Food Tours in Boston

When you think of American cuisine, hot dogs and hamburgers come to mind. However, not all states are the same, and Massachusetts doesn't fit the stereotype. Here you'll find tasty fish dishes, recipes originating from the old country and much more.

Among the many things to do and see in Boston, a food tour should be at the top of the list. You will discover the history of the city while tasting its specialties.

In the United States, pizza is synonymous with Chicago. The Illinois metropolis is famous for its taller-than-usual bread base and delicious cheese toppings. However, between the 19th and early 20th centuries, Boston welcomed a large Italian colony that brought with them their typical customs and recipes, just what you can learn about on this tour.

Most of these immigrants settled in the North End, the city's oldest neighbourhood. More than a century later, this area is still home to a number of traditional pizzerias, which in recent years have been complemented by more modern and creative establishments.

Tours usually include three or more stops at the top restaurants, each with a slice of the famous food and a cannolo for dessert. If you're not familiar with it, it's a delicious rolled pastry with a sweet ricotta filling.

I'm sure you've heard of it, it even appears in "The Godfather"!

The great thing about these visits is that they don't just rely on the food on offer. The pizza slices are an incentive to explore the neighbourhood. In between bites, you'll see the following attractions:

• The Paul Revere House, the residence of the eponymous patriot. His most famous exploit is the ride to warn the Lexington rebels of the coming British.
• Old North Church & Historic Site, the oldest church in the city and another historic site of the American Revolution. Inside is a bust of George Washington that bears a strong resemblance to the original character.
• Bunker Hill Monument, the obelisk that honours the battle fought in June 1775. At that time, the British and Colonial armies clashed for control of the city and its harbours.
• Skinny House, also nicknamed "Spite House", the house of spite. It is the narrowest dwelling in the whole city.
• Copp's Hill Burying Ground, a historic burialground dating back to the 17th century. Many claim that unexplained events occur within its perimeter. By the way, if you are interested in the subject, I recommend you read the post about the best ghost tours in Boston.
• USS Constitution, the oldest warship in the United States and a very valuable piece of the navy with stars and stripes: it was never defeated in battle.

Each tour has an experienced guide who will tell you a few anecdotes about Boston's history. There are also some tours that don't just focus on pizzas and include entry to Italian delis where you can sample cheeses and cured meats.

Please note that in some cases, the total price does not include admission to the Old North Church.

Practical information

• Duration: about 2.5 hours
• Price: between 40 € and 50 €.
• Means of transport: on foot, the best way to get to know the area.

In the United States, the metropolis of Massachusetts is widely known for its beer culture. The proximity to the universities of Boston and Harvard plays an important role, but it is not the only one. The first brew pub opened here in 1634 and the love of beer did not wane even during the Prohibition era.

In fact, when Prohibition was in force, the police had to deal with the "Lady Bootleggers" (women who hid alcohol in prams) and search incessantly for speakeasies, the notorious speakeasy bars. Fortunately, these days you don't have to hide to sample a good pint.

On these tours, a local guide will tell you about the history of beer in Boston and accompany you on a tasting of the most popular varieties in the city centre and nearby towns. Below is a short list of pubs you might want to check out:

• Winter Hill Brewing Company, a pub that brews more than 10 varieties of beer. If you're in Boston in the spring, you can have a pint in their outdoor space, perhaps accompanied by a juicy pulled pork.
• Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, a brewery best known for its Boston Lager. Its creators claim that it can be paired with any type of food, from appetizer to dessert.
• Night Shift Brewing - Lovejoy Wharf, a bar that brews dozens of varieties. However, its crown jewels are the American IPA "Santilli" and the Hazy Pale Ale "Whirlpool".

To shorten distances, travel is by bus. If you wish, you have the option of adding a lunch or dinner. I recommend you do so, as you will have the opportunity to taste American-style grilled meats.

Practical information

• Duration: about 5 hours
• Price: more or less 100 €.
• Means of transport: bus or van

If you're travelling to Massachusetts with your partner, surprise her or him with a romantic evening on board a ship.

As a rule, ships depart from the docks at Rowes Wharf, a modern area overlooking the harbour. Just a short distance from here is the Boston Aquarium, so keep this in mind if you want to do this activity before the cruise.

