Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in the Financial District
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in the Financial District
1. Fraunces Tavern
A Revolutionary-era landmark serving hearty American fare and whiskey in atmospheric dining rooms beside a compact on-site museum—perfect for history-loving foodies.
✓ Why Go:
It pairs colonial charm with comfort classics and a deep whiskey list, letting you dine where the city’s early power brokers once gathered.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for easier seating; cozy winter evenings for peak ambience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask to see the upstairs museum after your meal and order the pot pie or bangers and mash with a heritage pour.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the time-capsule setting and satisfying pub dishes; some note waits at peak hours.
2. Delmonico's
The storied Wall Street steakhouse where American fine dining took shape, now refreshed but faithful to signature dishes.
✓ Why Go:
Taste icons like the Delmonico steak and Baked Alaska in a plush, clubby room that defines FiDi dining history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner Tuesday–Thursday for buzz; early reservations reduce wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request the corner booth and pair the Delmonico steak with classic creamed spinach; save room for Baked Alaska.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for heritage, service, and steaks; occasional comments mention premium pricing befitting the setting.
3. Eataly NYC Downtown
A bustling Italian marketplace with counters, cafes, and restaurants—ideal for grazing, shopping, and aperitivo under one roof.
✓ Why Go:
From fresh pasta to gelato and Italian wines, it’s a one-stop flavor tour steps from Oculus and WTC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon weekdays for fewer crowds; weekend mornings for bakery treats hot from the oven.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create a progressive meal: crudo at the seafood bar, pasta from the fresh counter, then a cannolo and espresso.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for diversity of options and quality ingredients; can feel crowded at peak lunch hours.
4. The Dead Rabbit
Award-winning Irish-inspired pub and cocktail destination with a serious food program in a lively multi-level space.
✓ Why Go:
Exceptional cocktails meet elevated pub fare—think lamb shepherd’s pie and standout chicken sandwiches—in a convivial FiDi staple.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into early evening for a seat before the cocktail rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a signature Irish Coffee and pair it with the sausage roll; the Taproom is best for casual bites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently celebrated for inventive drinks and warm service; popularity can mean limited space upstairs.
5. Manhatta
Sky-high dining with cinematic views over Lower Manhattan, serving seasonal New American cuisine and an impressive wine list.
✓ Why Go:
Foodies get refined plates and one of the best sunset panoramas in NYC—special-occasion dining without stuffiness.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for sunset views; weeknights for a calmer vibe at the bar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk-ins are often possible at the bar; ask for window seating and consider the tasting options from the sommelier.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for breathtaking views, polished service, and balanced flavors; some note it’s pricier than neighborhood spots.
6. Crown Shy
Modern American cooking with global accents in the landmark 70 Pine Street, from house-baked breads to wood-fired mains.
✓ Why Go:
A chef-driven menu that thrills food lovers—vibrant vegetables, craveable pastas, and precision-cooked proteins.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for a relaxed pace; late reservations for a lively dining room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t skip the Parker House rolls and citrus-marinated chicken; cocktails are as considered as the food.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly rated for inventive flavors and consistency; reservations recommended due to demand.
7. SAGA
A destination tasting-menu experience perched atop 70 Pine, unfolding across elegant art deco spaces and terraces.
✓ Why Go:
Ambitious, seasonal cooking and skyline drama deliver a bucket-list night for serious foodies.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening seatings; choose a time that aligns with sunset for terrace vistas.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book well ahead and arrive early for a pre-dinner drink; dietary accommodations are best noted at booking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated as a top-tier fine-dining experience in Lower Manhattan; price reflects the spectacle.
8. Adrienne’s Pizzabar
Beloved Stone Street pizzeria known for crisp-edged square pies and old-world charm along FiDi’s cobblestones.
✓ Why Go:
Sicilian-style pizza and sidewalk tables make it a quintessential Financial District bite.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights or late lunch to avoid Stone Street weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the classic Old Fashioned pie and add a seasonal salad; ask for outdoor seating when the street is open-air.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the crackly crust and vibrant sauce; expect a wait during happy hour.
9. Nobu Downtown
Sleek, high-energy outpost of the famed Japanese-Peruvian brand in a landmarked Beaux-Arts building.
✓ Why Go:
Signature dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeño shine alongside creative sushi for a luxe FiDi splurge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Prime-time dinner on Fridays for buzz; early seating for a quieter meal.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mix of classics and seasonal specials; the bar is great for walk-in omakase-lite grazing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Applauded for precision and freshness; some note it’s a scene—come for both the food and the vibe.
10. Tin Building by Jean‑Georges
A sprawling waterfront market hall in the Seaport with bakeries, seafood counters, specialty groceries, and multiple eateries.
✓ Why Go:
Snack, sip, and shop across curated venues—from oyster bars to Chinese-inspired bites—under one photogenic roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for leisurely browsing; evenings for a festive, dinner-through-dessert crawl.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a progressive feast: oysters at Fulton Fish Co., noodles at Shikku, then pastries to go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the variety and design-forward space; weekends can be crowded, so plan to wander.
