Secret food tours NYC
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
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 delicious way to get to know New York City.
Rules for joining Secret Food Tours NYC
The 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 McDonald's 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, and through the eyes of a local.
Greenwich Village has a rich, and diverse, restaurant scene and not to mention a colorful history 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: 6 delicious spots
1. 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: $
2. Ale house
The only other time I’ve been in a bar/pub around 11am is when we're home in Vicenza, 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.
Years ago
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
3. 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.
Price range: $
4. 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.
Price range: $
5. A slice of NYC pizza
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 $$
6. 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 two 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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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
The food tour with the local food expert is always a delight. You not only get to know about various secret places to have the best gastronomic experiences, but its the firsthand experience to see the local food culture of the place as well. I am big fan of Cup cakes and I am sure that I would easily eat more than 3 at On Bleecker Street.
You're absolutely right, and this tour is so good, and if you do ever try it, I hope you get a guide as fab as Bridget!
Being an Indian foodie guy i love to explore the various type of food. donuts have been my most favorite, i always love to have with my friends and family.
It's a tasty food group!
Wow! What an amazing gastronomical experience! I love food tours. They not only let you explore the local cuisines of a place but also the local culture and interesting tales about it. I love The Doughnut Project - a lot of varieties to choose from. Bagels are my favourite and I would love to visit Bagels on the Square where you are spoilt for choices.
I love them too! And the bagels in NY in general are great, but this one in Greenwich Village is so local, and reasonably priced too 🙂
wow, secret food! I see a lot of donuts there, and I am sure my boyfriend will like to try them all! I will definitely aim for the pizza!
The doughnuts are so good, I highly recommend trying a few! And yes, the pizza is worth it too 🙂
It seems that you really had an amazing day there in NYC and those are some yummy donuts. I love to visit NYC someday. I am just waiting for my kids to grow up.
You should take them! It's a fun city for all types of travelers 😀
Being a traveller foodie person, I always try to visit new places and try somethings new food speciality which every place has. I have never been to out of India, but there is one of my friend you lives in NY, I will share you blog with and let her know about these foodie places in NYC.
Thank you, that would be wonderful! If you're a foodie, you'll definitely enjoy this tour!
Exactly what you'd expect from an NYC food tour - bagels, sandwiches, pizza, and donuts! Thanks for the tip on being late, I have had a similar experience before when I turned up only 3 min late and the tour had left without me and since then, I've made sure to turn up on time, if I ever take a tour! I love how these kinds of experiences also involve a local (and in your case a bubbly) tour guide who also talks about the neighborhood apart from tasting all those lovely dishes. Starting from a bagel place is exactly how I'd want my food tour to go as well. And the cupcakes at Molly's cupcakes look oh-so-delish!
The cupcake was so fluffy and melt in the mouth too! It was so typical I had metro problems on the day of the tour, but everything worked out in the end 🙂
I'm a real sucker for bagels - I'd be happy to do a secret food tour of just bagel shop to bagel shop!! I like the classics too. My favourite is cream cheese with tomato or smoked salmon. Or just slathered in cream cheese works fine too! Food tours are such a great way to get a feel for a city's vibe too. And an alehouse MUST be part of any good tour too!
I completely agree! Maybe just not at 11am! I do love bagels too, and no-one does them better than in NYC
NYC is one of my most favourite cities in the world and when it comes to food it is a winner. What a great way to find more new places then a food tour. Live the new places you found and gives you the opportunity to see new neighbourhoods as well. The bagel and pizza clear winners fir me. Thanks fir sharing this great way to see more food in nyc.
You're welcome! It's an amazing food city to visit.
You have made my mouth water! I bookmarked this for future reference, as I would absolutely love to go to a food tour such as this one. I was impressed with how many stops it had.. How did you handle eating all of that?! ?? I would definitely try the bagels and the cupcakes.. Ok, ok.. I wouldn't say no to a slice of that pizza either ??
Ha, my partner asked the same thing! The portions are small, but you can eat more if you wish. I didn't need to eat dinner after!
