secret food tour new york

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The 13 top-rated nyc food tours.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple on these foodie-focused NYC excursions.

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

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As one of the best foodie cities in America , New York City has no shortage of delicious eats spread across its five boroughs. But the enormous volume of food carts, award-winning restaurants and long-standing favorites can be overwhelming for visitors searching for the Big Apple's most delicious dishes. A food tour can be a great way to narrow your search, thanks to the guidance of an in-the-know local. Considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected the top food tours in NYC. Whether you're craving the best bagel or the tastiest slice of pizza, you'll walk away with a full belly and a better understanding of the local food scene after one of these tours.

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $85 Duration: 4.5 hours

Calling all pizza lovers – this tour was made for you. During the nearly five-hour outing, you'll board a bus from Manhattan to Brooklyn where you'll enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza at Grimaldi's and Sicilian-style pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also visit the filming locations of famous movies like "Saturday Night Fever," "Goodfellas" and "The French Connection." Plus, you'll stroll the Coney Island boardwalk – a highlight for reviewers. Travelers heap praise on the guides and appreciate the many stops for photos.

The tour, which starts at $95 for adults and $85 for kids 11 and younger, are available Wednesday and Friday through Monday at 11 a.m. If you didn't get your fill of the borough, you can also join in on the company's two other Brooklyn-themed tours.

View & Book Tickets: A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours

Nice Guy Tours – Greenwich Village Tour

Price: From $75 Duration: 3 hours

For a food tour that mixes in a healthy dose of New York City history, consider the Greenwich Village Tour from Nice Guy Tours. On this three-hour foodie excursion, you'll make at least six stops for samples of the neighborhood's best falafel, pizza, bagels, fries and cupcakes, among other tasty treats. Along the way, you'll see neighborhood landmarks, such as the longest-running off-Broadway theater, the narrowest house, the oldest house and Washington Irving's former home, not to mention the exterior of the famous "Friends" apartment. Participants heap praise on Nice Guy Tours, saying the guides are funny and knowledgeable, and the food is incredible.

The tour, which is offered Wednesday through Sunday at either 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., starts at $75 per person. Food-focused tours of the Lower East Side are also available.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

New York Fun Tours – The Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Culture Tour

Price: From $149 Duration: 4.5 hours

For a crash course in the food and neighborhoods that make Brooklyn so unique, consider this nearly five-hour tour from New York Fun Tours. You'll start the tour in Greenwich Village and then board a bus to Brooklyn where you may visit neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Carroll Gardens. As you learn about the history of each neighborhood, you'll sample some of the area's most famous dishes, including traditional Polish pierogis and kielbasa, New York-style brick oven pizza and Cuban sandwiches, among other tasty bites. At the end of the tour, you have the option of boarding the bus back to Greenwich Village or walking across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Tourgoers offer high praise for the food and applaud the guide and driver for their expert knowledge of the area.

Tours are usually offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $149 per person. Private tours of Manhattan are also available.

Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting – Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Price: From $105 Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the history, culture and food of two of New York City's distinct immigrant neighborhoods on this three-hour tour. You'll meet your guide in Little Italy for a cannoli and a brief history lesson before heading to mom and pop shops to sample prosciutto, olives, cheeses, fresh pasta and more. After a brief stroll to Chinatown, you'll enjoy a tasting menu of dim sum followed by a tour of the neighborhood's historic Chinese landmarks. You'll have seven different tastings in all – a great value, travelers say. According to reviewers, this is a fun combo tour with engaging guides.

Tours, which cost $105, typically begin at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., with an additional 11:30 a.m. tour on Saturdays. Daily tours are offered April through December. Private dinners in Little Italy and public tours of Mulberry Street are also available.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Tenements, Tales, and Tastes

Price: From $79 Duration: 3 hours

This three-hour tour celebrates the impact of immigrants and the cuisine they brought to New York that locals and visitors still enjoy today. The tour starts at the African Burial Ground National Monument and weaves around the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown, among other ethnic enclaves. As your guide provides historical context of the various neighborhoods and the immigrants who shaped them, you'll sample dumplings, knishes, pretzels and cheese, among other delicious bites. Reviewers say the tour provides an outstanding overview of the immigrant experience and deftly introduces participants to some hidden gems.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $79 per person. Intrepid Urban Adventures also offers other food tours and more.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Free Tours by Foot – Greenwich Village Food Tour

Price: Free (excludes cost of food) Duration: 2 hours

A more economical option for a foodie excursion, Free Tours by Foot offers pay-what-you-wish food tours of the city, including Greenwich Village. During the two-hour outing, you'll stop at four to five different outposts where you can choose what you want to taste and pay for it. You'll generally spend between $8.50 and $15 on your bites, according to the company. Possible samples include falafel, pizza, bagels, cupcakes and arancini (fried rice balls). As with other trips from Free Tours by Foot, you'll pay your guide what you think the trip was worth at the conclusion of the tour. Past travelers said they loved sampling the different food and appreciated the flexible pricing.

Tours are offered at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and reservations are required. The company also offers food tours in a variety of other neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Williamsburg, as well as seasonal tours.

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Courtesy of Foods of NY Tours

Foods of NY Tours – Chelsea Market & The High Line

Price: Adults from $69; kids from $40 Duration: 3 hours

Sample one of the city's best hot dogs, Brooklyn-made ice cream and more on this three-hour tour of Chelsea Market and the High Line . The tour includes seven on-the-go tastings and one seated tasting, along with commentary from your expert guide about the market's history and the story of how the Oreo cookie was invented in Chelsea Market. Reviewers laud the tour guides for their engaging, passionate commentary and recommendations.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Thursday through Monday from March to June and then daily beginning in July. Prices start at $69 for adults and $40 for kids ages 5 to 12. When you're ready to explore beyond Chelsea, consider signing up for the company's tours of other famous foodie neighborhoods, including Brooklyn, Chinatown and Nolita.

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Manhattan Walking Tour – Hell's Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Walking Tour

Price: From $149 Duration: 3.5 hours

According to reviewers, this tour combines just the right mix of food, history and sightseeing. During the 3.5-hour stroll, you'll make stops at five different spots in Hell's Kitchen for tasty eats like empanadas, hush puppies, baba ghanoush and doughnuts. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Central Park – a particular highlight for travelers. Tourgoers are complimentary of the passionate guides and the interesting and delicious food. What's more, tours are capped at eight participants – another plus for reviewers.

Tours are offered daily at 12:30 p.m. and cost approximately $149 per person. Not looking to see Central Park? You can book the Hell's Kitchen Food Tour by itself for around $100 per person.

Secret Food Tours New York – NYC Food Tour in Greenwich Village

Price: Adults from $75; teens from $70; kids from $65 Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

This traveler-approved, 3- to 3.5-hour food tour takes visitors through Greenwich Village to sample a classic New York bagel, a Reuben sandwich, a local cupcake, a slice of pizza and a gourmet doughnut. Part of the fun on this tour is the "secret dish," which is revealed the day of your tour. Participants say the tour is educational, with many praising the secret stop.

The tour costs $75 per adult and $65 and $70 for kids and teens, respectively. Tours are offered daily beginning at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Still hungry? The company also offers tours of the Brooklyn food scene, as well as pizza-focused tours of the East Village.

Like a Local Tours – Flatiron Food, History & Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $78; kids from $68 Duration: 3 hours

Appeasing both history buffs and foodies, this tour explores the food, architecture and history of two of New York's most iconic neighborhoods: Flatiron and Union Square. During the three-hour, mile-long stroll, you can enjoy Italian fare at Eataly and a Reuben at Zucker's Bagels, plus snap pictures at the famous Flatiron Building and more. Tourgoers rave about the food and the knowledgeable guides, who win praise for sharing plenty of historical context in a fun, engaging way. However, a few reviewers warn the tour may not be entertaining for children since it focuses heavily on history.

Tours, which start at $78 for adults and $68 for kids ages 4 to 10, are offered Wednesday and Friday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Kids younger than 4 can tour for free. The company also offers food and walking tours of other NYC neighborhoods and boroughs, including Brooklyn.

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Sidewalks of NY Tours – West Village Food Tour

Indulge in classic New York City dishes while exploring the tree-lined streets of the West Village on this three-hour tour. With a local as your guide, you'll make six stops for samples including bagels, pizza, falafel and cupcakes. Along with the histories and traditions of the eateries, you'll also learn about the hangouts of the Beat Generation and Bob Dylan and view the exterior of Monica's apartment from "Friends," among other West Village hot spots. Reviewers applaud the variety of food offered and the generous portions. Others gush about the friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Tours, which cost $75 per person, are offered Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. Prices include all food. If you're still not full, consider the company's other food tours of midtown, downtown and the Lower East Side, among others.

Underground Donut Tour – New York City: Downtown Donut Tour

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $40 Duration: 2 hours

Doughnuts have an extensive history in New York City. Dutch settler Anna Joralemon opened the United States' first doughnut shop in NYC in 1673, and Harlem bakery owner Adolph Levitt created the first automatic doughnut machine, dubbed "The Wonderful Almost-Human Automatic Doughnut Machine," in 1920. Travelers can learn more about this deep-fried, ring-shaped pastry with the Underground Donut Tour. The two-hour walk takes guests on a journey through downtown New York, with stops along the way to try treats like a brioche-style doughnut and an everything doughnut. Reviewers say the tour guides are knowledgeable and the outing is an overall delicious experience.

The tour costs $60 for adults and $40 for kids 10 and younger. Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and noon. Underground Donut Tour also offers outings in Times Square and Brooklyn, along with private tours, tours for students and bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Greg Walks NYC – NYC Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

Price: From $79 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

New York City Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour teaches travelers about the area's Italian history through food. During this two-hour tour, foodies will have a chance to visit Greenwich Village venues like Raffetto's Pasta and the Tiro A Segno Italian Rifle Club – one of the oldest private Italian heritage clubs in the U.S. Sample Italian delicacies such as prosciutto di parma, Italian cheese bread and fruit-a-misu. Reviewers say this tour is fun and filled with interesting information.

Tours cost $79 per person and are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The company also offers other walking tours, including the East Village Pierogi Food Tour.

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , New York City , Travel , Vacations , food and drink

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Secret Food Tours New York City

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Secret Food Tours Greenwich Village

Secret Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy

New York Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Secret Food Tours New York City - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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22 Best Food Tours in NYC that Every Foodie Must Experience

Forget about those cliché sightseeing walking tours — if you really want to discover the Big Apple’s rich and longstanding culture, you need to sign up for one of the best food tours in NYC.

Taking you deep into multicultural, historic enclaves, these delicious locally-led tours highlight the top eats around town — from pizza in Little Italy to pierogis in Brooklyn and soul food in Harlem, you’ll get to taste your way around the most eclectic neighborhoods in New York City .

So come hungry, and prepare for one of the best things to do in NYC : eat!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

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1 – The Original Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1438 reviews )

“The entire tour was awesome and Elizabeth was a very knowledgeable tour guide! Special diet restrictions were handled very well.” Harrison. Viator

Two Manhattan neighborhoods that overflow with flavor thanks to their distinct immigrant heritage, both Little Italy and China are culinary Meccas.

But as many run-of-the-mill tourists will attest, there’s almost an overwhelming amount of eateries to choose from. That’s why it helps to have someone from the Ahoy New York Food Tours team leading the way.

Living locally, the tour guides can take you on a beeline to the most historic, most delicious haunts around town — not just the famous names, but the little hole-in-the-wall joints that not even all New Yorkers know about.

