Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the Flatiron Building
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the Flatiron Building
1. Eataly Flatiron
A sprawling Italian marketplace opposite the Flatiron, Eataly packs butchers, fishmongers, pasta counters, espresso bars, gelato, wine shops, and multiple sit-down restaurants under one roof.
✓ Why Go:
Graze from counters, sip an aperitivo, and stock up on premium pantry staples without leaving the building.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late morning or late evening to avoid lunch and post-work rush; weekends are lively but crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab fresh pasta and cheeses to picnic in Madison Square Park nearby; La Piazza’s standing area often turns over fastest.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Deliciously chaotic and fun—crowded at peak hours but worth the bustle.
2. Eleven Madison Park
A serene, Art Deco dining room overlooking Madison Square Park, known for a meticulously choreographed, plant-based tasting experience.
✓ Why Go:
For a destination-worthy special occasion that emphasizes finesse, service, and culinary storytelling.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Book well in advance; earliest or latest seatings are calmer and pair nicely with a pre- or post-dinner park stroll.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re flexible, join the waitlist—last-minute tables do pop up; advise dietary preferences when booking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Memorable and polished; a splurge that feels singular.
3. Union Square Greenmarket
New York’s flagship farmers’ market where regional farms sell seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, breads, honey, and flowers; many chefs shop here at dawn.
✓ Why Go:
To taste the city’s farm-to-table heartbeat, meet producers, and discover peak-season ingredients steps from Flatiron.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning on market days (typically Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) for the best selection and fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and small bills; look for cooking demos and cider doughnuts in cooler months.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A beloved neighborhood ritual—colorful, convivial, and packed on Saturdays.
4. Gramercy Tavern
A timeless New American favorite with a refined Dining Room and a casual, walk-in-friendly Tavern, both celebrating seasonal ingredients.
✓ Why Go:
For pitch-perfect hospitality and comforting, elegant cooking that defines the neighborhood’s dining culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch in the Tavern is the easiest walk-in; dinner reservations are essential.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo at the bar is a delight—full menu, great guidance on wines, and quick service.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, celebratory, and consistently excellent.
5. Rezdôra
An intimate Emilia-Romagna–focused trattoria where handmade pastas—rolled and filled in-house—shine with deeply regional sauces.
✓ Why Go:
For benchmark fresh pasta and a smart Italian wine list highlighting Lambrusco and beyond.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Book early or late evening; limited day-of bar seats may appear on short notice.
✓ Insider Tip:
The pasta tasting offers range and value—pace yourself and save bread for swiping up sauces.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Pastas earn raves; cozy room feels convivial, not cramped.
6. ABC Kitchen
A chic, light-filled farm-to-table spot by ABC Carpet & Home, serving seasonal small plates, pizzas, and vibrant vegetable dishes.
✓ Why Go:
Design-forward ambiance meets pristine ingredients—ideal for a stylish lunch or date-night dinner.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. or after 9 p.m. for a relaxed pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window table for natural light and browse the adjacent shop between courses.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fresh, bright flavors in a beautiful space; can buzz at peak hours.
7. Cote Korean Steakhouse
A sleek Korean steakhouse where prime cuts meet tableside grilling and abundant banchan in a high-energy room.
✓ Why Go:
For an interactive, celebratory feast perfect for groups and carnivores alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner or late-night slots to bypass the longest waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Butcher’s Feast for a curated progression of cuts; consider a cocktail downstairs before or after.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively and smoky—in the best way—with generous portions and great pacing.
8. Breads Bakery
Union Square’s go-to bakery for cult-favorite chocolate babka, laminated pastries, excellent breads, and coffee.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect breakfast or snack stop while exploring Flatiron and the market; great edible souvenirs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for warm pastries; midafternoon for shorter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Babka travels and freezes well—buy an extra; ask which items just came out of the oven.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Addictive and repeat-visit-worthy; lines move quickly.
9. Kalustyan's
A legendary spice and specialty-food institution with thousands of global ingredients and an upstairs deli counter.
✓ Why Go:
To source rare spices, dals, teas, and condiments you’ll struggle to find elsewhere—food-nerd heaven.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for unhurried browsing and staff guidance.
✓ Insider Tip:
Have spices ground to order and ask for harvest dates; don’t skip the house-made za’atar and harissa.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A treasure hunt of aromas and discoveries.
10. Union Square Cafe
A neighborhood-defining American restaurant marrying market-driven cooking with polished, friendly service in a handsome space.
✓ Why Go:
For comforting, confident dishes and a wine list geared to both enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch for a calmer feel; book dinners well ahead on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bar seating is relaxed and perfect for solo diners or spontaneous plans.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Quietly iconic—dependable, gracious, and delicious.
