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17 Best Grocery Stores in Manhattan

Did you recently move to the city? Or, are you a weary traveler looking to save a bit of cold, hard cash on food? Either way, this list of the best grocery stores in Manhattan is perfect for you!

After all, I’m a 30+ year local who has shopped at all of the best supermarkets in Manhattan for years!

Therefore, I know exactly where you should go whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal or want something a bit more budget-friendly.

Plus, many of the best grocery stores in NYC on this list are actually true New York City icons that you won’t find anywhere else.

So, stop breaking the bank when it comes to food and start shopping like a real, budget-conscious local. You know, like someone who knows exactly where to go for some of the best and cheapest food ever.

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1. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's storefront with pumpkins outside one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan.

Easily one of the cheapest grocery stores in NYC, Trader Joe’s is a fun and funky food provider that has been around since 1967.

Initially started in California, they now have stores all across the country and are known for a selection of unique, high-quality products that are always available at the lowest price possible.

So, think of this as basically the cheapest boutique grocery store that you’ll ever find. And because it’s a national chain, you’ll be able to quickly and easily find a Trader Joe’s near you as you make your way from Central Park all the way down to lower Manhattan.

I also love that there’s a big emphasis here on top-quality customer service. So, you’ll always feel warm and welcomed by staff when stepping into one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan.

Pro Tip: You won’t find a ton of name-brand items here. Instead, you’ll find unique products like their Diner Mac and Cheese, Cookie Butter (so flippin’ good), steamed chicken soup dumplings, and dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

2. Amish Market

Fresh produce at Amish Market, one of the best grocery stores in NYC.

Although this may not be one of the cheapest supermarkets in Manhattan, this chain of old-world, gourmet grocery stores is famed for its top-quality selection of vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and prepared meals.

See, they’ve been in business since 1991 and take great pride in developing relationships with top-quality artisans. This way, that they can provide you with only the finest products on the market today.

Therefore, this is one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan to visit if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner but don’t actually want to spend a ton of money on a fancy dinner.

Pro Tip: They have a great hot buffet bar, delicious ready-made sandwiches, a fantastic olive bar, and a “create your own salad bar” that is perfect if you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal.

3. Whole Foods

Couple shopping inside of Whole Foods, one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan.

No list of the best grocery stores in Manhattan would ever be complete without mentioning the one and only, Whole Foods.

That’s because this USDA-certified organic, multi-national supermarket chain provides customers with health-conscious, often plant-based foods that are free of mildly icky things like hydrogenated fats, artificial colors/flavors, and preservatives.

So, this is one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan if you’re in the market for (See what I did there?) unique, healthy, premium products that actually taste good.

Most of their locations in the city are also HUGE. So, you can easily beeline it to the salad bar/hot bar, fill your “to-go” container with as much food as possible. and then enjoy an informal picnic in places like Bryant Park and Union Square.

Pro Tip: This place is NOT one of the cheapest grocery stores in Manhattan. So, don’t expect to save a ton of money here. But, they do stock a wide array of delicious foods like Cape Cod Trail Mix, Coffe and Donut Ice Cream, Pistachio Nut Clusters, Ginger Sparkling Water, and Berry Chantilly Cake (all made by 365).

4. Westside Market NYC

Empty shopping cart in front of the doors of the refrigerator section.

Located on NYC’s posh Upper West Side, this high-end supermarket is open 24/7 and is known for providing locals with an amazing selection of premium meats, produce, and prepared foods by their in-house cook, Maria Zoitas.

Honestly, I can’t emphasize enough how fresh and delicious their produce is since they have an enormous selection of items that are displayed just outside the store.

I also love shopping here because it’s a family-owned business that is run by a local Greek family, who first came to the US 45+ years ago.

Since then, they’ve managed to create one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan, which now has seven different locations scattered throughout the city.

So, go where the locals (like me) go and try anything from their hot and cold salad bar, in addition to their assortment of amazing deli meats and cheeses.

5. Zingone Brothers

This is another one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan that is a TOTAL local hot spot on the Upper West Side.

See, it basically overlooks Central Park West and is known for being an old-school, family-run place that features tons of quality groceries, fruits, and veggies amidst a super cozy atmosphere.

So, if you want to support local businesses while purchasing some of the best groceries in the city, then THIS is the place for you.

There’s also a BIG emphasis here on warm, personable, and super friendly service. So, after talking with some of their fabulous staff, you’re sure to leave with a giant smile on your face.

Pro Tip: The prices here are also pretty reasonable (at least for NYC) and you can get a ton of name-brand items here too.

6. Gristedes

Gristedes Supermarket in New York City.

I’ve shopped here ever since I was a kid and this is easily one of the most quintessential and best grocery stores in Manhattan on this list.

After all, this chain of supermarkets has 30+ stores in Manhattan ALONE and has been providing locals with high-quality foods for the past 100+ years.

So, yeah, you know they’re clearly doing something right if they’re still in business and their first store was founded in 1888 at the corner 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue.

And while this deffo isn’t one of the cheapest grocery stores in Manhattan, they do offer a wide selection of produce, meat, dairy items, fresh baked goods, frozen foods, non-food items, and gourmet foods.