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This tour is exceptionally well organized and run by a fantastic guide (usually Patrick, Hannah or Valerie). You get a lot of food and you learn a huge amount about the local history as well.

The Tenement Museum at the end is a nice touch too. It comes highly recommended!

• Little Italy food tours

2 – Greenwich Village Italian Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 565 reviews )

“Greg was a wonderful guide, a complete Wealth of knowledge of the city, food and restaurants and shops we visited. I would recommend to anyone looking at food tours in NY”. Vince. Viator

While the next-door neighbor, Little Italy might draw most of the spotlight when it comes to mouthwatering Italian food, it’d be a sin to overlook Greenwich.

Not only is this hipster enclave the home of NYC counterculture, but it’s also developed a reputation in recent years for its outstanding foodie scene. And with the Greg Walks NYC team, you can learn all about it from the perspective of a local.

With over half a dozen stops including bakeries, century-old coffee shops and ravioli joints — and photogenic landmarks in between — it’s a couple of delicious hours well-spent.

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Greg knows his neighborhood down to the inch! Since it’s a relatively small group, he can give personal attention to everyone on the tour.

The food, of course, is absolutely delicious, and the landmarks seen along the way are beautiful as well. A great way to discover the Village!

• Greenwich Village food tours

Read more: Best NYC city tours

3 – The Story of the Lower East Side’s Food Culture

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 249 reviews )

“Mickey was the best! She knew so much history and she was very friendly 🙂 we enjoyed the tour and we had a 12 and 13 year old in our family.” Dee. Getyourguide

Home to 100-year-old bakeries, pizza joints that have passed down generations, and some of the best dumplings this side of the Hudson, the Lower East Side is a coveted smorgasbord of flavors.

Combining areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Nolita, the Intrepid Urban Adventures tour shines a spotlight on how multicultural immigration has made Manhattan the foodie paradise it is today.

Expect to try Ashkenazi Jewish snacks, classic Italian dishes and Chinese staples, with stops at landmarks like the Tenement Museum, the New York Supreme Court and St Patrick’s Old Cathedral adding that extra sightseeing touch.

Bruce, Mickey and the Intrepid team are so welcoming and so knowledgeable! Since they’re locals, you’ll get to see areas of NYC that most tourists miss.

All the food is delicious, but the fried dumplings are to die for! For a mix of history and food, lock this in.

4 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 734 reviews )

“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious! Definitely recommend this trip.” Ian. Viator

Move over, Manhattan! The Big Apple’s most hipster borough is rapidly proving to be a foodie paradise, and this tour shows you exactly why.

Combining all the best flavors from trendy enclaves like Williamsburg, DUMBO (a haven for sweet tooth and one of the top things to do in Brooklyn ) and Greenpoint, this New York Fun Tours foodie adventure will bless you with at least 7 different local staples.

Think Neapolitan pizza, traditional Polish kielbasa, French chocolate bon-bons and a melt-in-your-mouth Italian cannoli. Hungry yet?

Eats aside, you can also expect fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline, with plenty of history, culture and local insights thrown in the mix.

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Make sure you start this tour with an empty stomach because a smorgasbord of delicious food is in store! Not only are you taken on a culinary journey through Brooklyn, but Laurie, Rick and the team also teach you a lot about local culture and history. A truly A+ tour.

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5 – New York Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 680 reviews )

“This was one of the highlights of our trip to New York. Such a great neighbourhood to explore and the food tastes were just perfect.” Michael. Viator

Everyone knows about Katz’s Deli and Lombardis. This tour takes you away from the usual tourist hot spots and introduces you to the real New York cuisine; the hole-in-the-walls, the mom-and-pop shops and the hidden gems that you won’t find in the mainstream guidebooks.

With two equally fantastic choices — Greenwich Village or Chinatown and Little Italy — you will get to wander through historic, multicultural streets tasting everything from dumplings to bagels, falafels, cupcakes, New York-style cheesecake, donuts and fresh mozzarella.

With a knowledgeable Secret Food Tours guide leading the way and revealing the city’s best-kept foodie secrets, this tour is not one to miss.

Regardless of whether you choose the Greenwich or Little Italy/ Chinatown tour, you’re in for a treat. The dishes aren’t only delicious, but they reveal the history and culture of their respective neighborhoods.

The guides are so passionate about sharing their love for food and NYC — certainly recommended!

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Read more: 35 Best Walking Tours in NYC

6 – Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1156 reviews )

“Ian’s information sharing really made this trip interesting and eye opening. The food was all very good – as expected. We’ll go back and eat at most of these in the future.” Sam. Viator

While Greenwich is best known for being the home of New York’s counter-culture and bohemian community, it’s also a foodie haven. After some serious gentrifying, the Village has become a hotspot for everything from New York pizza to falafel and artisanal cupcakes.

While you could walk around and discover the street food on your own, the Nice Guy Tours team reveal all of the hidden gems that only the locals know about.

If you’re after the perfect blend of history, culture (you’ll even get to see the Friends apartment), and delicious eats, add this one to the itinerary.

Come hungry, leave happy. That’s the gist of this Greenwich tour.

Not only will you get to sample some of NYC’s most famous dishes, but thanks to the friendly guides, you’ll also learn about the fascinating history and culture that has shaped this charming neighborhood. Worth booking!

7 – Half-Day Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 266 reviews )

“The information on the rich cultural history of Hells kitchen, food selections, and unique trivia about central park created a fantastic experience.” Carol. Viator

While Hell’s Kitchen and Central Park may not sit side by side, they represent two of New York City’s most coveted destinations for first-time (and returning) visitors.

On this particular Manhattan Walking Tour , you get to combine taste-testing with sightseeing — a perfect introduction to the multifaceted city that is New York.

You’ll start by eating your way through international specialties in Hell’s Kitchen, with a mouthwatering ice cream sandwich for dessert. From there, you’ll check off some of the relaxing things to do in Central Park and get a much-needed change of pace.

An unexpected but fantastic combination, the Hell’s Kitchen Food Tour and Central Park Stroll is widely regarded as one of the top food tours in NYC.

You get to learn about the rich cultural history of the area, making it so much more than just a taste-testing session. A+.

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8 – NYC Food Tour: Flatiron & Union Square by Like A Local Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 190 reviews )

“Wonderful day! The food stops were fabulous and our tour guide Justin was really fun and knowledgeable! Tons of great stories about the local architecture. I highly recommend this tour!” Deborah. Viator

An often overlooked enclave of Midtown – yet only to the detriment of those who choose to walk past it – the Big Apple’s Flatiron District is home to an amazing array of delicious foods and drinks.

On the Like A Local Tours walkabout, you’ll quickly realize that this slice of Manhattan boasts so much more than just a triangular skyscraper; Flatiron and Union Square are melting pots of New York City’s history, cultures and of course, gastronomic delights.

As you explore the two neighborhoods, you’ll sample everything from classic New York pizza to award-winning bagels and the famous Caffe Lavazza brew at the Eataly Market.

If you want to explore off-the-beaten-path foodie spots in NYC, then this Flatiron tour is a wonderful option. The guides deliver a great balance between fun facts and history, and are always so friendly and helpful.

So long as you don’t mind a lot of (delicious) carbs, it’s a brilliant tour!

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9 – High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 357 reviews )

“Our tour guide Clare was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. She took us to places we would have normally just walked past. The various food stops again were very good.” Barry. Viator

A former railway turned urban park, the High Line has evolved to be one of Manhattan’s most spectacular attractions, regularly sitting high on visitors’ lists of things to do in Manhattan . This 1.45-mile-long stretch of elevated greenery dishes up stunning views of the city, away from the chaotic streets.

Combine that with a walkabout of Greenwich Village, one of NYC’s most charming and avant-garde neighborhoods, and this Manhattan Walking Tour activity makes for a fantastic half-day adventure.

You’ll sample delicious bites along the way like pizza, chocolate, and Italian specialties, popping into a couple of underground jazz clubs and independent bookstores in between.

Taking two very good tours and combining the highlights into one great adventure, this foodie walkabout is a fantastic way to blend sightseeing with taste-testing.

Alex, Jonathan, Tim, Claire and Jake are all locals who are passionate about New York food and history. One of the top-tier choices.

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10 – New York’s West Village Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 120 reviews )

“Adam was awesome!! This was by far our favourite tour on our trip. The food tastings were really good and substantial.” Rossella. Viator

Ask any New Yorker and they’ll agree: Manhattan’s West Village is one of, if not the go-to spot for finding the best food in New York City. Its quaint cobblestone streets and charming old-world architecture make it the perfect backdrop for a day of feasting with Sidewalk Food Tours .

As you wander through this beloved neighborhood, you’ll taste your way through some of its most renowned dishes — the pizza slice named best pizza in NYC 3 years running, award-winning cupcakes, and a real boiled-then-baked New York bagel. It’s a popular tour for a reason!

Talk about a foodie paradise! The West Village overflows with delectable eateries, and the Sidewalk team knows exactly where to go.

The food tastings are substantial and the guides are so sweet. Takeaway? The West Village Food Tour is a must for any self-proclaimed food lover visiting NYC.

11 – Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 149 reviews )

“Paul’s interesting knowledge of Williamsburg and beyond and the many selections of foods to try. Really loved Pies and Thighs, Joes Pizza and the best doughnut Ive ever had, from Doughnut Plant.” Alexa. Viator

Quickly rising the ranks in the NYC foodie scene, Williamsburg brings together all of the best flavors of the city — pizzas, bagels, classic delis and so much more, all wrapped up in an up-and-coming, eclectic neighborhood vibe.

With the It’s All Good Tours walkthrough of Williamsburg, you’ll get to taste a half-dozen local specialties while passing through some of the trendiest boutiques, galleries and waterfront views in Brooklyn.

Throw in some vibrant street art and postcard-worthy Manhattan skyline panoramas from Domino Park, and you’ve got yourself quite the envy-evoking adventure!

No trip to NYC would be complete without a wander around this artsy neighborhood, and there’s no better way to do it than on a food tour like this one. Paul and the guides are terrific, and so is the food – you’ll be very full by the end of it!

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12 – Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour by Like A Local Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 306 reviews )

“Great food at all stops. Ethnic choices. Guide Seth was fabulous and personable. Highly recommend. Beautiful walk along the Highline.” Kathleen. Viator

One of Manhattan’s most gentrified enclaves, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have evolved into a collective foodie paradise. That’s thanks largely to the market at its center, a coming-together of dozens of international flavors.

Combined with a wander along the High Line (considered one of the best places to visit in New York City ), this Like A Local Tours adventure promises a delightful mix of food, history, and culture.

After sampling Sicilian-style pizza, a Doughnuttery doughnut, some halva, and some homemade honey (to name a few), you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for New York’s buzzing food scene.

This tour is very informative, enjoyable, and delivers a great balance of classic and modern sights. All the market food is fantastic, but the pizza and the mini doughnuts are particularly delicious. Laura, Svetlana and the team are patient, personable, and make you feel so welcome.

Definitely worth doing!

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13 – Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 12 reviews )

“Very nice Guide with lots of insides of street food. The food was very tasty. Don’t eat before that tour. Would recommend this tour to everyone visiting New York.” Torsten. Viator

Run by Turnstile Tours , this Midtown Manhattan foodie adventure is all about showing off the tastiest gourmet food in NYC.

