NoLita's Past and Present Food & History Tour with FNYT

Why we recommend this tour

We recommend this tour for anyone eager to uncover a less-traveled, yet historically rich and gastronomically diverse, corner of downtown NYC. It's ideal for those who appreciate both local stories and delicious food.

About this tour

This tour explores NoLita, a vibrant New York City neighborhood, through its rich history, unique culture, and diverse culinary scene, offering a blend of historical insights and delicious tastings. Stroll through NoLita's tree-lined streets, discovering its transformation from an immigrant enclave to a stylish downtown hub. Your expert guide shares insider stories and points out hidden landmarks, revealing the area's distinct character. The experience includes four indoor restaurant tastings, one with wine, alongside two on-the-go desserts, providing a comprehensive taste of the neighborhood's past and present flavors.

Highlights

• Stroll through NoLita's charming, tree-lined streets
• Discover hidden landmarks and local insider stories
• Taste diverse foods at four indoor restaurants
• Enjoy a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic option) at one tasting
• Savor two unique on-the-go desserts
• Learn about NoLita's rich immigrant history and modern evolution
• Experience a side of downtown NYC often missed by tourists
• Plenty of opportunities for restroom breaks

Who is this tour for?

• Food enthusiasts seeking diverse local flavors
• History buffs interested in NYC's immigrant past
• Travelers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences
• Visitors wanting to discover NoLita's charm
• First-time visitors and seasoned New Yorkers alike
• Those who enjoy walking tours with frequent stops

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable shoes; this is a walking tour exploring multiple spots.
• Come hungry! The tour includes enough food to serve as a meal.
• Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days, and consider purchasing additional drinks.
• Bring a camera to capture the charming streets and unique boutiques.
• Be ready to ask your guide questions about NoLita's history and food scene.

What's included

• Licensed NYC Tour Guide
• Glass of wine included at Emporio (non-alcoholic beverage substitution available). More drinks are available for purchase at some other establishments. Must be 21+ years old to purchase alcohol.
• All food tastings are included in your ticket price and is enough food that you won't be hungry after!

What's not included

• Tour Guide Gratuity

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Start off your tour in the shadow of the original Saint Patrick's Cathedral and learn all about it's rich history in the neighborhood as a pillar of the Italian community, peek inside the "little door" and see where the most iconic Godfather Movie scene was shot!

2. 2

   Stop 2

   *SEATED INDOOR TASTING* Try our favorite bite from one of NYC's most popular, and authentic Mexican taqueria's, which is paired with their refreshing Watermelon Fresca juice.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   We stop in at this local butcher that's been a staple in the neighborhood for over 100 years, where Martin Scorsese used to shop and now a popular location seen in the TV show "The Marvelous Miss Maisel"

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Stroll through this beautiful neighborhood garden, filled with classic statures and modern sculptures. Learn all about it's storied history and how it may be demolished soon to make way for more housing.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   *SEATED INDOOR TASTING* Watch a pizzola make your authentic Neapolitan style pizza in front of your eyes, and see it cook in just minutes inside the wood fired oven. Enjoys this setting tasting with a paired glass of wine (INCLUDED!!) for an elevated tasting like NO OTHER FOOD TOUR!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Stop outside of this historic spot where the Gotti Mafia Family used to have their social club and take care of "Family business"!

7. 7

   Stop 7

   *SEATED INDOOR TASTING* Let us take your palate on a ride at a popular Vietnamese fusion restaurant serving rice crepe tacos filled with classic Vietnamese fillings like lemongrass chicken and pickled veggies!

8. 8

   Stop 8

   We'll take a walk by the "Little Italy" restaurant row lined with classic red sauce joints hawking dinner deals and imported Italian products at specialty shops, learn about our favorite places and where to eat.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Packed with imported direct from Spain, this cafe and marketplace makes their delicious Chorizo in house, which we try as a Bocadila topped with manchego cheese and toasted. Browse the 100's of other Spanish products that they import direct from like imberico ham, tinned fish, snacks and cheeses to make beautiful party trays and picnic spreads.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Try one of NYC's most beautiful looking, and delicious tasting, chocolate bon bon's that take 3 days to make by hand from a chocolatier who has work at some of NYC's best restaurants.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    We start our food tour off at one of our favorite woman-owned cafe's in Nolita, tasting their house made Italian Rainbow Cookie, the perfect way to start off a food tour!

Frequently asked questions