Top 8 NYC Food Tours | Experience Gifts

If you love New York and love trying new foods, then a combination of the two must equal the best day ever. Let's take a closer look at what a food tour is and why New York City offers the best food tours. Bonus fact: the first food tour ever offered was born in the Big Apple!

Are Food Tours in NYC Worth It?

With the option to dine at any restaurant or stop in the city, why are food tours worth the money? Food tours in NYC can be a great way to explore the city's diverse and delicious food scene, and many people find them to be well worth the investment. Here are some reasons why:

Expert guides: Food tours are typically led by local experts who are passionate about food and the city's culinary scene. They can provide insights into the history, culture, and traditions behind the foods you're sampling.
Unique experiences: Food tours often take you to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and hidden gems that you might not otherwise discover on your own. This can provide a more authentic and immersive experience of the city.
Varied tastings: Food tours usually include a variety of tastings, so you can sample a range of different foods and flavors. This can be especially beneficial if you're not sure what to try or want to try something new (or if you are like me and simply want to try everything).
Time-efficient: A food tour can be a great way to sample multiple restaurants and cuisines in a short amount of time. This can be particularly useful if you're only in the city for a limited period and want to make the most of your time!
Group atmosphere: Food tours are often conducted in small groups, which can make for a fun and social experience. You can meet other food enthusiasts and exchange recommendations and tips!

What Food is New York Known For?

New York City is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, and there are many foods that the city is famous for. Here are some of the most iconic (the full list might require a novel of epic culinary proportion):

Best Food in NYC:

Pizza: New York-style pizza is thin and crispy with a slightly chewy crust. The most famous pizzerias in the city include Lombardi's, Di Fara Pizza, and Patsy's Pizzeria.
Bagels: New York-style bagels are chewy and dense, with a shiny, crispy crust. The best bagel shops in the city include Ess-a-Bagel, H&H Bagels, and Russ & Daughters.
Hot dogs: New York-style hot dogs are boiled and served with sauerkraut, onions, and mustard. The most famous hot dog stands in the city include Nathan's Famous and Gray's Papaya.
Pastrami sandwiches: New York-style pastrami is a cured and smoked meat that is typically served on rye bread with mustard. The most famous delis in the city for pastrami sandwiches include Katz's Delicatessen and Carnegie Deli.
Cheesecake: New York-style cheesecake is dense and creamy, with a graham cracker crust. The most famous bakeries in the city for cheesecake include Junior's and Eileen's Special Cheesecake.
Chinese food: New York City has a large and vibrant Chinatown, with many restaurants serving Cantonese, Szechuan, and other regional Chinese cuisines. Some of the most famous Chinese restaurants in the city include Joe's Shanghai, Xi'an Famous Foods, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Street food: New York City is famous for its street food, including hot dogs, pretzels, falafel, and tacos. You can find street vendors selling food on nearly every street corner in the city.
Deli sandwiches: New York-style deli sandwiches are typically made with corned beef, pastrami, or roast beef and are served on rye bread with mustard. Some of the most famous delis in the city for sandwiches include Katz's Delicatessen, Carnegie Deli, and 2nd Ave Deli.
Cronuts: The cronut, a cross between a croissant and a donut, was invented in New York City by pastry chef Dominique Ansel. The lines for cronuts at Ansel's bakery in SoHo can be hours long.
Cupcakes: New York City is home to many famous cupcake shops, including Magnolia Bakery and Sprinkles Cupcakes. The city's cupcakes are typically topped with colorful buttercream frosting and sprinkles.

There are almost as many different types of places to eat in New York City as their are foods. Here are some of the most popular places to grab a bite on a food tour or on your own:

Restaurants: New York City has a wide range of restaurants, serving everything from Italian to Chinese, from steak to sushi. You can find fine dining establishments as well as casual eateries.
Food trucks: Food trucks are a popular option for a quick and affordable meal. You can find food trucks selling everything from tacos to burgers to falafel.
Delis: New York City is known for its delis, where you can get a classic New York sandwich like pastrami on rye or a bagel with lox and cream cheese. Pizza places: New York-style pizza is a must-try when in the city. You can find pizza places all over the city serving up slices and whole pies.
Food halls: Food halls are becoming increasingly popular in New York City. These indoor marketplaces feature a variety of vendors selling everything from tacos to ramen to lobster rolls.
Diners: Diners are a staple in New York City, serving up classic American dishes like pancakes and burgers 24/7. Rooftop bars and restaurants: New York City has a number of rooftop bars and restaurants with stunning views of the city skyline.
Bakeries: New York City has a wealth of bakeries, selling everything from bagels to croissants to cupcakes.
Street vendors: Street vendors are a ubiquitous sight in New York City, selling hot dogs, pretzels, falafel, and more on street corners throughout the city.