Joined by a knowledgeable New Yorker guide, you’ll be led through the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, known for its endless options of delicious street food. In between no fewer than 6 generous tastings (Mexican tacos, Greek souvlaki, Bengali kati rolls and more), you’ll get to check off landmarks like Bryant Park while meeting local food truck vendors and hearing fascinating tales of the city’s big-name chefs.

Appropriate for all ages, it’s considered one of the top family things to do in New York City with kids .

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You will learn a lot more on this tour than you’d expect! Besides getting to taste local staples, the friendly guides share the history of street food vending in the city – a topic you wouldn’t hear about on most other tours.

The food is delicious and diverse, so come hungry!

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14 – New York City Mafia Experience & Local Food With Former NYPD Guides

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 80 reviews )

“The stories were brought to life by our guide, Jonathan. He made sure to connect with each person in our group bringing us together giving the tour a friendly, personal feeling. Our dinner at Benito One was authentic and absolutely delicious!” Suzan. Viator

Why take a mob tour and a food tour separately when you can combine them into one unforgettable experience? That’s exactly what Mafia Food Tours have done — this unique adventure takes you through the East Village, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods, highlighting their controversial history of organized crime with delicious treats along the way.

What makes this tour particularly special is its guides; besides being experts in the local food scene, they’re also former NYPD members! With their insider knowledge and personal experiences, you’ll get a much more authentic rendition of the city’s dark side and infamous mobsters.

The fact that this tour is run by a former NYPD officer who was born and bred in Little Italy is incredible. Not only will you get insider knowledge about the city’s underworld, but you’ll also delight the tastebuds.

This food tour is definitely one of our top picks for NYC.

15 – From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 55 reviews )

“Laurie was incredible both in personality and knowledge. We loved every minute! This tour is a must when visiting NYC.” Joseph. Getyourguide

A great option for anyone staying in Manhattan who wants to explore beyond the skinny borough, this particular New York Fun Tours  excursion covers all the logistics to ensure you have a seamless, utterly delicious day in Brooklyn! Covering areas like Williamsburg, Greenpoint (where the best pierogies in town await), and DUMBO (for a sweet treat at the Jacques Torres chocolate factory), you’ll be treated to deep dives into food, culture and history all rolled into one.

Being a region renowned for its ethnic diversity, you’ll get to taste staple dishes that originate from all corners of the world.

Rick and the team are very informative and have a great sense of humor. While it’s a little pricier than other NYC food tours, the fact that all the transport and food are included makes it worth the price.

The food is absolutely delicious and full of history too.

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16 – NYC East Village Pierogi Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 24 reviews )

“Great guide, great food, great time! A variety of delicious perogies! Very knowledgeable guide! Lots of fun!” Antone. Viator

If you’re hunting for a good old Polish pierogi, NYC boasts two standout destinations: Greenpoint in Brooklyn, and the East Village in Manhattan.

Greg Walks NYC takes you on an in-depth walkthrough of the latter – an amazing neighborhood known for its multicultural enclaves (Little Italy, Chinatown and, of course, Little Poland) and rich food culture.

On this tour, you’ll get to experience firsthand the variety of Polish staples; far more than just pierogies, the menu also features traditional favorites like kielbasa, egg cream, and rugelach.

With five eateries included in between sightseeing, it promises to be a couple hours well spent.

Great food, great times. The pierogies on this tour are some of the best in the city. Tour guide Greg is an expert in the local culture and also points out some amazing buildings along the way.

If Eastern European cuisine is one of your guilty pleasures, then the Pierogi Walk food tour is one for the ages.

17 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 127 reviews )

“This tour was one of the highlights of my holiday, what a wonderful night and great tour guide. The food was fabulous.” Linda. Viator

With a reputation that precedes it, Harlem has long been known as a hub for music (jazz and hip-hop, in particular) and delicious food.

This private evening tour by Harlem Spirituals combines the best of both worlds, allowing you to experience the intricacies of Harlem’s soul food scene (think: cornbread, spare ribs, collard greens and tender fried chicken) while notching up some jazz riffs along the way.

Thanks to stops at quintessential tourist attractions in New York City like the Cotton Club, Minton’s Playhouse and the Apollo Theater, and a live jazz performance to boot, this highly educational tour is guaranteed to have you tapping along.

It’s not the cheapest tour going around, but if you’re traveling as a large group of music lovers, it can be a marvelous evening.

By the end of the night, you’ll be stuffed, you’ll be dancing, and you’ll have learned so much about Harlem’s history.

• Harlem food tours

18 – Small-Group Historic Downtown and Chinatown Walking Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 21 reviews )

“My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Chinatown food tour hosted by Jake. He is very knowledgeable about Chinatown and New York City.” Jonathan. TRipadvisor

Combining two very different, equally inviting neighborhoods into the one afternoon, this insightful Manhattan Walking Tour blends the food, history, sightseeing and culture of both Chinatown and Downtown Manhattan into a 4-hour highlight reel.

Expect to pass through the oldest neighborhood in Manhattan, wander down infamous Wall Street, witness the sobering 9/11 Memorial, and plenty more as you eat your way through the city.

Sure to fill you up, the tour features over half a dozen tastings from different local eateries (usually Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes), with plenty of notable landmark stops in between.

This is a super insightful, super delicious tour that combines a dose of history with some of the best Chinatown eats. The best part of this walking tour is that you can see two very different areas back to back, giving you a wider appreciation of New York’s diversity!

• Chinatown food tours

19 – Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and Brooklyn Bridge Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 9 reviews )

“Bridget was awesome! Her passion and love for Brooklyn was evident throughout the tour. The food choices were delicious with a great sampling from the culture.” Kim. getyourguide

Hopping over the East River, this diverse Like A Local foodie adventure shines the spotlight on New York’s most populous – and arguably most gastronomically impressive — borough, Brooklyn.

As you meander around, you’ll get to soak up the views from the Brooklyn Promenade, snap those iconic selfies at the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the best cheap things to do in New York City ) and Washington Street in DUMBO, and learn all about how Brooklyn Heights has gentrified into an affluent hotspot.

And, of course, you can expect some of the very best Brooklyn fare on a platter: Ignazio’s pizza, Bread & Spread sandwiches, and stacks more.

This tour has so much to see! Bridget and the guides are full of knowledge, so you can expect to learn a lot about the Brooklyn way of life – the architecture, the history, and (most importantly) the food.

Compared to some other tours, this isn’t as heavily focused on food.

20 – Retired NYPD Guided Gangster, Crime and Food Walk

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 11 reviews )

“Grear dollar value, great experience, and a great history tour that is cleverly combined with some great food stops. Go for it!.” Rod. Viator

Rolling back the curtain on the gritty underbelly of New York City, this Like A Local tour dives into crime, corruption, and the seedy side of the Big Apple. And thanks to the retired NYPD guide, the stories are all the more authentic. But don’t worry, it’s not all cemeteries and shady characters — the walkabout also includes stops at some of the best food joints in town.

Come hungry — you’ll get to indulge in some red sauce pizza at John’s of 12th Street, try some of Russo’s handmade cheese, dig into a mouthwatering cannoli for dessert, and a handful more.

Ideal for history buffs who want to ditch the run-of-the-mill food tours and go beyond the more touristy neighborhoods, this tour promises a rare, brilliant insight into the lesser-known side of NYC.

Dennis’s warmth, knowledge and passion are second to none. Highly recommended!

21 – Food On Foot Tours: Go West Guided NYC Tour With Food – Choose What You Like

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 87 reviews )

“Enjoyed the walk, all of Cory’s knowledge, mingling with everyone from all over the world and the food.” Diane. Viator

A much more flexible option than most NYC foodie excursions, this Food On Foot Tours activity gives you “food credit” to spend at five different eateries how you want — feast on Italian, splurge on desserts, dig into a famous bagel, or mix and match.

Keeping away from the crowded, main tourist areas, you’ll wander around the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood — a coveted spot for high-end restaurants, ethnic eateries and trendy bars.

It’s one of the best-kept secrets for food tours in the Big Apple, and a wonderful way to experience the diverse culinary scene first-hand

While a little unconventional in the way that you get to choose your own foods, since Cory and the team take you to the best restaurants that Hell’s Kitchen has to offer, you’ll be in good hands.

It’s a touch cheaper than other tours too, therefore definitely worth considering!

22 – NYC Greenwich Village Music And Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 34 reviews )

“It was really a unique tour combining food, music and other historical elements of the Village. The food was great and provided a lot of variety.” John. Tripadvisor

Besides being the home of artists and writers (and the wider counterculture movement), Manhattan’s eccentric Greenwich Village is also known for its lively music scene and delicious food. And this Greg Walks NYC tour combines both!

Following behind a Manhattanite local, you’ll wander through the Village streets, passing postcard-worthy landmarks and discovering all the hidden gems along the way.

En route, you’ll stop at iconic music venues and cafés, and learn all about the famous musicians who called Greenwich home. With delicious treats like pizza and spring rolls thrown in, you get a real taste of the local flavors too.

Combining 450 years of neighborhood history with a splash of music and plenty of delicious, big-portion food, this tour is excellent if you want to learn a little bit about everything.

Stops at Pete Seeger’s Home and Cafe Wha! really show off the rich culture. The guides are great too!

How to book food tours in NYC?

Being a foodie city on the world stage, NYC is home to a plethora of amazing food tours. But with countless options on the menu, it can be hard to know which one to choose – and at what price.

That’s where the TourScanner search engine can be a lifesaver. It compares all the available food tours in NYC, and their reviews and prices, allowing you to nail the best deal possible.

• compare food tours in NYC

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Secret food tours nyc | 5 delicious spots.

Last updated on November 4th, 2023.

Put together a bustling metropolis, delicious dishes and a fun guide, and you’ve got yourself one of the best NYC food tours.

Secret Food Tours NYC is an epic 3-hour event that’s perfect for curious epicureans and travelers alike.

Perfect material for your USA bucket list , it’s a way to get to know New York City.

The rules for Secret Food Tours NYC

First rule of the Secret Food Tour NYC is don’t be late. All attendees receive a reminder email a few days prior to the start of the tour. It states very clearly to be to be on time, and they don’t wait for any latecomers.

How do I know this? Because it happened to me.

First-hand experience

On the morning of the tour, the NYC metro happened to be severely delayed, as was I, for the start. Six minutes late, I eventually found the meeting spot, only to find no-one there.

With no network on my phone, I had to resort to connecting to the free McDonalds WiFi. Thankfully, I eventually got through to someone and they instructed me where to go.

Given my unfortunate experience, I advise you to keep the company’s contact details somewhere easily accessible.

More than a food tour

When you book any of the Secret Food Tours NYC, you get more than a gastronomic experience. You also get to see a neighborhood, in this case, Greenwich Village , through the eyes of a local.

Greenwich Village has a rich, and diverse, restaurant scene, not to mention, a colorful history, and all within a village setting.

The area includes Washington Park and the legendary Café Wha?, the iconic bar that launched the careers of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.

The bubbliest tour guide

The success behind any good tour is its guide, and ours was particularly wonderful.

Native New Yorker Bridget is vivacious, knowledgeable and bubbly, and exactly the kind of person you want as a guide.

She was never without a smile on her face, and full of interesting tales and titillating anecdotes about the area.

Secret Food tours NYC: 5 delicious spots

Bagel place .

When I think about New York dishes, the holy food trinity of hot dogs, pizza and bagels springs to mind. So, imagine my delight to find that the first stop on the tour was a popular, and local, bagel place.

This bagel shop is one of those places that made you wish you lived in New York. They’ve every type on bagel, along with a variety of fillings available.

