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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023

There’s a restaurant for every cuisine in ‘the crossroads of the world’. The biggest influences are Italian-American and Jewish; so, terrific pizza everywhere and unforgettable smoked-salmon bagels at the ‘deli’. Steaks and high-end burgers also abound and cocktails are a must.

What to try

Your experience isn’t complete without a pastrami sandwich or a bagel breakfast, followed by fresh pizza in places run by generations of Italian-Americans – and martinis in a famous bar.

The dining scene

Eateries range from diners to Michelin-starred white tablecloth places with celebrity chefs. Locals love dining, then strolling to cafes, ice cream or cupcake places for dessert, while weekend brunch is an institution.

NYC has outstanding gourmet food trucks, serving imaginative, international bargain meals-on-the-go. They can be elusive, so check out the annual ‘Vendy Awards’ and chase them on Google or Twitter.

Chelsea Market

New York, United States of America (USA)

Chelsea Market

Located where the High Line meets Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, this erstwhile warehouse is one of New York’s great foodie destinations. The rambling hall is crammed by casual restaurants, food kiosks, and speciality food shops.

Best for ages 13+

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Grand Central Oyster Bar

New York, United States of America (USA)

Grand Central Oyster Bar

With its vaulted tiled ceiling, this restaurant underneath one of the world’s most famous railways stations has been shucking oysters since 1913 and is one of the city’s most iconic places to tuck into a plate of seafood.

Best for ages 13+

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John’s of Bleecker Street

New York, United States of America (USA)

John’s of Bleecker Street

Sure, there’s been a relatively recent trend of (great) Neapolitan-style pizzerias making the leap from Italy to the Big Apple. But there will always be New York-style pizza, coal-oven cooked and crispy on the bottom. One of the best (and oldest) is this Greenwich Village mainstay.

Best for ages 4+

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Junior’s

New York, United States of America (USA)

Junior’s

If New York were to have a ‘specialty’ dish, cheesecake would be a contender, and when New Yorkers want cheesecake they go to Junior’s. This iconic diner-café has been serving up a mind-boggling variety since the 1950s. The original was in Brooklyn; there are now also restaurants in central Manhattan on 45th and 49th Streets.

Best for ages 4+

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Katz Diner

New York, United States of America (USA)

Katz Diner

“I’ll have what she’s having,” is the famous line from the When Harry Met Salley movie scene set in this ancient palace of pastrami that’s been slicing and serving top-notch cured meat since 1888.

Best for ages 13+

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Peter Lugar Steak House

New York, United States of America (USA)

Peter Lugar Steak House

What began as a German beer hall in 1887 is now one of the best steakhouses in America. Located under the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, Peter Lugar is a true New York City experience. Reservations are essential.

Best for ages 13+

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Great Jones Distillery

New York, United States of America (USA)

Great Jones Distillery

This craft distillery in NoHo, Manhattan, specialises in producing premium gin, vodka, and whiskey using traditional distillation techniques and high-quality ingredients. Visitors can book guided tours, to learn about the distilling process and the history behind each spirit. Tastings are also available, providing a chance to sample and savour the distinct flavours of their spirits.

Adult price: £30

Min age 21

Best for ages 21+

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Union Square Greenmarket

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

view of the Union Square Greenmarket, New York

This vibrant farmers’ market, nestled in the heart of the city, is the place to go for locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods. A strict ‘grow-your-own’ rule to promote a direct farm-to-table food chain ensures the freshest produce and that profits go directly back to those who grow and make it. A locals hangout, it’s a great place for soaking up some authentic ‘New Yorker’ atmosphere. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: All day

When: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat

Frequency: weekly

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

Many chain or so-called popular restaurants and bars in Midtown and around Time Square are boring and over-priced, so frequent the East Village for hip dining and drinking, West Village for the same but more upscale, and Meatpacking District for hyper-trendy socialising.

Chelsea, SoHo and Nolita are full of good choices; while Little Italy is a tourist trap. Hells Kitchen is your best bet for a pre-Broadway.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

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New York City

New York City Food Cart Walking Tour
Treat your taste buds to some of the best street food in New York City, dished out of gourmet curbside kitchens! Explore either Midtown or the Financial District on foot as you taste five different food cart dishes. Your guide will also tell you about the rich food cart heritage in New York. After this delicious walking tour, you'll never look at street food the same again!