The Best Food Tours in New York City

Atlast, Food Tours New York, not just any NYC Tour, these are the Top New York City Food Tours that I recommend. By the way, these are listed in no particular order, so feel free to try them all, I mean you have to eat daily, right - why not do it on one of these New York Tours?

Manhattan Food & History Tour

Price: $268 For Two Duration: 4.5 Hours

In this Manhattan Food & History Tour, you'll be led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and landmarks of Greenwich Village and historic downtown Manhattan. Greenwich Village is known for its diverse and eclectic food scene, with options ranging from traditional Italian restaurants to trendy vegan eateries. The area is home to some of the city's most iconic pizzerias, including Joe's Pizza and John's of Bleecker Street, both of which have been serving up delicious pies for over 50 years. Plus, the neighborhood is also home to the historic Stonewall Inn, which played a significant role in the LGBTQ rights movement and now serves as a popular bar and restaurant.

Think of this New York Tour as being a bit like a Sunday version of the crossword. You'll learn something new and have a great time over the four hours it takes to finish it!

Tour Overview:

Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village & Lower Manhattan
Notable Sites: Wall Street, Stone Street Historic District, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and Hamilton's Gravesite
Food Tastings: As with most good food tours NYC, you'll sample a variety of delicious foods from some of the best eateries in Greenwich Village including pizza, tacos, cannolis and more sweet and savory bites.
Our Favorite Bites: Can I say everything? I suppose if I have to pick one, it would be the Italian hoagie!

Chinatown Food Tour

Price: $218 For Two Duration: 2 Hours

Chinatown, one of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods, is a foodie's paradise, with countless restaurants serving up delicious Chinese cuisine, including dim sum, noodle dishes, and roasted meats. This Chinatown food tour in Manhattan is a great way to explore and sample the flavors and rich culinary and cultural heritage of this unique neighborhood. Discover how the area evolved from its origin as the Five Points into the largest Chinese enclave in the Western Hemisphere, with a population of over 150,000 people. You will visit food markets, shops and eateries, where you'll sample a variety of authentic Asian snacks and delicacies. Plus, you'll meet and interact with local food vendors and chefs, who will introduce you to their mouthwatering dishes.

Tour Overview:

Neighborhoods: Chinatown
Food Tastings: Along the way, you'll sample a variety of delicious foods from some of the best eateries and hidden gems in the Big Apple. From Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine to authentic Chinese dishes, you'll sample some of the best bites in New York City.
Notable Sites: Mahayana Buddhist Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in New York City; Columbus Park, a popular spot for locals to play games, practice tai chi, and relax; the Museum of Chinese in America which is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of Chinese Americans; Canal Street, one of the most famous streets in all of NYC - home to shops and vendors selling all kinds of goods, from clothing to electronics; and. Doyers Street, known for its unique bend, which was designed to confuse attackers in the early 20th century - now home to many restaurants and shops.
Favorite Bites: Since Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Japanese foods are all on the menu of this tour, it's difficult to pick just one favorite. If I have to choose just one, I'll with the Chinese Ice Cream!
Fun Foodie Facts: Chinatown is a great place to sample authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions of China, including Sichuan, Hunan, and Guangdong. The neighborhood is home to the oldest dim sum restaurant in the city: Nom Wah Tea Parlor. It has been serving up delicious dim sum since 1920. Have a sweet tooth? Many of the bakeries in Chinatown offer a unique twist on traditional Western desserts, such as mooncakes, egg tarts, and sesame balls. And if you can't get enough bubble tea, then this is the part of town for you! Bubble tea, a popular Taiwanese drink made with milk, tea, and tapioca pearls, can be found at numerous tea shops throughout this 40 block area.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: The annual Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown is a must-see event, featuring colorful floats, lion dancers, and dragon dancers.