The choice of bagels is as impressive as the fillings. Plain, wholewheat and onion, and pumpernickel and sourdough, it can be tough choosing the right one.

A tasty selection

From sweet to savory, the variety of fillings are endless. Classic combinations include peanut butter and jelly, and bacon and cheddar cream cheese.

More adventurous foodies among you may be keen to try scallion tofu, strawberry tofu or Dutch apple.

My adventurous side doesn’t activate till after midday, so I stuck to one of the classic bagel and filling combos. Simple yet delicious, the ‘everything’ bagel with cream cheese did its name proud. Doughy yet buttery soft, it’s really everything you’d want in a good quality bagel.

Price range: $

The only other time I’ve been in a bar/pub around 11am is when we’re home in Veneto, Italy .

Here, it’s normal to see enjoy a spritz pre-lunch, without receiving any judgement. However, in New York City at 11.15am, it did feel a little strange to be walking into an ale house so early.

A colonial style brick building, it appears like any other American sports bar on the surface. However, behind its wood paneling lies a colorful history.

In its past life, the building was a 19th century stable and carriage and a jazz club called Café Bohemia. Legendary musician Miles David played here a few times, before the stage became a kitchen.

Speaking of the kitchen, the ale house dishes out classic bar favorites. We were there to taste one of its star attractions, the Reuben Sandwich.

Pastrami, kraut and melted Swiss cheese between 2 slices of rye bread, with a healthy dollop of thousand island dressing.

Eat the second it arrives, as the gooey cheese, tart kraut and salty pastrami combo tastes better when hot. For carnivores, it’s a meat dream in a sandwich.

Price range: $$

Map: New York City

Delicious cupcakes .

On Bleecker Street is a bakery dedicated to everything cupcakes. The interior has a school theme running throughout and there’s good reason behind this.

Its name takes after the founder’s 3rd grade teacher, who used to bake cupcakes for the children. In homage of the homemade treats she used to make for them, its owner is continuing her legacy with this shop.

Classic cupcakes

Pull up a seat at one of the desks, or swing at the counter. Once again, I chose something classic over one of the more unique combinations. The red velvet cupcake had the softest sponge I’ve ever tasted and the icing wasn’t overly sweet.

Apparently, the secret is adding a little vinegar to the cake mixture to keep it light and fluffy.

I had the classic vanilla frosting, but you can mix and match different cupcakes and frosting if you want. How does French buttercream or classic chocolate sound? They also cater for vegans too, so be sure to ask what’s available when you visit.

The best donuts in NYC 

On arriving at the next stop on the tour, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat another sweet dish. I was wrong.

The selection at this donut place is so impressive and unique, I couldn’t resist. It’s the creation of a mad scientist of donuts, and every bite is memorable.

There’s been a revival of the humble donut in recent times, with inventive creations like the Cronut delighting the palate. It’s great news for me, as I love donuts, but admittedly, I usually stick to the classic flavors.

Dreamy donuts

While other people on the tour chose more elaborate concoctions like the Bacon Maple Bar, I opted for The Bronx. An incredibly melt-in-the-mouth doughnut with an olive oil and black pepper glaze, I could’ve easily eaten another.

Other mouthwatering choices include The Everything Doughnut and the Black Gold, Texas Tea. The former has a sweet cream cheese glaze with poppy seeds, garlic and sea salt.

The latter’s covered in house made dark chocolate with a healthy sprinkling of cookie crumble.

Do yourself a big favor if you’re ever in the West Village in NYC and visit this place, you won’t be disappointed.

A slice of NYC pizza on the Secret Food Tour NYC

No NYC food tour would be complete, without grabbing a slice of the famous New York style pizza .

An authentic local spot in the west village, this pizza place is a no-frills, grab and go pizza joint. What it lacks in a fancy interior and exterior, it more than makes up for with the food.

Two friendly servers dish up piping hot slices of freshly baked pizza, all with a traditional thin crust. New Yorkers don’t hang around when they get their slice, and neither should you.

Don’t get ripped off

Devour immediately and enjoy. We tucked into a slice of the classic Margherita cheese and tomato, which was gone within a few minutes.

A slice of pizza — large — costs $2.75.* If you want to know whether you’re paying the right price, check the cost of a subway fare.

Bridget told us, that ‘if the slice costs more than a metro ride, you’re being ripped off.’ A useful tip for anyone visiting New York City for the first time.

They also sell other favorites, such as chicken parmigiana and fettuccini Alfredo, served with bread, and/or pasta.

Prices are very reasonable, especially for New York, and I can understand why this place is a firm local favorite.

Price range: $ to $$

The secret spot 

The unique selling point of attending Secret Food Tours NYC is the last secret spot on the tour. I won’t be giving anything away in this post,  so you’ll have to join one and find out for yourself.

Top NYC food tour tips

• Don’t be late
• Keep contact details on you
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Allocate sufficient time (it lasts 3.5 hours)
• Take advantage of the bathroom stops

Where to stay in New York City

We were lucky to experience the hospitality of 2 excellent luxury boutique hotels while staying in the city.

The Greenwich Hotel and The Crosby Street Hotel are in central locations, and both beautiful boutique options. Expect generous-sized rooms, a personal service and unique design you can’t find elsewhere.

Would you join one of the Secret Food Tours NYC? Have you ever done any food tours in New York? Let me know in the comments below.

*Prices correct at the time of writing.

Disclosure: Though I was invited by Secret Food Tours NYC, all views expressed are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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119 thoughts on “ Secret food tours NYC | 5 delicious spots ”

This looks AMAZING! I can’t wait to eat my way through New York on my next trip.

It’s the best city to do it!

It all looks sooooo yummy! I cant wait to be back on a NYC food tour! so many great dishes, and you get to see some brilliant parts of the city too!

It’s really a delicious food tour and a good way to get to know the city!

Omg, I am such a foodie, and reading this post as well as looking at all the photos made my mouth water. lol. The donuts especially look so good. I have never done a food tour, but I plan to do one with my kids because I feel that it’ll allow them to taste several things at once. I think that is a great experience. Thanks for sharing 🙂

The kids will surely love it! I had such a great time, and the food’s really delicious and local too

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Secret Food Tours New York

Review Highlights

“ She was super knowledgeable in not only the spots we stopped to sample, but also the neighborhood of the West Village . ” in 3 reviews

“ Next we headed to Father Demo park for a bagel, and a red velvet mini at Molly 's Cupcakes. ” in 3 reviews

“ We really liked all her history and knowledge that we learned while we walked and ate . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

323 6th Ave

New York, NY 10014

West Village

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Overall rating

My husband and I had the pleasure of embarking on a Greenwich Village food adventure in September 2023, guided by the extraordinary Nicky. Let me tell you: it not only met, but exceeded all expectations. While the title of this review may seem grandiose, as an avid food tour enthusiast in every metropolitan city I visit, trust me when I say that this one truly stood out, all thanks to the incredible Nicky. **Diverse Delights:** Each stop on the tour was carefully chosen to showcase the incredible diversity of Greenwich's food scene. Each bite was more yummy than the next and by the end we were stuffed and content. **A World of Flavors:** part of what truly set this tour apart was the dazzling variety of cuisines we savored. From iconic New York bagels to hidden gem shawarma joints, and even petite cupcakes, there was something to please every palate. What's more, at some stops, we had the luxury of choosing from multiple options, catering to the diverse tastes of our group--a thoughtful accommodation. **Intimate Experience:** Originally planned for a group of nine, our tour turned into an intimate gathering of just four--a couple of Californians and two gal pal Oklahomans. This smaller group size lent a personal touch to the experience, making it feel like we were exploring the city with old friends rather than mere tourists. **Nicky: The Guide Extraordinaire:** Now, let's talk about Nicky! Our guide was not only a treasure trove of knowledge about the city's history, but also a true food aficionado. He shared captivating stories about the neighborhood we explored, making the tour both informative and engaging. What truly sets Nicky apart (seriously, give him a raise) is his remarkable ability to keep the entire group engaged and entertained. This is no small feat when your group spans generations like ours did, but Nicky managed it with flawless finesse. Somewhere at the crossroads of Simon & Garfunkel and Taylor Swift, he transformed a group of diverse tourists into a close-knit band of adventurers exploring the city together. As I alluded to earlier, Nicky made this tour feel like a genuinely fun outing with a trusted friend, and that's what truly elevated the experience. **Heartfelt Recommendation:** I wholeheartedly endorse this food tour and, above all, Nicky as your guide. This tour is worthwhile to anyone visiting the grandeur of New York City for the first time, or even to the locals looking to rediscover love of the city. It's an incredible way to discover the city's soul through its food, and we can hardly wait to do it all over again!

Full disclosure, I am a big fan of Secret Food Tours - they never disappoint. Today we followed Justin around the West Village, and I am still full! It's hard to leave food on the plate when it's soooo good. I've visited NYC numerous times and have never really dug into this area (missing out!) so finally got to see it. We started near the IFC center, original home of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and current home of plenty of awesome creative content. First up was Mahmoun's Falafel, which not only made excellent breakfast, but was nicely spiced and herbed with delish sauce and salad to accompany it into the fresh pita. Next we headed to Father Demo park for a bagel, and a red velvet mini at Molly's Cupcakes. I won't spoil the rest of the surprises, but it just kept getting better and better. Along the way, Justin regaled us with a wonderfully diverse selection of tales from recent and long-ago history, showing us numerous famous locations and telling the stories behind them. We learned a lot, ate far too much excellent food, and had a great time!

See all photos from Anne J. for Secret Food Tours New York

This was so worth it. Justin was a knowledgeable and kind tour guide who patiently explained the origins of several restaurants, as well as famous streets and buildings on our tour. It took 3 hours to complete the Greenwich Village tour--and it's a must-do. Best falafel and Indian food taco I've had in my life. If you're a foodie, this is a must on your next trip. Affordable and allows you to try places that you would never know about.

Justin was our guide in West Village and he was great! The information was perfect and thorough. The stops were awesome. Well thought out and organized. The last stop having a take away option was perfect and appreciated.

I had a wonderful experience. David was our two a guy incredibly knowledgeable and engaging and so much fun. You get history food and entertainment all at the same time. If you're visiting Greenwich village you should do this tour.

Went on west village tour with guide David, food and guide were both great. Awesome food and cool history behind the neighborhood. About 3 hours and we were so full we canceled dinner reservation that was supposed to be 2.5 hours after the tour. We're from nj but it was still cool do eat "quintessential nyc food." even if we were familiar with a couple items, they still had a cool twist (the pizza was a 3 way pesto slice that was amazing, not just an nyc street slice).

My husband and I took part in this food tour and had a great time. Our tour guide, Tee (Thalia) was wonderful. She was super knowledgeable in not only the spots we stopped to sample, but also the neighborhood of the West Village. Even though I'm from New York, it was still a cool experience being able to learn about some of New York's history while sampling some of its great food. The tour has 6 stops. None of them are too far from each other, and it moves pretty slow, so I feel like it's accessible for all ages. We started with a bagel and cream cheese--super good and fresh--from Bagels on the Square. Then we stopped at Barrow Street Tavern for a Ruben Sandwich (I got to try a turkey Ruben). This was okay, but I don't think sauerkraut is my thing. Their fries were really good, though. Super crispy. Next stop was a red velvet cupcake from Molly's Cupcakes. I've been here before--they don't disappoint. Next, a doughnut from the Doughnut Project. I tried one that was filled with currant jam and topped with brown sugar frosting. The currant jam was a little strong from me, but the frosting was so good. Next, we got a slice of cheese pizza from Rivoli Pizza II. I didn't think the slice was anything special, but it definitely wasn't disappointing. The final spot was a surprise, and I'll leave it at that. But I will say it was the best taste of the day, and a unique choice that strays from your traditional NY food. We left stuffed and satisfied with a few new places that we'd return to. I would definitely recommend this tour to tourists, but also locals looking to check out a bit more of their city.

