Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay with cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Cash is not accepted.
If a tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
We do not provide a waiting list. If a date is sold out, there is always a chance that we will add an additional tour. Please email us or call us (917 408-9539) and let us know what date you are interested in.
What type of tickets are available for your tours and events?
There are two types of tickets available for our Original Greenwich Village, Chelsea Market/Meatpacking District, and Central Village/SoHo Tours:
| Monday through Friday: | Standard Ticket: Ages 13 and up - $47.00 |
Child Ticket: Ages 12 and under - $35.00 |
Saturday and Sunday: |
Standard Ticket Only: All ages - $47.00 |
There is one ticket class for the Explore Chinatown Tour:
| Mondays Only: | Standard Ticket Only: All ages - $65.00 |
Are the Foods of New York tours appropriate for children?
Our food tasting and cultural walking tours have been developed for food and history lovers. In our vast touring experience we have found that those under the age of 17 might be indifferent, fidgety, and may not fully appreciate our tours, and more importantly, their disinterest could interfere with the exciting experience which Foods of New York has carefully crafted for you. Whether to bring your child is ultimately up to your discretion, but please note that all children, regardless of age, need a paid ticket. Please also note that strollers are not permitted on the tour, due to the many narrow sidewalks that we walk on, the uneven cobble stone streets that we cross, certain staircases that we use when entering establishments, and the very small shops that we visit. If you have further questions pertaining to tickets for children, please contact us.
Are the walking tours given in bad weather?
All of our tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. We will not be outdoors for the entire 3 hours. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions. It is impossible to cancel a tour at the very last minute due to many circumstances beyond our control. Before purchasing tickets please be aware of the possible weather conditions for that time of year.
How should I dress during a tour?
Please dress casual, comfortable, and appropriate for the different seasons in New York.
General Weather Conditions in New York City:
January 1st - April 15th - Usually cold and windy (tapering off in April)
April 16th - June 15th - Mild temperatures (becoming warmer in June)
June 16th - September 15th - Mild to Hot temperatures (usually hot in July and August)
Sept 16th - December 31st - Starts off mild and then gets cold during the end of October.
Are tour guide gratuities included in the price?
Foods of New York does not include gratuities in the cost of our tours. A standard gratuity for a tour guide in New York City is 15% to 20% of the tour price. If you had a great time gratuities are accepted by our tour guides.
What should I expect if I take a Foods of New York 3 hour Walking Tour?
Our walking and tasting tours are led by experienced Foods of New York tour guides. During our tours you will learn about the history and culture of a neighborhood while tasting delicious food specialties from Mom and Pop food shops, eateries, and restaurants. Most of the food tastings are served while standing in or outside of the food establishment. There is one sit down tasting that takes place in a restaurant on each of our tours. This sit down tasting takes around 20-25 minutes and will allow everyone to enjoy themselves in a relaxed manner. While on the tour we go in and out of food establishments, walk down interesting streets, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of a neighborhood.
How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
We are on our feet for approximately 3 hours. We walk at a very casual pace.
Please note that there are some stairs that we navigate during the tour. If stairs are a problem for you or any of your guests, please indicate that when you purchase your tickets so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.
How many people can attend a tour?
The maximum number of people per tour guide is 16. If one tour is sold out there is a very good chance we will offer another that same day. Tours run 30 minutes apart.
How much food is served on the tours?
There are 7 stops for food tastings on our tours. For most people there is enough food that lunch afterwards is not necessary.
What restaurants will we visit on the tour?
We visit various restaurants per neighborhood and sample food from one selected restaurant per tour. This is also a sit down tasting.
Are there any beverages served on the tour?
We supply everyone with a bottle of water at the start of the tour.
Is there a wine tasting included on the tour?
The tour itself does not serve alcohol, but The Original Greenwich Village Tour and The Central Village / SoHo Tour does include one stop that provides a nice environment for you to purchase drinks on your own. Your tour guide will let you know when it is a good time to enjoy a drink.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
At this time we CAN provide food substitutions for vegetarians on most tours (except Explore Chinatown) but we CANNOT make food substitutions for any other food allergies (such as gluten-free or dairy-free). We are sorry for the inconvenience. Our Food Tours have been designed to highlight the best and most unique aspects of each establishment. Unfortunately, there isn't always a "next best" option that also meets the special dietary needs of each of our guests. Since we have your health (and palate!) in mind, we truly appreciate your understanding on this issue.
Do you have any life threatening food allergies?
If you HAVE SERIOUS FOOD ALLERGIES please contact us before purchasing a tickets for any of our food tours or event. Please email us at info@foodsofny.com or 917 408-9539.
Are any of your walking tours wheelchair-and/or stroller-accessible?
Unfortunately, wheelchairs are not recommended on our tours, and strollers are not permitted, due to the many narrow sidewalks that we walk on, the uneven cobble stone streets that we cross, certain staircases that we use when entering establishments, and the very small shops that we visit. If you have further questions, please contact us.
Are tours offered only in English?
Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. If you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour, please contact Foods of New York Tours at (917) 408-9539.
May I bring my dog on the tour?
Due to the various food establishments we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.
Does this tour have anything to offer a native New Yorker?
Definitely! Many of our attendees live right here in New York City. Locals often attend to learn about the neighborhood and the city in which they live. We mainly stay off the beaten path, and thus avoid being consumed by crowds of tourists.
I took this tour a year ago. Has anything changed?
We change the tour slightly every six to eight months. Many parts of the tour remain the same, but we do our best to improve upon and enhance the tour.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates are available for all Foods of NY tours and make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Gift certificates: Purchase" link on our web page or call Zerve at 212.913.9964.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available for groups of up to 48 people. To inquire about a private tour, please fill out the form on our private tours page. A Foods of New York Tours representative will contact you within 24 hours to inform you if the date and time requested is available.
What are the requirements for a private tour?
There is a standard cost to book a private tour. We can accommodate from 1-48 people. Each tour guide can take up to 16 people. If you book well in advance there is a good chance that we can accommodate your needs. See the "Private Tour" page for further information.