4.9 (1.5 k) · New York City · By NYPD Police Tours Free cancellation
This tour starts at either 4:30 PM or 5:15 PM. What makes us unique? We have lived these experiences firsthand. Our guides are either born and raised in Little Italy or are active/retired NYPD officers who worked these streets. Our "walk with stories" moves away from the typical tour mold of dry facts, repetitive stops, and irrelevant dates, replacing them with personal life experiences.
Walk the very streets once ruled by the mafia alongside a genuine resident and connect with other locals along the way. The included food is equivalent to a full two-course dinner!
Having grown up witnessing some of New York’s infamous families and having consulted for TV and major films, we offer a unique experience that no other company can provide.
We begin at a famous Mafia "Red Sauce Joint," featured in "The Sopranos" and "Get Gotti." The tour then winds through the East Village and Little Italy, visiting notorious Mafia and crime-related locations. You'll hear personal true crime stories and savor amazing food from the neighborhood. This tour was recently rated #1 "Things to do in New York" and featured in The Washington Post.
✓ Insider stories from retired NYPD guides and a NYC Mafia expert.✓ Vegetarian meal options are available upon advance request.✓ Your guide will be a retired or active NYPD Detective.✓ A full portion of "Old School" Spaghetti and Meatballs, followed by a full-sized Sicilian cannoli for dessert.✕ Beverages are not included but can be purchased on the day.✕ Gratuities are not included; they are greatly appreciated!✕ Transportation on the day (if needed).Tour Itinerary
John's of 12th Street in NYC holds a rich history intertwined with the Italian Mafia. Situated in the East Village, this iconic Italian restaurant opened in 1908 and quickly became a favored spot for mobsters. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy, producing wine and whiskey in its basement. One of the most infamous events linked to John's was the 1922 assassination of Umberto Rocco Valenti, a hitman for the Morello family, who was killed there during a "peace meeting." The restaurant's old-world ambiance and its Mafia connections have cemented its legendary status, even appearing in shows like "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Sopranos."
We will meet inside the back room of this iconic "Red Sauce Joint," chosen for its historic relationship to the origins of the NYC Mafia.
Mobile or paper tickets are accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
We will meet INSIDE the restaurant named "John's of 12th Street," located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and E 12th Street in Manhattan.
Your tour will conclude on the corner of Mulberry and Canal Street.
Please present your ticket at the meeting point. Mobile tickets are accepted.
This tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on the tour. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness. This tour is not recommended for individuals with leg or walking difficulties. NYC Mafia Walk and Food Tour
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved. Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early. Inform the provider in advance if you have dietary restrictions. Be prepared for a unique storytelling experience. Bring a camera to capture the historic neighborhoods. Gratuities for the guide are not included but are appreciated. For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 241402P1
Activity offered by NYPD Police Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center History enthusiasts Food lovers Fans of true crime Visitors interested in NYC's cultural heritage Authentic stories from retired NYPD officers and Mafia experts. Experience a classic "Red Sauce Joint" with Mafia connections. Enjoy a substantial two-course Italian meal included. Explore historic Little Italy and the East Village. Led by law enforcement professionals with firsthand knowledge. Featured in The Washington Post and rated a top NYC activity.
Population 8,804,190 (2020)
Elevation 25 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 1° Jan 1° Feb 4° Mar 9° Apr 14° May 20° Jun 24° Jul 24° Aug 21° Sept 15° Oct 9° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + We will meet INSIDE the restaurant named "John's of 12th Street," located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and E 12th Street in Manhattan.
What food is included in the tour? + You will receive a full portion of "Old School" Spaghetti and Meatballs, followed by a full-sized Sicilian cannoli for dessert.
Are vegetarian options available? + Yes, vegetarian meal options are available upon advance request.
Can I purchase drinks during the tour? + Drinks are not included but can be purchased on the day.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A different way to look at the NYC "Little Italy".
57bigred, October 2026
This walking tour is a neat way to experience the area where the NYC mafia actually operated. The tour takes you to locations related to mafia/organized crime history, explained by the retired NYPD detective. The tour guide gives a very good explanation of the local mafia history, and law enforcement actions related to the "mob". This easy walking tour takes you through the NYC Italian neighborhoods where the mafia history occurred.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
10/10 from a Scotsman
W9872ZBgabrielm, October 2026
I went with my dad on our 2nd last day of New York getting to the location was easy for us where we were welcomed into a niche Italian mafia hangout which really did bring out the vibe. Mike, our tour guide was a great guy and came with a free package of great stories of his NYPD officer experience as well as his funny comedy and knowledge about the mob. Mike made sure we where very safe at the crazy roads of New York and was very easy to chat too 1-1. He also lead us to a church which was beautiful on the inside with some more backstory to it. At the very end of the tour Mike to us to a cafe to try some canoli it was free of charge and rounded of the brilliant Experience. However Mike if you are reading this you have to be putting on that accent 🏴
★★★★★ Viator review
Very informative and...
susan_c, October 2026
Very informative and entertaining. The food was delicious, too! It’s a great way to see the area with some history thrown in the mix!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great night out
johngK5644BG, October 2026
Jay was fabulous guide, with lots of interesting information and history on the Mafia. Highly recommend.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Informative and fun!
497annemaried, October 2026
Such an informative and fun experience!
Jay was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
We had a great time!!
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