The food tour today with Nicky was really great. We felt Nicky was a major highlight as a guide: funny, knowledgeable, and well-paced with the tour. We liked the slightly off-beaten path food, especially the Two Boots pizza, Taco Mahal, and Donut Project. Thanks!

We really enjoyed our tour with Bridget. We really liked all her history and knowledge that we learned while we walked and ate. Here is my review on each of the items: Everything Bagel and Smear - Good, but nothing WOW. I would rather have had a WOW to kick off the tour. The Reuben from Barrow Street Ale House was INCREDIBLE! I thought the sandwich there was FAR BETTER than any sandwich I've had at Katz Deli. My husband thought the fries were the best he'd ever had. The Lemon Donut from THE DONUT PROJECT was really great! The pizza was okay. I think Joe's Pizza, Bleeker Street Pizza and Grimaldi's pizza are far, far, far better. Molly's Cupcakes. I had the Vanilla cupcake with the Vanilla Frosting. I really liked the frosting but I thought the cake tasted like corn bread....weird. The "Secret" dish which they ask us to keep secret was THE BEST stop on the tour. The travel channel was filming it so you know it's good and it will be CRAZY busy once that airs!

Laura was an outstanding guide through our taste of Greenwich Village. Each stop was completely amazing. We found it very difficult to rate each stop because each one was excellent.

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If you have any issues with payment, please email us at [email protected] with the city, date and time of tour, and how many adult and child's tickets you need so we can assist you.

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If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options. *Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price. Flat fee rate applies for groups of 6 and under.

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Here Are 50 of America’s Very Best Food Tours You Can Try

Posted: February 4, 2024 | Last updated: February 4, 2024

50 food tours worth traveling for

Alabama: LoDa Stroll, Bienville Bites

This tour of Mobile was founded by a local couple dedicated to showing off their beloved Gulf Coast city. Join the LoDa Stroll  and you'll explore the city's mouthwatering culinary traditions through seven of the top restaurants downtown. A favorite stop is Wintzell's Oyster House which opened in 1938. You can add on a cocktail package too. 

Alaska: A Tour with Taste, Juneau Food Tours

This is one for seafood lovers. A Tour with Taste takes place in Alaska's historic capital, Juneau, with visits to nine of the city's best-loved foodie spots. Stop off at Tracy's King Crab Shack for crowd-pleasing king crab bisque, and indulge at SALT, a modern restaurant serving innovative Alaskan cuisine like cod tacos. Each tour is led by Kelly "Midgi" Moore, a local food blogger.

Arizona: Downtown Tucson Tour, Tucson Food Tours

In 2015, Tucson became the United States' first UNESCO city of gastronomy for its first-rate farm-to-table food and innovative dishes. Tucson Food Tours has been showing off the city's best bites since 2012. Its downtown tour visits some of the city's quirkier restaurants, including Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, located in a former funeral parlor. The tour also drops into El Charro, which claims to be America's oldest Mexican restaurant, opening in 1922.

Arkansas: Booze and Chews Tour, A Bite of Hot Springs

The city of Hot Springs is well-known for its natural spas and mountain vistas, but the people here know how to cook too. A Bite of Hot Springs ' 'Booze and Chews' tour works its way through the city's downtown on foot, combining tastings and Hot Springs history. A highlight is the traditional tamales at Latin fusion restaurant Rolando's, where the tour begins.

California: West Hollywood Food Tour, Sidewalk Food Tours

The star-studded city of West Hollywood borders LA and has all the foodie clout of its glittering neighbor. Book onto this tour from Sidewalk to take a gourmet deep dive into the area, feasting on indulgent pastries at beloved Michelina Bakery, inside the city's original farmers' market; and slurping curries and noodles at Noree Thai. 

Colorado: Downtown Denver Food Tour, Taste of Denver

On this three-hour tour of downtown Denver , you'll hear about the city's Gold Rush past and learn how the surrounding land (the city is at the base of the Rocky Mountains) has been a crucial ingredient in its burgeoning food scene. Stops include beer and sliders at the city's oldest brewery, Wynkoop Brewing Company; and a scoop of Denver's finest ice cream at Milkbox Ice Creamery.

Connecticut: Live to Eat Tour, A Taste of New Haven

This small tour company offers a handful of tours showcasing the foodie delights of New Haven (pictured). The Pasta Tour is a firm favorite: join up to go on a tasting odyssey of the city's Italian eats, from perfectly prepared cacio e pepe at Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana to beloved Libby's ice-cream parlor, with its world-class gelato. Some stops include a tempting wine pairing too. 

Delaware: Walking Food Tour, Eating Rehoboth

Seafood is the star of the show in this gourmet tour of Rehoboth Beach, a laid-back coastal city in Delaware. Feast on food plucked straight from the ocean like pan-fried scallops and seared sea bass. The tour features five of the city's culinary stars and also delivers on creative cocktails and local beer. 

Florida: Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour, Miami Culinary Tours

For hearty Cuban cooking in downtown Miami, book onto the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour . You'll sip Cuban cocktails at the Ball & Chain bar and lounge (a mainstay of the city's live music scene since the 1930s) and feast on fried plantains, guava pastelitos and a traditional Cuban sandwich. At each venue, you'll be greeted by enthusiastic chefs keen to share stories about the dishes they serve. The tour also includes a visit to a Cuban cigar factory.

Georgia: Modern Southern Food and History Tour, Atlanta Food Tours

Inman Park is one of Atlanta's trendiest neighborhoods, a leafy suburb known for its hipster hangouts and creative food scene. This afternoon tour samples the best the area has to offer, like the industrial-chic Krog Street Market (pictured). The steaming Szechuan dumplings from Gu's Dumplings are one of the best bites.

Hawaii: Chinatown Walking Food Tour, Tasting Oahu

Spend a delicious three hours digging into Honolulu's Chinatown district on this focused food tour . You'll graze on dishes such as Chinese-style barbecued pork and delicate dim sum as you move between some of the city's most historic restaurants. Along the way you'll see fascinating architectural sights such as the Buddhist Kuan Yin Temple. 

Idaho: Historic Downtown Boise Brunch and Arts Tour, Indulge Boise

Idaho's capital is one of America's most underrated foodie spots but Indulge Boise is determined to put the city on the gourmet map. This tour explores downtown and picks out the best dishes to try along the way. You'll dine at Stardust, known for its fun take on 1950s fine dining, and indulge your sweet tooth at Guru Donuts, who still follow a handwritten 1940s recipe. 

Illinois: Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, Chicago Food Planet

Chicago is synonymous with deep dish pizza but there's a lot more to enjoy in the city. For a broader taste of the Windy City, opt for Chicago Food Planet 's "Iconic Foods" tour. You might taste an Italian beef sandwich at local institution Al's Beef or a Chicago-style hot dog from Portillo’s. Of course, you'll also get a bubbling slice of pizza from a beloved pizzeria such as Lou Malnati's.

Indiana: Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour, Taste Indy Food Tours

For a true taste of Indianapolis, you needn't look much further than Massachusetts Avenue, a bustling cultural district in the city's downtown area. On  this walking tour , you'll try local beers, handmade meatballs and German cuisine. The tacos and tequilas at modern Mexican joint Bakersfield are a highlight too. 

Iowa: Iowa Tenderloin Trail

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has put together the Iowa Tenderloin Trail , which highlights the best places in the state that make Iowa's most famous dish: the pork tenderloin sandwich. Think quality pork cuts covered with crispy breadcrumbs, barely contained by the bun. You'll have to go this tour alone but you can download a "Tenderloin Trail Passport" and get it stamped as you try each of the 14 sandwiches en route.

Kansas: Trail Days Cafe and Museum

The folks at Trail Days Cafe and Museum in Council Grove offer a time-traveling food tour, taking you back in time to the days when the Santa Fe trail, stretching from Missouri to New Mexico, was a major commerce route. Homes, like the Kansas spot pictured, would open up to feed hungry traders. Today, tour guides take you round a preserved period home, entertain you with stories and serve up homemade early American dishes for a taste of the past.

Kentucky: Roebling Bridge Food Tour, Riverside Food Tours

With  Riverside Food Tours  you'll sample hearty pub grub such as fish and chips from Irish tavern Molly Malone's, or feast on wood-fired pizza at The Gruff in the cute northern Kentucky town of Covington. There are also seriously good chicken wings on offer at local favorite Smoke Justis, as well as an indulgent bread pudding at Blinkers Tavern. 

Louisiana: French Quarter Tasting Tour, New Orleans Culinary History Tours

This tour takes you straight to the best Creole and Cajun food in NOLA. You'll pound the streets of the French Quarter for three hours, dipping into local haunts to try traditional dishes like seafood gumbo and beef brisket. You'll get to see a chef demonstration along the way, too.

Maine: Old Port Seafood Lover's Tour, Maine Foodie Tours

A food tour of Maine wouldn't be complete without sampling some lobster – and this entire tour  in Portland revolves around it. It takes place on the waterfront where you'll spot working lobster boats, before sampling a fresh lobster roll. Seafood chowder and lobster mac and cheese are also on the menu.

Maryland: Fells Point Tour, Charm City Food Tours

This three-hour tour explores a historic part of Baltimore's downtown: Fells Point. It's a waterfront area known for its maritime past and great seafood joints. You'll begin at the covered Broadway Market and sample Maryland specialties like crab cakes and pit beef – hunks of roasted meat served up in a sandwich.

Massachusetts: Boston Food Tour, Secret Food Tours

This tour focuses on Boston's historic North End, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. You'll feast on Massachusetts staples like lobster roll and clam chowder, as well as Italian classics like bubbling brick-over pizza. On every tour, there's also a "secret dish" that you'll discover on the day.

Michigan: Detroit Eats Food Tour

The Detroit Eats Food Tour is not to be missed. Journey around historic Corktown in the city's downtown – you'll learn about the area's importance, feast on traditional barbecue and sample craft beer.

Minnesota: St Paul Skyway Food Tour, Taste Twin Cities

This tour  makes the most of St Paul's Skyway system (suspended covered bridges connecting the city's tower blocks). You'll feast on local delights such as chocolate truffles, crispy sambusas and craft beer as you pass between the soaring passageways. A highlight along the way is Sawatdee (meal pictured), which is tipped as the first Thai restaurant in the state – the spring rolls are unforgettable. 

Mississippi: Historic Oxford Square Walking Food Tour, Oxford Food Tours

Make a beeline for the cute Mississippi town of Oxford, best known as the home of lauded author William Faulkner and the University of Mississippi, to discover its foodie offerings. This tour focuses on the college town's quaint square (pictured), allowing punters to feast on Southern classics such as shrimp and grits, and visit local favorites such as YaYa's Frozen Yoghurt. 

Missouri: KC Barbecue Tour, Barley Bus

One for meat lovers,  this tour  is all about barbecue and beer. Traveling by bus, you'll spend the day driving across Kansas City, sampling the best spots for smoked meat. Stops may include Gates Bar-B-Q, with its belly-busting sandwiches, and legendary joint Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, with its secret spicy sauce recipe.

