Chelsea Market is one of New York’s best gastronomic hubs; it gives you the opportunity to travel the world, all while staying under the same roof. Order a taco and some noodles, move on to lobster rolls, and finish with some tahini halva. The sky is the limit (or so we like to think).
While there are many options to choose from, the best food in Chelsea Market features fresh ingredients and celebrates rich culinary traditions.
Check out these 10 must-try options and make the most out of your Chelsea Market experience.
Los Tacos N°1
Los Tacos Nº 1 is probably the most famous taco stand in New York. With multiple outposts around the city, the Chelsea Market location stands among the most popular of them all. And while they only offer food to go, it’s all part of their charm, paying homage to Mexican street food traditions.
In terms of dishes, all of the tacos are delicious. And lucky for us, Los Tacos N°1’s menu is short, so it’s possible to try them all in one go.
Their selection of quesadillas, tostadas, and mulas are also serious business. If possible, come with a group and order the entire menu —you won’t be disappointed.
Very Fresh Noodles
Very Fresh Noodles serves… you guessed it! Very fresh noodles!
The specialty of this famed noodle joint is its famous La Mei Taiwanese beef noodle soup, made with slow-braised beef drunken in a beef and tomato broth. Every aroma and spice in this crowd-favorite is perfectly calibrated to burn your tongue in the right way.
Very Fresh Noodles also offers seven other exceptionally tasty noodle bowls, in addition to sides like chicken wings or seaweed salad. Pair it with some bubble tea or lemonade and feast away.
Mokbar
Mokbar serves up delicious Korean-inspired fare and features three locations across NYC. At Chelsea Market’s outpost, we love their small, shareable anju plates, especially when they’re paired with a cold beer or some soju.
Try their “K-Town” fries, served with gochujang aioli, and kimchi, or the ho’cake — a crispy bun filled with ultra-tender pork belly. Everything is served to-go, but you will probably want to stick around to try the entire menu.
Lobster Place
The Lobster Place is technically a fish market, with an open counter where you can order fresh prepared dishes. Their star dish is the Maine-style lobster roll, which features buttery brioche topped with delectable lobster meat and a little slab of mayo.
They also have a great array of oysters, chowders, and sushi. And if you’re up for it, you can even purchase some fresh seafood to cook at home!
Seed + Mill
After lunch or dinner (or whenever your sweet tooth starts to ache), head to Seed + Mill and grab some halva, a wondrously crispy, crumbly sweet made from tahini. To top off this Middle Eastern staple, they pour a luscious swirl of tahini soft serve, which perfectly balances the nuttiness of the sesame seeds.
Best part of it all? It’s 100% vegan! They also sell pints of organic tahini paste, and you can even buy beautifully assorted halva boxes to take home.
Insider’s Tip: Looking for more sweet treats? Then check out our guide to the best vegan bakeris in NYC!
Los Mariscos
Los Mariscos has its entrance on 15th street, but once you go inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a Mexican beach town. With its abundant display of seafood and beachy, laid-back decor, it’s the perfect place for those who want to embrace the summer vibe (even if it’s January).
Our go-to is the house ceviche, which features a crispy tortilla stacked high with lemon-marinated shrimp, scallops, and octopus.
Their fish tacos, aguachiles, raw clams, and oysters are also great bets. Complete your meal with a margarita, and you’ll officially be in vacation mode.
Miznon
Miznon offers some of the best stuffed pitas outside of Israel. Featuring locations in Paris, Melbourne, Vienna, and New York, each branch offers a spin on the menu to pay homage to local culinary customs.
In Tel-Aviv, pitas come with falafel and lamb, while in Paris, they’re packed with ratatouille. And in New York, you’ll find them stuffed with juicy steak and fried eggs, or even as burgers.
But at Miznon’s Chelsea Market location, the star of the show is its whole crispy cauliflower. Served with roasted charred corners, salt, and a sprinkle of olive oil, its one of the best food options in Chelsea Market.
Takumi Taco
Ever wondered what would happen if you blended Japanese and Mexican foods? Head to Takumi Taco and you’ll find out.
Takumi specializes in fusion tacos, which feature a crispy gyoza shell stuffed with flavors from the two cuisines. From curry beef to tofu tinga, their combinations are not only creative, but downright tasty — you can also taste these inventive combinations in bowl and burrito format.
Order by the counter and eat at the small bar next to their stand, or take your food to-go and explore the rest of the market.
Pia
Pia is an outstanding vegan alternative for lovers of Mexican cuisine. Here you can find plant-based versions of Mexican staples, like their flavor-packed tamales and pozole.
Get their burrito ahogado, which comes filled with a generous assortment of plant-based delicacies like chickpea chorizo, cashew crema, and vegan queso fresco.
Another one of Pia’s highlights is its top-notch wine selection. Pair your plant-based plates with their tasty vegan pink and orange wines at the bar, or buy a bottle and enjoy it at home.
Friedman’s
Friedman’s is where you will find that typical and delicious NYC-style breakfast sandwich that no visitor can leave the city without trying. Come for brunch and get some waffles, their famous pastrami, or any other comfort food that comes to mind —your stomach will thank you.
Another part of Friedman’s charm? It’s super affordable. The egg and cheese on toast, a simple but incredibly delicious classic, is only $5.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of their unlimited hot sauce, it’s some of NYC’s best.
Related Reading: Want to pick up some cheese in Chelsea Market? Then you have to check out Saxelby Cheesemongers. They’re one of our top picks for the best cheese shops in NYC!
