The 15 Most Exciting Food Halls to Explore in NYC

With newcomers like the Tin Building from chef Jean-Georges, the city’s influx of innovative concepts continues.

Tin Building
Tin Building | Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Tin Building | Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

Over the past few years, along with outdoor dining, food halls have become a popular part of the NYC dining landscape.

In part to a continuous influx of exciting new options, what was once considered the territory of suburban shopping mall food courts is now locally regarded as a much buzzed-about eating experience. And along with the highly-anticipated upcoming launches of the James Beard food hall, Singaporean street food-inspired Urban Hawker, the Boogie Down Food Hall in the Bronx, and chef Alexander Smalls’ African dining destination dubbed Alkebulan (which is slated to open next year in Harlem)—new additions like the chic- and brilliantly-curated Tin Building from the renowned chef/restaurant Jean-Georges are making it known that food halls are here to stay.

From The Seaport to the Moynihan Train Hall, these culinary meccas combine all of our favorite things: convenience, talented chefs, innovative concepts, and cozy havens primed for crisp autumn weather. Here are the best food halls in NYC right now.

Tin Building by Jean-Georges
Exterior of Tin Building | Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

Tin Building

The Seaport

After eight years of development, the historic Tin Building (previously home to the famed Fulton Fish Market from 1835 to 2005) in The Seaport finally opened its doors in late summer. Within the chic two-story, 53,000-square-foot space designed in collaboration with the renowned chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges, explore six full-service restaurants like Fulton Fish Co., T. Brasserie, and Shikku; six fast-casual counters that include two breakfast go-to’s called T. Café and Double Yolk (which are now serving early morning comfort classics until 5 pm); four bars, three goods shops, and a marketplace experience (stocked with fresh produce, seafood, and more). Currently in its soft opening phase with limited hours until later this fall, head over Thursdays through Sundays from 12 pm–5 pm.

As the highly-anticipated extension to Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall opened on New Year’s Day of 2021, and since then, the massive new transportation hub featuring a gorgeous 92-foot-high sky-lit atrium has added a slew of vendors to its Moynihan Food Hall. Explore the tastes of the Big Apple through outposts of popular NYC-based brands like H&H Bagels, Jacob’s Pickles, and Sauce Pizzeria, while easing the stresses of commuting with wine, beer, and classic cocktail service at THE BAR; or a sweet treat courtesy of Magnolia Bakery.

Urbanspace FiDi
Urbanspace Pearl | Photo by Liz Clayman

Urbanspace Pearl

Financial District

As part of the Urbanspace portfolio and located in FiDi, Urbanspace Pearl debuted earlier this summer. The food hall consists of 16 vendors open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and covers 15,000 square feet—taking up the entire block between Water Street and Pearl Street—with ample seating and global cuisine offerings. Guests can order freshly roasted coffee from Grind; Taiwanese fare at Bao by Kaya; Puerto Rican dishes courtesy of Que Chevere; and more.

Canal Street Market
Canal Street Market | Photo by Maggie Shannon

On the busy edge of Chinatown lies a merging of retail, food, art, and community at the Canal Street Market. Nestled along narrow hallways are 12 food vendors ranging from Japanese katsu boxes at Suki and Cantonese rice rolls courtesy of Joe’s Steam Rice Rolls, to Mediterranean street food by ilili Box and baked goods from Domi. A wide breadth of retail options include Brooklyn-based Dandy Farmer Bonsai Shop and sister-owned home goods store Mogutable. Also, stay up to date via IG for upcoming Small Business Saturday announcements.

A beloved destination for NYC residents and visitors alike over the last 25 years, securing a bevy of high-quality finds from Chelsea Market are the norm, with fishmongers, whole-animal butcher counters, artisanal cheeses, locally-sourced produce, and imported ingredients at the ready. After gathering your carefully selected dinner party necessities, there’s a variety of eateries to satisfy your appetite such as this summer’s debut of the Indian fare purveyor Chote Miya; top-tier taqueria Los Tacos No.1; Mediterranean-influenced street food from Miznon; and pasta hotspot La Devozione. In addition, while wandering around the space, drop by Artechouse for the latest trippy exhibit or find your next read at family-owned Posman Books.

1 Manhattan West
Photo courtesy of Citizens NY

Citizens NY

Manhattan West

Inside the massive Manhattan West mixed-use development, which opened last year near Hudson Yards, visitors can find the Citizens NY food hall. Founded by restaurateur Sam Nazarian of the C3 group, the space features twelve stands for a range of fast-casual choices. Along with popular grab-n-go spots like Umami Burger and Sam’s Crispy Chicken, two sit-down options of Spanish tapas eatery Casa Dani from the renowned chef Dani Garcia and the Japanese fine-dining destination, Katsuya, offer guests an upscale dining experience.

DeKalb Market Hall
Photo courtesy of DeKalb Market Hall

DeKalb Market Hall

Downtown Brooklyn

Beneath the City Point development in Downtown Brooklyn lies the ever popular DeKalb Market. With a large focus on displaying New York City’s diversity, the 27,000-square-foot market flaunts an extensive roster of local and regional vendors, such as Lower East Side legend, Katz’s Delicatessen, and their signature heaping deli sandwiches. In addition, other familiar names like Ample Hills Creamery, Arepa Lady, and Bunker, sit beside newcomers like the Thai street food specialists at Baby’s Buns & Buckets and the second outpost of the smoothie and juice spot Essex Squeeze. Also, on any given day, the market hosts daily entertainment and programming, with a custom show kitchen and a stage for live concerts.

