There are few food destinations in New York that have earned the well-deserved acclaim of Eataly. An offshoot of Oscar Farinetti’s Turin market of the same name, the 50,000-square-foot multi-vendor food hall, a partnership between Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich, has been delighting native New Yorkers and visitors alike since it opened its doors in 2010. If you find yourself in Manhattan eager to enjoy one of the best meals of your life, here’s how to explore:
Stop for some coffee at CaffeVergnano or Nutella Bar: Start your day with a caffeine boost by stopping into CaffeVergnano for an expertly-prepared espresso, macchiato, or a pastry. If something sweet is more your style, stop by Nutella Bar for a Nutella latte or one of the many Nutella-topped pastries and breads offered here.
Grab some gifts: Food isn’t the only thing on the menu at Eataly; this massive multi-vendor space is also a great place to pick up gifts and housewares. If you’re eager to find something special for a loved one (or just a gift for yourself), drop by Beemy Honey for honey-infused bath products, stop into Love Nature NYC for some all-natural soaps and candles, or drop by Rizzoli for a great cookbook. While lugging one of Mario Batali by Dansk’s cast iron skillets on the subway may be a bit arduous, those at 88 & 90 Lex will have no trouble getting even Eataly’s more cumbersome parcels home — the food hall is just a short walk from the luxury tower’s front door.
Sit down for some Italian specialties at La Pizza & La Pasta: There are few dishes more traditionally Italian than pizza and pasta, and fortunately, Eatalyserves both in spades. Enjoy dishes like pasta al forno, local ricotta ravioli with spinach, lemon butter, and pistachios, or pizzas boasting toppings like fresh veggies, authentic Italian cheeses, sausage, salami, and more.
Enjoy some handmade gelato: Stop into Eataly’s artisanal gelato shop for a parting treat before you head home. Whether you opt for raspberry, hazelnut, chocolate, or a mixture of flavors in Eataly’s new oversized waffle cone, there’s no way you’ll leave feeling anything less than satisfied with your scoops.
Bring home some beer: Beer connoisseurs will be thrilled to partake in Eataly’s ever-growing assortment of delicious beers from both Italy and the states. If you’re looking for something to enjoy at home, pick up some Lurisia, a Piemonte-brewed beer crafted from the mineral water that trickles off Mount Pigna, and comes in 1 to 8 percent alcohol contents.
No matter what foods tempt your palate, you’re sure to find them abundantly displayed and expertly prepared at this classic New York food hall. Mangia!
