Are you a fan of Top Chef ? Are you inspired to do more cooking at home or to become a trained chef? Then take this 3 hr. (approx.) walking tour of Manhattan. (We'll also jump on the subway for a short ride.)
Visit some of the neighborhoods, shops, restaurants & landmarks that the chefs went to while in NY. Taste some great food, experience things not offered to the public & learn what it's like to be a chef.
Participate in an interactive challenge and shop like a chef (& enjoy a special discount.) Learn how to use a variety of knives and have a snack at one of Tom Colicchio's eateries.
Enjoy a variety of tastes:
N.B. This isn't an authorized or official tour, but it sure is fun! Top Chef is the property of Bravo Media, which is owned by NBC Universal. City Food Tours is not licensed, approved by or otherwise associated with NBC Universal, or any contestant, judge or any other person responsible for appearing on Top Chef. The content is assumed to be within the realm of the Public's Right of "Fair Use" & no copy infringement is intended.
Visit some of the neighborhoods, shops, restaurants & landmarks that the chefs went to while in NY. Taste some great food, experience things not offered to the public & learn what it's like to be a chef.
Participate in an interactive challenge and shop like a chef (& enjoy a special discount.) Learn how to use a variety of knives and have a snack at one of Tom Colicchio's eateries.
Enjoy a variety of tastes:
- Sandwiches at 'wichcraft
- Savory snack made by a former cheftestant
- A Chinatown Treat
- Artisan Cheese in Little Italy where Leah shopped
- Where Gail had her bridal shower
- The location where Carla cooked squab & peas
- Where the chefs shopped for their challenges
- The cooking school where they shot during season 3
N.B. This isn't an authorized or official tour, but it sure is fun! Top Chef is the property of Bravo Media, which is owned by NBC Universal. City Food Tours is not licensed, approved by or otherwise associated with NBC Universal, or any contestant, judge or any other person responsible for appearing on Top Chef. The content is assumed to be within the realm of the Public's Right of "Fair Use" & no copy infringement is intended.
What Is Not Included?
- In addition to providing your own transportation to and from the tour, this tour involves taking the subway as part of the tour (price not included in ticket cost). You will need to use a Metrocard. The total cost is $2.25 for one subway ride. Don't worry if you don't have a Metrocard; the guide can help you buy one at the station.
- Bottled water is not included. Guests may fill their bottles at certain sites. At least one stop will have water available even for those without bottles.
Meeting Location
SoHo (New York, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Yes. Tickets must be purchased in advance to guarantee your spots. Tours sell out quickly! Tickets can be purchased with a Visa or Mastercard.
- If this tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
- Unfortunately there are no waiting lists for the tours. Please check another date/time for availability!
- Is there an age minimum for the tour?
- Yes. We recommend that kids on this tour be at least 12 years of age. We do NOT recommend this tour for younger children.
- How much food will I eat on the tour?
- You'll have tastings at at least 4 different places. You'll have both savory and sweet snacks. Please eat breakfast before the tour. Unlike our other tours that focus just on food, this tour focuses on the chef experience, so it's not just about the food. This tour has LESS food than our other tours, but it has other special experiences.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour will take place in all light rain and moderate weather conditions. In rare circumstances such as a heavy snow storm, a hurricane, or other extreme weather that prevents the tour venues from opening, the tour will be canceled. If this happens, you will be allowed to reschedule subject to availability.
- Do I have to use a Metrocard?
- In order to stay with the group, you should use a Metrocard. If you already have one, you won't need to buy another. If you don't have one, you can buy one at any subway station and at some news stands. If you have trouble, or don't have time to purchase a Metrocard, the guide will assist you. If you can't travel via subway, you can take a taxi (at your own expense) and meet up with the group. Just let your guide know.
- How long is the tour?
- This tour is approximately 3 hours in length. The tour may run a few minutes shorter or longer depending on the particular group.
- How big is the tour group?
- It varies from day to day and week to week, but we limit the size of the tour, so that the group isn't too big.
- Will I learn about New York City on this tour?
- Yes. Our guides are all licensed New York City Sight Seeing Guides, and they will incorporate important information about the neighborhoods you are touring into their narrative. The focus of this tour is on the food, the locations from the show Top Chef and what it's like to be a chef.
