Private Upper East Side Food Tour NYC
The Top Rated Upper East Side Food Tour in NYC
Book Your Private Upper East Side Food Tour
Join our Upper East Side Food Tour for 6 authentic tastings that blend classic New York staples with unexpected local favorites, from warm bagels and pizza to Xi’an-style Chinese dumplings. This experience is perfect for visitors and locals looking to explore the neighborhood through food.
As we stroll through the leafy streets of the Upper East Side, we’ll also pass some of the area’s most memorable landmarks, from a celebrity home to New York City’s oldest comedy club and a century-old soda fountain. Explore the tour highlights below to discover what makes this experience truly special.
Tour Snapshot
Price: From $85 per person
Food Tastings: 6 Included
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 1.5 miles
Watch The Tour Video
See what it’s like to take one of our Private Upper East Side food tours, from the food tastings to the historic streets we explore along the way.
6 Authentic Food Tastings
As you explore the Upper East Side, you’ll enjoy 6 authentic food tastings that reflect the neighborhood’s mix of classic New York staples and global flavors. Along the way, you’ll try an everything bagel with cream cheese, Xi’an-style Chinese dumplings, an Italian cannoli, classic New York pizza, garlic knots, and a warm cookie from Levain Bakery. Each stop adds a different layer to the experience, giving you a well-rounded taste of the foods New Yorkers actually love to eat.
Tour Highlights
The Upper East Side is known for its classic New York charm, and this food tour is a great way to experience it beyond the usual tourist spots. Between food tastings, you’ll walk past elegant streets, historic buildings, and a few unexpected local landmarks, including famous homes, a legendary comedy club, and a vintage soda fountain that’s been around for generations. It’s a mix of food, history, and sightseeing that brings the Upper East Side to life.
Tour Itinerary
Explore the full route of our Upper East Side food tour and see exactly where we go, what you’ll get to taste, and the famous streets and landmarks you’ll visit at each stop along the way.
Bagels From H&H Bagels
Our Upper East Side Food Tour begins at the legendary H&H Bagels, one of New York City’s most iconic bagel shops. Enjoy a warm, freshly baked bagel with cream cheese while learning why this longtime favorite has even appeared in TV shows like Seinfeld and Friends.
Dumplings from Xi'an Famous Foods
Next, we’ll head to Xi’an Famous Foods, a cult favorite in New York City known for its bold Xi’an-style Chinese flavors. You’ll sample their dumplings while learning how this family-run spot gained national attention, including becoming one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite places to eat in NYC.
Cannoli from Agata and Valentina
We’ll then stop at Agata & Valentina, a well known Italian market that has been part of the Upper East Side since 1993. While here, you’ll have time to explore the market and try a classic Italian cannoli, while learning how this neighborhood staple became known for its Italian specialty foods.
The Comic Strip Live
Food and culture go hand in hand on this New York City walking tour. We’ll pass by Comic Strip Live, the oldest comedy club in NYC and a legendary venue where stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock have performed.
NYC Style Pizza at Mimi’s Pizza
No New York food tour is complete without a slice of authentic NYC-style pizza. At Mimi’s Pizza, you’ll taste one of the best slices on the Upper East Side, made with a carefully crafted dough that’s fermented for over 72 hours for incredible flavor and texture.
Lexington Candy Shop
We’ll also stop outside Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette, a century-old soda fountain that remains one of the last of its kind in New York City. From the sidewalk, you’ll learn about its history and why it has become such a beloved neighborhood landmark.
Madonna's Mansion
As we continue through the neighborhood, we’ll stop outside Madonna’s Upper East Side residence. While here, your local guide will share stories about celebrity life in the area and why the Upper East Side has long attracted famous residents.
Choc Chip Cookies from Levain Bakery
We’ll finish our Upper East Side Food Tour at the world-famous Levain Bakery. Known for its thick, gooey cookies, this final stop is the perfect sweet ending to a day of eating, exploring, and discovering one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Food Tour Reviews
See what past guests have to say about exploring the Upper East Side with us, from classic New York tastings to landmark stops and local stories throughout the tour.
Photos From The Food Tour
Take a look at real moments from our Upper East Side Food Tour, from classic New York food tastings to the neighborhood’s famous streets and landmark stops along the way. Have a great photo from your tour? Tag us on social media and we may feature it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Upper East Side Food Tour below, and if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Where does the food tour start?
The tour starts at H&H Bagels, located at 1551 2nd Avenue in the Upper East Side. Your tour guide will meet you outside the restaurant and provide a brief overview before the tour begins.
Where does the food tour finish?
The tour ends at Levain Bakery, located at 1484 3rd Avenue, in the Upper East Side. Your guide will help with directions and recommendations for what to do next in the area.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish. This includes all food tastings, sightseeing stops, and walking time between locations.
Is there a lot of walking?
The tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking at an easy pace. We stop frequently, with opportunities to sit, rest, and enjoy each location along the way.
Is the tour vegetarian friendly?
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarians by offering suitable substitutions at select stops on the tour. Please let us know your dietary preference when booking so we can coordinate with our restaurant partners in advance.
Will the tour be canceled due to bad weather?
Our food tours run rain or shine. If you need to cancel or reschedule due to weather, contact us at least 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund or reschedule.
Are gratuities included in the price?
Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Tips are never expected but are always appreciated if you feel your guide provided a great experience.
Can I do the food tour if I have dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate some dietary restrictions with advance notice, but this tour is not suitable for guests who are gluten-free. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether suitable substitutions are available.
Can kids join the food tour?
Yes, the Upper East Side Food Tour is family-friendly and children are welcome. Please note that all children, including infants, require their own ticket.
Check Out Our Other Food Tours
Looking for something a little different? Explore some of our other New York City food tours, each offering a unique neighborhood experience with the same small group format and local guides.
Discover Greenwich Village’s diverse food scene and explore iconic pop culture spots along the way, including the famous Friends Apartment Building.
Explore Chinatown and Little Italy, two of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, while sampling local favorites and learning the stories that make them unique.
Experience the Upper West Side as you sample classic New York foods and visit iconic stops like The Arconia, a Banksy mural, and the famous Zabar’s.