NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour

Imagine enjoying a delicious multi-course meal while cruising past New York’s most famous sights from the comfort of a luxury glass-roofed double-decker bus. That’s exactly what the NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour offers — a combination of sightseeing and fine dining that’s as unique as the city itself. This experience isn’t your average tourist outing; it’s designed for travelers seeking an elegant, memorable way to see the Big Apple, with exceptional food and unobstructed views.

What we love about this tour is its perfect balance of comfort and spectacle. The panoramic views from the glass roof are stunning, especially as the bus glides past landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, or the Empire State Building. The seasonal gourmet menu crafted by Master Chef Ashley Kim promises a high-quality culinary experience, often praised for its flavor and presentation. Plus, the guided app enhances the experience by offering insights into each landmark, making the sightseeing more engaging.

A potential consideration is that the tour is limited to 8 participants, which means you’ll need to reserve well in advance if you want a spot. Also, only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard, with drinks available for purchase separately, which might be a downside for those wanting a full bar experience. This tour suits those who value gastronomy and scenic views in a cozy, intimate setting — perfect for couples, small groups, or special occasions.

• Unique dining experience on a glass-roofed double-decker bus offering 360° views.
• Seasonal gourmet menus with options for a 4-course lunch or a 6-course dinner.
• Intimate group size limited to 8 passengers for personalized service.
• Comfortable, climate-controlled seating ensures a pleasant ride regardless of weather.
• Insightful guided app provides background on NYC landmarks.
• No alcohol served onboard, drinks are available for purchase.

The Setting: Dining on the Move in Style

The Bustronome NYC is a clever twist on both city sightseeing and fine dining. The bus itself is a luxury vehicle equipped with a panoramic glass roof, allowing unobstructed views of the cityscape. It’s designed to be climate-controlled, so whether you visit during a crisp fall afternoon or a warm summer day, you’ll stay comfortable while taking in the sights.

Seats are arranged to maximize your view, with a setup reminiscent of a restaurant, so you’ll feel spoiled rather than cramped. The restaurant-style service means you’ll be served by attentive staff, who deliver your seasonal dishes with finesse. Many reviews highlight the friendly and professional staff, with guests describing their treatment as “super nice” and “exquisite,” making the experience feel truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Route and Landmarks

While the exact route is flexible, it’s based on New York’s most famous sites, such as Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and other iconic landmarks. The route can adapt depending on the day’s events or seasonal considerations, ensuring that you see the highlights. The curated music playlist sets a relaxing or lively tone, depending on your preference, adding to the ambiance.

Guests have shared that the ride itself is enjoyable — some liken it to a scenic tour with the added bonus of high-end dining. Reviewers mention that the views are Instagram-worthy, especially through the glass roof, making it perfect for photos.

The Culinary Component

The highlight for many is the food. Master Chef Ashley Kim prepares a seasonally inspired menu, with options for a 4-course lunch or a 6-course dinner. One guest described the meal as “delicious” and praised the presentation and quality of the dishes, emphasizing that it’s more than just a snack — it’s a gourmet experience.

Since menus are seasonally based, you might find dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients, aligning with the time of year. Guests have appreciated the sampling menu, which showcases the chef’s carefully selected products. Some reviews note that dishes are thoughtfully curated, making each bite memorable.

The Service and Additional Features

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and many reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides and staff. The guided app provides additional insights into the landmarks, turning a sightseeing ride into an educational experience. The curated background music further enhances the atmosphere, making the overall experience feel more polished and immersive.

Since only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard, those wishing for wine or cocktails will need to purchase drinks separately. This might be a limitation for some, but for others, the focus on gourmet food and scenic views outweighs this aspect.

Duration and Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and comfortable experience. It’s usually available in the afternoon, perfect after a morning of exploring the city or as a special treat. The meeting point is conveniently located at W 58 St/Broadway, right in front of Nordstrom, with clear instructions provided.

Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility is handy, especially for plans that might change.

Multiple reviews highlight how delighted guests are with both the views and the food. One guest from Germany called it “einzigartig” (unique), praising the “wunderschön” (beautiful) experience, while a French traveler emphasized that the meal was “awesome” and the staff “super nice.” Several reviews mention the delicious food and friendly staff, with one guest remarking that they’d “love to do it again,” indicating high satisfaction.

A reviewer appreciated the attention to detail, noting that the driver was skilled, and the bus had a bathroom, adding convenience for such a tour. However, some did mention that following the app could be tricky, so being attentive during the tour can enrich your experience.

At $87 per person, the tour offers good value—combining sightseeing, high-quality dining, and a unique setting in one package. Compared to dining at a top NYC restaurant and paying for a city tour separately, this experience simplifies both and adds a memorable visual element.

The limited group size enhances the experience, making it feel more intimate and special. While it may not suit travelers seeking a full bar experience, the focus on gourmet food and stunning views makes it worthwhile for those who appreciate culinary quality and scenic beauty.

This experience is well-suited for couples on a romantic outing, small groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a different perspective on New York. Food lovers will revel in the seasonal menu, while sightseeing enthusiasts will appreciate the unobstructed views and insightful app. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious, yet relaxed way to see the city from a different vantage point.

However, if you prefer a more lively or lengthy tour, or want alcoholic drinks included, this might not be the best fit. Likewise, those who are sensitive to timing or prefer free-form exploration might prefer traditional guided tours or self-guided walks.

Is the tour suitable in all seasons?
Yes, the bus is climate-controlled, so you’ll stay comfortable whether it’s hot, cold, or rainy, and the route can be adjusted depending on seasonal events.

How long does the experience last?
The whole tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours — a manageable, leisurely window that fits well into an afternoon itinerary.

Are drinks included?
Only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard; alcohol is not included but can be purchased separately if desired.

Can I book for a large group?
The experience is limited to 8 participants per booking, making it ideal for small groups or private hires for special events.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably. Since the bus is climate-controlled, you don’t need to worry about the weather, but layers are always a good idea.

Is there vegetarian or special diet options?
Menus are seasonal and curated, so it’s best to check in advance if you have specific dietary needs. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at W 58 St/Broadway, in front of Nordstrom.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group and gourmet menu suggest it’s best suited for adults or older children who appreciate fine dining and scenic views.

The NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour offers a rare blend of culinary delight and sightseeing. The panoramic glass roof provides a unique perspective on New York’s skyline, while the seasonal gourmet menu gives you a taste of the city’s culinary creativity. The small group setting and attentive service make it a refined, intimate experience that’s perfect for a special occasion or a memorable way to see the city from a new angle.

While it’s not a casual or budget tour, the value lies in its combination of comfort, exclusivity, and scenery. If you’re someone who relishes good food, beautiful views, and a relaxed pace, this experience will likely be a highlight of your New York trip.

In summary, the NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour is an elegant, well-reviewed way to combine sightseeing and fine dining. It appeals to those who want a luxurious, intimate experience that elevates their time in New York — offering food, views, and a touch of class all in one package.

You can check availability for your dates here: