Essex Market

"Lower East Side megaproject Essex Crossing’s food hall, the Market Line, recently debuted an outdoor dining area at 81 Norfolk Street, at the corner of Delancey Street, and customers can get food from vendors like German smoked meats shop Schaller and Weber, NYC staple Veselka, seafood destination Essex Pearl and Tortilleria Nixtamal. Orders have to be placed on phones by scanning a QR code present on tables outside and waitstaff then bring over the food. Many of the vendors at the food hall are also doing a host of grocery deliveries through Mercato." - Erika Adams, Tanay Warerkar

"The smoked salmon sandwich with smetana and paddlefish roe is light and flavorful, priced at $12." - Robert Sietsema

"Founded in the 1940s, moved to Essex Crossing building in 2019." - Megan Murphy

"Hera differs from the other restaurants on this guide because, well, it’s not a physical restaurant. This roaming cooking project was started by one of the former chefs at Oxalis (an amazing place to have a special occasion meal, even if it doesn’t feel like a dinner party per se). The Hera team throws elaborate dinner parties all around the city, often in people’s apartments and sometimes at places like Winona’s in Bed-Stuy and the Market Line on the Lower East Side. Their set meals typically cost under $100 and focus on whatever seasonal ingredients the chefs are excited about. Follow Hera on Instagram so you won’t miss their next party (or DM them for inquiries about private dinners). " - hannah albertine

"One of the city’s oldest food halls is now located across the street from its original location with a much larger footprint and many more options. The iconic Shopsins is still part of the lineup for those who want a wild, diner-esque meal, but there are also Thai, Scandinavian, Japanese, and award-winning Indian fare. Downstairs at Essex Crossing’s the Market Line, find an outpost of pierogi favorite Veselka and Peoples Wine bar from the Wildair team." - Eater Staff