
Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 714 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks worth booking?
Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks is a 3-hour experience in New York, United States, from $99 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 714 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (714)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Explore the Lower East Side on a small group, three hour walking tour through one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Take in the sights, sounds, and savory food of an area experiencing more change than anywhere else in Manhattan while visiting 6+ tasting destinations along the way. The route includes Orchard Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world, the First Romanian American Synagogue on Rivington Street, the Tenement Museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, the first Greek synagogue in the United States, views of the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Seward Park High School complex. Led by a local guide, this relaxed paced tour blends food, history, and culture into an authentic Lower East Side experience.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the Lower East Side on a small group, three hour walking tour through one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Take in the sights, sounds, and savory food of an area experiencing more change than anywhere else in Manhattan while visiting 6+ tasting destinations along the way. The route includes Orchard Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world, the First Romanian American Synagogue on Rivington Street, the Tenement Museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, the first Greek synagogue in the United States, views of the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Seward Park High School complex. Led by a local guide, this relaxed paced tour blends food, history, and culture into an authentic Lower East Side experience.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
What is there to say about this spot which When Harry Met Sally... made even more famous. “I’ll have what she’s having?” You better believe it. The pastrami here is the best on the planet.
25 minutes here
Sample delicious Rugelach
10 minutes here
Orchard Street
Named for the actual orchard that stood here before the tenements did. Pushcart market, then garment district, then bargain strip, and Time Out New York recently called it one of the coolest streets in the world.
Pass by without stopping
Economy Candy
Economy Candy has been around since 1937, dishing out chocolates, nuts, gummies and the candy so many generations have grown up on.
15 minutes here
Tenement Museum
Ninety-seven Orchard housed roughly seven thousand people from more than twenty countries before the landlord sealed the upper floors in 1935 and walked away. It's a museum now because of what was still sitting up there when someone finally opened them.
Pass by without stopping
Vanessa's Dumpling House has the most delicious pork dumplings. Happy to substitute to veggie for those who don’t eat pork. You won’t believe how good these are.
20 minutes here
Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue And Museum
The only Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The congregation came from Ioannina in Greece, carrying a tradition that runs separate from both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Judaism and goes back nearly two thousand years in the eastern Mediterranean. Built in 1927, still holding services.
Pass by without stopping
Williamsburg Bridge
When it opened in 1903 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It also emptied this neighborhood out, carrying a generation of Lower East Side families across the river and into Brooklyn.
Pass by without stopping
Essex Market
Stop and shop (if you wish) at Essex Street market but before you do we visit my friend Saad who gives us a tasting of Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oils at his Essex Olive & Spice shop.
20 minutes here
The Pickle Guys
The Pickle Guys pickles almost everything. We try three of their top sellers. They’re sweet. They’re sour. They’re awesome.
10 minutes here
Kossar's Bagels - you bet your babka you’ve never tasted bagels or bialys like this before. And the cream cheese? It’s the best I’ve ever had. Ever.
20 minutes here
Lower East Side
Stroll. Learn. Nosh. Now you can explore an up-and-coming hip neighborhood that's rich in history and stacked with infamously famous eats. The Doughnut Plant Russ & Daughters
Pass by without stopping
World famous and award winning Bobbly Flay defeating cake doughnuts - YUM!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
This NYC institution is the home of the worlds greatest pastrami.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
They beat Bobby Flay in a throw down for good reason. These doughnuts are to die for.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nice Guy Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Rain or shine
- Dress code is casual
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise when you meet your guide
- Please advise any specific dietary/allergy requirements when you meet your guide
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 712 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
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
712 verified traveler reviews for Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great guide and great food!
Ian was so fantastic! You could tell he loved the history and was so fun to talk to during the walks in between stops! We had one moment not be able to come and he made sure we got their portion of food at every stop! The food was delicious! Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Experience the Lower east side through food
This is a good walking tour that allows you to experience the lower east side and enjoy some bites to eat. We started at the world famous Katz’s for some pastrami. Then on to Russ and daughters - some Chinese - bagels - pickles and donuts . Although the guide was late, the tour organizer thoughtfully offered to refund our $. I would recommend this tour to see the evolution of the lower west side, its Jewish roots and delicious food.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Lorne! I’m glad you enjoyed the food and history of the Lower East Side, and I appreciate your recommendation. Our scheduled guide became ill just before the tour, and another guide stepped in at very short notice. I’m sorry for the delayed start and grateful for your patience and understanding. Thank you for joining us! Dante, Owner, Nice Guy Tours
via Tripadvisor
Great Food Tour!
Amanda was amazing and so friendly! She made an effort to get to know us all and was very knowledgeable about the area’s history and its food.
Response from the operator: Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulously Foodie
Such a fun tour! Our tour guide Amanda was so fun and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this tour for anyone looking to taste some great food!
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us!
via Tripadvisor
Great, memorable...
Great, memorable experience through the LES! The food samples were generous and each stop offered unique dishes. David was very knowledgeable and personable. Great experience overall.
Response from the operator: Thank you!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 250
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nice Guy Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Nice Guy Tours runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks cost?
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Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks 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 New York is not rushed.
Is Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 714 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks 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 Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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Around 250 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 New York 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 New York and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks 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 New York 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 New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. 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 New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. 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 New York?
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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 Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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Included: Local guide; Bottled water; and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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This NYC institution is the home of the worlds greatest pastrami. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks 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 Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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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 Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks?
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Across 714 reviews averaging 5.0 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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