I used to live in NYC so your post brought back so many fond memories. Greenwich village is one of my favourite places to grab cheap, delicious food! I remember the bagel place! The doughnut project seems intriguing with so many different flavours. It is interesting that they use black pepper glaze on your Bronx doughnut!
It was so unusual but in a good way! NYC is a great city and it's always nice to re-visit.
These donuts looks really delightful and tempting. It seems that you really had a wonderful trip in NYC.
We did, and yes, the doughnuts were incredible!
I love the idea of secret food tours, it's such a great idea indeed. Our city has so many great dining spots so touring them is such a brilliant idea.
You're so lucky you have these places on your doorstep!
Looks like a great place to eat while in New York. I'll definitely go here one day with my family. Will be saving this! Next trip to here.
Great to read! I loved it, and am sure others will enjoy it too
I’ve never been to New York but when I do get to New York I am definitely going to do one of these tours!
I hope you get to visit one day, it's a vibrant city, and this food tour is particularly good 🙂
They looks very yummy! Your photos are nice and I would like to try all of them
Save your appetite then, it's a lot of food!
Ommmg I love this! 😀 I am hungry nowww ;0 Hahhaa. Great post. 🙂 I think this is great for tourists.
It's great for everyone who like to eat 😀
This is such a good concept. I want to do such tour when i visit NYC . The pictures made me hungry, Which place was your favorite ?
You should! The doughnut place was definitely my favourite.
What a great idea! I've never done a food tour, but this one in NYC just adds another reason for me to cross the ocean and finally visit this wonderful city!
You must! It's so much fun and a nice way to explore NYC
The pictures look delicious. What a beautiful way to explore a city through food ? Never been to the US but based on your description my first pick from all these would be Rivoli Pizza
It's a good introduction to the US and to NY style pizza!
A food tour sounds right up my alley! That pizza looks AMAZING!
It was amazing, and very NY too 🙂
Enjoyed thoroughly with temptation your secret food tour. Next time when in NYC I will check.
Perfect! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I totally want to do this . I was watching this show last night and I saw a group of people doing this. ONLY if I could be great and digest all foods.
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that! I'd ask beforehand whether there's something suitable for you; it's such a fun tour!
OMG! I had no idea about these secret food tours but I am very interested to try this. It looks like a fun and memorable experience to join one. Will definitely try this on our next trip to NYC.
You must. It's such a nice way to explore a neighbourhood of the city and you get to eat yummy things too!
I love the back story to Molly's. I would so want to do this next time I am in NYC. I also loved the quote, New Yorkers don't hang around when they get their slice, neither should you.... perfect!
Thank you! I love NY style pizza, we don't have it in Europe!
This sounds like such a nice food tour! I would have been late as well though 😀 Love the pictures you made!!
Thank you! I really enjoyed it 🙂
A food tour is such a great idea. What a great tip that the slice of pizza shouldn’t cost more than the subway ticket. And you got to experience such a great variety of NYC treats.
I did! I loved the doughnut and the sandwich the most; it was delicious 😀
Wow, it looks like a nice things to do to explore different type and taste of food. I would love to experience this things someday!
You should, it's a lot of fun!
Such a yummy experience! I love food tours and taking a food tour in NYC seems like a great idea. I'd love to try these tasty cupcakes, doughnut, and pizza. Feel so hungry after reading this article xD
Sorry! I also felt hungry when writing it if it makes a difference!
I love doing food tours I actually tried that when my family went to Macau for a vacation and hoping to have another tour to make another food tours adventure.
You must! This one in NYC is particularly good, and I highly recommend it 🙂
The food tour sounds amazing. When I was in NYC, I ate mostly in midtown and loved the delis. The doughnut with an olive oil and black pepper glaze sounds interesting.
It's an excellent choice, and super tasty too!
haha this seems to cross off all of my main food groups. Pizza and cupcakes especially. I love New York's food scene and this sounds like my kind of food tour
It ticks off all the major food groups ha! It's a food tour of taste, not health!
