As someone who has become an unfortunate jaded New Yorker in some aspects, I was delighted to discover for the first time the essence and variety that is Eataly. Eataly is unlike anything I have seen before in New York, where they pair off the freshest variety in foods for you to bring home right next to mini restaurants that boasts the same type of food you are about to eat. Sounds confusing right? It isnt. To me, when I went inside Eataly I felt like I was in a mixture of Fairway/Whole Foods type of a Supermarket (without the shallowness and annoying people in it) mixed with anything from great pizzeria to a delicious sweet shoppe and everything in between. For a real foodie (hate it or love that word) it is sort of like you are walking into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, although instead of it being just chocolate it is every type of yummy food imaginable.
Before me and my friend roamed around the location, we sat down to eat dinner at one of their seven restaurants called "La Pizza & La Pasta". We were excited to see what they were going to present us, as they were located right next to all the delicious take home pastas, sauces, and anything else Italian related out there. Suggestions that I would make to my readers if they choose this restaurant upon entrance at Eataly are the Caprese as theirs is done with a bit of a twist, using heirloom tomatoes and a zesty and delicious champagne vinaigrette to go along with. For "The Pizza" section, all of them look absolutely splendid however I would recommend trying the Salsiccciotta. This is made with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Eataly Housemade Sweet Italian Sausage, Mushrooms and Basil. What is fantastic about this pizza is that each ingredient really shines when you take a bite, which can be unlikely with some pizzas because there can be one that outshadows the other. For the Pasta section, you can't get any better or more traditional than their Ravioli. It is their housemade one that comes with Spring Pea, Ricotta, Pecorino, and mint with butter and peas. For something that doesn't have a meat option, the Eataly ravioli was far and by superb in taste and contrast in flavors. Overall a 9/10 in my book.
Something me and my friend also discovered while we were there was the Nutella bar, nudged in a corner of Eataly. As someone who is a bit of a Nutella "nut" per se I was completely excited to see what they had to offer. You literally walk in to a room full of jars of Nutella (heavy breathing) and a simple yet cute bar with 8 different ways you can experience Nutella via Eataly. You can have it in Brioche form (Croissant filled with Nutella), or you can try it in Tortina Margherita form (muffin spread with Nutella) if that spikes your fancy. For me and my friend we simply beelined for the Crepe option, where I had mine filled with warm Nutella and Banana slices. Unreal taste- warm, hazelnutty, just crazy good. A perfect way to finish off a great meal at both of these locations.
Eataly boasts a ton of fresh food on top of the great restaurants they provide as well. While you are there you can shop for anything from top of the line fish and meat items, fresh pasta, coffees, sweets, decor and even take a cooking class or two. They are pretty much your one stop shop for all things delicious. I would definitely recommend anyone going, bringing a big group of friends and seeing what all the great hype is about. Worth the visit for sure.
Check out Eataly's official website for more information about their restaurants, food, classes and more.
Eataly
200 5th Avenue (Between 23rd and 24th Street)
212-229-2560
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