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Chelsea Market is one of New York City’s top food destinations. Housed in a former Nabisco factory along Manhattan’s High Line, this popular food hall brings in tourists and locals alike. With so many dining options crammed under one roof, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat. But venture outside Chelsea Market and you’ll find a diverse array of restaurants lining the surrounding Chelsea streets. From upscale steakhouses to tacos, Chelsea offers some of the best places to eat in NYC. So where are the top places to eat near Chelsea Market? The following are 10 spots you absolutely must try on your next visit.
1. STK – Rooftop
STK is a hip steakhouse and lounge located in the heart of the Meatpacking District. As you’d expect, they serve premium cuts of meat like dry-aged ribeye and filet mignon. But STK also has a lively ambiance with a rooftop bar, in-house DJ, and signature cocktails, making it a hotspot for a fun night out. Beyond steak, you’ll find fresh seafood dishes like miso seabass on the menu. The modern vibe attracts crowds, especially on weekends, so reservations are a must if you want to experience the rooftop scene. With great steaks and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s easy to see why STK remains one of the most popular places to eat and drink near Chelsea Market.
2. Los Tacos No. 1
For fast and fresh Mexican eats, Los Tacos No. 1 is a must-visit taqueria located right inside Chelsea Market’s main hall. This popular taco spot makes fresh tortillas daily using old-school methods, resulting in soft and supple shells. Fillings like their juicy adobada pork and roasted sweet potatoes are packed with rich, complex flavors. While there’s no seating in their tiny market stall, it’s the perfect place to grab a few tacos as you walk around. With rave reviews across the board, Los Tacos No. 1 lives up to the hype and remains a top place to eat near Chelsea Market.
3. Catch Steak
Catch Steak is another popular steakhouse in the Meatpacking District, but with a vibe that’s livelier than your typical old-school chophouse. The multi-level space has different dining areas to explore, including a rooftop patio that retracts when not in use. The menu features high-end cuts like dry-aged bone-in ribeye along with trendy appetizers like truffle sashimi and lobster tempura. As you’d expect from a celeb hangout, it’s on the pricey side. But if you’re looking for a modern steak dinner with a buzzy ambiance, Catch Steak is hard to top for a night out near Chelsea Market. They combine classic steakhouse fare with a scene better suited to the hip Meatpacking District.
4. RH Rooftop Restaurant
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, check out the RH Rooftop Restaurant located atop RH New York, a high-end furniture gallery and showroom in the Meatpacking District. You can browse the luxury furnishings and accessories before heading up to the rooftop restaurant. There, you’re treated to awesome views of the NYC skyline as you enjoy wood-fired steaks, seafood towers, and a 300+ bottle wine list. It’s definitely a splurge-worthy spot, but the unique ambiance and upscale cuisine make it a special night out near Chelsea Market.
5. Buddakan NY
Buddakan is an ornate two-floor restaurant near Chelsea Market that draws inspiration from 16th century China with its decor. You’ll find a mix of Gothic and Asian elements like vaulted ceilings, red leather booths, and a large golden Buddha. The shareable small plates are great for sampling Buddakan’s Asian fusion fare – try the glazed spare ribs, edamame dumplings, and tuna spring rolls. For mains, expect dishes like miso seabass, five spice duck breast, and lobster with Szechuan peppers. It makes for a memorable upscale dining experience perfect for date nights or celebrations. Just be sure to make reservations since it’s a popular spot.
6. Anixi
If you’re seeking an upscale vegan meal in Chelsea, Anixi is a great option. Hidden away on 10th Ave, this restaurant puts a creative plant-based spin on Mediterranean cuisine in a chic, stylish setting. Dishes transform typically meat-centric staples into vegan masterpieces – think lentil bolognese, carrot souvlaki, and cauliflower shawarma. With plenty of kosher and gluten-free options, it accommodates most dietary needs. While prices lean towards the higher side, the innovative flavors and classy ambiance make it a top pick for vegan fare in Chelsea. The vegetable-focused dishes really shine here.
7. Cookshop
If you’re having trouble deciding where to eat, Cookshop is a solid bet for locally-sourced American cuisine in Chelsea. This neighborhood go-to first opened over 15 years ago, and it’s been popular with locals ever since. The industrial-chic space has living walls and Craftsman-style decor. During brunch, favorites like duck hash and fig pancakes hit the spot. Come dinner time, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas, roast chicken, hanger steak and more. There’s even a year-round back patio, which is a rarity in New York. For an all-around great meal in a lively ambiance, it’s hard to beat Cookshop.
8. Miznon
Swing by Miznon for a quick pita sandwich perfect for refueling while exploring Chelsea Market. Miznon first opened in Tel Aviv, with locations now found across the globe including this tiny Chelsea Market outpost. Their pitas get stuffed with a variety of grilled meats, roasted veggies, and mounds of fresh herbs. The lamb shoulder, hen thigh, and whole roasted cauliflower are standouts, slowly cooked over charcoal for maximum flavor. There are only a few stools for seating along the wall, so most guests take their pitas to go. For incredible flavors wrapped up in fluffy house-baked pitas, Miznon can’t be missed.
9. Hav & Mar
If you love seafood, put Hav & Mar on your list. This Scandinavian-inspired eatery from famed chef Marcus Samuelsson blends flavors from his Ethiopian and Swedish roots, as hinted by the name (“ocean” and “honey” respectively). Start off with beautifully plated crudo like beet-cured salmon or scallop ceviche. For mains, expect a range from bouillabaisse to Ethiopian chicken stew. It’s an upscale spot near Chelsea Market focusing on seafood with a unique mash-up of global influences. For something beyond standard fish plates, Hav & Mar is sure to satisfy. The cooking style offers an intriguing culinary journey.
10. SESAMO
Last but certainly not least is SESAMO, a cozy Italian-Japanese fusion spot in Hell’s Kitchen. Here you’ll find clever takes on Italian classics influenced by Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. Dishes like sea bass with curried pumpkin and mushroom tortelloni in white curry cream showcase the restaurant’s seamless marriage of European and Asian flavors. Other standouts include the crispy chickpea appetizer with Japanese 7-spice blend, chicken parmigiana with Szechuan peppercorns, and fresh pastas swirled with miso butter. For an affordable and inviting culinary mash-up, SESAMO is a don’t-miss option near Chelsea Market.
Conclusion
You’ll find all kinds of cuisines around Chelsea Market – Mexican, Italian, steakhouses, vegan, and more. The restaurants on this list are just a few examples of the great dining options in the neighborhood. So when you’re visiting Chelsea Market, take some time to explore outside too. The nearby streets are lined with different eateries for all tastes and budgets. Don’t miss out on the awesome variety that this part of NYC has to offer!
