New York is having a big moment with food markets or food halls. It seems like we’ve gotten to the point where almost every neighborhood has one. And it’s brilliant – under one roof, you have dozens of options for dining from some of the most talented chefs in the city.
It’s perfect for those traveling to the city and wanting to try as much as possible. But don’t worry, these aren’t a super touristy stop. You’ll find plenty of New Yorkers popping into a food market on a lunch break. It’s also a fun outing to go with a group of friends and eat your way through different cuisines. Whichever category you fall in, the NYC food markets aren’t something to miss.
Keep reading as we dish the 9 best food markets in NYC!
1. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is the OG food market in NYC that was opened way before food markets were cool. It was opened in 1997 as a food hall after serving as the Nabisco factory for over a century (fun fact: this is where the Oreo was invented!).
There was nothing like it when it opened: one place where you could experience different restaurants and also shop for grocery items as well. But it caught on and quickly became a destination. It’s still extremely popular to this day, with an estimated 9 million visitors each year!
Over the years, Chelsea Market has garnered some intense fan favorites like noodles from Very Fresh Noodles, tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, and halva from Seed + Mill. There are many more options, like vegan tacos, a fresh seafood bar, falafels, and currywurst.
2. Essex Market
Located on the Lower East Side, Essex Market is a gastronomic food hub and strolling through the 37,000-square-foot building might make your head spin.
You can truly taste food from every corner of the world here, from Ukrainian pierogi at Veselka to bánh mì at Eat Gai to Indian curry from Dhamaka.
There’s a good mix of fast-casual options, sit-down restaurants, as well as vendors selling things like meat, fish, spices, jams, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
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3. Turnstyle Underground Market
Did you know there’s an underground food market in Columbus Circle? It’s called Turnstyle Underground Market and is located beneath 8th Avenue, between 57th and 58th Street. There are 7 street-level entrances, all connected to the 59th St Columbus Circle station.
Inside the market, you’ll find over 40 food vendors, kiosks, and shops. For food options, we’re fans of the blintzes or crepes at Blintz Box, empanadas at Criollas, or poke bowls at Yong Kang Street.
And if you’re wondering, you don’t need to swipe your metro card to enter.
4. Tin Building
The newly opened Tin Building is a food market ideated by Jean-Georges, a world-famous restaurateur who is the name behind famous New York establishments like ABC Kitchen, JoJo, and The Mark.
At this upscale market, guests can choose from restaurants serving vegan/vegetarian food, Italian, Chinese, or French. Or grab a quick bite at the taco counter, crepe cart, deli, or bakery. In the grocery area, you can take browse through a great selection of high-quality local produce and pantry staples.
And don’t miss the candy store that’s exciting for every age!
5. Eataly
If a trip to Italy isn’t in the books for you this year, maybe the next best thing is a trip to Eataly? Some may say it’s the foodie’s version of Disney. You’ll have a hard time choosing from the pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and bakery items.
And there’s a huge selection of grocery items to bring the feast home with you. Think fresh cheese, olives, pastries, salamis, and more.
There’s a location in Financial District and another in Flat Iron.
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6. Citizens NY
Citizens NY is a food hall in the posh Manhattan-West development near Hudson Yards. Whether you’re looking for a spot for lunch or a restaurant for a business dinner, this fits the bill.
In the 40,000-square-foot market, you’ll find 12 fast-casual spots perfect for a quick lunch break. Try inventive Mediterranean food from Soom Soom, sushi from Krispy Rice, or Italian sandwiches from Cicci Di Carne to name a few.
There’s also a bakery that transforms into a cocktail bar in the evening and two sit-down restaurants as well, including Casa Dani, a Spanish tapas spot by Michelin-star Chef Dani Garcia.
And Citizens NY makes it very convenient with the option to pick up multiple items and pay in a combined bill.
7. Time Out Market
Time Out Market is Brooklyn’s famous food market, located in Dumbo just steps away from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
With over 20 vendors, you won’t run out of options here. They’ve got the famous Clinton St. Baking Company pancakes, Sugar Hill Creamery ice cream, Jacob’s Pickles fried chicken sandwiches, and Fornino pizza.
Although there’s ample sitting inside, we recommend grabbing your food and going to the waterfront park. Perfect for a sunset dinner or afternoon picnic!
8. Smorgasburg
The re-opening of Smorgasburg is a subtle sign for New Yorkers that winter is over. Hurray!
This outdoor food market runs from April to October and pops up every week on Fridays near World Trade Center, Saturdays in Williamsburg, and Sundays in Prospect Park.
For many New Yorkers, visiting Smorgasburg is a weekend tradition. And for good reason – you can spend your entire summer eating your way through the market and not run out of options with a list of over 80 vendors across locations. It’s a great food hub representing some of the best spots in the city.
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9. Canal Street Market
In the craziness of Chinatown and Canal Street is a lovely little market, Canal Street Market. And if you’re looking for a curated selection of Asian food, art, and shopping or want a smaller-sized market, this is the place to go.
This 10-booth market is small but mighty. You can enjoy Sichuan wontons, top-notch nori, Filipino street food, Hainanese chicken, and more.
That concludes our round-up of the 9 best food markets in NYC. Which one is calling your name?