In an effort to keep our guests and staff safe and not overwhelm our restaurant partners while they are operating with limited capacity, we have put our tours on an indefinite hiatus.
đ To receive notice when we resume tours, sign up for our newsletter >here<.
đ If you have a gift certificate, they never expire and can be redeemed once we re-open.
đ˝ď¸â If you are looking for restaurant or activity recommendations during your visit to Ithaca, check out our blog or click >here< to send us an e-mail!
Receive our free Ithaca Restaurant Guide when you sign up for our mailing list.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: Downtown Ithaca & The Commons
21+
All sales are final and non refundable. Tickets must be purchased by 11am for today's tour.
Receive our free Ithaca Restaurant Guide when you sign up for our mailing list.
Tours offered weekly on Saturdays from 3:00pm - 5:30pm.
Vegetarian substitutions available. Please inquire about other dietary restrictions.
We recommend having a light lunch the day of your tour.
Our tours take place rain, snow, or shine. Please dress accordingly.
The Science of Taste is a narrated, guided tour. You will visit five local establishments, exploring a different one of the five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) with a satisfying tasting at each. We’ll discuss how we perceive these tastes, the ways in which they interact with each other, and the difference between taste and flavor. You’ll also learn how they’re used in cooking and you’ll find out whether or not you’re a super-taster!
Luna Inspired Street Food
Street food dishes from around the globe recreated with regionally-sourced ingredients.
Bickering Twins Restaurant
Latin American cuisine with a focus on simple but classic ingredients and flavors.
Monks on the Commons
Thoughtfully-prepared food and drink with a nod to tradition and a healthy dose of novelty.
Thompson & Bleecker
Neopolitan pizza and organic wines served in a modern tavern space.
Alley Cat Cafe (ft. Sinfully Delicious Baking Co.)
Inclusive community cafe with extensive tea selection and separate cat petting rooms with felines rescued by Browncoat Cat Rescue.
Sinfully Delicious Baking Company
A custom bakery specializing in healthier & allergen friendly baked goods using locally sourced, organic and non-gmo ingredients.
Tompkins Center for History and Culture (Further details provided with ticket purchase.)
Get DirectionsYour ticket price includes:
Return to your favorite restaurants, shops, and vendors and receive a special discount off your entire purchase or meal (usually 10-15% off).
Tour guide gratuity is not included in the ticket price, but is always greatly appreciated.
The tours are held rain, shine, or snow. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. However, you should dress appropriately for the dayâs weather conditions and bring an umbrella if necessary. If there is ever a weather emergency and safety of participants is an issue, we will address these rare circumstances accordingly.
In addition to a healthy appetite, please bring along your e-ticket (electronic form is fine) or a photo ID to show to your tour guide at the tour starting point.
In terms of clothing, we suggest that you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. When it’s really hot out, we recommend that you wear sun protection i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, etc. During the cooler seasons it’s important to wear an extra layer of clothing, a jacket, and consider bringing gloves and a scarf. If it looks like rain, an umbrella or poncho is recommended.
Water will be provided at several of our tasting locations throughout the tour to help keep you hydrated. However, you might also like to bring your own bottle of water with you.
We also suggest you bring a camera to capture the memories youâll create during the tour! And lastly: gratuity for your tour guide if they impress you.
Yes, advance ticket purchase is required. Ticket sales end at 9:00am EST the morning of the tour. Cash and/or walk-up traffic the day of the tour is not accepted. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.
We absolutely do! We can accommodate a variety of special requests (family reunions, birthday parties, out of town guests, corporate, conventions, festivals, parades, grand openings and more). Please see our Private Tours page for more information.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page to submit your own
Our flagship tour delves into the heart of Downtown Ithaca with stops at beloved restaurants and notable landmarks in The Commons area.
Sip and snack your way through Downtown Ithaca with visits to neighborhood bars and local beverage purveyors.