Montana: Cocktails and Bites Tour, Taste of Missoula Food Tours

If you're a foodie, it's well worth paying a visit to the picturesque mountain town of Missoula (pictured), which is an underrated gourmet spot in Montana. Sink your teeth into the downtown area with this tour , which combines craft cocktails with some of the city's best dishes, from plantains to French onion soup. Your guides will feed you plenty of the town's history along the way too.

Nebraska: Mother Road Market Tour, Food Tours Tulsa

'Get your licks on Route 66' is the strapline of this fun foodie tour company. The best tour focuses on the Mother Road Market, which is tipped by the tour group as the best food hall in America. Decide for yourself as you wander with a guide and feast on tempting options such as chicken wings, Indian-inspired mac and cheese and small-batch ice cream.

Nevada: Savors of the Strip, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours

Las Vegas is known for slot machines and poker tables but it also has serious culinary credentials. The Savors of the Strip Tour is a fine dining restaurant crawl covering the city's most sought-after locations. Restaurants aren't disclosed until your tour day but stops have included fancy French restaurant Bardot Brasserie in the lavish ARIA Hotel.

New Hampshire: Best of Portsmouth Tour, Portsmouth Eats

Run by enthusiastic locals, this tour brings together the best of Portsmouth, a city with some of New England's best seafood. You'll get to sample The River House's clam chowder, which has regularly won best in show at Portsmouth's Chowder Festival.

New Jersey: The Hoboken Food and Culture Tour, Mangia Hoboken

The Hoboken Food and Culture Tour highlights Italian influences on New Jersey cuisine. You'll visit local institution Carlo's Bake Shop and taste handmade pastries and specialty cakes; and Antique Bar & Bakery, in operation since 1938. Beyond the bakes, try a hearty Italian sub at Fiore's deli and grab a slice of pie at Grimaldi's Pizzeria. 

New Mexico: A Taste of Santa Fe, Food Tour New Mexico

Led by locals, this lunchtime walking tour is a great way to explore Santa Fe and its New Mexican cuisine. You'll visit five venues including La Casa Sena and the Kakawa Chocolate House. The former is an elegant restaurant serving traditional enchiladas, green chile cheeseburgers and grilled elk tenderloin. The latter is a chocolate shop known for its chili-chocolate creations. 

New York: Best of Brooklyn Tour, Foods of New York Tours

You'll never go hungry in New York City, but for a true taste of the city's foodie scene, you'll need to head to Brooklyn. The area is renowned for its hipster hangouts and huge open-air food market. On this Best of Brooklyn tour , you'll travel by bus, stopping at the likes of popular Table 87 for a delicious slice of coal oven-fired pizza.

North Carolina: Wilmington Downtown Tasting Tour, Taste Wilmington

Indulge your stomach and discover the cute coastal town of Wilmington with this foodie tour . You'll wander between five or six of the town's most prized bars and restaurants, sampling delicious seafood plates and indulgent sweet treats. Some stops include a tipple too. 

North Dakota: Heritage Eats

The North Dakota tourist board has pulled together a guide to the best spots in the state. You'll have to download the map from North Dakota Tourism and take yourself on the tour, but it's worth it. The trip reflects the state's heritage and includes the 19th-century Buckskin Bar & Grill, serving hearty all-American dishes; and Reuben's Restaurant, a German-American joint that pays homage to the German ancestry of many North Dakota residents.

Ohio: Findlay Market Tour, Cincinnati Food Tours

Take a tour of Findlay Market , the oldest market in Cincinnati, and learn about its history as well as its culinary delights. During the tour you'll meet five merchants, who'll share their story and a sample. A highlight is Gramma Debbie's Kitchen, beloved for its tasty meatballs and wings. For a small extra fee, you'll get wine and beer tastings too.

Oklahoma: Paseo Arts District, Oklahoma Food Tours

Paseo Arts District is best known for its creativity, but it has a stellar food scene too. Eat your way around the art-filled district with a knowledgeable local guide, who will regale you with stories about the neighborhood and the city while you get your fill. Expect tasty dishes including killer tacos and great views of the Spanish Revival architecture all around.

Oregon: Food Carts, Pods and Patios Tour, Lost Plate Food Tours

Portland is awash with street food trucks and this tour shows off the best of the city's roving vendors. You'll visit up to seven food carts (including a popular food-cart 'pod'), plus a buzzing food hall and a brewery. Expect everything from barbecue plates to sweet pies and ice cream. 

Pennsylvania: Taste of Philly Food Tour

This local-led tour is operated out of Reading Terminal Market. Its leader, Carolyn Wyman, wrote an entire book about the Philly cheesesteak so she knows her stuff. You'll sample Philly classics like scrapple, pretzels and the famed cheesesteak itself.

Rhode Island: Downcity Providence Food Tour, Rhode Island Red Food Tours

This three-hour tour takes you through downtown, showing off Providence's hearty, farm-to-table food. You'll visit Dune Brothers Seafood Shack for clam cakes and chowder; feast on pastries at Parisian bakery Ellie's and try beautiful, modern plates at upmarket Gracie's. You won't go thirsty – there's a stop at The Malted Barley tap house too. 

South Carolina: Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour, Charleston Culinary Tours.

Eat your way around Charleston's historic French Quarter and learn about low country cooking at the same time (think rice, grits and freshly-caught seafood). You'll also taste some of the city's best barbecue. Poogan's Smokehouse and Oyster House on Market – serving barbecue food and seafood, respectively – are highlights along the way.

South Dakota: Downtown Sioux Falls Food Tour, Sioux Falls Food Tours

For comfort food with a modern twist, book a space on this Sioux Falls tour . It's run by Sioux Falls local and ex-barista Jenna Aukerman and you'll try comforting southern classics like shrimp and grits. You might sample one of modern Queen City Bakery's delicious sweet treats too. 

Tennessee: Midtown Tour, Walk Eat Nashville

The Midtown Tour in Nashville shows the best of the city's Southern joints, like Mason’s, a restaurant serving inventive twists on comforting classics. As well as plenty of food, the tour includes a walk along "Rock Block", the eclectic center of the city's rock scene. 

Texas: Up in Smoke: Texas BBQ Tour, Food Chick Tours

There's no better state for a barbecue tour and this is a pilgrimage to the best spots for ribs, brisket and juicy steaks in San Antonio. The tour lasts for four hours and carnivores will stop off at beloved joints like Smoke Shack BBQ, which serves barbecued meat with a whole lot of Southern hospitality. 

Utah: Gourmand Tours at Park City

A food and history tour in one, this culinary journey is led by local Chris through Main Street in picturesque Park City. The city is best known for its Mexican-inspired and modern American dishes, and you'll try both and more on this walking tour. The buffalo cauliflower from Handle Park is a winner. Beyond the food you can learn about the city's mining history and pop into the Park City Museum.

Vermont: Vermont Farm Tours

Get the chance to  visit farms across lush Vermont  and taste their gourmet delights. You can embark on a cheese-filled tour of Shelburne Farm, where you'll learn about the production process and enjoy plenty of samples. Or opt for Bread and Butter Farm, where you can have a go at making your own.

Virginia: Oyster & Tour, Taste Virginia

The state of Virginia is well-known for its oysters so there's nowhere better for an oyster and wine pairing tour . The tour begins in Lynnhaven Bay where you'll learn more about the history of this delicacy. Then, head along Virginia's oyster trail, sampling them raw and Rockefeller style (baked or broiled), with carefully selected wine pairings. Family-owned seafood restaurant Rockafeller's is a favorite stop. 

Washington: Signature Food Tour of Pike Place Market, Savor Seattle Tour

Pike Place Market has been the heart of Seattle's food scene since 1907. On this Savor Seattle Tour , you'll explore the marketplace, sampling the vendors' wares and learning about the venue's history. You'll try award-winning clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder and mac and cheese at Beecher's Handmade Cheese.

Wisconsin: Atwood Brew and Chew, Madison Eats Food Tours

Take a tour of Atwood , one of Madison's trendiest neighborhoods in the east of the city. Duck into gourmet spots including cozy Thai restaurant Monsoon Siam and Tex Tubb's Taco Palace. There's craft beer from Next Door Brewing on offer too.

West Virginia: Taste of Morgantown

While the Mountain State doesn't have a dedicated foodie tour just yet, its gourmet festival in cute Morgantown (pictured) is the next best thing. Taste of Morgantown sees a plethora of vendors come together to showcase West Virginia's foodie spoils: sample everything from Italian dishes and barbecue plates to tacos and burgers. 

Wyoming: Teton Food Tour, Teton Village

This isn't your average food tour – but it's a fantastic way to experience the best of the state's gourmet scene. Teton Village is best known for its winter sports and stunning scenery, and each summer the Teton Food Tour combines the great outdoors with some great foodie offerings. The tour sees participants cycle through the bucolic region (view from Teton Village bike path, pictured) stopping for provisions such as burgers and kombucha at the likes of Snake River Ranch.

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Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem

The former republican national committee chairwoman was hired by nbc and then let go after an outcry..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Today, the saga of Ronna McDaniel and NBC and what it reveals about the state of television news headed into the 2024 presidential race. Jim Rutenberg, a “Times” writer at large, is our guest.

It’s Monday, April 1.

Jim, NBC News just went through a very public, a very searing drama over the past week, that we wanted you to make sense of in your unique capacity as a longtime media and political reporter at “The Times.” This is your sweet spot. You were, I believe, born to dissect this story for us.

Oh, brother.

Well, on the one hand, this is a very small moment for a major network like NBC. They hire, as a contributor, not an anchor, not a correspondent, as a contributor, Ronna McDaniel, the former RNC chairwoman. It blows up in a mini scandal at the network.

But to me, it represents a much larger issue that’s been there since that moment Donald J. Trump took his shiny gold escalator down to announce his presidential run in 2015. This struggle by the news media to figure out, especially on television, how do we capture him, cover him for all of his lies, all the challenges he poses to Democratic norms, yet not alienate some 74, 75 million American voters who still follow him, still believe in him, and still want to hear his reality reflected in the news that they’re listening to?

Right. Which is about as gnarly a conundrum as anyone has ever dealt with in the news media.

Well, it’s proven so far unsolvable.

Well, let’s use the story of what actually happened with Ronna McDaniel and NBC to illustrate your point. And I think that means describing precisely what happened in this situation.

The story starts out so simply. It’s such a basic thing that television networks do. As elections get underway, they want people who will reflect the two parties.

They want talking heads. They want insiders. They want them on their payroll so they can rely on them whenever they need them. And they want them to be high level so they can speak with great knowledge about the two major candidates.

Right. And rather than needing to beg these people to come on their show at 6 o’clock, when they might be busy and it’s not their full-time job, they go off and they basically put them on retainer for a bunch of money.

Yeah. And in this case, here’s this perfect scenario because quite recently, Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee through the Trump era, most of it, is now out on the market. She’s actually recently been forced out of the party. And all the networks are interested because here’s the consummate insider from Trump world ready to get snatched up under contract for the next election and can really represent this movement that they’ve been trying to capture.

So NBC’S key news executives move pretty aggressively, pretty swiftly, and they sign her up for a $300,000 a year contributor’s contract.

Nice money if you can get it.

