Brooklyn stands out as one of New York City’s most flavorful neighborhoods, packed with diverse communities, iconic eateries, and hidden culinary gems. Whether you want to explore the historic Italian-American streets of Bensonhurst, sample artisan donuts in Williamsburg, or walk through the scenic Dumbo waterfront with five classic Brooklyn dishes, the borough offers an incredible variety of food tours.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the best Brooklyn food experiences. From small-group walking tours that uncover neighborhood secrets to specialty tastings like street food in Greenpoint or a comprehensive half-day bus excursion, there’s something for every palate and schedule. We’ve included tours that highlight local mom-and-pop businesses, ethnic food hubs, and even a unique vegan soap-making class. These options provide both insight into Brooklyn’s rich history and a chance to indulge in authentic flavors, often with expert guides who share stories behind each bite.
Quick Overview
This list features 15 tours with a mix of walking, bus, and specialty experiences. Highlights include a 3-hour neighborhood food walk through Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, a donut adventure spanning Williamsburg and Greenpoint, and a cultural exploration with a Brooklyn native. Some tours focus on specific cuisines, like Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian, while others emphasize Brooklyn’s history, such as the Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Bridge tour. Family-friendly options, private tours, and unique activities like vegan soap-making round out the choices.
1. New York: Food, History and Culture of Brooklyn Tour
This small-group walking tour is a crowd favorite for its personal touch and local flavor. Exploring Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, you’ll sample Middle Eastern baked goods, Italian bites, and old-fashioned soda fountain treats. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs around $90 per person, with enough bites for a hearty lunch. Participants rave about the chance to visit mom-and-pop businesses, with reviews praising guides like Micky for their historical insights and friendly approach. Perfect for those wanting an authentic taste of Brooklyn off the tourist trail, this tour blends food with stories of Brooklyn’s rich immigrant history.
Bottom line: A well-rounded introduction to Brooklyn’s culinary backbone, great for foodies who want local favorites and cultural context.
2. NYC: Brownstone Brooklyn History, Culture and Food Tour
On this 3-hour tour, discover why Brooklyn has become NYC’s culinary hub. Starting at 61 Bergen St, you’ll walk through the picturesque streets rich in history and taste foods representing New American, Middle Eastern, and Italian influences. Guided by locals, you’ll visit family-run businesses that epitomize Brooklyn’s community-driven food scene. With a rating of 4.8/5 from 151 reviews and a price of $76, this tour emphasizes Brooklyn’s evolution into a food capital. Reviewers often mention the guide Sara’s extensive knowledge, making this ideal for travelers interested in both history and authentic bites.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of culture and cuisine with a relaxed walking pace.
3. Brooklyn Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour
For those with a sweet tooth, this donut tour offers a delightful journey through Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Visiting four bakeries, from modern favorites to old-school classics, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours at $70 per person. Highlights include enjoying generous samples at Doughnut Plant and learning about each neighborhood’s culture through its bakeries. With perfect reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s “lots of donuts,” it’s ideal for anyone who craves variety and fun flavors.
Bottom line: A sweet way to explore Brooklyn’s vibrant neighborhoods while indulging in creative donuts.
4. Brooklyn NYC Food & Walking Tour with a 5th Generation New Yorker
This 2.5-hour tour takes you through Williamsburg with a local guide who’s a 5th-generation Brooklynite. Expect to taste classics like bagels, pizza, and coffee while hearing stories about Brooklyn’s history from the 1800s to today. Costing around $198, it offers a well-rounded experience focused on real local favorites and cultural insights. Past travelers praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the savoring of neighborhood staples that give a sense of what it’s like to live in Brooklyn.
Bottom line: Excellent for history buffs and food lovers wanting an authentic Brooklyn experience with a personal touch.
5. From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour
This bus-based tour provides a relaxed way to see Brooklyn’s highlights, including Greenpoint’s pierogies and kielbasa and iconic neighborhoods. Over 4.5 hours for about $134, it combines sightseeing with tastings at local spots. Key stops include off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, making it ideal for travelers who want to cover a lot without much walking. Reviews mention Rick as a knowledgeable guide and the chance to sample Brooklyn’s diversity from the comfort of a climate-controlled vehicle.
Bottom line: A practical choice if you prefer a mix of sightseeing and tasting with minimal walking.
6. The Best of New York Food Tour
This 3-hour tour explores Dumbo’s stunning skyline views while sampling five dishes from award-winning restaurants. Starting in Brooklyn Heights, you’ll stroll through cobblestone streets before enjoying a variety of local eats. Priced at $129, it’s perfect for those wanting a scenic cityscape combined with quality food. Reviewers highlight Gaby’s engaging personality and the small group size that makes the experience intimate. The focus on award-winning establishments offers a taste of Brooklyn’s upscale yet authentic culinary scene.
Bottom line: Great for style-conscious travelers seeking good food with stunning views.
7. Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO Food Tour
On this 3-hour walking and tasting adventure, explore Brooklyn Heights, the Brooklyn Promenade, and DUMBO—arguably Brooklyn’s most photographed neighborhoods. The tour features bites like pizza and pastries, with enough for a hearty lunch. For $60, it’s ideal for those wanting a mix of history, city views, and casual eats. The reviews mention Seth’s engaging storytelling and the generous samples that make it feel like a meal.
Bottom line: Perfect for first-timers eager to see iconic Brooklyn sights while tasting local favorites.
