Italian American Food Tour of Williamsburg

Why we recommend this tour

We recommend this tour for food enthusiasts and history buffs eager to taste authentic Italian American flavors while uncovering the rich immigrant story of Williamsburg.

About this tour

The Italian American Food Tour of Williamsburg is a 3-hour guided walking experience that delves into the rich history of Italian American immigration and culture in Brooklyn, punctuated by six delicious food tastings. Led by an expert local guide, you'll discover how Italian traditions shaped this vibrant neighborhood, from its culinary landscape to its community spirit. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural storytelling and authentic flavors. You'll enjoy two sit-down tastings and four on-the-go samples, alongside visits to two culturally significant sites. It's an opportunity to connect with the legacy of a community that built a new home in New York City, expressed through its enduring and beloved cuisine. From savory deli meats to sweet pastries, each stop on the tour has been carefully selected to showcase the evolution and deliciousness of Italian American food.

Highlights

• Sample authentic Chicken Parmesan at a local eatery
• Taste classic Italian deli meats and cheeses
• Enjoy a slice of New York-style white pizza
• Savor traditional Roman-style pasta and ancient Roman pizza
• Indulge in a delicious Italian hero sandwich
• Conclude your culinary journey with a mini cannoli or rainbow cookie and espresso
• Explore culturally significant sites in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• Learn about Italian American immigration and its impact on the neighborhood

Who is this tour for?

• Food lovers seeking authentic Italian American cuisine
• Culture seekers interested in New York City's immigrant history
• Travelers looking for a guided walking experience in Brooklyn
• Couples or small groups wanting a unique culinary adventure
• Anyone curious about the stories behind classic Italian American dishes

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a 3-hour guided walking tour.
• Come hungry! The tour includes six generous food tastings.
• Be aware that substitutions for dietary restrictions are not available on public tours.
• Consider booking a private tour if you require specific dietary accommodations.
• Bring a bottle of water, especially during warmer months.

What's included

• All pre-selected tasting items are included in the ticket price!

What's not included

• We suggest bringing a bottle of water

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Meet us at Carmine & Son Restaurant and indulge in a delicious chicken parmesan while we set the stage for what you will learn and eat throughout your tour. Here, we will begin our story by talking about the events that triggered the first wave of Italian immigration to the US, and how these events set the foundation for the creation of Italian American cuisine. We will also cover exactly what constitutes as Italian American cuisine and how it spread in popularity across the US.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Next, we will walk to the Familia/ Famiglia mural to learn about the shared history of Italian Americans and Puerto Ricans in Williamsburg.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Savino's Quality Pasta- Explore an Italian food store filled with homemade pasta and imported ingredients. Here we will sample a slice of capocollo, or as some may call it "gabagool"!

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe is THE bucket list place to experience Italian heroes. We will split a mouthwatering hero while we talk about how the Italian American experience has changed through the years, what it means to be Italian American today, and how this specific panini shoppe plays a role in bringing together Italian Americans in today's day and age as traditional Italian neighborhoods across the US begin to decline.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   We will take a quick walk by the oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn to learn about its place in mob history and TV/ film legacy established over the past 125 years.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, we will learn about the significance of Italian feasts in honor of Catholic patron saints. We will talk about how and why Italian Immigrants ended up in Williamsburg and how this church enabled the community to upkeep its feast traditions dating back to the year 410 AD in Italy.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Best Pizza is a classic NYC slice shop that is dedicated to preserving ingredient quality and freshness in a way that is similar to native Italian cooking. We will sample their signature white slice as we hear the surprising story of how pizza went from being an undesirable peasant food in Naples to an American staple.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   At Montesacro, we will learn and taste the difference between Italian American and native Italian cooking as we sample classic Roman pasta and flatbread dishes. As we discover the roots of both these cuisines, we will learn exactly how the globalization of food, "artisanal" marketing, and a search for authenticity lead to the popularization of native Italian cuisine in the US. We will also talk about how this history ties into the changing landscape of WIlliamsburg over the past 50 years and its affect on the Italian American community here.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Lastly, we will sample pastries, cookies, and espresso at Fortunato Brother's Bakery while learning how to identify what goes into making an Italian American dessert the "right" way.

Frequently asked questions