Visiting Eataly NYC with kids, including information on the various restaurants and food concepts located through this huge food hall.
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My family loves Italian food, so on our recent family trip to New York City, I knew we’d have to make a stop at Eataly NYC Flatiron. Like other Eataly locations in the US, it is owned by the Eataly in Italy as well as the B&B Hospitality Group (Joe and Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali).
This NYC Eataly is located right outside Madison Square Park, near the Flatiron Building. There’s another location of Eataly in New York City, in the Westfield World Trade Center Building downtown. It’s a huge Italian market and food hall, but also offers numerous restaurants and food counters. It really is an experience, and if you love Italian food, it’s a must-visit.
Eataly NYC With Kids
If you are visiting Eataly NYC with kids, it’s important to realize that it most likely will be crowded. The aisles are pretty narrow, and there are several dining areas with tables that you’ll need to navigate around. Bringing a stroller will definitely be challenging, especially if it’s a busy time. We went on a busy Saturday afternoon during spring break, and it was nearly impossible to navigate. So keep that in mind, and try to visit during an off-peak time.
If dining at Eataly NYC is in your plans, you have several options:
Eataly Restaurants that take reservations
There are several restaurants that accept reservations – Manzo, which means beef, La Pizza and La Pasta (my personal favorite), and Il Pesce (offering fresh seafood). There’s also SERRA by Birreria, a rooftop restaurant that changes seasonally.
During our visit, we decided to visit La Pizza and La Pasta because it had the most options that the kids were interested in. We left our name at the desk, and our table was ready about 40 minutes later.
First-come, first-served restaurants at Eataly NYC
Throughout Eataly, you’ll see several more casual table-service restaurants. These restaurants don’t take reservations, and can be popular. If there is a wait, you can leave your name and cell phone number and receive a text message when you are about to be called. So, it’s best to put your name in first, then wander around the market until you get the text.
These casual restaurants include Il Pastaio di Eataly (offering fresh pasta) and La Piazza (with oysters, cured meats, cheeses, and more). Many of the restaurants at Eataly are located right in the midst of the action, so the crowds around the restaurants may feel a little claustrophobic if it’s busy.
Cafes
There are also several cafes, including the Nutella bar (we skipped it, due to my daughter’s tree nut allergy), Cafe Lavazza and a gelato counter.
If you are looking for quicker meal options, there are also some counters. These include Il Cioccolato Venchi (with chocolates), La Pasticceria (with pastries), Alla Pala Pizza & Enoteca (pizza by the slice), Rosticceria e Panini (rotisserie chicken and sandwiches), Cannoli e Bomboloni, Pronto (grab and go), and La Focaccia.
If you are staying nearby, it would be a good idea to stop by and pick up a to go dinner or lunch to eat in your hotel room. There’s also a park nearby if you’d prefer to eat outside.
Food Hall Market
If you are shopping for Italian groceries, you’ll find a huge assortment, including fish, meat, cheese, tomato sauce, breads, wine, olive oils, and much more. We didn’t have a refrigerator in our hotel room, so we had to skip the shopping. But, if I lived in the area, or had a small kitchen area in our hotel, I would have stocked up. There are so many delicious options!
There are two Eataly locations in NYC, including Flatiron and Downtown. There are other locations in Italy, Chicago, and Boston. Check out their website to learn more.
If you are visiting NYC with kids, check out our post with things to do while you are there. Eataly is located right near MoMath, so you could definitely do both in one day.
See hotels in the Flatiron District of NYC here.
More resources: Read our New York City Travel Tips post here to read hotel, attraction, and restaurant reviews, tips, and ideas.