
Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 86 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market worth booking?
Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market is a 3-hour experience in Philadelphia, United States, from $103 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 86 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (86)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $103 per person
Tiny Table Tours was founded by a well-known local food journalist, and those relationships are at the core of our tours. We share stories gathered from one-on-one interviews with business owners and chefs that will give you a behind-the-scenes, personal view of South Philadelphia. Our tour guides are deeply immersed in Philly food and dining scene, giving you a deeply personal experience. The tour includes six bites of food, including sweet treats, a Vietnamese sandwich, tacos and more. We'll talk about (but not eat) cheesesteaks, and introduce you multigenerational family businesses. We’ll also share our cheat sheet: a list of recommendations for bars, restaurants, and other fun activities in the city. All in all, we’ll walk about 1 mile over the course of 2.5 hours, so please come prepared. We can easily accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians with advance notice. PLEASE let us know if you/anyone in your party has any dietary restrictions we should be aware of.
What you get
About this experience
Tiny Table Tours was founded by a well-known local food journalist, and those relationships are at the core of our tours. We share stories gathered from one-on-one interviews with business owners and chefs that will give you a behind-the-scenes, personal view of South Philadelphia. Our tour guides are deeply immersed in Philly food and dining scene, giving you a deeply personal experience. The tour includes six bites of food, including sweet treats, a Vietnamese sandwich, tacos and more. We'll talk about (but not eat) cheesesteaks, and introduce you multigenerational family businesses. We’ll also share our cheat sheet: a list of recommendations for bars, restaurants, and other fun activities in the city. All in all, we’ll walk about 1 mile over the course of 2.5 hours, so please come prepared. We can easily accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians with advance notice. PLEASE let us know if you/anyone in your party has any dietary restrictions we should be aware of.
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Columbus Square Park is a neighborhood gathering spot in the Passyunk neighborhood in South Philly. We'll meet up and gather the group, then visit a bakery, talk about the hidden history of the invention of the Philly cheesesteak, discuss Philly's culture of public art, and get to know a lesser-known part of South Philly.
45 minutes here
Once home to industrial warehouses, Washington Avenue has become a dividing line for the city and is home to some of our favorite restaurants in the city. We'll visit a legendary Vietnamese bakery and a longstanding Mexican restaurant with some of the best tacos in the city.
60 minutes here
Italian Market
One of the longest continually operating outdoor markets in the United States, where locals still do their shopping and lots of restaurants source ingredient. You'll hear stories of the businesses in this area, and visit a fourth generation Italian bakery, a new-school Jewish appetizing store, and have a little time to shop in the market. We'll end with a glass of wine from a limited-edition series of wine made support from one of the Italian Market's oldest businesses.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Philadelphia
We'll meet at the Southeast corner of the Columbus Square Park, next to the dog park.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We'll wrap up the tour at the Piazza Di Bruno, perfectly located in the heart of the Italian Market. We'll give you a list of recommendations to check out in the city.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tiny Table Philadelphia Food Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
86 verified traveler reviews for Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Sights, smells, and some tastings from the locals.
Started well and enjoyed learning about the generations of Italian immigrant families that started in the south philly markets area (meat/cheese/food, produce, and bakery/pastries). We were able go inside a couple of the cheese/food market stores and were given the opportunity to try the cheesesteaks from rival families but we really were hoping to try the meatballs. Unfortunately, the restaurants/bars that were recommended for their meatballs were closed on Tuesday.
via Tripadvisor
Great food, lots of walking
The food tastings were good. There was a lot of walking from one spot to another with only one tasting that allowed you to sit down.
via Tripadvisor
We left early
We felt there was too much walking in the heat and sun. We wanted more food and less walking and talking. We did want an intro to south Philly so we didn’t mind the talking, We just could have used less of it. We dropped out after two hours and went home.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for this feedback - we work hard to communicate how much walking will be involved in our tours. All in, it's about 1 1/4 miles, which we do say in the description. We're sorry that felt like too much for you - I know it can be hot in Philly, and we do our best to seek shade, offer cool drinks, and take breaks. Our guides are restaurant professionals with lots of stories and history that they share to give unique context to the food guests eat along the way. We feel strongly (and have received this feedback from our guests, Wall Street Journal, and many local publications) that it's those stories that set our tour apart. We're so sorry it wasn't to your liking, and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your afternoon.
via Tripadvisor
Great Food Tour
We had a fantastic tour of South Philly food scene with Jackie. She was so great on the history of the area along with each place we stopped at. We loved each stop and also given some free time around the Italian Market. Jackie was so knowlegable about the history of the immigrants moving into the area from Italy and the Eastern European countries. and also how they came to the United States to make a differnce for themselves and start these new business. So many fmily business that have veen around for many generatios. I highly reccomend this food tour, especially if you are new to Philadelphia. Thank you Jackie
Response from the operator: thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Philly Food
Matea was a fantastic tour guide with great information. Never felt rushed during this tour. The stops we made all were outstanding
Response from the operator: thanks so much!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market cost?
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Prices start at $103 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Philadelphia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Philadelphia is not rushed.
Is Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 86 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Philadelphia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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Around 30 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Philadelphia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Philadelphia and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Philadelphia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
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Philadelphia's core is walkable: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell need timed entry, the mural arts programme runs the largest public art collection in the country, and the Reading Terminal and Italian Market food walks fill the middle of the day. Outty Ranking favours operators who secure Independence Hall tickets rather than sending you to the visitor centre queue. On Outty we rank every Philadelphia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia, Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
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April to June and September to October, mild weather and open patios. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; Lunch; Snacks; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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We'll meet at the Southeast corner of the Columbus Square Park, next to the dog park. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market?
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Across 86 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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