Hudson Yards is potentially New York’s most exciting real estate development in decades. The tightly structured neighborhood could redefine how we look at urban planning, but it holds a special appeal for foodies. Some of the world’s most renowned chefs are vying for a spot at the Hudson Yards table, and that means that guests will have plenty of opportunities to taste a veritable world market of food. These are the restaurants you should keep an eye on.
Kāwi
David Chang’s Momofuku has redefined the idea of franchise dining with its expansive model of specialized Asian concepts that each tell a different culinary story. While Kāwi bears the Momofuku name, it has an identity all its own. Despite the focus on Korean cooking, this menu will be anything but traditional, and the presence of tableside elements adds a flair of the theatrical to the dining experience.
Estiatorio Milos
Estiatorio Milos is a New York institution. Its upscale but traditional approach to Greek seafood dishes has been satisfying customers since 1998. Head chef Costas Spiliadis knows better than to mess with a good thing, and Estiatorio Milos will sport essentially the same menu with the same approach to stylish and luxurious decor. You just don’t have to make a trip all the way to Midtown to experience it. The one major addition here is the presence of Milos Wine Bar, which will serve Greek wines, yogurts, and small plates you won’t find on the regular menu.
TAK Room
When multiple James Beard Award winner James Keller opens a restaurant, people pay attention. So it’s only natural that TAK Room will be one of the centerpieces of the Hudson Yards dining scene. With seating for 200 people, TAK Room is positioned to be a more accessible culinary experience, and that’s reflected in his cheaper menu. But the ambiance draws from 1950s elegance, and you can expect champagne carts and live music in addition to the continental inspired menu.
Belcampo Meat Co.
If you’re looking for a less extravagant dining experience, the fast-casual Belcampo might be more up your alley. But don’t come here expecting Chipotle. Belcampo Meat Co. is based around an ethical approach to meat sourcing, and they’ll be shipping in whole animals to provide fresh and ethically conscious meals. The burgers are the real selling point here, but Belcampo also offers salads and bowls topped with the locally butchered meat. It’s the first time the Belcampo chain will be available outside of California.
Mercado Little Spain
For some of the best traditional Spanish food in New York, visit this enormous all-day market featuring the culinary works of Chef Jose Andres and the Adria Brothers, Ferran and Albert; three legends in the food world considered by many to be some of the most influential in Spanish cuisine today. Mercado Little Spain is a 35,000-square-foot dining hall serving tapas, wine, cocktails, coffee, and even dry goods and souvenirs through three full-service restaurants. Better yet, most products are imported directly nearly every corner of Spain to guarantee authenticity and maximum flavor.
Queensyard
Thanks to the overseas company D&D London, Queensyard brings British flair to Hudson Yards in the form of a casual kitchen and bar. Found on the fourth floor, this 11,000-square-foot space serves a few British classics like scotch eggs and fish and chips, yet tweaking their main dishes to “appeal to New York tastes.” Their cafe and wine bar is another great spot for a light lunch, serving sandwiches, juice, and coffee during the day, transforming into an ideal cocktail bar at night (while still serving small plates).
