The 15 Best Food Tours in Boston
Boston is a city where history and food are inseparable. Its streets tell stories of revolution, rebellion, and resilience, and the neighborhood flavors are equally rich. Whether it’s biting into a slice of pizza along the cobblestones of the North End or sampling diverse cuisines in the South End, Boston’s culinary scene offers authentic bites and memorable experiences.
In this guide, you’ll find a wide range of food tours that combine history, culture, and local flavors. From small-group intimate walks to private tastings, each tour highlights specific neighborhoods, unique culinary specialties, and engaging guides. Whether you’re craving traditional Italian pastries, revolutionary-era bites, or hidden gems off the beaten path, these tours bring Boston’s food scene alive.
You’ll learn about landmarks like Paul Revere’s house while enjoying a cannoli, discover the evolution of Chinese-American cuisine in Chinatown, or explore South End’s international eateries. All tours include food tastings—so come hungry. Let’s explore the best ways to taste Boston, step by step.
Quick Overview
This list covers 15 of Boston’s top food experiences, from historic North End pizza strolls to secret culinary adventures in the South End. Expect guided walking tours focused on Italian, Irish, Chinese, and local Boston dishes, with some tours blending history, architecture, and cultural insights. Prices range from $63 to $288, with durations from 2 to 5 hours. Many tours focus on small groups for personalized attention, while others offer private experiences. Whether you prefer a quick bite or a deep dive into Boston’s culinary history, these options will satisfy your curiosity and appetite.
1. Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour
This tour combines Boston’s best pizza with its historic North End. Walking through Little Italy, you’ll taste three pizza slices from renowned pizzerias while learning about the neighborhood’s immigrant history. The tour also traces the Freedom Trail, visiting sites like Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and USS Constitution. Food is all included, so come hungry for slices at Modern Pastry (where you get a free cannoli).
Tour highlights include tasting pizza at multiple spots, exploring Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, and hearing funny, insightful stories about the city’s past. Reviewers praise guide Big Al for mixing humor, history, and great food. This tour offers a fun way to discover Boston’s roots and flavors simultaneously.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you love pizza and want a mix of history and tasty bites in Boston’s historic North End.
2. North End to Freedom Trail: Boston’s Food & History
This tour expertly combines Boston’s historic landmarks with its culinary delights. Starting in the North End, you’ll explore sites like the Paul Revere House and the Greenway, then continue along the Freedom Trail, discovering the stories behind revolutionary Boston. Food-wise, you’ll sample meats, cheeses, pastries, and pizza—each bite paired with fascinating history insights.
What sets this tour apart is its small group size of just 12 participants and the surprise local stop at a hidden tavern filled with charm. It’s a comprehensive experience that ties Boston’s revolutionary past to its vibrant present. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the perfect blend of history and food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs who want to enjoy authentic Boston flavors in a relaxed, intimate setting.
3. Boston: North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese
If you’re after a delicious taste of Boston’s North End, this morning tour focuses on pizza, pastries, meats, and cheeses. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit three food stops, discovering hidden gems and enjoying Italian-style hospitality. The tour includes a top-notch cappuccino and some of the best local eateries.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on the local neighborhood’s authentic flavors and the opportunity to explore off the beaten path. Reviewers highlight guides’ passion and the quality of samples, making it a perfect quick dive into North End’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a concentrated, authentic North End food experience with a relaxed pace.
4. Boston’s North End: Secret Food Tour
This secret tour uncovers Boston’s gastronomic hidden gems in the North End, combining seafood and Italian specialties. It’s a walk through lesser-known spots, with a guide who shares stories about Boston’s food culture and history. Food is included, with tastings that might surprise you, like authentic seafood and Italian treats.
Tour highlights include the fun guide sharing local legends and the opportunity to taste fresh seafood alongside Italian classics. Reviewers mention the engaging storytelling and the variety of foods. It’s a more curated, insider experience for curious eaters.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to go beyond the tourist spots and discover Boston’s secret food corners.
5. Boston Food Tour: Local Gems of Boston’s South End
Venture into Boston’s South End, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and diverse food scene. This tour features treats like Venezuelan appetizers and French-Cambodian cuisine, showcasing international flavors. As you walk, your guide shares the neighborhood’s history and hidden gems.
This experience is rich with international and local cuisines and focuses on hidden culinary treasures. Reviews praise the guide for making the tour engaging and the food for being delicious. It’s ideal for those interested in multicultural Boston and architectural beauty.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to combine food with cultural exploration in a stylish neighborhood.
6. Iconic Boston Food and History Small-Group Walking Tour
This tour highlights Boston’s classic dishes like Boston cream pie and clam chowder, while exploring Faneuil Hall Marketplace and local taverns. The guide shares stories behind these iconic foods, making it a flavorful history lesson. The tour includes tastings of Boston baked beans, brown bread, and more.
Reviewers love that the tour combines food and city landmarks, and praise the guide’s engaging storytelling. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a comprehensive bite-sized history of Boston’s culinary heritage.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for those who want to learn and taste Boston’s most iconic dishes in a small-group setting.
7. Boston: Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour
Another South End highlight, this tour emphasizes savoring local specialties from beloved restaurants and bakeries. Your guide explores the neighborhood’s history and architecture, sharing fascinating stories about the area’s cultural past. Expect to taste delicious dishes from diverse cuisines, making it a true culinary adventure.
Reviewers mention Megan’s enthusiasm and the quality of food, making it a memorable journey into Boston’s modern cultural landscape.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those looking for a culinary and cultural experience in one of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
8. Boston: Ultimate Historic Food & Drink Tour
This tour takes you along the Freedom Trail with a focus on historic foods and drinks. You’ll visit the Boston Public Market and sample six or more tastes, like chowder, cannoli, and other local classics. The tour includes visits to six small businesses beloved by locals, making it a perfect blend of history, food, and local flavor.
