East Village Food Tour
Join us on our NYC East Village Food Tour as we explore one of New York City’s hottest restaurant and craft cocktail scenes – known for its role as the birthplace of punk and artist hangouts. Hear the stories of restaurant owners and chefs as you enjoy our 4-course progressive meal. Taste incredible ethnic cuisines from immigrants who have made the East Village one of the most diverse eating grounds!
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What Is A Progressive Meal and How Is It Different Than a Typical Food Tour?
Our 4-course progressive meal visits 4 restaurants – two appetizers, one entree, and one dessert, with a sprinkling of culinary history and stories in between.
Our New York City East Village Food Tour focuses on quality over quantity. But we promise, you won’t leave hungry! Our goal is to have you sample the highest quality ingredients – small plates with huge flavor. We strive to shift your perspective of the neighborhood and its food through the story of the chef who made it.
How It Works
Possible Tastings
(Each food Tour Includes 4 courses)
Handmade Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and broccoli and Uncle Tony’s Handmade Gnocchi at well-loved popular authentic Italian restaurant
Mouthwatering Truffle Cashew Cream Pizza from acclaimed Chef Matthew Kenney who is reshaping the future of food and delivering a unique artistic food experience
Unique Sichuan dry pot with ingredients such as konjac noodles, lotus root and chicken thigh from young Chinese chef who is making waves in the East Village as a Michelin Bib Gourmand Favorite
Slow stewed vegetables over a bed of tender and flavorful couscous from North African restaurant pioneering Moroccan & Algerian food in NYC.
Enjoy an off menu housemade basque chorizo hot dog at trendy basque restaurant from Chef Jonah Miller featured “Generation Chef” in the book about his journey
Savory fried selection of eight filled Pierogi including sweet potato and arugula and goat cheese fillings at historic Ukrainian restaurant known as a locals institution
One of New York City’s best NY-style cheesecake at historic stained-glass frescoed Italian Bakery
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Alcohol Beverage Pairing Upgrade
(Includes 3 Drinks)
Fresh Tinto de Verano at innovative bar program from Basque Restaurant
Crisp white wine to accompany plant-based pizzas
Classic Chianti to enjoy with fresh pastas will transport you to the Tuscan countryside
Rich Irish coffee to indulge alongside your NYC cheesecake
Psst! Looking for a Private Tour?
Don’t see the date and time you’re looking for? Our private food tours in New York City are perfect for corporate team building, entertaining clients, family reunions, alumni groups, mothers clubs, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties. Or just get some friends together and organize a private tour!
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
One of our core values at Avital is Breathe Curiosity. We enjoy introducing you to new foods and old favorites in new ways. We very much encourage guests to be adventurous and try something new – we’ve even had an 80-year old man try his first oyster with us! Thus, while we love the diverse ways our guests choose to eat, we can accommodate the following restrictions.
- Vegetarian
- Pescatarian
- Gluten-free
- Pregnant Guests
- No Pork
- No Seafood
You will be asked for your dietary restrictions during your booking process. If you are unsure if we can accommodate your restriction, please email us at info@avitaltours.com. Please note that this tour may include nuts, dairy, seafood, spicy food and pork.
Why Avital Tours?
Wondering what makes the Avital New York City East Village Food Tour different from all other tours? Check out our About Us page for the answer!
We live and breathe by our Core Values:
- Breathe Curiosity
- Create Community
- Embrace Quirky
- Seize Ownership
- Communicate Compassion
- Build AWESOME Experiences
What's Our Value?
- Our fun and knowledgeable guides
- Curation of the experience, relationships with high quality restaurants, and dish choice. We eat all of the bad food so you don’t have too – sigh, hard job
- Stories of the restaurant owners, chefs and neighborhood
- Facilitating interactions with the community
- Seamless logistics (tables are reserved, guests are seated and food arrives quickly)
FAQ
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How long does the tour last?
Our tours are 3 hours long. Occasionally, tours will end 15 minutes early or late, depending on the group size. We do try to end exactly on time, but we don’t recommend making plans right after our tours. Give yourself some buffer time to get to your next activity.
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Are there opportunities to sit?
Yes, unlike cheaper food tour companies, there is ample time to sit and eat at each restaurant since tables are reserved for us throughout. However, please be prepared to be on your feet since we get to each restaurant via walking.
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Do I have to purchase the alcohol pairing in advance?
Our curated alcohol pairing is meant to add another layer and perspective to your culinary experience. Even if you are not drinking on the tour, you will still learn about the pairings, how to pair alcohol and food, and awesome ingredients in the cocktails.
The alcohol pairing is two small tasting sized drinks – we do not want our guests to get drunk or buzzed, so we keep them appropriately sized.
If you purchased your tickets but didn’t add the alcohol pairing, you can email us at info@avitaltours.com to upgrade before the tour or tell your guide at the beginning of the progressive meal that you would like to add it. Your guide can process your credit card for the upgrade while on the tour.
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Does the tour end at the same place we begin?
The tours end within a few blocks of the starting point at our dessert course. Your culinary guide will be happy to assist with directions at the end of the tour or walk you to the start location.
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How much food is included?
Our Progressive Meals provide a generous amount of tasting and is considered a full lunchtime meal for an average eater. Please keep in mind though that our tours focus on quality not quantity and the overall storytelling experience.
Additionally, the amount of food that you are eating is spread out over 3 hours, so you won’t feel overly stuffed… Its like going out for an incredible sushi meal. You leave happy and content but don’t end up in a food coma.
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Is Gratuity included?
New York City is an expensive place to eat and drink, so our tour guides appreciate recognition for a job well done, so they can fuel their foodie habits. 15%-20% is customary in the tourism industry. That’s about $15 per person.
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Can I get a refund or reschedule my ticket?
All tickets are nonrefundable. Consider it like buying a concert ticket – that seat is reserved for you. As a small business with only 12 tickets per tour, its important that you purchase tickets when you’re sure you can go. If you can’t make it to the tour you purchased, the tickets are transferrable. Post the tickets on Facebook or Craigslist or ask a friend or colleague if they want to purchase your tickets.
Tours can be rescheduled with 2 weeks advance notice for parties of 4 or less by emailing info@avitaltours.com. Please arrive on time as tours depart promptly.
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Is this tour appropriate for children?
The tour content is not geared toward children, though many older children may definitely enjoy trying new foods and learning about them! Our progressive meals do allow for children, though the experience requires a good attention span and walking, so the tour may be appropriate for older children. You know your children best and if they’re foodies, curious and excited about learning, they are welcome. Babies are allowed if you are mindful of other guests and pull the baby away if they are disruptive to the experience. If you are bringing a stroller, please give us a heads up by leaving a note in the comments section of the booking process.
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We Partner with the Best!
Our guests often ask, “How do you choose your restaurants?” Well, we do a lot eating and call it “research.” Hard work, right? We work with the best restaurants New York has to offer. Not only in the cuisine they craft, but the unique stories behind them. Join us on a NYC Food Tour to taste the best of New York City!