8. No Diet Club – Best street food tour in Brooklyn!
This street food tour offers a whirlwind of diverse flavors over 3.5 hours for $80. It avoids tourist traps, focusing instead on authentic, multicultural eats. From Ecuadorian empanadas to Jamaican patties and Asian dumplings, you’ll visit several neighborhoods and enjoy generous tastings. Guides are praised for their friendliness and deep knowledge of Brooklyn’s food scene. It’s an ideal choice for adventurous eaters who want a taste of many cultures in one afternoon.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a fast-paced, flavorful tour with a multicultural twist.
9. Private Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour
For a personalized experience, this private tour offers custom routes through Brooklyn’s iconic neighborhoods. Costing $325 per person, it includes stops at famous landmarks like Jane’s Carousel and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The tour features a slice from a top pizzeria and in-depth stories about Brooklyn’s history. Past reviewers love the flexibility and attention from guides like the host, making it perfect for special occasions or private groups.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting exclusivity, flexibility, and a curated tasting experience.
10. Astoria Food Walking Tour in New York
This 3-hour tour takes you through one of NYC’s most ethnically rich neighborhoods. Starting in Little Greece, you’ll sample Greek, Middle Eastern, and South American cuisine. Highlights include tasting Pão de Queijo, a traditional Brazilian cheese bread, and visiting local Middle Eastern businesses. With glowing reviews praising guide Stefani’s knowledge and the generous tastings, it’s perfect for those interested in New York’s multicultural food landscape.
Bottom line: Excellent for curious eaters wanting a diverse, neighborhood-based culinary adventure.
11. Made in Brooklyn Food Tour
Focusing on Bensonhurst, this 3-hour tour showcases Brooklyn’s Italian-American heritage. Visiting classic spots where locals shop for pasta, cheeses, and baked goods, the tour offers a glimpse into Brooklyn’s “Pasta Paradise.” The guide shares authentic neighborhood stories, making it ideal for serious food fans. With only 2 reviews, it’s a new but promising experience for those wanting to explore Brooklyn’s Italian roots.
Bottom line: Great for Italian cuisine lovers looking for an insider’s look at Bensonhurst.
12. Vegan Soap Making for Beginners
This hands-on workshop isn’t your typical food tour, but it offers a fun, creative break. Making vegan soap using natural ingredients, you’ll learn techniques suitable for all ages and skill levels. The experience lasts about 2 hours and includes supplies to take home your own soap. Perfect for those interested in DIY crafts or searching for a unique Brooklyn souvenir, reviews are limited but the small group setting and personalized approach appeal to craft lovers.
Bottom line: A unique activity to add variety, ideal for families or friends interested in a creative, low-pressure experience.
13. Bensonhurst Food Tour
This Culinary Cartography tour explores Brooklyn’s most diverse neighborhood. Led by local Jim Baker, it covers 1-3 miles with 5 pre-planned stops tasting foods from Koryo-Saram, Georgian, Kosovar, Kyrgyz, and Italian cuisines. The 2-hour walk offers an authentic experience of Bensonhurst’s multicultural history, with tastings of morchovka, khachapuri, and cannoli. It’s perfect for those interested in the neighborhood’s evolving identity and culinary traditions.
Bottom line: Suitable for curious travelers eager to explore Brooklyn’s ethnic diversity through food.
14. Guided New York City Food Tour
This private tour offers a personalized deep dive into NYC’s culinary scene. Starting from a central spot, your guide will introduce you to hidden gems and iconic eateries, from bustling markets to authentic dishes. The experience is customizable, perfect for small groups or special occasions. Though reviews are still coming, the focus on tailored experiences makes it a flexible choice for those seeking a private, in-depth culinary journey.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a customized, private food exploration of NYC’s diverse neighborhoods.
15. New York Street Food Guided Walking Tour with a Guide
This 3-hour street food walk explores Brooklyn’s neighborhoods including Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. Led by a knowledgeable local, you’ll taste Italian pastries, Middle Eastern sweets, and artisanal cheeses. The tour emphasizes Brooklyn’s culinary heritage with generous tastings that amount to a substantial lunch. With reviews praising the guide’s insights and the quality of food, it’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Brooklyn’s street-level food scene.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a lively, tasting-rich experience with local flavor.
How to Choose the Right Brooklyn Food Tour
Picking the perfect tour depends on your priorities. If you’re after an authentic neighborhood experience with historical stories, Tours #1 and #4 offer in-depth insights. For a sweet tooth, the donut adventure (#3) or street food tour (#8) deliver generous samples and fun flavors. If you prefer scenic views combined with quality bites, the Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights tour (#6 and #7) are excellent. Budget-conscious travelers may lean toward the shorter, more focused options like the Bensonhurst or Greenpoint tastings, while those seeking privacy or a tailored experience should consider the private Brooklyn Heights tour (#9) or the private NYC tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the donut adventure or private options. Consider the walking difficulty — some tours involve several miles on foot, while bus or private tours reduce the physical exertion. Check the starting times and availability to match your schedule, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring your appetite.
Brooklyn’s food scene is a mosaic of flavors, neighborhoods, and stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you want a quick, flavorful walk through DUMBO or an immersive dive into Bensonhurst’s Italian-American history, there’s a tour that fits. With detailed guides, authentic tastings, and local insights, each experience offers a delicious slice of Brooklyn life. Book early, prepare to eat well, and enjoy this diverse borough’s culinary treasures.