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New York City’s food scene can be hard to navigate, with so many different places to eat, from the highest of high-class restaurants to little hole-in-the-wall joints, with flavors from the Middle East to Europe to Latin America and back. We’re here to help you out on your trip to the Big Apple with our guide on where to the best Meatpacking restaurants, so your time will be full of the best flavors.
1. Hao Noodle Chelsea
While the name might say Chelsea, this authentic Chinese restaurant is located right on the dividing line between the two neighborhoods, so it definitely counts as a Meatpacking District gem. The restaurant was opened by Madam Zhu, an experienced restaurateur with dozens of Michelin star restaurants across China and New York. Hao Noodle Chelsea offers Madam Zhu’s signature authentic Sichuan cuisine at an affordable price. The restaurant’s most popular dish is the Le Shan Chicken, but you can rest assured that everything else on the menu is not to miss, either.
2. Untitled
Yes, this is the name of the restaurant: Untitled. The high line restaurant attached to the Whitney Museum is a favorite of the Meatpacking District offering up mouthwatering plates of classic American comfort food with a modern twist. Popular dishes include the fried chicken salad, the mushroom and sausage pasta, and beet salad, though you can count on anything on the menu being delicious. The restaurant’s desserts are also to die for, with chocolate chunk cookies as the uncontested favorite.
3. Spice Market
If you’re in the mood for Asian fusion cuisine bridging across Asian cultures, Spice Market is the place to be. The restaurant’s chefs carefully prepare plates that mix popular Asian street food dishes from across the continent with modern American twists. The most popular dishes at Spice Market include cilantro yogurt crab dumplings, spiked chicken samosas, and cod with Malaysian chili sauce. Chefs at this popular downtown restaurant work hard to make the flavors as authentic as possible, to give your mouth a taste of the flavors around the world.
4. Toro
A fan of Spanish food? You don’t have to book a flight to Madrid to enjoy some paella and sangria. New York City’s Toro in the Meatpacking District is the place to get your fill of Spain’s best flavors. The restaurant features fusion-style tapas, drinks served in hollowed out grapefruits with a unique design. While browsing through the menu, be sure to try some popular dishes like the hamachi crudo and gambas al ajillo. The sandwiches are also always a great option. Toro is also famous for fresh, local flavors and modern twists on Barcelona area classics.
5. Fig & Olive
If it’s Italian food you’re after, look no further than Fig and Olive in the Meatpacking District. The restaurant is well known for its delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and for the unique flavored olive oils used in the cooking process. The restaurant opened in the Meatpacking District in 2005 following the success of other locations. 13 years later, the site is a staple of neighborhood eats. Try the truffle mushroom fontina, or the beef carpaccio, while the chocolate pot de creme is a crowd favorite when it comes time for desserts. For more flavors of Europe, check out our guide to the Best French Restaurants in NYC.
6. STK Downtown
Burgers and meats more your thing? STK Downtown is perfect. The famous meatpacking district bistro and steakhouse is known as the spot to be for the best meats in NYC. The restaurant features a cozy, lounge vibe that almost feels like a cross between a high-end nightclub and a classic burger joint. The restaurant’s meats are affordable and each patty is cooked to absolute perfection. While famous for a good cut of meat, STK Downtown’s drinks and desserts are also not to be missed, so be sure to make room in your stomach to try it all.