Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the High Line
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the High Line
1. Chelsea Market
A historic factory-turned-food hall beneath the High Line that corrals dozens of beloved vendors into one labyrinth of global flavors, from fresh seafood to hand-pulled noodles.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the fastest way to sample New York’s culinary diversity in one stop—ideal for groups with different tastes before or after a High Line stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before noon for lighter crowds; evenings for a buzzy vibe. Rainy or cold days are perfect since it’s entirely indoors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab oysters or a lobster roll at The Lobster Place, then finish with halva or tahini soft-serve at Seed + Mill. Lines move quicker at the 16th Street entrance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bustling, delicious, and photogenic—visitors praise the variety and quality, while noting that crowds are part of the fun.
2. Mercado Little Spain
José Andrés’s Spanish food hall brings the spirit of Madrid and Barcelona to Hudson Yards with tapas bars, a casual diner, and a market stocked with Iberian specialties.
✓ Why Go:
From jamón ibérico and croquetas to churros con chocolate, it’s a transportive taste of Spain steps from the High Line’s northern end.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for a relaxed graze; early evenings for a lively tapas crawl. Late nights are mellow and great for vermut and pintxos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at La Barra for quick bites, then pick up tinned seafood and olive oil at the market to take home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively and authentic—guests love the flavors and atmosphere, with prices seen as fair for the quality and setting.
3. Cookshop
A farm-to-table stalwart just off the High Line, known for seasonal menus, a spirited brunch, and sidewalk seating perfect for people-watching.
✓ Why Go:
Thoughtful, vegetable-forward cooking and dependable service make it a neighborhood anchor for pre- or post-High Line meals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch is iconic but busy; weekday lunch or early dinner offers the same flavor with less wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the skillet cornbread to share and ask for a sidewalk table in nice weather.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently excellent—diners rave about the seasonal dishes and relaxed, polished vibe.
4. Pastis
The revived Meatpacking bistro near the High Line’s southern gateway, channeling Paris with a zinc bar, tiled floors, and faithful French classics.
✓ Why Go:
A quintessential NYC dining scene—steak frites, onion soup, and people-watching in equal measure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for easier seating; late-night for a cinematic, candlelit buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo diners score great views at the bar; split a plateau de fruits de mer if you’re craving seafood.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Buzzy and nostalgic—guests love the atmosphere as much as the brasserie staples.
5. Little Island
A whimsical, tulip-shaped park on the Hudson with stellar views and seasonal food kiosks—an easy detour from the High Line’s southern end.
✓ Why Go:
Picnic-friendly snacks with sunset vistas make it a dreamy add-on to a day of eating and exploring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring through fall at golden hour for soft light and cooler temps; mornings are calm for coffee and a pastry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up bites at the kiosks, then head to the highest lookout for a skyline-side picnic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Scenic and relaxing—visitors love the design and casual eats; expect crowds on sunny weekends.
6. Market
A James Beard-curated food hall at Pier 57 with a sweeping range of vendors and ample seating, plus easy access to the rooftop public park.
✓ Why Go:
Great for groups and families—everyone can find something, and there’s room to spread out with Hudson River views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays for elbow room; sunsets to grab food and dine upstairs on the rooftop park.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order from a few different counters and make it a tasting—then bring your tray up to the roof for breezes and views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Spacious, varied, and convenient—guests appreciate the quality mix and relaxed setting.
7. Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York
An immersive roastery with working copper roasting casks, coffee flights, cocktails, and fresh bakes by Princi—a dramatic caffeine stop near the High Line.
✓ Why Go:
From nitro flights to espresso martinis, it’s a coffee playground that doubles as a stunning space to recharge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings to watch roasting in action; evenings for the Arriviamo Bar’s coffee cocktails.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a comparative brew flight at the Experience Bar and pair it with a warm focaccia from Princi.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Impressive and unique—guests love the theater of it, noting premium prices match the experience.
8. Empire Diner
A landmark 1940s dining car reimagined with modern comfort food, just a block from the High Line’s midsection.
✓ Why Go:
Classic New York diner nostalgia meets contemporary plates—perfect for hearty brunches or late-night cravings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch for the full scene; weekday dinners for a relaxed meal after gallery-hopping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snag a counter seat and order the patty melt; save room for pie.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic and satisfying—guests praise the setting and generous portions.
9. Electric Lemon
A sleek, vegetable-forward restaurant atop the Equinox Hotel with a dramatic outdoor terrace overlooking Hudson Yards and the High Line.
✓ Why Go:
Elevated seasonal cooking with skyline views—ideal for date night or celebratory dinners.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden-hour cocktails on the terrace; weekday lunches are quieter and sunlit.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request terrace seating when booking and arrive early to explore the sculpture-studded outdoor space.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Polished and serene—diners rave about the ambiance and vistas as much as the food.
10. Artichoke Basille's Pizza
A Chelsea outpost of the cult pizzeria known for ultra-rich, creamy artichoke slices—perfect for a quick, indulgent bite near the High Line.
✓ Why Go:
Iconic New York slices that hit the spot after miles of walking—share one, they’re hefty.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late nights for post-stroll cravings; mid-afternoons to avoid peak lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the crab slice if you want something less creamy; grab napkins—it’s messy in the best way.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Decadent and memorable—fans adore it while acknowledging it’s a love-it-or-leave-it style.
