March 8th marks the opening of one of New York’s largest art fairs, none other than The Armory Show. Artists, patrons, and gallerists will be making their annual pilgrimage to Piers 92 & 94 to view over 200 contemporary galleries from around the globe exhibiting some of the most innovative and progressive artists to date. Fair to say, you’d be crazy to miss this cultural mecca of the arts but pro tip, don’t arrive on an empty stomach.
The AZ team is no stranger to a full day on the fair circuit, and we want you to enjoy this crash course of contemporary art without crashing, so we’ve lined up eight restaurants that are sure to fuel your full day of arts and culture.
773 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Food for thought: Hell’s Kitchen can be a bit of an overload for the everyday New Yorker, but Taboon offers the much-needed escape from the chaos of the theater district with its intimate atmosphere and vibrant Mediterranean and middle eastern fare. Sure this place has a bit of a price point, but the food is exceptional. Make sure to order the Taboon trio to taste a selection of their best mezzes and don’t miss out on their woodfired house focaccia!
Distance from show: 8 min walk
600 11th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Food for thought: Gourmet food markets have become the ultimate dining destination for the indecisive food-fanatic, and there’s no better place for a fast-casual bite in Hell’s Kitchen than Gotham West Market. Home to many of NY’s favorites including, Jianbing Company, Waffle De Lys, and Corner Slice, you’re guaranteed to satisfy at least one of your food cravings and to capture that perfect food instagram you’ve been striving for. Why settle for just one meal when you can have 5?
Distance from show: 12 min walk
766 9th Ave #2, New York, NY 10019
Food for thought: In a neighborhood saturated with Thai restaurants, PURE Thai Cookhouse is blowing them all out of the water. We’re talking authentic Thai dishes, Thai music, and Thai chefs, all in an unassuming hole in the wall with overwhelming charm. This place has a huge following so expect a wait, but don’t worry, turn around is fast, so you’ll be gorging on homemade noodles in no time.
Distance from show: 13 min walk
401 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Food for thought: If wine is your thing, then Casellula is the place for you. This place offers the ideal wine bar experience with its cozy atmosphere and expertly paired wines and cheeses. Speaking of cheese, these guys know what they are doing, with a selection of over 30 cheeses from all around the world. Plus, they’re serving up equally as delicious share plates and entrees, making this a full-service restaurant that shines brightly in Hell’s Kitchen.
Distance from show: 12 min walk
366 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Food for thought: The NYC ramen boom was hard to miss, but Totto Ramen, open for eight years, still holds up as one of the best in the city. This tiny ramen shop (now one of seven in the world) dishes out delicious bowls of rich broth, perfected noodles, and traditional toppings that never fail to satiate. This place is intimate – TINY – and the wait is always long, so get there early to put your name down.
Distance from show: 13 min walk
628 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Food for thought: The term farm-to-table gets tossed around a lot, but The Marshal is the real deal. Offering an ever-changing menu of locally sourced ingredients from our very own backyard, each dish features produce and meats from a different local farm and embodies the true spirit of slow-foods. It’s cozy atmosphere and freshly baked bread seal the deal and make this one of our go-to brunch spots in Hell’s Kitchen.
Distance from show: 16 min walk
504 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Food for thought: Brunch and lunch are taken to the next level at this charming, design-focused restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. Rustic Table’s food is as delicious as it is beautiful, served on butchers blocks, out of iron skillets, and mason jars. They’ve nailed the farm-style dining experience with their laid-back atmosphere, fresh salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and egg dishes. Plus the coffee is on point. Again, this place is popular so expect a short wait; we promise it’s worth it.
Distance from show: 18 min walk
365 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Food for thought: The sprawling flagship location of Sushi Seki has made a game-changing menu alteration, we’re talking about a $55 “mini” omakase menu inclusive of 6 pieces of Nigiri with two hand rolls or with one hand roll and mini soba/udon noodles. We love this New York staple for its sleek design, spectacular sushi, and a buzzy crowd. One caveat, the “mini” omakase is only served at their seven-seater sushi bar, so make a reservation in advance.
Distance from show: 19 min walk
About the author: Sophia Schneider works as a freelance writer and photographer in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Follow her food adventures at @themediocrechef
top image // Photo ℅ @taboonnyc
