The 8 Best Food Markets in New York

Updated September 2020

The DL: NYC Indoor Food Markets – Whether you are looking for somewhere to escape the weather, grab a bite to eat, or just need to kill some time, these indoor food markets are the perfect option. Most of the markets include a combination of a food hall and local products to buy. Here is a round-up of the 8 best indoor food markets NYC has to offer (in no particular order):

1. Eataly

Welcome to Italy, I mean Eataly! This Italian market is housed with six restaurants, multiple cafes, and full-on food market. When you walk through the doors you really feel like you are in another country. They are best known for their rooftop restaurants with elaborate decor that changes seasonally, named Sierra. Grab and go at one of the premade counters, have a glass of wine at one of the bars, sit down for an evening on the roof, or swing by to grab groceries for an Italian feast. The main location for Eataly is in the flatiron area with a smaller location in financial district by the oculus.

Tip: The rooftop can be difficult to get into, make sure to make a reservation for the best experience. Next door to the main Eatly space, they also have their own wine shop, perfect if you are looking to complete your Italian dinner or charcuterie and cheese board.

Locations: Flatiron – 200 5th Ave, Fidi – 101 Liberty St.

2. Chelsea Market (Currently most seating is outdoors due to covid)

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Arguably the most popular market in Manhattan, Chelsea Market draws both locals and tourists by the thousands. Formally the National Biscuit company, this large market houses over 60 shops and restaurants, aka you could easily spend a lot of time in here.

Tip: Many of the restaurants do not have their own seating or it’s very limited, there is an area of chairs by the stairs leading to the local grocery and public restrooms downstairs, also make note when needing a clean public restroom there is one here. Popular stops include: Los tacos no 1, fat witch bakery, sarabeths, and the indoor flea market.

Location: 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16 Streets), New York

3. Le District | Hudson Eats (Currently outdoor seating during covid)

Le District is a french food hall and market that overlooks the water on the first floor of Brookfield Place with multiple restaurants throughout, as well as a French grocery. On the second floor is Hudson Eats which is an upscale foodcourt overlooking the water. This is one of my favorite spots especially in the warmer months due to the outdoor seating options – first come first serve – and the amazing views. It has been open during covid.

Tip: The districts are broken up into the market district – grab and go or sit down options, the garden district – french grocery options, the cafe district -french treats and desserts, and the restaurant district – three sit down options. You can enter at any of these locations including Brookfield place, the entrance can be hard to find but if you are by pumphouse park you should see the grocery store entrance, or walk along north cove marina and you can enter there as well. Hudson Eats you can find on the second floor and there is also a hidden staircase you can use through the garden district to get directly upstairs.

Location: 230 Vessey Street, New York

4. Essex Market (outdoor seating on Broome st. during covid)

This historic full-time market originally started in the 1880s and has recently received a massive renovation in 2019. It is home to some of the lower east side staples, you can also grab a bite to eat, get some grocery shopping done, or pick up more seasonable items like flowers and jams. The main mission of the Essex Market is to support small businesses in the Lower East Side.

Tip: It is one of the smaller markets with the most limited options on this list, so don’t plan to spend a long time here compared to others. There is a good amount of seating upstairs.

Location: 88 Essex Street, New York

5. Time Out Market (Brooklyn – seating indoors and outdoors)

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Focused on bringing popular favorite eateries under one roof, this market located in DUMBO has 20+ eateries, a couple of bars, and local shops. this is in Brooklyn but is an easy ferry or train ride away and had to be included on the list. Many of the restaurants are on level one, but make sure to check out the second floor which has a bar and a few food stalls that overlook the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the skyline of Manhattan. The Time Out Market is good for large groups and can also be found in cities all over the world filled with local favorites.

Tip – Most of the eateries are cashless so make sure to bring a card. The elevators to the second floor can be hard to find and almost look like staff elevators, but you can find them across from the main food halls behind the security desk. The upstairs fills up quick by the windows and on the patios, but there are many community seating table options.

Location: 55 water, DUMBO

6. Gavensvoort Market (moving to FIDI 2020/2021)

This food hall is a lot smaller but doesn’t lack in food options with 15+ food stalls and a bar in the back with a happy hour 7 days a week, this is a hidden gem. Ganesvoort Market also hosts a variety of events through out the year.  The market was named after a Revolutionary War Figure in 1884 and was the first outdoor prodice market for regional produce back in the day.

Tip: This can be a great option for a group that can’t decide what they want to eat and need ample seating options. This is also has very instagrammable decor.

Location – 353 W 14th St., New York, moving in fall 2020/spring 2021

7. Grand Central Market (currently open)

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Catering to the quick in and out crowd of Grand Central, the Grand Central Market is perfect for grabbing a bite to go on the way to your train, or maybe picking up some pre-made options for dinner that night. With lots of vendors, there are many selections to fit your craving. There is a food court in Grand Central and if you are looking for a larger sit-down option there is Urbanspace Foodhall just a block away, where Grand Central Market is truly a market.

Tip: You can enter the market by the Main concourse, Lexington ave, Graybar passage or Lexington passage.

Location: 89 E 42nd Street, New York

8. Mercado Little Spain (outdoor dining available)

Probably the least known in the group of markets due to its recent opening, you can’t help but feel like you are in Spain. Mercado Little Spain is located on level one of the beautiful Hudson Yards, this hidden gem won’t go unnoticed for long. With a variety of Spanish food, drink, and cultural souvenir options, make sure to add this market on your list.

Location: 20 Hudson Yards – level 1 (might have to take the escalator downa level when you walk in from the Vessel or highline)

Other Food Markets to check out:

• Urbanspace Foodhall – Multiple Locations
• Plaza Food Hall – Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
• Pennsy NYC – 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York

Looking for a true farmers market in NYC instead? Check out this article.