Fabulous Food Halls of New York

New Yorkers love their markets, whether the convenience store on the corner, the local supermarket or one of the more gourmet spots such as E.A.T. on the Upper East Side or Zabar’s on the Upper West Side. A number of notable food halls have added greatly to the available options.

Chelsea Market

In a far-west stretch of Chelsea that was on no one’s list of desirable destinations when it was conceived, the Chelsea Market is now part of a larger complex in a refurbished building that houses a food court, shops, offices and television studios. Culinary stores predominate, with choices including Amy’s Bread for an impressive array of fine loaves; Bowery Kitchen Supplies, with its appealing selection of cookware; Chelsea Market Baskets, with top-rated food products from around the world; Li-Lac Chocolates, a local New York favorite; Lucy’s Whey for artisanal cheeses and sandwiches; and many more.

Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue

Eataly

For those who love Italian food, this is a one-stop dream come true. Originating in Italy in 2007, the first New York Eataly opened in 2010 with the participation of chef Mario Batali and his partner Joe Bastianich (the other New York outpost is at 4 World Trade Center). The selection of products may be daunting, but it’s a pleasure just to stroll around seeing what’s on offer, or what may inspire an idea for dinner. Olive oils, cheeses, breads, meats, pastas and produce — I come every fall for my annual porcini mushroom fix — are here in abundance. And you can always have a bite to eat or a full meal at one of the many attractive dining venues within this impressive space.

Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue

Gotham West Market

Further proof that there are no bad neighborhoods left in New York, this small, lively food court opened in late 2013 on the far west of Midtown, a former dead zone. I especially love this place for the variety of the establishments. I make a point of going to the Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop to get a bowl of noodles made by the outstanding Mr. Orkin, who against all odds opened a ramen shop in Tokyo that many consider the best in that city. Among the other dining options are El Colmado for excellent tapas; Choza Taqueria for an intriguing choice of tacos; The Cannibal for house-made charcuterie and cured meats; and Uma Temakeria for sushi hand rolls.

Gotham West Market
600 11th Avenue

Grand Central Market

Located on the east side of Grand Central Station, this bustling food hall is home to some of my favorite purveyors, all in one convenient location. New York’s best cheesemonger, Murray’s Cheese, has an outpost here. I also visit Li-Lac Chocolates for beautiful confections; Eli Zabar’s Bread & Pastry for fine baked goods; Pescatore Seafood Company for impeccable fish; and Oren’s Daily Roast for its excellent coffee.

Grand Central Market
89 East 42nd Street (through Grand Central Terminal, with an entrance on Lexington Avenue)

Great Northern Food Hall

Taking over an underutilized but beautiful waiting room in Grand Central Station, Danish entrepreneur and restaurateur Claus Meyer (one of the founders of the celebrated restaurant noma) has brought an astonishing array of Nordic fare to New York. Here you will find wonderful stalls, each with a specialty such as sandwiches, baked goods and more. I love Open Rye’s take on smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), which are a Nordic staple, here using a flavorful rye as the base with topping options that might include beef tartare with chive mayonnaise or thin slices of pork belly. You’ll also find hearty breads and fabulous cinnamon swirls — kanelsnurrer — at Meyers Bageri, granola at Almanak and wonderful healthy porridges at the Grain Bar.

Great Northern Food Hall
89 Vanderbilt Avenue

The Plaza Food Hall

Perhaps because it’s located on the concourse (lower) level of The Plaza hotel, this wonderful collection of food shops remains off the radar. But now you know. Here you’ll find, in the handsome Jeffrey Beers-designed space, a compilation of high-end food outlets such as Épicerie Boulud, with Daniel Boulud’s breads and pastries as well as lighter savories; the OLMA Caviar Boutique & Bar; FP Patisserie for chocolates and desserts; a branch of Paris’s La Maison du Chocolat; the Sabi Sushi bar; and much more. In addition, chef Todd English operates a food hall within the food hall, with its own selection of eating options.

The Plaza Food Hall
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South