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Rating 4.86 / 5 [66 ratings]

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NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

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NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy
Four different food tastings in locations that blend together rich history, rich culture, and even richer flavors! Tickets include all the tastings, more than enough for lunch or dinner. Visit our favorite family-owned shops, support NYC locations that are off-the-beaten-path, and enjoy the history of establishments that have been in business for over 100 years. Feel connected with our smaller group sizes led by historian tour guides who want to create a custom, unforgettable experience.

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New York City Lower East Side Culture and Food Tastings Tour

New York City

New York City Lower East Side Culture and Food Tastings Tour
Tacos, dumplings, bagels — America would be a food wasteland without the dishes brought here by immigrants. Join this 3-hour New York City walking tour to sample the best ethnic foods in the Lower East Side. But this experience includes much more than sampling delicious foods, as you’ll learn about the history of the dishes, establishments, sites, and people along the way from your guide.

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Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour

New York City

Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour
Enjoy a Flatiron smorgasbord for lunch on the Flatiron Food, Architecture & History Tour! We spot at five fabulous spots for food! Enjoy, food, fun with some interesting history and architecture throughout. It's a great way to explore and enjoy some of New York’s best and most unique food stops! See two of New York’s most iconic and picturesque neighborhoods: Flatiron & Union Square. This tour is perfect for foodies, historians, architecture fans! On this tour you will enjoy gourmet tastings (enough food for lunch) and walk one mile or 1.6 km. Know that you are making a difference by simply choosing our tours; we offer guests a way to give back to the community, by engaging with our social impact partners. By adding a social impact partner to each food tour, we've created a unique experience for you and assure that every tour we run is having a direct positive impact on the community we'll be exploring.

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Brooklyn Food Tour: The Flavors of Williamsburg

New York City

Brooklyn Food Tour: The Flavors of Williamsburg
This walking food tour is a window into what makes this neighborhood so special. You'll experience the historic roots of the area tasting authentic Polish pierogies, you'll visit the "Best Pizza" shop in town, and be transported to the beach at Tacombi. Enjoy a bagel with a cause and wrap up with delicious BBQ! The tour includes a dessert stop at a functioning chocolate factory! Between food stops, enjot breathtaking waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, and hear the history of one of New York's most colorful neighborhoods from your expert guide. Know that you are making a difference by simply choosing our tours; we offer guests a way to give back to the community, by engaging with our social impact partners. By adding a social impact partner to each food tour, we've created a unique experience for you and assure that every tour we run is having a direct positive impact on the community we'll be exploring. This tour is Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten Free friendly.

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NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

New York City

NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour
This is a fun-filled interactive walking tour of Greenwich Village's Italian neighborhood. See St. Anthony's Church, Raffetto's Pasta and then stroll MacDougal Street's Caffe Reggio. This 2+hour tour is led by local, licensed NYC tour guide, Greg Marro, with Italian family roots in the neighborhood since 1884. Your food tour guide gives you an insider's perspective into local history with music, serenades and family tales.   Samples and sights subject to change. ALL TOURS require 3 people to operate, and are subject to rescheduling based on availability, or fully refunded. Tourists will be notified details by TripAdvisor messaging and/or text message.

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Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

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Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour
Come explore the coolest neighborhood in NYC.  We make our way through iconic Washington Square Park and its famous arch. Learn about how the park, which movies like 'I Am Legend,' 'Searching For Bobby Fischer' and 'August Rush' were filmed at, and eat our way through town. Learn something, eat something, love everything!

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NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

New York City

NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour
Take this opportunity to come and explore the sights, the sounds, and the savory food of an area going through more changes than any other in Manhattan. Enjoy this small group 3 hour walking tour and visit seven destinations, and take your time to taste various foods along your way. Also, enjoy being led by a local guide and learn about some of the great histories of Manhattan.

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Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour

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Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour
New York City is known for being pricey, but if you know where to look, it doesn’t have to be. Many of the foods that make NYC famous – like pizza, bagels, fried chicken, dumplings & more– just some of the spots we visit on our Williamsburg tour. Come get a slice from Joe's Pizza, and find out what all the buzz is about. We also make a stop at the famous Pie & Thighs, where you can enjoy the classic Chicken & Biscuit entree made fresh daily. Our tours are fun, safe, and memorable. These are only a couple of the stops we take, buy your ticket today and find out where we'll be chowing down next!!! (6) different tastings are included on this journey.

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New York Greenwich Village walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours

New York City

New York Greenwich Village walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
During your small-group, 3-3 and a half hours food tour, you will find secret food havens nestled throughout Greenwich Village with your local guide. Enjoy food tastings as well as an in-depth tour of the Village. Try everything from bagels and doughnuts to delicious New York style pizza on this walking tour.

