North End Market Tour

We were given a rich history of the North End as it once was and how it is today. Such colorful descriptions of who had been residents in the olden days and what has changed. We were taken into 7 stores which varied in the food, the decor, the offerings, the history. What was the same was the high quality of their merchandise, their service that they give to each customer, the authentic Italian feel. We were a group of 12 and all of us were delighted at the variety of samples given to us throughout the tour. Each item was described accurately and we were told what differentiates these items. Our taste buds were having their own party. Our tour guide, Beth, was an encyclopedia for the North End and her enthusiasm for being here was contagious. We are very happy that we now know some of the hidden gems within the North End. I would recommend this tour without any hesitations.

We had a wonderful experience. Everything about the tour was great: our guide (loved that he had so much knowledge being a former chef), the pace, the sites we visited, the cultural history of the North End beyond the Italian history and the food history (what is Northern, Southern and American Italian food). We had a great time and have already recommended it to a number of people back in Maine. We look forward to doing the China Town tour someday soon! Thank you

Jim was an excellent tour guide

My husband and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn a little history about the North End and authentic Italian ingredients. I don't know that I would call it a walking "cooking" class because we did not cook anything but rather sampled ingredients along the way and were given ideas on how to cook with those ingredients. Our guide, Richard (Dick) was a delight! We left the tour feeling like we actually knew a lot about the North End. The tour is an authentic and concrete experience of a very special part of Boston. I would suggest wearing very comfortable shoes. Three hours is a long time with very little sitting, except for at the beginning of the tour. In addition, some of the streets and sidewalks most definitely date back to the 1800's.... your feet do tend to get a little weary! But oh so worth it! Don't forget to make your reservation at one of the wonderful restaurants in North End. We went to Fiore and loved it! We hear they are all great though! I wouldn't miss this one if you are a lover of food. Or, if you simply want an experience that will make you a part of North End. Bottom line... North End history combined with experiencing Italy through your sight, smell, touch and taste.

Our tour guide, Dick, was very knowledgeable and really gave us the feeling we were privy to a world many cannot experience from the outside. I am in the hospitality trade, I found it informative and lots of fun! Loved the historic references and some of the legends and lore that was provided. I have lived in Boston all my life, and have never the North End quite this way before. I highly recommend it!

The guide was very knowledgeable and nice but the amount of food we actually got to taste was tiny!!! There was not sufficient room to stand in the stores that were part of the tour and it was uncomfortable. No coffee to taste at the coffee shop but dried chick peas instead? At the pastry shop the pieces were so small and on a tiny napkin? Not very nice. I have been on food tours in Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco and all of those had so much food to taste that we were full after. i wouldn't recommend this tour at all.

This tour really takes the time to explore the history of food in the North End. Our tour guide was actually a former chef, so his knowledge of the food and how it is used in Italian cuisine was invaluable. You receive a great variety in tastings. You won't get full on the food but you will get full on the great knowledge! Highly recommend for a look at the energetic North End.

Rather than the usual-going out to eat-with friends/family we were looking for something a little different. Our group included myself -- the mom and my 2 adult daughters. Three of us had a great time and highly recommend this activity. As a tour guide myself, I appreciated Jim who was very accomodating, providing history, lots of food info and humor, and hand outs. We couldn't wait to go back the next day and retrace our steps to make our purchases. If you are looking for an unusual present for birthday or ?, this is it!

I live locally and this was my 3rd time going on the tour. Each time, I've gone with friends and everyone has had a wonderful time. We all learned a lot, discovered new places in the North End that are off the usual tourist track, and sampled a variety of delicious foods along the way. We also learned a lot about the history of Boston and the various immigrant migrations. Our guide was very friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. This is well above the usual tour experience. I highly recommend it.

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and appreciated the recommendations on the markets as well as the restaurants. Loved the background info on the food especially at Maria's.