If you’ve ever wondered where chefs and food lovers in New York City go when they want premium olive oil or a balsamic vinegar that’ll change your salad game forever—look no further than Essex Olive Oil & Spice. Tucked inside the Essex Market on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this shop is a favorite stop on Nice Guy Tours, and for good reason.
Run by the charismatic and passionate John Magazino, Essex Olive Oil & Spice isn’t your average gourmet store. It’s a sensory experience, a flavor adventure, and a love letter to bold, simple ingredients that elevate everyday meals.
Whether you’re a tourist looking for something delicious and local to take home, or a New Yorker who wants to up your kitchen game, this place is a must-see.
What Makes Essex Olive Oil & Spice So Special?
At its core, Essex Olive Oil & Spice is about quality without pretension. John isn’t here to lecture you about monounsaturated fats or drizzle ratios. He’s here to help you taste the difference—and enjoy it.
Some standout features include:
- Over 30 olive oils and vinegars on tap—available to sample before you buy
- Globally sourced, locally curated spices
- A rotating selection of infused and aged balsamic vinegars
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff who love food as much as you do
Everything in the shop is chosen for its flavor, balance, and real-world usability. No gimmicks. No fluff.
Meet John Magazino: The Man Behind the Magic
The energy at Essex Olive Oil & Spice starts with its owner, John Magazino. If you take a food tour with Nice Guy Tours, you’ll likely meet him—and you’ll never forget the experience.
John is a New York-born food industry vet with decades of experience, but he’s no snob. He makes flavor approachable. His demos at the shop are part education, part comedy routine, and all passion. He might hand you a spoonful of blood orange olive oil and say, “Now imagine this on grilled shrimp,” and suddenly, you get it.
His mission is simple: get people excited about food again, starting with ingredients that speak for themselves.
What You’ll Find Inside the Shop
Wondering what to expect when you walk in? Here’s a look at the flavor-packed offerings you’ll find at Essex Olive Oil & Spice:
Premium Olive Oils
These aren’t your grocery store oils. We’re talking cold-pressed, first harvest, and full of personality. Flavors range from robust and peppery to smooth and fruity.
Popular picks include:
- Tuscan Herb Olive Oil – Earthy, bold, and great on roasted vegetables
- Blood Orange Olive Oil – A citrusy stunner for seafood or salads
- Garlic-Infused Olive Oil – Your new go-to for pasta and bread dipping
Aged and Infused Balsamic Vinegars
These balsamics are aged up to 18 years, giving them a rich, complex profile with just the right balance of tang and sweetness.
Fan favorites:
- Fig Balsamic – Perfect for drizzling over cheese plates
- Black Cherry Balsamic – Incredible with pork or duck
- Traditional 18-Year Balsamic – Great on just about everything
Hand-Blended Spices and Rubs
The shop also offers a tightly curated selection of blended spices, rubs, and finishing salts. These mixes aren’t mass-produced—they’re blended in small batches to retain freshness and aroma.
Highlights:
- Moroccan Spice Rub
- Smoked Paprika Sea Salt
- Za’atar Blend
Whether you’re cooking up a storm or just want to season some scrambled eggs, you’ll find something to fall in love with here.
Why It’s a Hit with Food Tour Guests
Essex Olive Oil & Spice is consistently one of the top-rated stops on the Nice Guy Tours Lower East Side food tour. Why? Because it surprises people.
There’s something exciting about tasting ingredients in their pure form—no cooking, no plating, just clean, vivid flavor. Guests love the hands-on tastings, the no-pressure vibe, and the way John makes gourmet ingredients feel totally accessible.
It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “I never thought I’d get this excited about olive oil.”
Shopping Tips and What to Try First
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips:
- Try before you buy – Tastings are encouraged
- Pair oils and vinegars together – John’s happy to help you build the perfect duo
- Ask for use-case suggestions – Whether you’re a home cook or takeout devotee, you’ll get ideas you can use
If it’s your first visit, start with:
- Tuscan Herb Olive Oil + Fig Balsamic combo
- A jar of smoked paprika sea salt
- And if you’re flying—don’t worry—they’ll bottle everything travel-safe
Supporting Local and Savoring Global
Part of the charm of Essex Olive Oil & Spice is the way it blends international flavor with local heart. While the ingredients may come from Italy, Spain, or Tunisia, the shop itself is 100% New York.
Shopping here means:
- Supporting a locally owned small business
- Engaging with real people who love what they do
- Taking home something that wasn’t mass-produced in a warehouse
Plan Your Visit
Located inside the historic Essex Market at 88 Essex St, Essex Olive Oil & Spice is easy to find and hard to forget. The shop is open daily, and it’s the perfect quick stop whether you’re on a tour or exploring the Lower East Side solo.
Store Details:
- Location: Essex Market, 88 Essex St, New York, NY
- Open: 8am–6pm daily
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong foodie or someone just getting into home cooking, Essex Olive Oil & Spice is worth your attention. It’s flavorful, personal, and refreshingly real—a reminder that sometimes, the best meals start with just a few great ingredients. And if you happen to be on a Nice Guy Tour? Get ready. This is the stop that makes people say, “Wait, can olive oil really taste this good?”