Chelsea Market & Highline Food Tour

Price: $68 Per Person Duration: 3 Hours

Learn the secrets of New York's Chelsea Market and sample the diverse fare. Then enjoy the incredible architecture and views from the world-famous High Line and take a photo in front of the Vessel at Hudson Yards. Plus, you can sip on a draft pour at The Bronx Brewery in Hudson Yards after your tour!

Tour Overview:

Neighborhoods: Chelsea and the Meatpacking District
Food Tastings: Along the way, you'll sample a mouthwatering variety of culinary delights including pizza from Filaga Pizza, tacos from Takumi Taco, tahini ice cream from Seed + Mill, a halva Doughnuttery doughnut, plus your choice of flavorful bao bun from Mao’s Bao and hot chocolate from Eat Offbeat along with a Syrian cookie from Barazek!
Notable Sites: Chelsea Market, the Meatpacking District and the High Line!
Favorite Bites: There are so many delicious options on this tour, it's nearly impossible to pick one favorite but since I'm a fan ethnic eats, I'd have to say Syrian cookie takes the cake for this tour!
Fun Foodie Facts: Chelsea Market is on of New York's premier indoor food hall and shopping destinations. Located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, the market is housed in a historic brick building that was once home to the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) and was later used as a production facility for the Oreo cookie! Today, Chelsea Market is a bustling hub of activity, with dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of food and drink options - from fresh seafood to artisanal chocolates, and everything in between. One of the most unique features of the Market is its interior design. The building's original industrial features have been preserved, including exposed brick walls and large, cast-iron columns. It is also home to several works of art, including a colorful mural by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: Every day is a good day to eat out in Chelsea, but we recommend checking out the Chelsea Night Market which runs from May to October, and heading to the Taste of Chelsea food festival which takes place in the fall.

Flatiron District Food Tour

Price: $78 Per Person Duration: 3 Hours

Eat your way through two of New York’s most iconic and picturesque neighborhoods, Flatiron and Union Square, with this Flatiron District Food Tour.

Neighborhoods: Union Square and the Flatiron District
Food Tastings: On this NYC Food Tour you will sample eats from Eataly, an epic artisanal Italian food emporium; a modern twist on a classic New York Reuben from Zucker’s Bagels; discover delicious brain food as you sample a signature grain bowl from Honeybrains; sample award-winning rugelach from Bread’s Bakery; and, sip on a superior cup of coffee from one of NYC’s favorite coffee shops: Devocion.
Notable Sites: Madison Square Park and the famous Flatiron Building
Favorite Bites: It's a no-brainer - I'm going with brain food for this tour!
Fun Foodie Facts: Yes, yes, this New York neighborhood is home to an upscale dining scene, with restaurants like Gramercy Tavern and Eleven Madison Park, both of which have earned Michelin stars. But, one of it's most notable claim's to fame is Shake Shack, which started as a small hot dog cart in Madison Square Park and has now expanded to locations around the world.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: The annual Madison Square Eats food festival brings together some of the neighborhood's best food vendors for a delicious outdoor experience.

Greenwich Village Food Tour

Price: $218 For Two Duration: 2.5 Hours

You'll be led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and landmarks of Greenwich Village in this Food Tour. Explore the narrow streets and quaint parks, as you listen to stories of artists, bohemians, rock stars, and mayors who have made their mark on the neighborhood as you savor the tastes like the best New York City pizza, the city's oldest butcher shop and more.

Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village
Food Tastings: Along the way, you'll sample a variety of delicious foods from some of the best eateries in Greenwich Village including New York City style pizza, the city's oldest butcher shop and more and more sweet and savory bites.
Notable Sites: Washington Square Park, The Jefferson Market Library, MacDougal Street, Bleecker Street and The Friends Building: The apartment building located at 90 Bedford Street is where the exterior shots of the apartment building in the TV show "Friends" were filmed.
Favorite Bites: You can never go wrong with New York Style pizza, and this tour features some of the best pies around town.
Fun Foodie Facts: Greenwich Village is home to some of New York City's oldest food establishments, including the historic Italian restaurant, Da Silvano, which has been in business since 1975. And, it is also home to the famous falafel restaurant, Mamoun's Falafel, which has been located in Greenwich Village since 1971 and is a favorite among locals and tourists for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: All summer long! This is when you can enjoy the neighborhood's outdoor markets, such as the Union Square Greenmarket and the Washington Square Park Greenmarket, offer fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal food products from local farmers and vendors.