Not at millions of dollars that they pay their anchors, but a very nice contract. I’ll take it. You’ll take it. In the eyes of NBC execs she was perfect because she can be on “Meet the Press” as a panelist. She can help as they figure out some of their coverage. They have 24 hours a day to fill and here’s an official from the RNC. You can almost imagine the question that would be asked to her. It’s 10:00 PM on election night. Ronna, what are the Trump people thinking right now? They’re looking at the same numbers you are.

That was good, but that’s exactly it. And we all know it, right? This is television in our current era.

So last Friday, NBC makes what should be a routine announcement, but one they’re very proud of, that they’ve hired Ronna McDaniel. And in a statement, they say it couldn’t be a more important moment to have a voice like Ronna’s on the team. So all’s good, right? Except for there’s a fly in the ointment.

Because it turns out that Ronna McDaniel has been slated to appear on “Meet the Press,” not as a paid NBC contributor, but as a former recently ousted RNC chair with the “Meet The Press” host, Kristen Welker, who’s preparing to have a real tough interview with Ronna McDaniel. Because of course, Ronna McDaniel was chair of the party and at Trump’s side as he tried to refuse his election loss. So this was supposed to be a showdown interview.

From NBC News in Washington, the longest-running show in television history. This is “Meet The Press” with Kristen Welker.

And here, all of a sudden, Kristin Welker is thrown for a loop.

In full disclosure to our viewers, this interview was scheduled weeks before it was announced that McDaniel would become a paid NBC News contributor.

Because now, she’s actually interviewing a member of the family who’s on the same payroll.

Right. Suddenly, she’s interviewing a colleague.

This will be a news interview, and I was not involved in her hiring.

So what happens during the interview?

So Welker is prepared for a tough interview, and that’s exactly what she does.

Can you say, as you sit here today, did Joe Biden win the election fair and square?

He won. He’s the legitimate president.

Did he win fair and square?

Fair and square, he won. It’s certified. It’s done.

She presses her on the key question that a lot of Republicans get asked these days — do you accept Joe Biden was the winner of the election?

But, I do think, Kristen —

Ronna, why has it taken you until now to say that? Why has it taken you until now to be able to say that?

I’m going to push back a little.

McDaniel gets defensive at times.

Because I do think it’s fair to say there were problems in 2020. And to say that does not mean he’s not the legitimate president.

But, Ronna, when you say that, it suggests that there was something wrong with the election. And you know that the election was the most heavily scrutinized. Chris Krebs —

It’s a really combative interview.

I want to turn now to your actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

And Welker actually really does go deeply into McDaniel’s record in those weeks before January 6.

On November 17, you and Donald Trump were recorded pushing two Republican Michigan election officials not to certify the results of the election. And on the call —

For instance, she presses McDaniel on McDaniel’s role in an attempt to convince a couple county commissioner level canvassers in Michigan to not certify Biden’s victory.

Our call that night was to say, are you OK? Vote your conscience. Not pushing them to do anything.

McDaniel says, look, I was just telling them to vote their conscience. They should do whatever they think is right.

But you said, do not sign it. If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. How can people read that as anything other than a pressure campaign?

And Welker’s not going to just let her off the hook. Welker presses her on Trump’s own comments about January 6 and Trump’s efforts recently to gloss over some of the violence, and to say that those who have been arrested, he’ll free them.

Do you support that?

I want to be very clear. The violence that happened on January 6 is unacceptable.

And this is a frankly fascinating moment because you can hear McDaniel starting to, if not quite reverse some of her positions, though in some cases she does that, at least really soften her language. It’s almost as if she’s switching uniforms from the RNC one to an NBC one or almost like breaking from a role she was playing.

Ronna, why not speak out earlier? Why just speak out about that now?

When you’re the RNC chair, you kind of take one for the whole team, right? Now, I get to be a little bit more myself.

She says, hey, you know what? Sometimes as RNC chair, you just have to take it for the team sometimes.

Right. What she’s really saying is I did things as chairwoman of the Republican National committee that now that I no longer have that job, I can candidly say, I wished I hadn’t done, which is very honest. But it’s also another way of saying I’m two faced, or I was playing a part.

Ronna McDaniel, thank you very much for being here this morning.

Then something extraordinary happens. And I have to say, I’ve never seen a moment like this in decades of watching television news and covering television news.

Welcome back. The panel is here. Chuck Todd, NBC News chief political analyst.

Welker brings her regular panel on, including Chuck Todd, now the senior NBC political analyst.

Chuck, let’s dive right in. What were your takeaways?

And he launches right into what he calls —

Look, let me deal with the elephant in the room.

The elephant being this hiring of McDaniel.

I think our bosses owe you an apology for putting you in this situation.

And he proceeds, on NBC’S air, to lace into management for, as he describes it, putting Welker in this crazy awkward position.

Because I don’t know what to believe. She is now a paid contributor by NBC News. I have no idea whether any answer she gave to you was because she didn’t want to mess up her contract.

And Todd is very hung up on this idea that when she was speaking for the party, she would say one thing. And now that she’s on the payroll at NBC, she’s saying another thing.

She has credibility issues that she still has to deal with. Is she speaking for herself, or is she speaking on behalf of who’s paying her?

Todd is basically saying, how are we supposed to know which one to believe.

What can we believe?

It is important for this network and for always to have a wide aperture. Having ideological diversity on this panel is something I prided myself on.

And what he’s effectively saying is that his bosses should have never hired her in this capacity.

I understand the motivation, but this execution, I think, was poor.

Someone said to me last night we live in complicated times. Thank you guys for being here. I really appreciate it.

Now, let’s just note here, this isn’t just any player at NBC. Chuck Todd is obviously a major news name at the network. And him doing this appears to just open the floodgates across the entire NBC News brand, especially on its sister cable network, MSNBC.

And where I said I’d never seen anything like what I saw on “Meet the Press” that morning, I’d never seen anything like this either. Because now, the entire MSNBC lineup is in open rebellion. I mean, from the minute that the sun comes up. There is Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

We weren’t asked our opinion of the hiring. But if we were, we would have strongly objected to it.

They’re on fire over this.

believe NBC News should seek out conservative Republican voices, but it should be conservative Republicans, not a person who used her position of power to be an anti-democracy election denier.

But it rolls out across the entire schedule.

Because Ronna McDaniel has been a major peddler of the big lie.

The fact that Ms. McDaniel is on the payroll at NBC News, to me that is inexplicable. I mean, you wouldn’t hire a mobster to work at a DA’s office.

Rachel Maddow devotes an entire half hour.

It’s not about just being associated with Donald Trump and his time in the Republican Party. It’s not even about lying or not lying. It’s about our system of government.

Thumbing their noses at our bosses and basically accusing them of abetting a traitorous figure in American history. I mean, just extraordinary stuff. It’s television history.

And let’s face it, we journalists, our bosses, we can be seen as crybabies, and we’re paid complaining. Yeah, that’s what we’re paid to do. But in this case, the NBC executives cannot ignore this, because in the outcry, there’s a very clear point that they’re all making. Ronna McDaniel is not just a voice from the other side. She was a fundamental part of Trump’s efforts to deny his election loss.

This is not inviting the other side. This is someone who’s on the wrong side —

Of history.

Of history, of these moments that we’ve covered and are still covering.

And I think it’s fair to say that at this point, everyone understands that Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC News is going to be very short lived. Yeah, basically, after all this, the executives at NBC have to face facts it’s over. And on Tuesday night, they release a statement to the staff saying as much.

They don’t cite the questions about red lines or what Ronna McDaniel represented or didn’t represent. They just say we need to have a unified newsroom. We want cohesion. This isn’t working.

I think in the end, she was a paid contributor for four days.

Yeah, one of the shortest tenures in television news history. And look, in one respect, by their standards, this is kind of a pretty small contract, a few hundred thousand dollars they may have to pay out. But it was way more costly because they hired her. They brought her on board because they wanted to appeal to these tens of millions of Americans who still love Donald J. Trump.

And what happens now is that this entire thing is blown up in their face, and those very same people now see a network that, in their view, in the view of Republicans across the country, this network will not accept any Republicans. So it becomes more about that. And Fox News, NBC’S longtime rival, goes wall to wall with this.

Now, NBC News just caved to the breathless demands from their far left, frankly, emotionally unhinged host.

I mean, I had it on my desk all day. And every minute I looked at that screen, it was pounding on these liberals at NBC News driving this Republican out.

It’s the shortest tenure in TV history, I think. But why? Well, because she supports Donald Trump, period.

So in a way, this leaves NBC worse off with that Trump Republican audience they had wanted to court than maybe even they were before. It’s like a boomerang with a grenade on it.

Yeah, it completely explodes in their face. And that’s why to me, the whole episode is so representative of this eight-year conundrum for the news media, especially on television. They still haven’t been able to crack the code for how to handle the Trump movement, the Trump candidacy, and what it has wrought on the American political system and American journalism.

We’ll be right back.

Jim, put into context this painful episode of NBC into that larger conundrum you just diagnosed that the media has faced when it comes to Trump.

Well, Michael, it’s been there from the very beginning, from the very beginning of his political rise. The media was on this kind of seesaw. They go back and forth over how to cover him. Sometimes they want to cover him quite aggressively because he’s such a challenging candidate. He was bursting so many norms.

But at other times, there was this instinct to understand his appeal, for the same reason. He’s such an unusual candidate. So there was a great desire to really understand his voters. And frankly, to speak to his voters, because they’re part of the audience. And we all lived it, right?

But just let me take you back anyway because everything’s fresh again with perspective. And so if you go back, let’s look at when he first ran. The networks, if you recall, saw him as almost like a novelty candidate.

He was going to spice up what was expected to be a boring campaign between the usual suspects. And he was a ratings magnet. And the networks, they just couldn’t get enough of it. And they allowed him, at times, to really shatter their own norms.

Welcome back to “Meet the Press,” sir.

Good morning, Chuck.

Good morning. Let me start —

He was able to just call into the studio and riff with the likes of George Stephanopoulos and Chuck Todd.

What does it have to do with Hillary?

She can’t talk about me because nobody respects women more than Donald Trump.

And CNN gave him a lot of unmitigated airtime, if you recall during the campaign. They would run the press conferences.

It’s the largest winery on the East Coast. I own it 100 percent.

And let him promote his Trump steaks and his Trump wine.

Trump steaks. Where are the steaks? Do we have steaks?

I mean, it got that crazy. But again, the ratings were huge. And then he wins. And because they had previously given him all that airtime, they’ve, in retrospect, sort of given him a political gift, and more than that now have a journalistic imperative to really address him in a different way, to cover him as they would have covered any other candidate, which, let’s face it, they weren’t doing initially. So there’s this extra motivation to make up for lost ground and maybe for some journalistic omissions.

Right. Kind of correct for the lack of a rigorous journalistic filter in the campaign.

Exactly. And the big thing that this will be remembered for is we’re going to call a lie a lie.

I don’t want to sugarcoat this because facts matter, and the fact is President Trump lies.

Trump lies. We’re going to say it’s a lie.

And I think we can’t just mince around it because they are lies. And so we need to call them what they are.

We’re no longer going to use euphemisms or looser language we’re. Going to call it for what it is.

Trump lies in tweets. He spreads false information at rallies. He lies when he doesn’t need to. He lies when the truth is more than enough for him.

CNN was running chyrons. They would fact check Trump and call lies lies on the screen while Trump is talking. They were challenging Trump to his face —

One of the statements that you made in the tail end of the campaign in the midterms that —

Here we go.

That — well, if you don’t mind, Mr. President, that this caravan was an invasion.