- What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
- Please let the guide know what you cannot eat at the beginning of the tour. We'll do everything we can to arrange substitutes for you. If you need to skip the food at a particular stop, we'll make sure you get an extra sample at another stop.
- Is there a lot of walking on the tour?
- The walking on this tour will cover approx. 1.5 - 2 miles over a few hours. There are no hills and we'll be stopping often. While during most of the tour we will be standing, there will be some opportunities to sit for a few minutes at a couple of the places that we visit.
- Where will the tour end?
- We travel from south to north on this tour. We start in SoHo and end on east 8th street, approx. 1 mile north (2 subway stops) from the starting point in the Village, near NYU. The N/R and 6 trains are close by.
- Will I be able to drink anything on the tour?
- No beverages are included, though you are welcome to bring a water bottle if you'd like. You'll be able to fill it up on the tour. In addition, a variety of beverages will be for sale along the way, so bring extra cash if you might want to pick something up.
- I'm from New York. Is the tour still good for me?
- Absolutely! On our tours you will explore hidden places that you probably do not know of, meet purveyors and learn many new things about foods. You will see some of the coolest spots in the city, and experience your hometown in a totally new way.
- If I'm not a big fan of the show, should I go on this tour?
- If you love food and are interested in cooking, YES! You'll eat some great food, learn about NY and some special venues and get an idea of what it's like to be a chef.
- Is this tour associated with Bravo?
- No. We are not an official tour. As food tour experts in New York, we've created our own unique tour experience for fans of the show and for cooking enthusiasts.
- Why don't I see a different price for child tickets?
- Adults and children are the same price. We've learned that kids eat as much as adults, and that we often have to buy special foods for children to keep them happy!
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- No. Unfortunately, it is not. Subway stairs are involved. Not all stations have elevators. While most of the venues are wheelchair accessible, not all are.
- Should I give the guide a tip?
- Yes. If you enjoyed the tour, we recommend that you give the guide (and assistant if it's a larger tour) a gratuity. They take pride in what they do and appreciate positive feedback and receiving a tip. What you tip is up to you. If you want a rule of thumb, $7 per person is an average tip.
- Are there restrooms on the tour?
- Yes. Some of the stops on the tour will have a restroom that you may use. Ask your guide which venues have such facilities.
- How much time will we spend shopping on the tour?
- While you will have some opportunities to shop for fantastic kitchen gadgets, knives, cookware, and unique food items, due to the tour's strict schedule, the actual time available for shopping will be fairly limited. There is no reason to worry, though, as your tour guide will be happy to provide directions back to any of the locations visited during the tour at its conclusion.
- Do you take cash?
- You can pay in cash at the start of the tour, but there is no way for us to guarantee that there will be room available if you purchase in this manner. We recommend that you book in advance to get the day and time you really want!
- Do you have private tours?
- Yes, we do offer private tours. Please click “Contact CityFoods” to the left of the page to request more information. We do a lot of private tours, and can customize the experience for you with special tastings, additional venues and meals/drinks before or after your tour.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Absolutely! Please click “Contact CityFoods” to request more information.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity takes place rain or shine.
- The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
- Children 11 and under not allowed.
- Children ages 11 or below are not allowed to attend this tour as it requires some maturity and attention span. Children 12 and above must have a full priced ticket in order to attend.
City Food Tours & Events
City Food Tours offers fun and delicious food tasting tours all around Manhattan and Philadelphia. The tours are led by professional chefs and food experts who are also trained tour guides. There's no better way to see New York than to learn about its history while eating your way through it!
Owner Joyce Weinberg is regularly quoted in the media, heard on the radio, and seen on TV for her food expertise. She is a former restaurateur, Fortune 500 food brand manager, and teaches at NYU. Joyce is also a catering expert, and her book, "The Everything Guide to The Catering Business," is available at book retailers around the country.
Owner Joyce Weinberg is regularly quoted in the media, heard on the radio, and seen on TV for her food expertise. She is a former restaurateur, Fortune 500 food brand manager, and teaches at NYU. Joyce is also a catering expert, and her book, "The Everything Guide to The Catering Business," is available at book retailers around the country.
