies and cereal milk ice cream at Momofuku Milk Bar, delicious tacos, artisanal Dominican chocolate and more.
Along the way you’ll walk past awe-inspiring street art and learn all about the area’s rich history. An fascinating food tour for locals and tourists alike!
| Gourmet Chinatown - $69
During this 3 hour food tour of Chinatown, your guide will take the guesswork out of exploring this delicious district by taking you to the best establishments it has to offer.
This neighborhood is known for its food, of course, but is also home to historic landmarks and hidden side streets that you can easily spend hours exploring… thankfully, you’ll be with a guide who has already done the legwork for you.
Join them as they help you get the best out of Chinatown. You’ll enjoy a tasting of 5 different flavors of Dim Sum, traditionally prepared Peking Duck, and a variety of other Asian dishes. You’ll even sweeten the deal with a visit to a classic Chinese bakery. By the end of your tour you’ll be full to the brim with the incredible flavors of Asia, and confident enough to explore the area solo on your next visit!
| Vegan Food Tours – from $75
If you’re a plant-based foodie looking to explore the many vegan options New York has to offer, Vegan Food Tours has got you covered.
Vegan food is no longer the sad, green and leafy affair it once was… limp kale salads have been swapped for indulgent junk food, sweet treats and mock meats that taste just like the real thing. Innovative vendors are putting their stamp on vegan food all across New York, so explore the best plant-based restaurants with one of two vegan tours…
You can opt for the Williamburg & Greenpoint Tour at a price point of $75.00, which will see you explore this fun and historic neighborhood while sampling plant-based sushi, pizza, ice cream, baked goods and much more. You’ll cover approximately 2 miles during this Brooklyn food tour, and will be feeling very satisfied by the end of it.
If you’d prefer to explore the East Village, you can choose the East Village & Lower East Side Vegan Food Tour, priced at $85.00. You’ll meet your expert food guide at Gandhi Garden Union Square before they treat you to the plant-based feast of dreams. Fill up on food from five different stops, including a veganized New York bagel, burgers, pizza, cheese, ice cream and more…
Whichever tour you choose, there won’t be a hungry vegan to be found by the end of your adventure.
| Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our guide to the best food tours in New York City. We hope you've found something to tantalise your tastebuds, but if you're still looking, you can browse all our New York culinary experiences here.
Got a question, or a food tour you think we missed? Please feel free to leave a comment; we'd love to hear from you!