Reviews highlight the variety and quality of tastings, along with the engaging guide Carol, who shares extra insights into Boston’s history and culinary evolution.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a full flavor of Boston’s history and food culture in a single tour.
9. Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour
Led by Boston native Anthony, this tour offers an edgier, more humorous take on North End history and food. You’ll visit hidden gems, see landmarks like the Paul Revere House, and enjoy over eighty restaurants, bakeries, and wine shops. Anthony’s 25 years of local experience shines as he shares lesser-known stories alongside tastings of Italian favorites.
It’s recommended for travelers who enjoy storytelling with a side of humor, and a more authentic, less touristy experience. Reviewers mention Anthony’s wit and insider knowledge as highlights.
Bottom Line: An ideal pick for travelers seeking a raw, humorous, yet informative tour of Boston’s Italian neighborhood.
10. Boston: Iconic Food Tasting & History Tour – Downtown
This downtown-focused tour features iconic Boston dishes like lobster rolls, clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and Boston cream pie. The walk includes stops at popular spots, with stories behind each dish’s history. You’ll visit Faneuil Hall and the Boston Public Market, tasting classic flavors that define Boston’s culinary identity.
Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the satisfying amount of food, making this a good choice for a hearty lunch with a side of history.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to combine Boston’s culinary icons with its historic landmarks in one tour.
11. Boston: Chinatown Food Tasting & Cultural History Tour
Explore Boston’s Chinatown, sampling traditional Chinese, modern Chinese, and Chinese-American dishes. The tour walks you through historic sites and introduces you to local restaurants and markets. Learn how Boston’s Chinese cuisine has evolved, and enjoy a cocktail or mocktail at the end.
Reviewers mention the wonderful guide and the variety of authentic foods. It’s a great choice for those curious about Chinatown’s cultural and culinary history.
Bottom Line: A must for foodies interested in authentic Chinese cuisine and neighborhood stories.
12. Boston Most Famous Foodie Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
This private tour is the ultimate food and sightseeing combo. It covers Boston Common, Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument, with tastings like clam chowder and Boston cream pie. The itinerary is customizable, making it perfect for a personalized experience. The tour offers maximum flexibility and exclusivity, ideal for special occasions or those wanting a tailored experience.
Reviewers appreciated the private attention and the opportunity to see Boston’s highlights while tasting its signature dishes. The cost reflects the personalized nature and private guide.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or groups wanting a luxe, personalized food exploration of Boston.
13. Boston: A Food & History Journey from North End to Freedom Trail
This full-day tour combines North End food tasting with a walk along the Freedom Trail. Starting at the North End, you’ll snack on fresh bread, meats, cheeses, pizza, and cappuccino, then explore historical sites. The tour emphasizes local flavors and revolutionary history, making it a thorough introduction to Boston’s cultural fabric.
Reviews rave about the comprehensive nature and the tasty bites, with some noting this as the perfect way to understand Boston’s history through its food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full immersion in Boston’s history and culinary scene in one day.
14. Boston’s North End: A Small Group Foodie Adventure
https://www.viator.com/tours/Boston/North-End-Small-Group-Food-Tour/d678-5713P109
Rating: 5.0/5 (1,103 reviews)
Price: $76.46 per person
Duration: 2 hours
This tour is perfect for passionate foodies who want an intimate North End experience. Walking through cobblestone streets, you’ll visit hidden bakeries, Italian salumerias, and family-run pastry shops. The guide shares local stories and introduces you to some of Boston’s best pizza, pastries, and meats. It begins at Boston Harbor with scenic views and is praised for its personalized attention.
Reviewers highlight the delicious samples and engaging guide, making it an excellent small-group option.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a personalized, authentic taste of North End’s culinary scene.
15. Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings
This highly-rated tour caps at just 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. It takes you through Boston’s North End, sampling everything from clam chowder to lobster rolls, pasta, and cannoli. The guide shares insider stories and tips, and on the day, you find out what the secret dish is—a fun surprise for food lovers.
Reviewers love the variety and quantity of food and praise the guide’s engaging style. It’s a perfect balance of culinary delights and local stories.
Bottom Line: The ideal choice for those who want a comprehensive, intimate, and tasty tour.
How to Choose the Best Boston Food Tour for You
If you’re trying to pick among these options, consider your interests, time, budget, and group size. For a quick and tasty introduction, the North End Pizza tour offers great value at just $63. If history is your focus, the North End to Freedom Trail blends stories and bites over five hours. For something more personalized, the private Most Famous Foodie Tour provides custom itineraries at a premium price.
Budget travelers might prefer the 2-hour North End Food Experience or the small-group North End tour, while those eager for a deep dive into South End cuisine can go for the Sweet & Savory South End or the International South End tour. Booking early is recommended, especially in summer and fall, when Boston’s food scene is most vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Boston’s food scene is as layered as its history. Whether you seek the classic pizza slices of the North End, the international flavors of the South End, or a comprehensive walk through historic landmarks, there’s a tour that fits your style. The small-group options ensure intimacy and personalized stories, while private tours offer the chance to customize your experience.
If you’re a history buff, combining food with landmarks like Faneuil Hall or the Bunker Hill Monument is perfect. For culinary explorers, tours focusing on hidden gems and authentic local eateries will satisfy your curiosity and palate. Booking a tour early guarantees you a memorable taste of Boston—so get ready to eat, learn, and enjoy.
This guide includes all fifteen of Boston’s top food tours, ensuring every type of traveler finds a delicious, insightful experience to match their interests.