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New York's West Village Food Tour

New York City

New York's West Village Food Tour
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Hell's Kitchen Food Tour

New York City

Hell's Kitchen Food Tour
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Rating 4.87 / 5 [137 ratings]

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Greenwich Village Food Tour

New York City

Greenwich Village Food Tour
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New York City Mafia Tour with Food Tastings: the Insider’s Story

New York City

New York City Mafia Tour with Food Tastings: the Insider’s Story
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Rating 4.52 / 5 [68 ratings]

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Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

New York City

Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest
Explore the tastes and history of two ethnic NYC neighborhoods, Chinatown and Little Italy. Animated and friendly guides allow their guests to learn these neighborhoods through fascinating historical stories and culinary delights. The delicious food tastings range from delicious dumplings to a sit-down authentic Italian meal. Some tastings are on-the-go as we aim to see as much as possible of the neighborhoods in 3 hours’ time. For guests 21 and up there will be an option to have a glass of wine at the seated tasting. One leaves this tour fully satisfied, along with a new found confidence in navigating the neighborhoods with a provided recommendation list in hand. This tour is a must if you're a local or visitor looking to get off-the-beaten path and taste amazing foods.

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High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

New York City

High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
You'll experience both our High Line Walking Tour and Greenwich Village Food Tour in this one amazing experience! Once an elevated rail line, the High Line fell into a state of decay upon being decommissioned in 1980. Today, this 1.45 mile long park is considered an icon of landscape architecture and design. Discover the lush greenery, public art installations and incredible NYC skyline views, all while sharing fascinating stories of its history and evolution. This tour continues with a delectable food tour of Greenwich Village, giving you a one-of-a-kind New York experience! Here, stroll the shaded, brownstone lined streets and see why artists, writers, & musicians have continuously flocked to this part of NYC and continue to champion for its unique identity. Along the way, you will be treated to a variety of delicious treats that are chosen to compliment your NYC experience. From the best pizza in the city to an old-school butcher shop, this is one lunch you will never forget.

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Rating 4.91 / 5 [335 ratings]

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Half-Day Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll

New York City

Half-Day Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll
You'll experience both our Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Walking Tour in this one amazing experience. You will be in heaven on this culinary expedition in one of NYC's most notorious neighborhoods. Hell's Kitchen is a melting pot of cultures, a tapestry that is reflected in the delicious stops on this unique food tour. As you indulge your taste buds, hear tales of old New York and its legendary characters. Learn how vast immigrant populations and organized crime helped shape this now thriving neighborhood in the shadow of the theater district's neon lights. Next up, walking off all of that amazing food in the most iconic New York way. For visitors, Central Park is a dream NYC destination. To New Yorkers, it is our backyard, and we would love to have you over! Let your knowledgeable guide navigate you through this immense natural and architectural wonderland, while you hear stories that have delighted generations of New York City residents and visitors alike.

Price: $135

Rating 4.92 / 5 [234 ratings]

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Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus and Walking Tour

New York City

Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus and Walking Tour
The new culinary center of the Big Apple, where food and dining trends are dispersed to the rest of the country, is Brooklyn. And with this half-day tour, you can take a big bite out of it. From old ethnic enclaves to the latest hipster 'hoods, Brooklyn's dining scene is both diverse and cutting edge. Munch pierogies in Polish-dominated Greenpoint and hip farm-to-table fare in Williamsburg. This guided eating tour of New York's coolest and tastiest borough is ideal for foodies and the people who love them.

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Rating 4.87 / 5 [716 ratings]

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High Line, Greenwich Village Food, and Historical Downtown Tour

New York City

High Line, Greenwich Village Food, and Historical Downtown Tour
You'll experience our High Line Walking Tour, Greenwich Village Food Tour, and Historic Downtown Tour to create one amazing experience. This 5.5-hour tour first covers the High Line, an elevated railway line that has been turned into a beautiful park and has helped transform the whole west side of Manhattan. Next onto the food tour! Stroll the brownstone lined streets of Greenwich Village and see why artists, writers, & musicians have continuously flocked to this part of NYC. You will be treated to a variety of foods that are chosen to compliment your NYC experience. From the best pizza to an old-school butcher shop, this is one lunch you will never forget. Walk off all that food on this fascinating tour that takes you past some of NYC's most important institutions. This area is the birthplace of NYC, and your guide will share their immense knowledge of how it emerged from a Dutch fur-trading outpost and colonial stronghold, to a land of towering skyscrapers and glittering lights.

Price: $160

Rating 4.83 / 5 [48 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York City

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.