A few years ago, finding somewhere decent to eat near Wall Street after, say, 9 p.m. was a difficult task. Fast-forward to 2019, and the influx of trendy Financial District restaurants (including those in neighboring South Street Seaport) has made the area a dining destination worth seeking out. Here are some of the best spots to eat in FiDi.
9 Seaport and Financial District Restaurants That Are Worth a Trip Downtown
•
Published Nov 14, 2019
Emily Andrews
1. Manhatta
This relatively new spot from Danny Meyer and the team at Union Square Hospitality sits on the 60th floor of a Liberty Street skyscraper. As you can imagine, the panoramic views of Lower Manhattan are dazzling. A meal here is a three-course affair where an appetizer, entrée and dessert will set you back just under $100. Like most of Meyer’s restaurants, the wine list is expansive and the dinner menu is seasonal and constantly changing. Expect dishes like Scottish snails in garlic butter, crescent duck with shishitos, and banana mousse served à la mode with a scoop of black sesame ice cream.
28 Liberty St.; manhattarestaurant.com
Nitzan Rubin
2. The Fulton
You don’t have to be a food critic to know the name Jean Georges Vongerichten, the prolific restaurateur behind ABC Kitchen. His latest venture, The Fulton, is located at Pier 17 in the Seaport, and it boasts sweeping views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. The menu revolves around seafood (think sashimi served with white ponzo, soft scambled eggs with lobster, and sesame-crusted salmon). While a meal here is definitely catered toward seafood lovers, there are also a few meat and vegetable options.
89 South St., thefulton.nyc
Natalie Black
3. Crown Shy
One of the most exciting openings of the year, Crown Shy—a collaboration between chef James Kent (the NoMad) and Jeff Katz (Del Posto)—lives up to the hype. Located in an art deco building on Pine Street, the large interior is sleek and dimly lit, and the menu is American-meets-Mediterranean with dishes like charred octopus over red rice and a super-tender short rib that easily feeds two. Just make sure at least one of the carb-heavy starters is on your table, like the decadent Gruyère fritters, which are basically cheese-filled churros. We particularly love the wine list, which touches just about every region from the Yarra Valley to Tenerife and offers bottles in anyone’s price range.
70 Pine St., crownshy.nyc
Courtesy of Augustine
4. Augustine
Before going to dinner within walking distance of Wall Street was cool, Keith McNally decided to open this French-inspired eatery in the Beekman Hotel. And it’s still just as good as when it opened, although it’s decidedly easier to get a table these days. The interior, with its antique mirrors and leather booth seating, will transport you to a Parisian brasserie, as will the food, which includes French classics like pork and foie gras terrine, cheesy gougères and wild-mushroom risotto.
5 Beekman St.; augustineny.com
5. Keste
Ever since we first dined at the Bleecker Street location, we’ve been hooked on Keste. This casual spot dishes out delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas from its wood-burning oven. The charred and bubbly crust gets topped with fresh ingredients like smoked mozzarella, broccoli rabe and sausage, and all pies can be made gluten-free. There are also some antipasto and salad options if you’re looking to eat a little something green before carb loading.
77 Fulton St.; kestepizzeria.com
Liz Clayman
6. Malibu Farm
This popular SoCal import has finally opened a New York offshoot at Pier 17 in the Seaport District. Malibu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an industrial space with East River views, and the offerings are sort of exactly what you’d expect from any restaurant with Malibu in its name: a salad of raw Brussels sprouts, cauliflower-crust pizza and colorful acai bowls. It’s a great spot to keep in mind for when you’re craving something healthy yet satisfying.
89 South St.; malibufarm.nyc
7. Pisillo
You might not notice this small storefront on Nassau Street, but step inside and the wafting aroma of warm focaccia should let you know this place is the real deal. There are 35 paninis on the menu, all relatively simple and stuffed with delicious, imported cured meats and cheeses. We’re partial to the Parma, a creation made with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and arugula.
97 Nassau St.; pisillopanini.com
8. Bar Wayo
This bar from David Chang and the Momofuku team, located at Pier 17 in the Seaport District, is a great spot for drinks and a snack or light meal. The menu is made up of things like beef tartare and dry spiced wings along with some more substantial bites like a chilled lobster roll and rib eye steak. There are a few wines, beers and sakes, but mostly you’re here for seasonal cocktails such as the South Street Sling, a blend of gin, mezcal, pineapple, pomegranate and macadamia.
9. Joe’s Pizza
The Carmine Street institution that’s home to some of the most iconic slices in New York has opened up shop on Fulton Street. Consider this your new go-to for a casual bite in FiDi. It’s also open until 3 a.m. or later every night, in case you find yourself in the area with a late-night pizza craving.
124 Fulton St.; joespizzanyc.com