Essex Market

Lower East Side

Since its inception in 1818, when it started as a covered market on Grand Street between Essex and Ludlow Streets, Essex Market has gained recognition for their beloved vendors and affordable prices. A century later, the market transitioned into a new contemporary space in 2019, directly across the street from its predecessor. The more than 30 vendors provide a variety of can’t-miss stops, like Hainanese chicken experts at Eat Gai, the family-operated Puebla Mexican Food, and döner destination of Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab. Other on-site options tout homestyle Indian cuisine from the award-winning Dhamaka, which industry-wide, was considered one of 2021’s best new restaurants; Ukrainian fare from Veselka; and raw bar selections plus Asian-inspired dishes from chef Daniel Le’s recently reopened Essex Pearl.

Gotham West Market

Hell’s Kitchen

In 2013, Gotham Hospitality marked its first venture into food halls with the opening of Gotham West Market in Hell’s Kitchen. The expansive space is spread out over the entire ground floor of the block at 600 11th Avenue and is packed full of choices ranging from seafood, ramen, pizza, and ice cream. Most popular go-to’s include the omakase experience from Sushi on Jones; the chef's counter at the Italian-centric Dell ‘anima; and tacos served up at chef Barbara Sibley’s La Palapa. There’s also a large outdoor seating area for when you want to snack while enjoying the autumnal change of weather.

The Hugh

Midtown East

The latest addition to Midtown East’s food hall journey is the popular lunch and post-work destination called The Hugh. Here, explore 15 restaurants and bars that include a wine bar and craft beer taproom, as well as an artfully decorated two-story, 30,000-square-foot space complete with murals and botanics. From Alidoro and Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co., guests can order from all on-site eateries for pickup courtesy of QR codes found on tables. Additionally, explore the rich breadth of global fare from African home cooking at Teranga to Pakistani staples by BK Jani.

Industry City

Sunset Park

When the food hall is spread across 40,000 square feet, it’s pretty much a sure bet that any appetite can be appeased. In the main hub of Industry City, located in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, there’s loads of cuisines from a total of 12 food vendors. Crowd favorites include flame-broiled burger spot and speakeasy Burger Joint; the first local location of Germany-based Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab; and whoopie pie experts, One Girl Cookies. Sprinkled around the development, you’ll also find fine-goods retailers like the vinyl-stocked HiFi Provisions Record Store. A dedicated section is also home to Japan Village, which contains its own array of food vendors, tea rooms, and shops.

Jacx&Co
Jacx & Co. | Photo by Rachel Vanni

Jacx & Co.

Long Island City

Opened at the end of 2020 by real estate development company Tishman Speyer, the bi-level, 11,000-square-foot Jacx & Co. food hall debuted as a hub for international cuisine in Long Island City. With a total of seven operators, guest favorites include the Cantonese barbecue spot Lotus + Cleaver, followed by something sweet from spots like Biao Sugar or pastry chef Ghaya Oliveira’s bakery, Ghaya. For long-lunch or post-work cocktails, The Bar at Jacx & Co. serves up signature cocktails, wine, and locally sourced beers. Stay tuned to their official IG for updates on special events where previous programming included wine and hard seltzer tastings.

A collaborative project from renowned chefs José Andrés, Albert Adrià, and Ferran Adrià, Mercado Little Spain is a hub for Spanish food, drinks, and culture. Kiosks specialize in singular food items like empanadas; bravas (spicy fried potatoes); churros; ham and cheese; paella; and pastries. Along with four distinct bars, there’s the casual Iberian concept Spanish Diner; grill- and meat-focused eatery Leña; and tapas spot La Barra.

Connected to the Columbus Circle subway station is this subterranean stop for shops, kiosks, and eateries. Turnstyle Underground Market takes up the length of a full city block, and the casual market is a global dining excursion with options ranging from Lisa’s Dumplings and Empanadas Criollos to Frankie’s Dogs and Champion Pizza. While supporting these small business eateries, be sure to explore retail shops parked around the building like The Harlem Soap Maker and Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce.

Queens Crossing

Downtown Flushing

After undergoing a massive renovation back in 2016, Queens Crossing is now home to a curated collection of food vendors. From its current 12 vendors, expect plenty of Asian cuisine including chef Richard Chan’s Singaporean Hawker fare-influenced, Sin Kee; IG-famed, Korean Oh-K Dog & Egg Toasts; and Sichuan mini hotpot spot, Spice Bowl. The dine-in restaurant options are Cantonese seafood and dim sum eatery, New Mulan, along with the all-you-can-eat buffet at Spring Shabu Shabu. Also, make sure to keep tabs for news on the reopening of K Show Karaoke bar, as well as the upcoming debut of Yasubee Ramen. And we recommend making time to drop by Flushing Main Street’s other resident culinary hub, New World Mall Food Court, which is stocked with more than 30 globally-inspired stalls.

Izzy Baskette is a Staff Writer for Thrillist New York. Find her on Instagram.