Why visit just one restaurant in a day when New Jersey has so many culinary gems to explore? That’s the inspiration behind the New Jersey Food Tour Trail, a collaboration between the state’s most popular food tour organizers.
For those thinking food tours are some sort of tourist activity, consider this: Each tour allows guests to explore a town’s most interesting eateries, while meeting the men and women who own these local establishments. It’s a great way for nearby residents to support their community; and get to know the local business owners who live in their area and cook their food!
In particular, there are seven different Food Tour operators that make up the New Jersey Food Tour Trail. All of them suggest having a light breakfast, but expect guests to be full for the duration of the day after their tour. A description of each tour, as well as the areas they operate in and the foods they showcase, is below:
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Beyond the Plate Food Tours
Beyond the Plate offers food tours throughout Jersey City, Somerville, and Red Bank. Owner Alessia Aron personally oversees the tours taking place in Jersey City (offering both a Downtown and Heights tour). Beyond the Plate has been operating since 2013, allowing Alessia to develop a personal connection to many local restaurant owners. Each tour offers a curated selection of restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots. For instance, the popular Jersey City Downtown tour features 3-4 tasting locations, plus dessert and 2-3 alcoholic beverages. Current restaurant partners for this tour include Better Days Restaurant, Luna, Departed Soles Brewery (w/ food from Ghost Truck Kitchen), The Archer, and Bang Cookies. Tours can accommodate groups as small as couples and as large as over 100 people for corporate and custom events.
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Chow Town Food Tours
Chow Town allows guests to tour some of the hottest, up-and-coming food destinations in Northern NJ. Their regular tours of South Orange and Montclair cover an array of cuisines. Think everything from Mexican street tacos and small-batch, baked goods to global fusion and Neapolitan pizza. Cuisine varies by tour, with Latin American food in Elizabeth and Iberian desserts in Morristown and Madison. The summer is busy season, so they recommend booking for spring or fall to enjoy milder weather and smaller crowds. Tours are perfect for couples planning their next day trip, friends groups and families looking for the next food obsession, and HR managers and corporate professionals who organize team building adventures.
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Have You Met Newark Tours
Have You Met Newark curates two main tours. The Downtown tour covers long-time restaurants like Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant and newer local businesses like Black Swan Espresso. Meanwhile, their Ironbound tour includes Brazilian and Portuguese cuisines as well as newer restaurants. Participants on food tours have ranged from international visitors to New Jersey-based social organizations like alumni groups. It’s also a great idea for friend meetups and company events. Tours run throughout the year, but the busiest seasons are spring and fall.
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On the Town Food Tours
On the Town Food Tours partners with locally-owned restaurants and food businesses in each town. Guests can expect to visit about five to seven establishments per tour, which includes three restaurant visits. These include cafés, gourmet eateries, artisanal sweet shops, culturally-inspired restaurants, and general retail shops. In total, nine walking food tours are available throughout South Jersey. Each tour offers a range of cuisine, from French or Indian to Mediterranean and Italian. Most tours don’t have a theme, but that’s part of the experience. Instead, they showcase the culinary diversity of each neighborhood. Spring and fall are especially popular seasons, attracting couples, friend groups, and families.
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Sister Cities Food and Shop Tours
Sister Cities Tours visits a variety of restaurants and specialty shops throughout Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA. Restaurants change based on availability, but Lambertville staples typically include Savour Cheese and Provisions, Under the Moon, El Tule, and La Chocolate Box. Likewise, New Hope tours include The Ferry Market, Nina’s Waffles, The Burgerly, Magikava, and The Greenhouse. The tour simulates a full course meal, complete with appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. Fall is the best time of year to book a tour. Tours are suited for all kinds but ideally 21+, and groups of four to 10 guests are ideal. It’s a great activity for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions, and corporate outings.
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Taste of Asbury Food Tours
On the Taste of Asbury Food Tours, guests stop at a variety of restaurants. Options include a European-inspired gastropub, a Korean fusion tacos spot, and even a rock music-themed bakery. Other highlights include Asbury Distilling Co, Asbury Park Brewery, Crust & Crumble, and Cookman Creamery. This food tour focuses on diverse, locally owned, and creative foods, emphasizing fusion, indulgent treats, and regional flair. Taste of Asbury is great for anyone, but perfect for couples, friend groups, and families vacationing near Asbury Park. They host everything from birthday celebrations to corporate events, charity fundraisers, and custom private tours. The year-round experience can also be tailored to fit special occasions.
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Cape May Food Tours
Cape May Food Tours offers two tours. The Historic Downtown Food Tour is their signature tour, while the West Cape May Food Tour showcases new restaurants. Both tours feature foods from six restaurants. The Historic Downtown Food Tour is in the heart of the historic district and highlights many styles of Victorian architecture. Meanwhile, the West Cape May tour is just a few blocks away and features the area’s newest restaurant concepts. For both tourists and Cape May residents alike, it’s a great way to experience the town in a fresh way.
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To learn more about the New Jersey Food Tour Trail, visit their website.
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Top Photo: © Beyond the Plate Food Tours | Website