10 Best Food Markets in New York

Chelsea Market is set in a repurposed factory, where the first Oreo cookie was ever made. Today, you’ll find corridors of stalls selling delicious food and artisanal products. They sell everything from cheese to fresh lobster to variations of fresh pasta. It’s not unusual to find local businessmen sipping on coffee next to tourists chomping down a taco. Los Tacos No. 1 offers some of the best tacos in the city in an understated, small setting. Don’t be frightened by the queue – it moves quickly.

Gansevoort Market is found just 5 minutes away from Chelsea Market, so a visit to both in an afternoon is achievable. The market is a rustic-industrial food hall with a range of different food cuisines being sold – from Korean wings to classic American burgers to giant gooey cookies. This smaller space, which was once occupied by a nightclub, has a glowing skylight that’s adorned with intertwining branches and flowers. The seating area sits below basking in natural light; there’s much more seating than in the Chelsea Market. If you’re feeling decadent try the marrow burger at Burger, Inc. NYC or order Aji de Gallina at Mission Ceviche.

Urbanspace Vanderbilt is an ideal place to stop for a meal when exploring Midtown New York. You’d have to be extremely picky to not be able to find something here; there are countless vendors serving vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious options. If that doesn’t appeal to you, the food hall also has taco bars, cocktail bars, sushi, burgers… you name it. With tall, glass windows and dim, golden lights, the food hall is an attractive space with a casual, high energy atmosphere. Get your fingers dirty and indulge in the honey sriracha wings at Hong Kong Street Cart. Other Urbanspaces can be found on Lexington Avenue and in the Garment District.

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly, open-air food market in the US, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Often said to be ground zero for New York’s famous fusion food, an afternoon at Smorgasburg will be one of the most unique food experiences in the city. Come with friends and split dishes so you can try as much as you desire. In the summer or spring months, bring a parasol and some sunscreen as there’s not much shade. 

There are countless dishes that are worth trying but one to mention is the famous Ramen Burger. The market is held in East River State Park on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm and at Prospect Park on Sundays at the same time. Take in the gorgeous city views of Manhattan Island and remember to bring cash and an empty stomach.

DeKalb Market Hall is lit up with neon lights directing you to vendors full of mouthwatering food. This maze of food vendors is formed with narrow halls filled with chatty crowds, somewhat reminiscent of the lively food markets found across Asia. Each of the 40 vendors have their own signature dish, which reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the area. Order a chopped brisket sandwich at Fletcher’s; this simple treat couldn’t be more delectable, with thickly sliced smoked beef brisket that can also be mixed with barbecue sauce and pickles.

Canal Street Market was previously a flea market that was reimagined into a trendy, modern food market. It sells delicious food and artisanal products amid the craziness of Chinatown and Canal Street. This market hosts a number of food vendors and shops each separated into their own sections. Given its whereabouts, the cuisine is Asian-inspired with the hearty ramen soups from Ippudo Kuro-Obi. 

Grab a seat at one of the raised counters within the market or at the back of the retail area where it’s quieter. The airy space is completed with a skylight which shines onto the seating area that sits affront an abstract pink mural by Alexandra Proba.

Gotham West Market hosts a chic, but casual collection of popular food vendors frequented by tourists and locals. Its location near Chelsea Pier and Times Square makes it a nice place to stop whilst you see the city’s sights. Go Asian and order the roasted garlic mazemen with egg and chili-garlic oil from Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop or go American with local dishes.

You might not be Latino but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the amazing Latin food that Red Hook Food Vendors cooks up. The market offers some of the best Latin-American food in the city, with vendors taking on a ‘no frills’ attitude to their cooking. Food is prepared in front of you and the atmosphere is similar to that of an open-air mercado. Although a bit of a trek from Manhattan, the food found here is authentic and truly satisfying. Definitely queue up for a huarache from the well-known Country Boys food truck. The vendors are only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Union Square Greenmarket is a favourite among locals for its wide variety of local food produce, wine, cheeses and other food staples. You’ll find many locals come here for their weekly shop of fruit and vegetables, as vendors source some of the best organic produce in the city. The market was founded in 1978 by non-profit GrowNYC to reinvigorate regional agriculture and give back the freshest produce to the community; the market is frequented by renowned chefs. 

Come here and buy some food then head over to the park for a picnic and some people-watching. Come autumn, remember to pick up some apples which are particularly sweet – they’re brought in from upstate. The market is closed on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Gansevoort Liberty Market is a contemporary food hall featuring 25 eclectic vendors offering cuisine ranging from sweet treats to ethnic specialities. Despite its small size, there is sure to be something here to please your palate. There’s also a bar where you can grab a beer or glass of wine to enjoy with your meal.

The industrial architecture of the space gives it a clean and modern look. The market originally opened as an open-air market featuring fresh produce in the nearby meatpacking district and was recently moved to its current location.