Upper East Side Food Tour | Tasty Tours NYC

Discover a Tasty Introduction to the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side Food Tour by Tasty Tours NYC offers a delicious way to explore one of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods. For $79 per person, this 2.5-hour small-group walking experience takes you to eight iconic stops, where you’ll sample classic New York foods such as bagels, pizza slices, dumplings, and cannolis. The tour is designed for those who want a personalized, immersive tasting experience, with a maximum of 15 travelers ensuring a relaxed pace and plenty of interaction.

This tour is ideal for food lovers and anyone interested in combining culinary delights with neighborhood stories. The route covers famous food spots and local landmarks, with knowledgeable guides sharing insider tips along the way. The mobile ticket makes it easy to join, and the price includes lunch and bottled water. While most dietary restrictions aren’t accommodated, the tour promises enough generous tastings to serve as a substantial meal, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the city.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-loved: Priced at $79, this tour is a popular choice, booked 44 days in advance on average.
• Diverse food stops: From bagels at H&H Bagels to pizza slices at Mimi’s Pizza, the tour covers a wide range of NYC classics.
• Expert guides: Guides are praised for their knowledgeable storytelling and ability to answer questions thoroughly.
• Neighborhood insights: Alongside food, the tour shares local stories and landmark highlights, including Madonna’s mansion.
• Perfect for hungry visitors: The tastings are generous enough to constitute a full meal.
• Convenient location: The tour begins at H&H Bagels on 2nd Ave and ends near the 86th Street subway station.

Starting at H&H Bagels, the City’s Favorite Breakfast Spot

The tour kicks off at H&H Bagels, a famous New York institution featured on shows like Seinfeld and Friends. Here, freshly baked bagels with cream cheese are served, offering a quintessential NYC breakfast experience. The 20-minute stop provides a chance to enjoy one of the city’s most beloved bagel brands in a lively setting. This stop sets a warm, casual tone for the rest of the tour and introduces guests to a local foodie favorite.

Exploring the Historic Comic Strip Live Comedy Club

Next, the tour visits The Comic Strip, the oldest comedy club in New York City. With 10 minutes to explore, visitors can appreciate the rich comedy history, as legends like Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Jerry Seinfeld have performed here. This stop highlights the cultural significance of the neighborhood and adds a touch of entertainment history to the experience.

Sampling Authentic Italian Flavors at Agata & Valentina

A short walk takes the group to Agata & Valentina, an established Italian specialty store open since 1993. Guests have time to browse its authentic Italian products and indulge in classic cannolis, a must-try Italian dessert. The 15-minute stop offers a taste of Italy right in Manhattan, showcasing the neighborhood’s culinary diversity.

Enjoying Spicy Dumplings at Xi’an Famous Foods

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Xi’an Famous Foods, a cult-favorite spot known for its spicy, flavorful dumplings. The 30-minute tasting session allows guests to enjoy signature dishes, which stand out as a culinary staple of New York City’s Asian food scene. The stop emphasizes bold flavors and the cult following that the restaurant commands.

Spotting Madonna’s Upper East Side Mansion

The tour includes a quick 5-minute glance at Madonna’s $32 million mansion at 158 E 81st St. While not part of a formal visit, this stop offers a chance for photo opportunities and adds a bit of celebrity glamour to the neighborhood exploration. It’s a fun highlight for those interested in NYC’s famous residents.

Tasting Classic American Sweets at Lexington Candy Shop

The next stop is Lexington Candy Shop, a 98-year-old institution renowned for its handcrafted Coca-Cola and authentic egg cream. The 10-minute visit provides a sweet contrast to the savory stops, elevating the experience with traditional American treats in a historic setting. This site reflects the nostalgic charm characteristic of the Upper East Side.

Savoring Handmade Pizza at Mimi’s Pizza

No NYC food tour would be complete without a slice of New York-style pizza. At Mimi’s Pizza, guests enjoy a handmade, slow-cooked slice that takes over 72 hours to prepare. The 20-minute stop promises a life-changing pizza experience and highlights the artistry of classic NYC pizzerias.

Ending Sweetly at Levain Bakery

The tour concludes at Levain Bakery, famous for its thick, indulgent cookies. This 20-minute stop leaves guests with a satisfying sweet treat and a chance to reflect on the day’s culinary journey. The bakery’s reputation as a must-visit spot is well-deserved, especially for cookie lovers.

Logistics and Practical Details

The meeting point is at H&H Bagels on 2nd Ave, with the tour ending at Levain Bakery on 3rd Ave. Both locations are close to subway stations, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your hotel. The tour includes bottled water and is designed to accommodate most non-restrictive diets; however, it is not suitable for vegans or those with celiac/gluten allergies.

The small group size of up to 15 guests ensures a personalized experience, with guides who are praised for their knowledge and storytelling. The 2.5-hour pace balances tastings and sightseeing, making it manageable even for those with limited time.

Why This Tour Stands Out in the NYC Food Scene

What makes the Upper East Side Food Tour unique is its combination of culinary sampling, neighborhood stories, and landmark glimpses. The stops are carefully curated to showcase the essence of New York’s diverse food culture, from bagels and pizza to Asian dumplings and Italian desserts. The expert guides enhance the experience with insider stories and local knowledge that elevate the tour beyond just tasting.

The generous tastings mean that guests often find that the food alone is sufficient for a full lunch, adding value to the $79 price point. The small group size fosters a relaxed environment, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

Final Thoughts on the Upper East Side Food Tour

This tour provides a well-rounded taste of the Upper East Side, highlighting iconic foods and neighborhood highlights in just over two hours. The quality of the food stops, especially the bagels, dumplings, and cookies, earns consistent praise, along with the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

While it doesn’t cater to special diets, the variety and quality of tastings make it an excellent choice for non-vegans and gluten-tolerant guests looking for a fun, flavorful afternoon. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors, foodies, and anyone eager to see the neighborhood through a culinary lens.

The convenient meeting points, moderate duration, and affordable price make this tour a valuable addition to any NYC itinerary. Expect to leave hungry and happy, with plenty of stories and food memories to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The tour primarily features traditional NYC foods like bagels, pizza, dumplings, and cannolis. It is not suitable for vegans or those with gluten allergies due to the nature of the stops.

How much food do I get during the tour?
The tastings are ample, amounting to a generous meal. Guests enjoy multiple bites and samples at each stop, enough to satisfy a full lunch.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at H&H Bagels on 2nd Ave and finishes at Levain Bakery on 3rd Ave, both close to public transportation options.

Is this tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers with near public transportation options and a walkable route. It’s designed for most ages and fitness levels.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 44 days in advance but can fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are processed if canceled within this window, ensuring flexibility for your plans.