By: Aishah French By: Aishah French | May 15, 2023 | Food & Drink
With plenty of food options to please everyone, a sea of seating, affordable prices, and a variety of vendors to choose from, visiting a beloved NYC food hall is always a great idea.
New York has tons of food halls that encompass the rich cultures of its residents. It’s an indecisive foodie’s dream. We’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to NYC’s food halls so that the next time you’re wandering around with a growling stomach, you have the remedies right at your fingertips.
See also: The 16 Best Waterfront View Restaurants In NYC
96 South St. / 888.777.0942 / Website
Location/Hours: Sandwiched by Pier 16 and the Brooklyn Bridge, across the street from Fulton Market Building. Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
History: When chef Jean-Georges first arrived in New York, he went to visit the buzzing Fulton Fish Market. For about 200 years this spot was one of the largest wholesale seafood markets in the world, but after eight years of careful restoration, it reopened in 2022.
Our favorite booth: We love Seeds & Weeds for incredible vegetarian and vegan food that will please even the staunchest of meat lovers. Try the asparagus and blue foot mushrooms for a hearty and wholesome meal packed with flavor.
Insider Tip: Located in the corner of the second floor is a speakeasy-style Chinese-inspired restaurant, House of The Red Pearl. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, try the Mala Chicken served with Sichuan pepper.
135 W 50th St. / Website
Location/Hours: Near Rockefeller Center and the Theater District, and open from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. throughout the week, ending early at 9 p.m. on Sundays.
History: Welcome to Asian fusion heaven. This spot screams Singapore with each of the 17 vendors representing key street food flavors found in the Southeast Asian country: Malay, Peranakan, Chinese, Indian and more. It’s curated by the famous food critic and founder of Makansutra, K.F. Seetoh.
Our favorite booth: Do you ever crave the late-night mamak grub like we do? Thanks to Urban Hawker, now we have our very own Mamak Corner. If you’re new to the art, Mamak cuisine is a blend of Indian and Malay foods that brings a whole new meaning to “comfort food”. Try the Murtabak, which is a grilled roti with layers of meat and egg enveloped inside. Don’t forget to dip it in the sauce, “makan betul betul lah!” (Translation: Eat right!).
Insider Tip: Some of these vendors are certified halal! Just make sure to check the website before you go.
220 36th St. / 718.965.6450 / Website
Location/Hours: Towering on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 35th Street in Building 2, open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
History: This 6 million square foot campus started as Bush Terminal in the 1890s, serving as a revolutionary manufacturing and intermodal shipping hive. It’s now been repurposed to house eateries, events, retail shopping and unique experiences.
Our favorite booth: Check out Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab for true flavor fusion made by Berlin’s vast Turkish community. You can make your own sandwich or bowl, but if you’re new to bursting flavors, try the original Döner Kebab.
Insider Tips: It’s called its own city for a reason. If you come across a restaurant not located in Building 2, be sure to check their website for more location pointers.
75 9th Ave. / 212.652.2111 / Website
Location/Hours: In the heart of the Meatpacking District surrounded by Artechouse NYC and the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
History: This one is a classic, but did you know that the High Line’s building used to house the National Biscuit Company? That’s right. Nabisco (mother of Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers) lived right there for ultimate proximity to butchers’ lard.
Our favorite booth: Hand-pulled and hand-pressed Chinese noodles are made and served at Very Fresh Noodles. Their beloved Very Spicy Pork Dan Dan Mian has a sister (Very Spicy Vegan Dan Dan Mian) so everyone can have a taste of the best.
Insider Tip: This is the perfect one-stop shop for those looking to appreciate or learn a bit this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. There’s always a little something cute to do like free crafts or performances.
445 Albee Square W / 929.359.6555 / Website
Location/Hours: Right near Long Island University Brooklyn, and open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
History: Brooklyn’s largest food hall opened at the peak of the NYC food hall craze in 2017. With more than 35 vendors specializing in different cuisines, DeKalb Market flaunts a diverse neighborhood of must-tries, reflecting the surrounding neighborhood.
Our favorite booth: Caribbean comfort food never disappoints. The Fat Fowl by chef Shorne has blessed us with a new style of Caribbean cuisine playing with different flavors and techniques. Customers keep coming back to try their rotisserie chicken or vegan jerk tamarind mushroom.
Insider Tip: Use Apple Pay at checkout and get 20% off your order every Wednesday in May!
10 Hudson Yards / 646.495.1242 / Website
Location/Hours: Located inside and on the ground floor of Hudson Yards. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
History: This one is just about five years old, but has already built a reputation as the place to go for the best Spanish cuisine. It all started with the talented Adrià brothers and a pioneer José Andrés who all wanted to do one thing: bring the best of Spanish food to NYC.
Our favorite booth: On the go? Let’s get one of those delicious classic sandwiches at Bocatas. From flautas to toasted cheesy and meaty-filled bread, this one is a keeper.
Insider Tip: Make sure to double-check their website for open hours, as some booths have their own specific times. Mercado has also celebrated several Spanish holidays like Feria de Abril and Three Kings Day in the past, so keep up to date on its social media!
Multiple locations / Website
Location/Hours: Multiple locations in Vanderbilt, West 52nd, 570 LEX, Pearl and Union Square. Hours vary.
History: Urbanspace started in the U.K. with Camden Lock Market. The group touched down in the U.S. in the 70s at 570 Lexington Avenue to help create a new community and commercial gathering spaces.
Our favorite booth: We’re big Bao fans. Bao is a traditional Chinese treat made up of a soft bun filled with something savory or sweet. Bao by Kaya can be found at the Urbanspace 570 Lexington location. The most popular filling is Pork Belly, but they also have red chicken curry, Peking duck, shrimp tempura, Szechuan cow and vegetarian!
Insider Tip: Urbanspace is good at keeping a plethora of options for its patrons. If you’re looking for something specific, make sure you check the Urbanspace website first!
11 W 32nd St. / 718.210.6577 / Website
Location/Hours: K-Town! Right by the Empire State Building, down the street from Greeley Square Park and sandwiched by 5th Ave and Broadway. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
History: This three-story 9-vendor food court first opened up to the public in 2011. In addition to the hall’s 11 food vendors, there are also a few retail locations and plenty of seating.
Our favorite booth: Korean barbeque always hits. Cleverly named Kobeque, this spot serves up delicious cuts of marinated meats alongside Korean cuisine favorites with an American twist. Frequent patrons love to order the Bibim BBQ Rice Bowl or the BBQ Meat Lovers.
Insider Tip: Sometimes all you need is some food and a song. Food Gallery 32 has a unique karaoke experience called Coin Karaoke. Instead of paying for the hour, you pay by the song! So grab some good food to loosen up your vocals, and step into the karaoke booth for a quick concert moment. Also: there’s a restroom on the third floor!
1000 S 8th Ave. / 212.315.3335 / Website
Location/Hours: There are seven entrances street-level entrances to the market, which is burrowed underneath 8th Avenue. It’s strung to the 59th St-Columbus Circle subway station (no MetroCard required for entry). Be sure to check the website for specific hours, but there’s always something open to cure hangry passersby.
History: Turnstyle has been serving commuters for a little under a decade. Inspired by her work at the remodeling of Grand Central Market, Susan Fine was determined to transform the subway walkway into a bustling vendor-lined alley.
Our favorite booth: What used to be the Taste of Ukraine is now dubbed Blintz Box, serving up Ukrainian-American eats. Make your own Blintz Box platter or one of their signature wraps filled with sauteed protein served with a side of slaw and pickles.
Insider Tip: Check out Turnstyle’s boutiques for unique pieces, but they also offer short-term contracts for up-and-coming brands. It's the perfect spot to grab something to eat and to find your next favorite spot for exclusive gifts.
600 11th Ave. / 212.582.7940 / Website
Location/Hours: Amidst Hell’s Kitchen, a little walk from Pier 84. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
History: Gotham West Market first opened its doors in 2013 holding up a luxury high-rise building, surrounded by some of New York’s best dining options. The eatery also sits just under its corresponding luxury apartment building in the same hospitality family.
Our favorite booth: Ramen, anyone? Gorin Ramen specialized in crafting the perfect Japanese ramen noodles. This is actually the only spot in New York that serves Kitakata ramen, a variation that comes from a city of the same name. Think of thicker flat noodles paired with a rich Dashi-chicken Shoyu broth base, fresh vegetables and meat.
Insider Tip: Enjoy your food with a little entertainment from the market’s hosted events. They host children's music classes, viewing parties, comedy nights, chef’s counter dinners and more!
88 Essex St. / Website
Location/Hours: Right by Delancey Street - Essex Street subway station. Across the street from the International Center of Photography Museum. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
History: Having served the Lower East Side for over a century, this is New York City’s most historic public market. It is the flagship location of the Public Markets family, passionate about serving affordable and fresh food. They take pride in the diversity and individual personalities of their vendors, as an extension of the surrounding neighborhood feel.
Our favorite booth: Find authentic traditional Dominican food at Dominican Cravings, a family-run spot that serves up some of the best bites in the area. They’re known for their Patacon Tres Golpes, a breakfast classic with friend salami, cheese and a drippy golden sunny-side-up egg.
Insider Tip: Outdoor seating is available on Broom St. toward the southern end of the market. Prefer staying inside? Indoor dining is available on the mezzanine. They also host several programs and events like cooking workshops and community-wide celebrations.
136-17 39th Ave. / 718.713.0880 / Website
Location/Hours: Kept in the heart of downtown Flushing, in Queens Crossing across from the 38th Ave St. George’s Episcopal Church. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and until 11 p.m. on weekends.
History: This redevelopment by the F&T group was first completed in 2007, then heavily renovated in 2016. From hotpot and ramen to dim sum and seafood, the options center on the stars of slurp-inducing, clean-plate-deserving Asian cuisine.
Our favorite booth: We never really got over our Korean corndog phase. Oh K-Dog is all about the art of Korean rice hotdogs. You can play it safe and stick with the classics, or you can play around with cheesy fillings and crispy toppings. They even have three loaded toast options, mixing together more addicting Korean-American goodness.
Insider Tip: Queens Crossing hosts several events throughout the year including workshops, performances and holiday celebrations. You can find these events on their website under the Event & Press tab. There is also on-site valet parking!
601 Lexington Ave. / Website
Location/Hours: In Midtown East near the Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan / Midtown East. Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and closed on the weekends.
History: The Hugh opened around a year and a half ago, with 15 restaurants and bars, art collections and green trees hovering over patrons. It's named after the architect Hugh Stubbins, who designed some of the most prominent buildings in the world.
Our favorite booth: Greenpoint Fish & Lobster is committed to serving the highest quality seafood harvested responsibly and consciously. Their menu prides itself on local and seasonal seafood options. Their Maine Lobster Roll is award-winning and can be served either in May or Connecticut style.
Insider Tip: The Hugh is an expert when it comes to striking up happenings. They have held jazz nights, toddler dance parties, pizza making and tango lessons. All past and upcoming events can be found on their website.
25 11th Ave. / Website
Location/Hours: Perched on Pier 57, near Little Island in Chelsea. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
History: Pier 57 originally stood as a storage and shipping terminal, which was then reconstructed by the NYC Department of Marine and Aviation. The pier closed in 2003, and just recently reopened last month with the help of the James Beard Foundation. It now has 16 kiosks, which are proudly minority and women-owned businesses!
Our favorite booth: We love dosa, and you should too. Ammi (‘mother’ in Hindi and Urdu) is here to bring comfort with classic Indian home dishes. There are several variations, but you can’t go wrong with any of their fresh-off-the-griddle dosas.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out Pier 57’s Rooftop Park! The green space is just about two acres with a walkway wrapped around the perimeter and an amazing view of the New York City skyline, Hudson River Park and the New York Harbor.
28-17 Jackson Ave. / 929.510.7040 / Website
Location/Hours: Near Dutch Kills Green in Long Island City, and open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Hours extend to until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
History: While businesses were struggling, Jacx & Co by Tishman Speyer Properties pulled through. Born in the thick of the COVID-19 this 11,000-square-foot bi-level space contains eight eateries and a bar.
Our favorite booth: It’s not every day that you find omakase at a food hall. Sushi NikkÅ offers a $68, 12-course omakase experience with fresh fish and a sweet ending. You can also order rolls in a combo or stand-alone.
Insider Tip: There are a few specials for the boozy bunch. Stop by for a $10 martini Monday, $10 tequila Tuesday or $6 draft beer Thursday.
New York City has some of the coolest restaurants serving unforgettable bites you’ll be dreaming of for a lifetime. But for foodies like us, it can be hard to choose just one. Next time you’re out and about, don’t limit yourself to just one location. From viral creations to homey traditions, get a little bit of everything that has been seducing your appetite recently. What are you waiting for? Grab your wallet and dig in!
Photography by: TETSURO GOTO/a.collectionRF / Getty Images