New York City: Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour

Exploring the vibrant flavors of New York City’s Little Italy has never been easier. The Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour offers a delightful 2-hour journey, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine for just $90 per person. Indulge in delicious pizzas, pastries, and cheeses while learning about the rich history of early 20th-century immigration. With knowledgeable guides and a free cancellation policy, this tour promises both culinary delight and cultural insight. Discover why this tour has become a must-do experience for visitors and locals alike.

Key Points

• A 2-hour tour of Little Italy in New York City that includes tastings of pizzas, pastries, and cheeses at family-owned bakeries and pizzerias.
• Learn about the early 20th-century immigration history of New York and visit movie locations from iconic films like "The Godfather" and "Donnie Brasco".
• Enjoy a well-rounded 4-course lunch-equivalent experience with professional, knowledgeable guides who provide live commentary in English.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 203 reviews.
• Customers praise the tour’s excellent value for money and the guides’ ability to bring the area’s rich history to life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The New York City: Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour offers visitors a delightful 2-hour experience priced from $90.00 per person.

Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A convenient reserve now and pay later option is available.

The tour highlights include savoring delicious pizzas, fresh pastries, and cheeses in Little Italy, learning about early 20th-century immigration, and visiting family-owned bakeries and pizzerias.

Savor delicious pizzas, fresh pastries, and cheeses in Little Italy while learning about early 20th-century immigration and visiting family-owned establishments.

Guides are professional and knowledgeable, and the tours are accessible for wheelchair users.

Punctuality is emphasized to ensure adherence to the tour schedule.

Tour Highlights and Activities

Visitors to the New York City: Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour can savor delicious pizzas, fresh pastries, and cheeses in the historic neighborhood of Little Italy.

The tour explores early 20th-century immigration to New York, visiting family-owned bakeries and pizzerias, including La Bella Ferrara and Di Palos. Guests will discover New York’s bootlegging depot during Prohibition at Curb Exchange and see movie locations from "The Godfather" and "Donnie Brasco."

The tour culminates with a peek inside the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Tastings equivalent to a 4-course lunch are provided at 4 venues, including pizza, mozzarella, and pastries.

Food Tastings and Venues

The tour offers an opportunity to experience tastings equivalent to a 4-course lunch at 4 distinct venues.

The experience begins at La Bella Ferrara, where guests savor the renowned Italian Rainbow cookies.

Next, they visit Di Palos, a family-owned hotel, for a tasting of fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese.

The highlight of the tour is the high-quality pizza served at Nolita Pizza.

The final stop is Ferrara Bakery, where additional tastings are provided, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of Little Italy’s culinary delights.

1. La Bella Ferrara: Italian Rainbow cookies

2. Di Palos: Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese

3. Nolita Pizza: High-quality pizza

4. Ferrara Bakery: Additional tastings

Guides and Accessibility

A professional licensed guide is included on the Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour, offering live commentary in English. Punctuality is emphasized to adhere to the tour schedule.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive access for all participants. The guide’s expertise brings the history and culture of Little Italy to life, seamlessly integrating food tastings with engaging narratives.

Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, highlighting how they enhance the overall value and enjoyment of the experience.

With accessibility and expert guidance, this tour offers a well-rounded and enriching exploration of New York’s iconic Little Italy.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

With a wealth of customer feedback, the Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 203 reviews.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides, who brought the area’s rich history to life while leading tastings at beloved bakeries and pizzerias. Customers also noted the excellent value for money, with one describing the tour as "a perfect blend of food, culture, and entertainment."

Knowledgeable guides bring the area’s rich history to life during tastings at beloved bakeries and pizzerias, offering excellent value for money.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. Savoring delectable Italian pastries, cheeses, and high-quality pizza.

2. Discovering New York’s bootlegging history during Prohibition.

3. Exploring movie locations from classic films like "The Godfather."

4. Visiting the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The History of Little Italy

Although the Little Italy neighborhood in New York City is now a shadow of its former self, it once bustled with Italian immigrants who flocked to the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These immigrants, many from southern Italy, established a thriving community centered around Mulberry Street, opening businesses, churches, and cultural institutions. At its peak, Little Italy was home to over 10,000 Italian-Americans.

While the neighborhood has shrunk over the years, it still retains its Italian charm, with iconic bakeries, restaurants, and festivals celebrating its rich heritage.

Exploring the Neighborhood

How best to explore the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood? The Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to savor the flavors and discover the history of this iconic area.

The tour includes visits to:

1. Family-owned bakeries and pizzerias, like La Bella Ferrara and Di Palos, where you’ll indulge in Italian treats and learn about their traditions.

2. The Curb Exchange, a former bootlegging depot during Prohibition, to hear tales of the neighborhood’s past.

3. Movie locations featured in classics like "The Godfather" and "Donnie Brasco."

4. The grand St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a testament to the Italian-American community’s legacy.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour, guests should arrive at the designated meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

Punctuality is crucial, as the tour follows a tight schedule to ensure all participants experience the complete itinerary.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility needs can fully participate.

Once the tour begins, guests will embark on a culinary and historical journey, tasting authentic Italian delicacies while learning about the neighborhood’s rich heritage.

Guests will embark on a culinary and historical journey, tasting authentic Italian delicacies while learning about the neighborhood’s rich heritage.

Guests should come hungry, as the tour includes the equivalent of a 4-course lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour involves strolling through the neighborhood. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended for an enjoyable experience.

Can We Take Pictures During the Tour?

Absolutely! Participants are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The guide will provide opportunities to capture the vibrant sights and tastes of Little Italy’s family-owned bakeries, pizzerias, and other iconic venues explored on the excursion.

Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour offers accommodations for dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can ensure the food tastings meet their dietary needs.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, covering about 1 mile in total over the 2-hour duration. Guests can expect to be on their feet for extended periods as they explore the historic neighborhood and visit the food venues.

Can We Purchase Additional Food Items During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional food items during the tour. The tour includes tastings at several venues, but visitors are free to buy extra food and drinks as desired at their own expense.

The Sum Up

The Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour offers a delightful way to experience the vibrant flavors and rich history of this iconic New York City neighborhood. With a mix of delicious food tastings, knowledgeable guides, and a convenient cancellation policy, this tour provides both culinary and cultural exploration for just $90 per person. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Little Italy.

You can check availability for your dates here: