Newark is a city where rich history meets vibrant culture on every corner. It thrives as a mosaic of communities, including Portuguese, Brazilian, Haitian, and Afro-Caribbean, all contributing to its dynamic identity. To fully showcase all Newark has to offer, Have You Met Newark Tours offers food and culture walking tours.
Have You Met Newark Tours has been providing public and private tours in Newark for over 13 years. It’s a great way to learn about the ever-growing collection of local eateries, shops, and historic landmarks. Co-founded by two Newark residents, the company was built on a foundation of local pride.
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An Authentic Taste of Newark
“To highlight New Jersey’s largest city, it was important for Have You Met Newark to create a behind-the-scenes look and foster authentic encounters between small business owners and tour participants,” says Antonio Valla, Co-Founder and CEO. “We do over 100 tours a year with a variety of experiences; including history, architecture, scavenger hunts, mural tours, bar crawls, and more,” he says.
Have You Met Newark curates two primary food tours. The Downtown Tour covers long-time staples like Hobby’s Deli and newer local businesses like the specialty coffeeshop Blackswan Espresso. Meanwhile, the Ironbound Tour covers the diversity of food found in the immigrant neighborhood, including Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine. (The Portuguese custard cups – or pastel de nata – at Teixeira’s Bakery are a must-try!)
Participants on the food tours include international visitors, friend groups, businesses hosting company events, and more. Tours run throughout the year, but the busiest seasons are spring and fall.
Insider Advice from Local Guides
“All of our guides are Newark residents who bring their own experiences and insights to the tours,” says Antonio. “Whether it’s pointing out a favorite eatery, running into a friend on the walk, or sharing the tips on nightlife and cultural experiences in the City of Newark, a local guide provides a unique perspective.”
A typical walking tour consists of 15 to 20 people so everyone can fit inside the smaller locations.
“We help make visitors to Newark feel like locals. Stops into small businesses focus on interconnectedness within a big city,” Antonio explains. For example, a local dress designer who sources cloth from a nearby fabric shop might dine at the restaurant next door to the arts venue hosting an event that the dress was designed for. In this way, everything comes full circle!
Have You Met Newark Tours allows guests and residents alike to discover the magic of Newark through a new lens. To learn more:
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All Photos: © Have You Met Newark