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The Best Places to Eat in Grand Central

There are dozens of restaurants competing for your attention and wallet at the Grand Central Terminal. And, as a major transportation hub, you might well expect that there's an incredible range of cuisines from which to choose—from cutting-edge to a quick grub grab with items ideal for a noshing on your train. You can loll away the hours sipping rare wine with multi-course meals, dispose of a dozen oysters with a beer or two,  or savor a steak, tuck into a burger, sample some sushi. It's all right here.

Here are a few of our picks, casual and serious, new and old, healthy and decadent. At Grand Central, how you roll is up to you.

great northern food hall

Cipriani Dolce

Cipriani Dolce

Grand Central is always thrumming with activity and it’s hypnotic to simply take a seat on the balcony to watch the commuters create an ever-changing kaleidoscope of humanity. Gazing from above is even better while eating and drinking, of course. Cipriani Dolce sits atop the balcony and delivers sumptuous food and drink.  Perfect post-work meet up spot. Open seven days a week, 11:30am-9:45pm. 89 E. 42nd Street, 212-973-0999, cipriani.com

The Campbell

Formerly known as The Campbell Apartment, this iconic cocktail bar is located within Grand Central Terminal, a former apartment of 1920s financial mogul John W. Campbell, who converted the space in 1923. It showcases Florentine influences, including soaring 25 foot high painted ceilings, a fireplace, Campbell's steel safe, and century old leaded glass window with original millwork. It was recently renovated by The Gerber Group, and in addition to cocktails, patrons can enjoy a menu of elevated bar fare and lunch specialties, small plates, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Enjoy live jazz, too. 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, 917-209-3440, thecampbellnyc.com 

Central Market New York

Central Market

Ever evolving with the commuter market, Central Market New York on the Dining  Concourse (lower level) has been around for more than 30 years. With an emphasis on what's filling and easy for on-the-go fare, the Market is sandwich-centric, serving up classics such as the BLT, the Pan Am (Roast Beef, Jarlsberg Cheese and Caramelized Onions on a Garlic Infused Semolina Hero) Milano Chicken (with mozzarella, roasted peppers, pesto, on a toasted Ciabatta), the Farmers Lunch Sandwich (Black Forest Ham, Brie, Lettuce and Honey Mustard on a French Baguette) or the I'm Vegetarian, with house sauteed carrots, zucchini, American Cheese, Eggplant, Avocado, Squash on a Semolina hero.)  23 Vanderbilt Ave, centralmarketnewyork.com

Luke's Lobster Grand Central

Luke's Lobster

Those craving a little taste of Maine on the go may want to stop by and grab a chair by Luke's Lobster Grand Central, located on the Dining Concourse. Patrons can enjoy hearty lobster (try the Spicy Honey Butter Lobster Roll, with Mike's Hot Honey, butter, and Aleppo pepper flakes-if you're undecided, try the lobster roll flight option), crab, or shrimp sandwich on a toasted rolls, 4 oz or 6 oz. sizes available. Pair it with an ice cold brew, cider, seltzer, a cocktail, or a side of clam chowder.  lukeslobster.com

Eli Zabar's Farm to Table

We realize being in a train station one might not be thinking about eating healthy, but it is possible. Yes, they are the sister company of the renowned Eli Zabar's Bread and Pastry.  This freestanding fruit and vegetable market showcases Zabar’s long-term commitment to the seasonal, organic, sustainable practices of farmers in the tri-state area. Support local businesses. Open daily 8am-8pm, closed Sunday. 212-490-4444, grandcentralterminal.com

City Winery Grand Central 

City Winery Grand Central Newest to the dining scene here is City Winery Grand Central Market, which just opened November 2022. Located in Vanderbilt Hall (formerly the Terminal's Great Northern Food Hall), City Winery's 14th location is a sprawling space, that includes a restaurant, two service counters, and a to-go spot.  Menu items include a variety of salads, shared plates for your travel buddy, (cheese boards, charcuterie boards, Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Wings), as well as entrees (burgers, Schnitzel, Ratatouille) and much more.  89 E. 42nd Street, 332-264-1233, citywinery.com

Grand Central Oyster Bar

 grand central terminal oyster bar tiles

Although they're currently closed on the weekends, Grand Central Oyster Bar has been shucking and stewing oysters since 1913. Their bill of fare menu is a cornucopia of seafood with an extensive selection of fresh fish option as well as oysters and shellfish. A ceiling of arches, also known as Guastavino vaults, looms overhead. They're the claim to fame of a 19th century Spanish architect whose work can be seen all around NYC. And kids will love the acoustic tricks played by the arched ceiling outside the Oyster Bar entrance—which were once used by pickpockets and their partners to target easy marks.

The restaurant is cavernous, and the best seats in the house face the bar with its signature steam kettles for transforming raw ingredients into into seafood stews and pan roasts. It’s a mouthwatering experience just to gape as the cooks ladle cream over oysters or clams, spice it just right, and place the brimming bowl in front of you.

CityGuide insider tip: Use the Oyster Bar’s nifty takeout window to order some chowder, and take it to Bryant Park. It’s not the beach, but it’s the next best thing.

Dining Concourse

sushi grand central terminal

Grand Central's lower level is a foodie's smorgasbord, with menu options and comfortable seating intended to accommodate weary travelers and visiting families alike. NYC’s favorite burgers are dispensed by the dozen at Shake Shack, if you're looking to grab and go.

Sweet Treats and Java

You'll find a pair of superstar coffee specialists dispensing carefully sourced and roasted beans at Grand Central: Cafe Grumpy and Joe The Art of Coffee. While the coffees are sublime, the accompanying pastries will lure you to linger and lick your fingers, too.

Speaking of which, anyone with a sweet tooth is going to find seductive tidbits wat Grand Central. Magnolia Bakery will beckon you to its cupcake assortment. Or try an artisanal delight from the renowned chocolatier Jacques Torres. who's responsible for the city’s most decadent chocolate chip cookies (served warm).

There's no way to leave hungry at Grand Central, and there’s something for every taste and every budget. Here, your only dilemma will be in deciding what to choose.

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