NYC: Original Astoria Queens Guided Food Tour w/ 5 Tastings

Discover Authentic Flavors on the Astoria Queens Guided Food Tour

If you’ve ever watched Anthony Bourdain and longed to go behind the scenes of New York’s diverse culinary scene, this Astoria Queens Food Tour offers a perfect taste of that experience. Led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you’ll spend about three hours wandering through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, sampling five different cuisines at local, often family-run eateries. For around $80-$100 per person, this tour promises an immersive and authentic foodie adventure—away from the crowded tourist spots in Manhattan.

What makes this tour special? First, it’s the diversity of food and personalized approach, capping groups at just fifteen people. We also love that it offers a chance to meet the owners and chefs behind these establishments, giving you a real flavor of community and culinary passion. Second, the option to include drinks—two alcoholic beverages and a boozy dessert—adds a fun, adult twist that makes the experience even more memorable.

A potential consideration is the pace, as you’ll walk about fifteen blocks across five stops, which might be tiring if you’re not used to a lot of walking or if the weather is less than perfect. Also, those looking for a sit-down meal rather than a tasting experience might find this more snack-oriented. Still, if you’re eager to truly taste the neighborhood’s cultural blend and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, this tour is perfect.

This experience is especially well-suited for curious food lovers, those interested in authentic, local dining, and travelers who want a small group experience with insider access. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who wish to explore Queens beyond the usual tourist routes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Multicultural Experience: Tastes from five different countries in just three hours.
• Local, Authentic Food: Focus on small, family-owned eateries rather than touristy spots.
• Insider Access: Meet chefs and owners, hear their stories, and learn about their cuisines.
• Flexible Options: Add drinks for a more festive experience.
• Small Group: Limited to fifteen guests for a personalized, engaging experience.
• Walking Distance: About fifteen blocks, making it a manageable walk through a lively neighborhood.

An In-Depth Look at the Astoria Queens Food Tour

This guided food tour in Astoria is designed for travelers who want more than just a quick bite—they want to experience the neighborhood’s authentic culinary soul. From start to finish, the tour balances tasty samples, informative storytelling, and friendly conversation.

Starting Point: Dar Lbahja — A Moroccan Welcome

You meet your guide inside Dar Lbahja, a Moroccan restaurant, where your host will serve a Chicken Pastilla. This dish, a savory-sweet pastry filled with spiced chicken and almonds, offers a flavorful introduction to the neighborhood’s diverse culinary influences. The setting is cozy, welcoming, and perfect for warming up to the food journey ahead.

First Stop: An Italian Classic — A Deli With a Twist

Your first tasting takes you to an old-school Italian deli—a place packed with character and history. Expect to browse a wall of sandwiches named after celebrities and local landmarks, like Robert De Niro or the Q18 bus. The owner often shares stories about the neighborhood’s Italian roots. The sampling here is light but satisfying, giving a taste of authentic Italian deli culture without the tourist markup.

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Second Stop: Egypt’s First Eatery — An Egyptian Delight

Next, you’ll step into what’s considered America’s first Egyptian restaurant—a true hidden gem. It’s a no-menu, hole-in-the-wall spot where the chef eagerly explains the dishes, like a sampler platter featuring classic Egyptian flavors. The owner’s stories about Egyptian cuisine and the neighborhood’s immigrant history make this stop particularly engaging. Reviewers mention that these authentic flavors are “something you’d never find on Google Maps,” adding to the sense of discovering a local treasure.

Third Stop: Greek Street Food — A Taste of the Mediterranean

Wandering down Astoria’s main street, you’ll find yourself savoring Greek street food. Expect to try souvlaki or gyros, cooked fresh and served quickly. Locals love this spot for its lively atmosphere and authentic ingredients. The experience of eating in a bustling, friendly environment creates a true neighborhood vibe that many visitors find refreshing compared to scripted tourist experiences.

Fourth Stop: A Brazilian Café — Sweet and Chocolaty

For dessert, your tour concludes at a Brazilian café specializing in chocolatey treats. A boozy dessert option is also available if you’ve added the drinks package, perfect for celebrating the end of your food adventure. The rich, indulgent flavors nicely cap off the tour and leave a lingering impression of the neighborhood’s diverse culinary palette.

Optional: Drinks and Boozy Treats

For those who choose the optional add-on, you’ll enjoy two alcoholic drinks—perhaps a local beer or wine—and a boozy dessert. This feature elevates the experience from tasting to celebrating, and many reviews highlight how these drinks complement the flavors and make the tour more relaxed and fun.

Practical Details: Walk, Talk, and Taste

The entire experience spans about 15 blocks, making it a manageable walk for most. The guide, always engaging and friendly, shares stories, culinary insights, and cultural context to deepen your understanding of each stop. The small group setting ensures everyone feels included and can ask questions freely.

Value and Pricing

The tour is priced around $80 to $100 per person, which many reviewers find to be good value considering five tastings from diverse cuisines, the insider access, and the personalized experience. Comparing this to dining out in Manhattan or paying for multiple small meals, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a variety of authentic foods and learn about the neighborhood’s multicultural roots.

What Travelers Say

Past participants rave about the friendly guides and the authenticity of the food. One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide explained each dish’s origin and the stories behind the restaurants.” Another comments on the small group, saying it feels “more like a food-loving family than a tour.” Such reviews highlight how the tour’s intimate nature creates a warm and engaging atmosphere.

Considerations

The main consideration is the pace and walking—it’s a brisk pace that might be tiring for some, especially in bad weather. Also, since the focus is on tastings rather than full meals, those hungry for a sit-down dinner might find this too light. However, for those seeking a snapshot of Queens’ cultural diversity and local flavors, this tour hits the mark.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This culinary walk is especially suited for curious foodies, travelers interested in authentic local neighborhoods, and those who prefer a small-group experience with insider stories. It’s ideal if you want to break away from tourist traps and get a true taste of Queens’ multicultural community. The tour offers a fun, relaxed way to learn about different cultures through food, perfect for small groups, couples, or solo travelers seeking a lively, authentic experience.

FAQs

• What is the duration of the tour?
  It lasts about three hours, covering five tastings and walking approximately fifteen blocks.

• Where does the tour start?
  You meet your guide inside Dar Lbahja, located at the coordinates 40.760921478271484, -73.90906524658203.

• Is there an option for private groups?
  Yes, the tour offers private group bookings for a more tailored experience.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for flexible planning.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking and exploring outdoors.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  The information provided doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the inclusion of alcoholic drinks suggests it’s suited for adults.

• Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
  Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to join.

• Can I add drinks to my tour?
  Yes, there’s an optional drinks add-on that includes two alcoholic drinks and a boozy dessert.

Final Thoughts

The NYC: Original Astoria Queens Guided Food Tour offers a genuine slice of New York’s diverse culinary landscape, delivered through an authentic, friendly lens. It’s a wonderful way to explore a neighborhood that’s often overlooked in favor of Manhattan, yet brimming with history, character, and incredible food. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about Queens’ multicultural story, this tour delivers a flavorful, memorable experience that’s both fun and educational.

For travelers who value small-group intimacy, local insights, and authentic tastes, this tour is a real winner. Just be prepared for some walking and a relaxed pace—perfect for savoring each stop and soaking up the neighborhood’s unique vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby