| Eataly 500 5th Ave. (entrances on 5th Ave. and 23rd St.) New York, NY 10010 |
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Eataly is a concept restaurant/marketplace developed with Mario Batali as an “Italian Marketplace.” it has several casual and a couple “proper” restuarants scattered throughout the building. There is a large marketplace filled with various Italian specialties, although some of the brands you may recognize from your local supermarket. Since we (me, husband and friend) are avid fans of italian food, we decided it would be a fun Friday after work place to meet up.
We ate at La Piazza/Il Pesce – both are eateries in the midst of the marketplace with table service (if you are going in the evening, it’s wise to go to the podium to request table service before you stroll the market itself). I have to admit that we were disappointed. The portions were small for the price point and the food was rather uninspired. As my husband put it, “Mario Batali likes to eat- I thought his portions would be bigger than this!”
The market itself gave me the same impression – lots of overpriced items (yes, it’s New York, so some inflation is expected) but not a whole lot that “wowed” me. That being said, it was still fun to walk through, but I wouldn’t make a special trip.
Since this a site focused on wheelchair accessibility in New York City and surrounding areas, I can tell you that Eataly is quite wheelchair friendly. There was absolutely no problem with getting around (aside from the crowds) and the restrooms were fine.