I'm so glad you have Molly's cupcakes on your list! Believe it or not, Molly's cupcakes originated from my neighborhood in Chicago. So imagine my surprise when I saw Molly's cupcakes while wandering around NYC!
But I'll definitely check out Bagels on the square as im always on the hunt for bagels whenever im in NYC!
Thanks for sharing!
That's a nice coincidence! We don't have Molly's Cupcakes or authentic bagel places in London so it was such a treat 😀
I am not sure my kids would tolerate a food tour, however I would! Maybe I will sneak off while we are there in December and join. I pinned this for future reference since we will be there later this year. The donut shop looks heavenly. This was a great review and makes me want to book it. And I love your images.
Thank you, I really appreciate it 🙂 I loved the tour and really had a great time. The kids will be missing out!
I’m planning a trip to NYC next year and hope I can do a food tour like this one!!!
I hope so too, it's a good one to try.
Looks like an amazing thing to do ! I love to explore the food items in every city as I feel food is the soul of the city. I did one in Budapest and one in Bologna and they were one of the best experiences specially when you are travelling on a budget.
Ooh the Budapest tour sounds interesting, I'd love to try that! It was a great experience, and I'd gladly do another one 😀
ok..... now I am officially hungry! LOL! I'm not much of a sweet tooth but some of those flavours of those doughnuts are so exotic! Olive oil and black pepper glaze? I mean that does even sound sweet! And pepitas on a doughnut? Being Australia, we're not a bagel loving society so when I did go to NYC, I had to give them a good crack! didn't know about the place you recommended but I tried the ones at Chelsea Markets. Sooo delicious although by the end of it all I found the bagels a little dense for my liking. Maybe I should have washed it down with a beer at 11am!
That's something I didn't try, yet! I love bagels, and I get my fill whenever I'm back in NY! Trust me, the doughnut was so good, I want another!
I absolutely love street food tours! Such a good way to explore a city! I went on one in Hoi An in Vietnam and got to eat so much delicious food. I NEED to find the doughnut project when I eventually visit New York - coffee with salted toffee??? Yes please!
Oh man it's so good, I wouldn't say no to one right now! A food tour in Hoi Anh sounds incredible!!
This looks like great fun. I love doing food tours when I travel and I am going to be in New York in November. Do you know if they do these tours all year round? I would love to book this when I'm there.
I'm sure they do! Actually, it'd be fun to do this in winter; you may have more of an appetite than in the heat 😀
Hi Sarah, I'm Bridget, the guide mentioned in this article 🙂 We do run our tours all year round. In addition, if you would like to join our tour, please use this code for 10% off: SFT10 Hope to see you on the tour!
This makes me a little homesick! And hungry! I could really go for a reuben right now...
I'll have to check out that cupcake spot. Getting cupcakes used to be my go-to first date activity, until I accepted the fact that I usually don't really like cupcakes. They're so pretty, but usually taste pretty lackluster. It'd be nice to find a good red velvet.
This red velvet was very good, soft sponge, and something I always associate with being in the US!
Doughnut with an olive oil and black pepper glaze... I don't think I would wanna tried it! I went to Mollys cupcakes place ones before and I remember how delicious it was! Its a great post, I am actually going to New York in two months and I need some new ideas what to do as Ive already seen all those main attractions. Food tour seems like a fabulous idea, I might have to try it 🙂
Yes! Trust me, it sounds like an odd combo, but I was in heaven! I loved every bite and would urge you to try it!
The Secret Food Tour seems to be the perfect vehicle to experience some authentic food laced with local experiences. I like the fact that the tour goes beyond food and also unveils some hidden gems. The Doughnut and the cupcakes look really irresistible. The tour definitely is something that one should do in NYC, but of course ensure to be on time!
Yes! It was such a shame that my metro decided to be delayed on that day. They really do excellent food tours.
It's often hard to know where to eat in New York there are so many options. You've inspired me to give a food tour a go, looks like you had a fantastic experience. Those donuts look incredible.
