New York City: Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour w/NYPD
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Begins 4:30 or 5:15PM. First let me say that most Mafia Gangster Tours in New York City are total BS- Our experience comes right from the “horse’s mouth” no filter. Rated #1 Things to do in New York. Hosted by active & retired NYPD Police Officers- I appear in the movie "Life After Goodfellas" as myself, to be released on Prime Video on 35th anniversary.
Get real stories while visiting notorious gangland locations walking from East Village to Little Italy. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the NYC Mafia & crimes in NYC and taste the local cuisines. We will visit Crime Family member hang-outs where they ran their elusive "family businesses" also seen in "Get Gotti". See the “Ravenite Social Club" & more. We meet at a famous mafia “red sauce joint” Est 1908. Two food stops food provided- equal to a FULL DINNER. We'll top it off with a large cannoli from one of Little Italy's iconic local pastry spots. We have hosted over 24,000 guests and have 2,500 five-star Airbnb ratings.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Strong Language and sometimes Graphic descriptions of murders
Not recommended for travelers with walking problems
What To Expect
We begin in the East Village at an historic NY "red sauce joint" frequented by Lucky Luciano plus many others. Multiple films created at the restaurant such as "Boardwalk Empire" "Sopranos" "Get Gotti" and more. This is where in 1931 Luciano creates the mafia Commission. The HBO series "Boardwalk Empire filmed here as well as Sopranos, Get Gotti and most recently documentary to be released shortly "After Goodfellas" starting once of our tour guides. John’s of 12th was established in March 1908 by another John, John Pucciatti. Pucciatti Immigrated from Umbria, Italy to the present-day East Village, where there was a thriving Italian American community centered around 1st Avenue. John’s’ current owner, Lowell Fein now owns the restaurant with partners Paul Dauber, Robbie Rundbaken, and, continuing the namesake’s legacy. The Italian neighborhood where Pucciatti moved to in the East Village existed even before Little Italy. We are the only Mafia experience allowed to enter the joint.....
Options
Retired NYPD Guided Gangster, Crime and Food Walk
What‘s Included
FULL PORTION Spaghetti with Meatballs , We End with Large Sicilian cannoli
Insider Story from Retired NYPD guides & NYC Mafia expert.
An Active or Retired NYPD Detective as Your Guide
Vegetarian options are available with advanced request.
Drinks are not included but can be purchased on the day
Gratuity NOT Included & Always Welcomed
Transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to see Little Italy and surrounding blocks
88johnathans,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the Mafia tour. It was great seeing the old neighbourhoods, hearing stories about the characters and people involved in ‘the life’. Little Italy and the surrounding blocks are very famous in popular culture and it was cool to see it in person. The meatballs and spaghetti was one of the best meals we had on our NYC trip. Finally to mention, Frank was a fantastic tour guide and made the whole experience very entertaining and informative. Highly recommended! Thanks Johnny and Jenny from Ireland
Intetesting
Jennifer S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The information was quite interesting. It would have been nice to have more perspective and experiences inside the places that we walked by. It was a little difficult to follow the story from down the block. It was fascinating to learn the history about the mob and organized crime, but more detailed, in-depth information, along with actually being able to enter some of the spaces would have been even better.
Amazing Experience!
kpU2341XA,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible experience on the New York City Mafia History in Little Italy Walking Tour with a retired NYPD detective! From start to finish, this tour exceeded all expectations. Our guide, Louie Meatballs, was absolutely fantastic—his knowledge, storytelling, and personality brought the history of Little Italy to life in such an engaging and memorable way. You could tell he’s truly passionate about what he does, and it made all the difference. We learned so many fascinating details about the neighborhood’s past, organized crime history, and the people who shaped it, all while walking through such an iconic part of the city. And the food—wow! Every stop was delicious and added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. This tour is the perfect mix of history, entertainment, and amazing eats. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting NYC or even locals looking to experience the city in a whole new way. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
Excellent Mafia Tour
J6957VSmichaelg,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! We started with a spaghetti and meatball dinner that was excellent. The tour was very informative going to places where the mafia frequently did business. Our guide grew up with a lot of made members and took us into their world.
Fun to learn the history of the mobs.
caitlinpZ5833TL,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hearing the true stories of a real life cop. Great group to be with. Interesting subject. Lively. Would have preferred more time at each stop. Good good interesting topic.
Relaxing and exciting all at once
Chandra G,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had dinner in a nice Italian restaurant with history and great food. Staff was warming and exceptional. Our guide was the best host and spoke fluently about all of the neighborhood. We were impressed about all his knowledge and first hand experiences about mafia history.
Great tour and great guide
Louise P,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Frank our guide was fantastic. He is a great story teller and everyone in our group of 6 really enjoyed the tour. His story telling helped to take you back and imagine the events. The food was also great. Highly recommend this activity
A fun and educational tour and progressive dinner!
846debrac,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As our guide, Dennis, put it, this is more of an experience than a traditional tour. As a person who grew up in Little Italy, knew many members of the Mafia, and then became a police officer, he did not merely recite information that you can find on the internet, but regaled us with stories of his own life and experience too. Eating in restaurants with Mafia connections, both past and present, gave us a sense of what it might have been like to live there when the more famous mobsters ruled. The food was great, the walking comfortably paced, and the stories very entertaining. A great way to get your dinner while learning and being entertained!
A night out like a mob boss…..
kimberlypT2095CI,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was totally worth every penny!!! Our guide Frank was super knowledgeable, funny and thorough. You could tell he loves his job with his funny antidotes, lively humor and delivery of his presentation. The food was amazing! And the stops were perfect for a New York experience to a traveler. Nostalgic and historical. Strongly recommend!
Frank was excellent! ...
Michael P,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Frank was excellent! Great insights, The restaurants and food were well selected. Inspired to learn more.
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Operated by NYPD Police Tours