Back to business. The boat takes a route between the river and the Atlantic. Along the way you will be able to admire the following attractions:

• George's Island, the island that hosts Fort Warren, an American Civil War stronghold with a typical pentagon shape. If you want to visit it, I recommend you check the Boston Harbor Island company's website. Note that you can only visit it from mid-May to early October.
• Charlestown Navy Yard, the former U.S. NavyYard.
• Little Brewster Island, the island that houses the Boston Lighthouse. It was erected in the 18th century and has suffered from fires, storms and significant damage during the Revolutionary War. However, it is still in operation and is an icon of the city.
• Waterfront, a pedestrian promenade overlooking the harbour.
• Castle Island, an island best known for Fort Independence and its large sandy beach. It's also a destination for airspotters. From here you can get a close-up view of landings and take-offs.

Dinner usually includes three courses - appetizer, main course and dessert - accompanied by a bottle of wine. Once you've finished, you can enjoy a cocktail on deck admiring the Boston skyline.

Practical information

• Duration: about 2 hours
• Price: between 150 € and 200 €.
• Means of transport: by boat, obviously

Did you know that the famous Dunkin' Donuts chain was born in Boston? The Massachusetts metropolis is home to more than 250 franchises and has the only Art Deco shop on the planet. It is located at 230 Congress Street, in the heart of the financial district. As you can imagine, Boston is crazy about doughnuts!

The routes will take you to the most popular shops and bars located in different neighbourhoods of the city, from Central Market to the North End. Find more information in the list below:

• Kane's Donuts. There are dozens of varieties but the most unique are the Apple Fritter (a doughnut with apples, cinnamon, spices and a honey glaze) and the French Culler (egg batter, soufflé and honey glaze).
• Boston Public Market, a covered market with dozens of gourmet options.
• North End, the neighbourhood that was home to a large number of Italian immigrants in the last century. In addition to doughnuts, this area of the city is home to a number of quality pizzerias. You can sample a few slices by choosing a food tour of Boston
• Bova's Bakery, an establishment that has been baking sweet and savoury treats since 1926. It's not so much famous for its donuts as for its Sicilian cannoli, red velvet cake, tiramisu and other specialties.
• Union Square Donuts, a fairly new chain, but no less tasty for that.

In addition to the donuts, the total price includes hot drinks (coffee or tea). I recommend booking in advance, as tickets are flying!

Practical info

• Duration: about 2 hours
• Price: between 30 € and 40 €.

New England cuisine is a mix of recipes from the mother country, local ingredients and the classics of stars and stripes. If you like seafood, Massachusetts is the state for you. The Atlantic guarantees an endless supply of fresh, quality produce. Here are some of the tastiest recipes:

• Lobster Roll, a sandwich with lobster, mayonnaise and a few drops of lemon, at least in the traditional version. Today you can also find gourmet reinterpretations in various places in the city. According to connoisseurs, you can try the best lobster roll in Boston at Pauli's (65 Salem Street).
• Clam chowder, a savoury cream of clams, bacon and vegetables. The perfect recipe to warm you up if you're visiting Boston in winter. You'll find it in most restaurants, but the Neptune Oyster ch owder is one of the most sought-after (63 Salem Street).
• Fish & Chips, a British classic that has adapted well to the New World. Many believe the best is fried at Cusser's (304 Stuart Street).
• Oysters, New England's star ingredient. The season runs from mid-October through April; during these months you can sample the freshest at Black Lamb (571 Tremont Street), B & G Oysters (550 Tremont Street) and other establishments both downtown and out.

The Massachusetts metropolis has a wide range of attractions and if you're only in Boston for a day or two, a food tour is highly recommended. The options described combine tastings with anecdotes about the city's history. A rounded experience that allows you to organise your time in the best way.

It depends on the chosen experience. The brewery tour is definitely best avoided, while the North End walk with pizza tasting is more suitable.

As for the cruise, this activity is mostly chosen by couples, although children are welcome on board. Please note that babies should sit on your lap.

Fortunately, the city offers child-friendly alternatives such as the LEGOLAND Discovery Center or the Science Museum. For more information I recommend you read the post about 10 things to see and do in Boston with children.

Food tours are a great way to combine a passion for good food with historical analysis. In all the options described above, you will discover the history of the city or of a particular neighbourhood by enlivening the route with traditional dishes. What's more, the price is advantageous: you'd spend much more paying for each snack separately!