Happy to read! The doughnuts are wonderful, and be warned, very moreish too!
Oh yummy! NYC has so many amazing restaurants, I love finding new spots to try. NYC Bagels are a thing of beauty, I definitely tend to be adventurous and try the trendiest/wackiest bagel/spread combo. And no food tour in NYC would be complete without grabbing a slice. I will have to check out the cupcake shop on my next visit to the city.
I adore NY bagels, and even a plain is good for me! Molly's Cupcakes is so good, I'd take 2 🙂
What an awesome experience! Everything sounds so delicious. But the note of not paying over the subway fare for pizza is great to know!
It's a fantastic tip, and I'll remember it for the next time I return there.
I did a Secret Food Tour in Madrid and adored the experience - basically the best thing I did during my 8 weeks spent in Europe last year! These guys rock. Great to see doughnuts, pizza and bagels covered in the NYC version, will certainly make an effort to do this tour if i’m ever lucky enough to return to New York!
I love Spanish food, so I can imagine the Madrid version was incredible! The NYC one was excellent; maybe I'll make it a mission to try all their global tours!
A secret food tour of NYC sounds so exciting! I have yet to experience a food tour and would definitely check this one out when I visit NY. That donut with the olive oil and black pepper glaze is so unique. I've never seen such a flavor on a donut!
It was a first for me too! I loved every second of the tour, and would recommend it others new to the city too.
A food tour in NYC would be so great. Especially with all the food items that you have included in your post. PS: Will I pile up 10,000 calories by the end of the day?
You might, if you eat everything 😀
Wow this food tour seems to have a lot of sweet desserts! What a great way to see a pretty iconic neighbourhood in NYC. Thanks for the tips, putting this on my NYC list.
Perfect! I know you'll enjoy it and probably won't need to eat after!
Whenever I travel I take food tours. I find they are good value for the tour price, and in addition to the great food, there's usually a bit of history thrown in.
Absolutely! This one's no different either 🙂
As someone who lived and ate their way through New York for a year, I always love seeing other people's food recommendations. I think taking a food tour of NYC is a great idea! I don't think I've been to any of these spots but that's not unusual in a city so big and ever changing. I love the look of the doughnuts - so delicious!
I drool whenever I think of the doughnuts! It's a fab foodie city with endless choices.
I'm planning a trip to NYC in May 2019 and hope I get to do a food tour like this one. I would love to explore Greenwich Village just for its cultural past, and though I don't eat pork or beef, I love a good pasta. I must keep these places in mind for my trip. Thanks for sharing.
Do a Secret Food Tour! I had so much fun, and hopefully you get a fun guide as Bridget 😀
Ufff I love food tours! I did a food tour in London with Secret Food Tours, that was fab too - I'd definitely take this tour if I come back to NYC! The bagels/doughnuts/pizza combo is a winner, although I'm not sure how adventurous I'd be with the different flavours either!
I'd love to try the one in London the next time I'm back. I'd be interested to see what areas they cover.
I love food tours! While the food is the main draw most guides also point out hidden landmarks and places that one would most probably miss out on if exploring the area on their own. And this food tour of yours sounds just like that - lots of good food and a knowledgeable guide sharing interesting tales. Of all the places you visited, I think I would love the Doughnut Project the most!
The Doughnut Project is amazing! I wish they had one in Italy, I'd be there all the time!
I love doing food tours and I think I when I was last in NYC, I did about five of them. There are so many companies and new ones springing up all the time. Great to hear you enjoy this tour and I would consider doing this on my next visit to the Big Apple.
That's wonderful to read Daniel! I enjoyed the Secret Food Tours, and was so full, I didn't eat dinner that night!
Nice to read about your food tour experience. It sounds and looks like a nice experience! The pizza slice and all the sweet bites look delicious! It is good to remember not to be late and to keep the contact details somewhere easily accessible. Glad to read that you still enjoyed the food tour!
It was wonderful! Bridget is a superb tour guide and the pizza was very good 😀