Lower East Side Food Tour

Price: $40 Per Person Duration: 2 Hours

With this Lower East Side Food Tour, you'll go on a journey through the vibrant streets of the area, where the culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself. From classic Jewish delis to trendy eateries, you'll taste your way through a melting pot of flavors and cultures as your guide escorts you through this eclectic New York City neighborhood.

Neighborhoods: The Lower East Side
Food Tastings: Think pickles, piping hot bagels with a schmear of cream cheese, freshly baked pretzels, and crispy fried dumplings. And that's just the beginning! The best part about this NYC Food Tasting Tour is that you decide what you want to try. While a few tastings are included in the price, the rest is a la cart!
Notable Sites: The Tenement Museum, Bowery Ballroom, The New Museum, The Eldridge Street Synagogue and The Henry Street Settlement
Favorite Bites: I pick the pickle, no need to say more!
Fun Foodie Facts: The first ever pizza place in America, Lombardi's Pizza, opened in the neighborhood in 1905! The neighborhood is also known for its Jewish delis, which serve classic dishes like pastrami on rye, bagels with lox and cream cheese, and matzo ball soup. Katz's Delicatessen has been a fixture of the neighborhood since 1888 and is famous for its pastrami sandwiches and other Jewish deli classics. It was the setting for the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene in the movie When Harry Met Sally. Russ & Daughters has been in business since 1914 and is known for its smoked fish, caviar, and other traditional Jewish foods. The LES has a long history of street food, from pushcarts selling knishes and hot dogs to food trucks serving tacos and Korean BBQ. Plus, it is famous for its pickles, my favorite. While in recent years, it has become known for its coffee shops and cafes, it is home to several historic food markets, including the Essex Street Market and the Hester Street Fair, which both offer a variety of street food and artisanal products. And, did you know that many famous chefs and restaurateurs got their start in the Lower East Side? David Chang (Momofuku), Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food), and April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig) all started near the nexus of the universe.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: The Lower East Side is a foodie destination year-round, but it's especially popular during the annual Lower East Side Pickle Day and the Taste of the Lower East Side food festival.

Hell's Kitchen Food Tour

Price: $218 For Two Duration: 2.5 Hours

You'll be led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide in this Hell's Kitchen Food Tour, who will provide fascinating insights into the history of New York City’s most underrated food destination, Hell’s Kitchen. Immigrant history, gang life at the docks, and an eclectic international mix of dishes are waiting for you on this unique NYC food tour which takes place right in the heart of Manhattan.

Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen and Midtown Manhattan
Food Tastings: From Japanese BBQ to Indian Tacos, cookies – and don’t forget the Meatballs
Notable Sites: Hudson Yards, The High Line, The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and The Clinton Community Garden
Favorite Bites: You had me at cookies, no need to go say more.
Fun Foodie Facts: The Landmark Tavern, which call's Hell's Kitchen home, has been in operation since 1868 and was a favorite of famous Irish author James Joyce. More recent icons that call this neighborhood home include The Milk Bar flagship location, which sells the famous cereal milk soft serve and other sweet treats and Italian eateries: Carbone, Don Angie, and Il Ristorante Rosi.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: The neighborhood hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market Food Festival and the New York City Wine & Food Festival.

DUMBO & Williamsburg Food Tour of Brooklyn

Price: $78 Per Person Duration: 3 Hours

The views, the pizza, the history, fuhgeddaboutit! Explore and learn about this historic and lively borough with a guided walk through some of the best bites of the borough on this Brooklyn Food Tour.

Neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Promenade + Park and DUMBO
Food Tastings: Let's start off with the fact that you'll enjoy a delicious pastry from Lassen & Hennigs; World famous pizza from Julianna’s Pizza; Whoopie Pies from Dawn’s Til Dusk; a sweet sample from the famed French chocolatier Jaques Torres; and, last but not least delectable empanadas from The Migrant Kitchen.
Notable Sites: The Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge. You will also see famous landmark Jane’s Carousel, a wooden, 48-horse carousel that was built in 1922.
Favorite Bites: Whoopie Pies all the way!
Fun Foodie Facts: Did you know that if Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the 4th largest in the U.S.? The borough is home to some of the oldest and most famous pizza places in the United States, including Di Fara Pizza, Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano, and Grimaldi's Pizzeria and it is known for its bagels, which are typically boiled in water with honey or malt syrup before being baked. The most famous bagel shops in Brooklyn include Bagel Hole, Russ & Daughters, and Ess-a-Bagel. But with approximately 150 bagel places in this 71 square mile area of New York City alone and new ones opening all of the time, there's no shortage of delicious breads on nearly every block.
Best Time to Visit this New York City Neighborhood as a Foodie: Overall, any time is a good time to visit Brooklyn as a foodie, as the borough has an incredibly diverse and dynamic food scene. However, I recommend May since this is when the Uncorked wine and food festival takes place, showcasing local wineries and restaurants.

