9 Best Food Markets in New York

In a repurposed factory where the first Oreo biscuit was ever made, you’ll find the eclectic Chelsea Market. Today, you’ll find corridors of stalls selling delicious food and artisanal products. Whether you’re in the mood for lobster poutine, sticky jerk chicken or decadent, gooey brownies, you’ll find everything here. Tacos are hugely popular here, whether they’re classics from locals’ favourite Los Tacos No.1, or Japanese inspired from Takumi Taco.

Between sampling the snacks on sale why not look for souvenirs in the form of artisan cheese, Asian American gifts and mind-blowing hot sauces? Chelsea Market merch can be bought too, and don’t miss the art installations and live music throughout the market.

Urbanspace Vanderbilt is an ideal place to stop for a meal when exploring Midtown New York. You’d have to be extremely picky to not be able to find something here; there are countless vendors serving vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious options. If that doesn’t appeal to you, the food hall also has taco bars, cocktail bars, sushi burgers… you name it.

With tall, glass windows and dim, golden lights, the food hall is an attractive space with a casual, high-energy atmosphere. We recommend the delectable ramen at Kuro-Obi, or the mouth-watering Greek cuisine at Pita Yeero. Other Urbanspaces can be found on Lexington Avenue and in Union Square.

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly, open-air food market in the US. Often said to be ground zero for New York’s famous fusion food, an afternoon at Smorgasburg will be one of the most unique food experiences in the city. Come with friends and split dishes so you can try as much as you desire. In the summer or spring months, bring a parasol and some sunscreen as there’s not much shade.

The market is held in the Marsha P. Johnson State Park, and at Prospect Park on selected days of the week so check online before visiting. Take in the gorgeous city views of Manhattan Island and remember to bring cash and an empty stomach.

DeKalb Market Hall is lit up with neon lights directing you to vendors serving mountains of mouth-watering food. This maze of food stalls is formed with narrow halls filled with chatty crowds, somewhat reminiscent of the lively food markets found across Asia. Each of the 40 vendors have their own signature dish, which reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the area.

It's difficult to recommend a vendor as they are all stellar, but Dan and John's Wings is a must for authentic Buffalo wings dripping in sauce. Alternatively, drop by Thank You Come Again for Thai-style street food that will definitely have you coming back for more.

Previously a flea market, Canal Street Market has been reimagined into a trendy, modern food market selling delicious dishes and artisanal products amid the vibrancy of Chinatown and Canal Street. This market hosts several food vendors and shops each separated into their own sections. Given its whereabouts, the cuisine is Asian inspired, so expect dishes like the Thai rice dish khao man gai from Betang, fresh sushi from Mastunori and beautifully sticky kakanins from Kabisera.

Grab a seat at one of the raised counters within the market or at the back of the retail area where it’s quieter. The airy space is completed with a skylight and an abstract pink mural by Alexandra Proba.

Gotham West Market hosts a chic, but casual collection of popular food vendors frequented by tourists and locals. Its location near Chelsea Pier and Times Square makes it a great place to stop between experiencing the city’s sights.

Go Asian and order the signature Kitakata ramen with its Dashi-chicken Shoyu broth from Gorin Ramen. Or, if you're looking for something hearty, opt for an award-winning pie from Petee's Pie Company. We love the classic NY Sour Cherry Crumb. Gotham West Market regularly hosts events, so check the calendar before you visit and your meal could be accompanied by live music, comedy or even trivia.

Whether you are Latino or you just adore Latin flavours, the Red Hook Food Vendors marketplace offers some of the best Latin-American food in the city. With a ‘no frills’ attitude to cooking, vendors prepare their food right in front of you and the atmosphere is similar to that of an open-air mercado.

Though a bit of a trek from Manhattan, the food found here is authentic and truly satisfying. Definitely queue up for a huarache from the well-known Country Boys food truck, you won't regret it. The vendors are only open on weekends from the end of April through to October.

Union Square Greenmarket is a favourite among locals for its wide variety of local food produce, wine, cheeses and other food staples. You’ll find many locals come here for their weekly shop of fruit and vegetables, as vendors source some of the best organic produce in the city. The market was founded in 1978 by non-profit GrowNYC to reinvigorate regional agriculture and give back the freshest produce to the community.

Why not purchase some food here then head over to the park for a picnic and some people-watching? Don't miss the weekly cooking demos, or the displays and tastings in the Education Station.

A contemporary food hall featuring eclectic vendors offering cuisine ranging from sweet treats to ethnic specialties, Gansevoort Liberty Market is a thriving venue inside the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center. Despite its small size, the various stalls pack big flavour into their signature dishes. Fans of modern Korean street food should visit K-Pop Haus or Chick ‘N’ Buns, while those hankering for Japanese comfort food might prefer Momo’s.

The industrial architecture of the space gives it a clean and modern look, and the atmosphere is always buzzing thanks to the Gansevoort Bar and the weekly events taking place right beside it. Order yourself a Gin Basil Smash or a Jungle Bird and soak up the live music.