— in these crazy press conferences —

They’re are hundreds of miles away, though. They’re hundreds and hundreds of miles away. That’s not an invasion.

Honestly, I think you should let me run the country. You run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings —

Well, let me ask — if I may ask one other question. Mr. President, if I may ask another question. Are you worried —

That’s enough. That’s enough.

And Trump is giving it right back.

I tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.

Very combative.

So this was this incredibly fraught moment for the American press. You’ve got tens of millions of Trump supporters seeing what’s really basic fact checking. These look like attacks to Trump supporters. Trump, in turn, is calling the press, the reporters are enemies of the people. So it’s a terrible dynamic.

And when January 6 happens, it’s so obviously out of control. And what the traditional press that follows, traditional journalistic rules has to do is make it clear that the claims that Trump is making about a stolen election are just so abjectly false that they don’t warrant a single minute of real consideration once the reporting has been done to show how false they are. And I think that American journalism really emerged from that feeling strongly about its own values and its own place in society.

But then there’s still tens of millions of Trump voters, and they don’t feel so good about the coverage. And they don’t agree that January 6 was an insurrection. And so we enter yet another period, where the press is going to have to now maybe rethink some things.

In what way?

Well, there’s a kind of quiet period after January 6. Trump is off of social media. The smoke is literally dissipating from the air in Washington. And news executives are kind of standing there on the proverbial battlefield, taking a new look at their situation.

And they’re seeing that in this clearer light, they’ve got some new problems, perhaps none more important for their entire business models than that their ratings are quickly crashing. And part of that diminishment is that a huge part of the country, that Trump-loving part of the audience, is really now severed from him from their coverage.

They see the press as actually, in some cases, being complicit in stealing an election. And so these news executives, again, especially on television, which is so ratings dependent, they’ve got a problem. So after presumably learning all these lessons about journalism and how to confront power, there’s a first subtle and then much less subtle rethinking.

Maybe we need to pull back from that approach. And maybe we need to take some new lessons and switch it up a little bit and reverse some of what we did. And one of the best examples of this is none other than CNN.

It had come under new management, was being led by a guy named Chris Licht, a veteran of cable news, but also Stephen Colbert’s late night show in his last job. And his new job under this new management is we’re going to recalibrate a little bit. So Chris Licht proceeds to try to bring the network back to the center.

And how does he do that?

Well, we see some key personalities who represented the Trump combat era start losing air time and some of them lose their jobs. There’s talk of, we want more Republicans on the air. There was a famous magazine article about Chris Licht’s balancing act here.

And Chris Licht says to a reporter, Tim Alberta of the “Atlantic” magazine, look, a lot in the media, including at his own network, quote unquote, “put on a jersey, took a side.” They took a side. And he says, I think we understand that jersey cannot go back on him. Because he says in the end of the day, by the way, it didn’t even work. We didn’t change anyone’s mind.

He’s saying that confrontational approach that defined the four years Trump was in office, that was a reaction to the feeling that TV news had failed to properly treat Trump with sufficient skepticism, that that actually was a failure both of journalism and of the TV news business. Is that what he’s saying?

Yeah. On the business side, it’s easier call, right? You want a bigger audience, and you’re not getting the bigger audience. But he’s making a journalistic argument as well that if the job is to convey the truth and take it to the people, and they take that into account as they make their own voting decisions and formulate their own opinions about American politics, if tens of millions of people who do believe that election was stolen are completely tuning you out because now they see you as a political combatant, you’re not achieving your ultimate goal as a journalist.

And what does Licht’s “don’t put a jersey back on” approach look like on CNN for its viewers?

Well, It didn’t look good. People might remember this, but the most glaring example —

Please welcome, the front runner for the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump.

— was when he held a town hall meeting featuring Donald J. Trump, now candidate Trump, before an audience packed with Trump’s fans.

You look at what happened during that election. Unless you’re a very stupid person, you see what happens. A lot of the people —

Trump let loose a string of falsehoods.

Most people understand what happened. It was a rigged election.

The audience is pro-Trump audience, was cheering him on.

Are you ready? Are you ready? Can I talk?

Yeah, what’s your answer?

Can I? Do you mind?

I would like for you to answer the question.

OK. It’s very simple to answer.

That’s why I asked it.

It’s very simple. You’re a nasty person, I’ll tell you that.

And during, the CNN anchor hosting this, Kaitlan Collins, on CNN’s own air, it was a disaster.

It felt like a callback to the unlearned lessons of 2016.

Yeah. And in this case, CNN’s staff was up in arms.

Big shakeup in the cable news industry as CNN makes another change at the top.

Chris Licht is officially out at CNN after a chaotic run as chairman and CEO.

And Chris Licht didn’t survive it.

The chief executive’s departure comes as he faced criticism in recent weeks after the network hosted a town hall with Donald Trump and the network’s ratings started to drop.

But I want to say that the CNN leadership still, even after that, as they brought new leadership in, said, this is still the path we’re going to go on. Maybe that didn’t work out, but we’re still here. This is still what we have to do.

Right. And this idea is very much in the water of TV news, that this is the right overall direction.

Yeah. This is, by no means, isolated to CNN. This is throughout the traditional news business. These conversations are happening everywhere. But CNN was living it at that point.

And this, of course, is how we get to NBC deciding to hire Ronna McDaniel.

Right. Because they’re picking up — right where that conversation leaves off, they’re having the same conversation. But for NBC, you could argue this tension between journalistic values and audience. It’s even more pressing. Because even though MSNBC is a niche cable network, NBC News is part of an old-fashioned broadcast network. It’s on television stations throughout the country.

And in fact, those networks, they still have 6:30 newscasts. And believe it or not, millions of people still watch those every night. Maybe not as many as they used to, but there’s still some six or seven million people tuning in to nightly news. That’s important.

Right. We should say that kind of number is sometimes double or triple that of the cable news prime time shows that get all the attention.

On their best nights. So this is big business still. And that business is based on broad — it’s called broadcast for a reason. That’s based on broad audiences. So NBC had a business imperative, and they argue they had a journalistic imperative.

So given all of that, Jim, I think the big messy question here is, when it comes to NBC, did they make a tactical error around hiring the wrong Republican which blew up? Or did they make an even larger error in thinking that the way you handle Trump and his supporters is to work this hard to reach them, when they might not even be reachable?

The best way to answer that question is to tell you what they’re saying right now, NBC management. What the management saying is, yes, this was a tactical error. This was clearly the wrong Republican. We get it.

But they’re saying, we are going to — and they said this in their statement, announcing that they were severing ties with McDaniel. They said, we’re going to redouble our efforts to represent a broad spectrum of the American votership. And that’s what they meant was that we’re going to still try to reach these Trump voters with people who can relate to them and they can relate to.

But the question is, how do you even do that when so many of his supporters believe a lie? How is NBC, how is CNN, how are any of these TV networks, if they have decided that this is their mission, how are they supposed to speak to people who believe something fundamentally untrue as a core part of their political identity?

That’s the catch-22. How do you get that Trump movement person who’s also an insider, when the litmus test to be an insider in the Trump movement is to believe in the denialism or at least say you do? So that’s a real journalistic problem. And the thing that we haven’t really touched here is, what are these networks doing day in and day out?

They’re not producing reported pieces, which I think it’s a little easier. You just report the news. You go out into the world. You talk to people, and then you present it to the world as a nuanced portrait of the country. This thing is true. This thing is false. Again, in many cases, pretty straightforward. But their bread and butter is talking heads. It’s live. It’s not edited. It’s not that much reported.

So their whole business model especially, again, on cable, which has 24 hours to fill, is talking heads. And if you want the perspective from the Trump movement, journalistically, especially when it comes to denialism, but when it comes to some other major subjects in American life, you’re walking into a place where they’re going to say things that aren’t true, that don’t pass your journalistic standards, the most basic standards of journalism.

Right. So you’re saying if TV sticks with this model, the kind of low cost, lots of talk approach to news, then they are going to have to solve the riddle of who to bring on, who represents Trump’s America if they want that audience. And now they’ve got this red line that they’ve established, that that person can’t be someone who denies the 2020 election reality. But like you just said, that’s the litmus test for being in Trump’s orbit.

So this doesn’t really look like a conundrum. This looks like a bit of a crisis for TV news because it may end up meaning that they can’t hire that person that they need for this model, which means that perhaps a network like NBC does need to wave goodbye to a big segment of these viewers and these eyeballs who support Trump.

I mean, on the one hand, they are not ready to do that, and they would never concede that that’s something they’re ready to do. The problem is barring some kind of change in their news model, there’s no solution to this.

But why bar changes to their news model, I guess, is the question. Because over the years, it’s gotten more and more expensive to produce news, the news that I’m talking about, like recorded packages and what we refer to as reporting. Just go out and report the news.

Don’t gab about it. Just what’s going on, what’s true, what’s false. That’s actually very expensive in television. And they don’t have the kind of money they used to have. So the talking heads is their way to do programming at a level where they can afford it.

They do some packages. “60 Minutes” still does incredible work. NBC does packages, but the lion’s share of what they do is what we’re talking about. And that’s not going to change because the economics aren’t there.

So then a final option, of course, to borrow something Chris Licht said, is that a network like NBC perhaps doesn’t put a jersey on, but accepts the reality that a lot of the world sees them wearing a jersey.

Yeah. I mean, nobody wants to be seen as wearing a jersey in our business. No one wants to be wearing a jersey on our business. But maybe what they really have to accept is that we’re just sticking to the true facts, and that may look like we’re wearing a jersey, but we’re not. And that may, at times, look like it’s lining up more with the Democrats, but we’re not.

If Trump is lying about a stolen election, that’s not siding against him. That’s siding for the truth, and that’s what we’re doing. Easier said than done. And I don’t think any of these concepts are new.

I think there have been attempts to do that, but it’s the world they’re in. And it’s the only option they really have. We’re going to tell you the truth, even if it means that we’re going to lose a big part of the country.

Well, Jim, thank you very much.

Thank you, Michael.

Here’s what else you need to know today.

[PROTESTERS CHANTING]

Over the weekend, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in some of the largest domestic demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Israel invaded Gaza in the fall.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Some of the protesters called on Netanyahu to reach a cease fire deal that would free the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Others called for early elections that would remove Netanyahu from office.

During a news conference on Sunday, Netanyahu rejected calls for early elections, saying they would paralyze his government at a crucial moment in the war.

Today’s episode was produced by Rob Szypko, Rikki Novetsky, and Alex Stern, with help from Stella Tan.

It was edited by Brendan Klinkenberg with help from Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett. Contains original music by Marion Lozano, Dan Powell, and Rowan Niemisto and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
• March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
• March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
• March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon
• March 20, 2024   •   25:58 The Bombshell Case That Will Transform the Housing Market

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Rutenberg

Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Rikki Novetsky and Alex Stern

With Stella Tan

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg ,  Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell and Rowan Niemisto

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC was short. The former Republican National Committee chairwoman was hired as an on-air political commentator but released just days later after an on-air revolt by the network’s leading stars.

Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The Times, discusses the saga and what it might reveal about the state of television news heading into the 2024 presidential race.

On today’s episode

Jim Rutenberg , a writer at large for The New York Times.

Background reading

Ms. McDaniel’s appointment had been immediately criticized by reporters at the network and by viewers on social media.

The former Republican Party leader tried to downplay her role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A review of the record shows she was involved in some key episodes .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Rutenberg is a writer at large for The Times and The New York Times Magazine and writes most often about media and politics. More about Jim Rutenberg

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