Tips for Enjoying New York Food Tours

New York City is a food lover's paradise, and food tours are a great way to explore the city's culinary offerings - especially if you are visiting and only have a limited amount of time. Here are my top tips for enjoying a food tour:

Choose a Tour That Fits Your Interests And Your Diet: New York City has a wide variety of food tours, ranging from pizza tours to dessert tours to ethnic food tours. Choose a tour that aligns with your interests and tastes to get the most out of the experience. If you don't eat meat, have a gluten allergy or you only eat kosher foods then choose a tour that can accommodate those dietary restrictions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Food tours typically involve a mile or two of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Many of the best eateries in NYC are tiny! (Rent is expensive and space is at a premium if you hadn't guessed.) Often your tour guide will enter the hidden gem solo and exit with a tray, bag or plate full of delicious treats for you to try. This means you'll most likely be standing and walking for the duration of any of the New York City Food Tours you try. Sitting around isn't really on most New York Tour menus.
Come Hungry: Food tours in NYC typically involve multiple stops with generous food portions, so come hungry and pace yourself to fully enjoy each carefully selected culinary creation. While New York Food Tasting Tours aren't eating contests, you want to be able to savor the flavors of the neighborhood and in most cases, it's the only meal you'll want to eat that day (and possibly the next).
Ask Questions: Food tours are lead by licensed New York City Tour Guides. These guides are officially knowledgeable about New York and New York Foods, so don't be shy. NYC Food Tours are a great opportunity to learn about the history and culture of New York City and it's culinary scene.
Be Open to Trying New Things: New York City's food scene is incredibly diverse, and food tours often include dishes and cuisines you may not be familiar with. Be open to trying new things and expanding your culinary horizons - after all isn't that why you want to sign-up to take a food tour?
Bring a Camera: Ah, Instagram and food, it's as if they were made for each other like peanut butter and jelly or pretzels and mustard. Not only will you want to take pictures of what you eat, but most likely where you eat too! This is New York, The Big Apple, one of the most photographed cities in the world and these New York Tours often take you to NYC's most photogenic locations! So don't forget to bring a camera to capture delicious moments.
Tip Your Guide: Tour guides work hard to provide an enjoyable and informative experience. It's customary in New York City to tip your Tour guide at the end of any New York tour.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your New York City food tour experience and discover some of the best culinary offerings the city has to offer.

Enjoy & Share the Big Apple On a Plate With Experience Gifts

Best Food NYC - that's what a New York Food Tour is all about right? These NYC Tours aren't just for first time visitors to New York City, they are for everyone! Whether you grew up in Brooklyn or moved to Manhattan after getting your masters, a food tour is a the best way to explore, taste and discover all of the New York City neighborhoods. Plus, they make a great gift for every occasion. Friends getting married - food tour, need a mother's day gift - food tour, looking to thank your bff for helping you move in the fifth floor of a walk-up - food tour. No matter what the gifting occasion it is, a food tour fits the bill. Not sure when they want to go? Not a problem. ExperienceGifts.com offers you the chance to gift a food tour without picking a date! So whether you are looking to book a Brooklyn Culinary Tour for yourself or buy a bite of the Big Apple and give a New York Food Tour as a gift to someone else, this site has you covered.

So let's recap: Food Tours New York, New York Food Tours - you say tomato, I like to eat them on a New York Foodie Tour. Ok, maybe comedy isn't my calling but, it just might be in tasting food - since that's one of the things I love to do most! The tours that I recommended in this guide are only a few of the food tour options out there! From small group food tours where you only eat donuts or one's that feature some of the best bagels in the Big Apple to private food tasting tours that give you the chance to eat your way through Little Italy in the Bronx, there's a New York foodie tour that fits everyone's appetite! What are you waiting for, time to eat - Book your NYC Food Tour today - bon appetit!