You can also get a ton of brand-name groceries in NYC here if there’s a specific item that you’re searching for.

Pro Tip: My favorite Gristedes is the one at 1446 2nd Ave, on the Upper East Side.

7. Morton Williams

I don’t normally eat supermarket sushi (it scares me quite a bit), but when I do, I order it from Morton Williams.

That’s because this family-owned, fine purveyor of foods has been around since 1946 and currently has a grand total of 15 different supermarkets in the New York, metropolitan area.

They’re also known for their top-notch, prepared foods – making this one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan if you’re looking for a well-priced, to-go meal fast.

So, if you’re searching out some of the best grocery stores in Manhattan, then give this place a try since they feature ShopRite-brand products in addition to fresh seafood, deli meats, pre-cooked meals, salads, and various other brand-name items.

Pro Tip: I like to shop at the branches on the Upper East Side for coffee but there’s also a nice one near NYU and Washington Square Park. Some locations are also open twenty-four hours. feature a great hot buffet and salad bar, and have a quiet little upstairs dining room for you to eat in.

8. D’Agostino

D'Agostino grocery store in NYC.

With eleven stores in Manhattan alone, D’Agostino is one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan that is renowned for its premium artisanal foods, and non-perishable items.

That’s because this family-owned Manhatten grocery store was first founded in ye olde 1932 by brothers Pasquale and Nicola D’Agostino.

And since then, the brand has grown in popularity and was even been featured in popular shows like Will and Grace (the two met in a D’Agostino).

So, while you may not save a ton of money here, you will enjoy an exceptional selection of well-prepared hot foods and to-go meals, in addition to various artisanal cheeses, craft beers, premium deli meats, name-brand items, fresh baked goods, and more.

Yup, just one of the all-around best supermarkets in Manhattan if you want top-quality, prepared foods and aren’t too concerned with the price.

Pro Tip: My favorite D’Agostino is on 38th Street in Murray Hill.

9. Fairway Market

Cheap New York City supermarkets selling high-quality foods can be difficult to come by. Thankfully though, you have Fairway Market for all your budget, grocery-related, shopping needs.

Sure, there may not be a ton of Fairway Markets in Manhattan, but you do have four locations to choose from, with the Kipps Bay store being my own personal favorite.

I mean, not only are the prices and quality great, but the staff is friendly, there is a wide selection of products to choose from, the store is spacious, and check out is always efficient.

And that makes sense since this is one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan that started out in the 1930s as a humble vegetable and fruit stand on the Upper Wes Side.

But, this supermarket has long since become an integral part of New York City life as locals flock here for great food at exceptionally reasonable prices.

Pro Tip: Visit their website to get access to special digital coupons that will help you save big on some of your favorite brand-name items.

10. Zabar’s

Zabars is a specialty food store located on the corner of Broadway and West 80th Street. It is famous for its delicacies and a variety of cheeses.

Want to shop for groceries like a true New Yorker? If so then hit up Zabar’s, an iconic NYC grocery store and brunch spot in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

In fact, this is one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan that has been in business for well over 80 years since it was first founded by Lillian and Louis Zabar in 1934.

And now? Well, this 20,000 square foot store quietly sits on the corner of West 80th Street and Broadway, providing locals with a divine selection of smoked fish, freshly roasted coffee, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.

So, stop by one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan today, grab a cup of coffee, pair it with a bagel with lox and cream cheese, and embrace the glory of being a REAL New Yorker.

You should also 100% get this meal to go so that you can picnic like a champ in nearby Central Park.

11. 4th Street Food Coop

Tucked away in Manhattan’s Ukrainian Village, this immortal health food store is beloved by locals who want to purchase fantastic dry goods in bulk (think beans, grains, nuts, dried fruit, etc.).

They also provide patrons with a wide assortment of awesome organic produce and spices that can be used to prepare fresh and delicious meals daily.

So, if you’re a local New Yorker who is looking to purchase fresh and delicious cooking staples in for less, then this is the place for you!

FYI, the service is also exceptional since the staff is always courteous and friendly, making shopping here a real pleasure.

Pro Tip: They’re not known for their prepared foods but you can save money by getting a family yearly membership that will help you save an extra 8% on produce.

12. Citarella

Citarella grocery store in New York City.

Another Upper West Side institution, Citarella is one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan that has been family-run since 1914.

It’s also a gourmet grocery store where locals shop for top-quality seafood that is never frozen, always hand-prepared, and shipped to stores overnight.

However, if you’re not big into seafood, you can always check out their exquisite collection of wines, spirits, dry-aged steaks, and freshly butchered meats.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop by one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan today to pick up unique items like a make-your-own ceviche kit, a seafood tower, a fresh seafood essentials kit, and more!

13. Bodegas

Local bodega in NYC with a green awning. One of the best grocery stores in Manhattan.

Oh, New York City bodegas. How I love thee. Let me count the ways…

In all seriousness though, local bodegas have saved my butt more times than I can count, which is why they made it on this list of the best grocery stores in NYC.

However, just in case you’re not super familiar with NYC slang, a bodega is basically like a family-run convenience store where you can go to get basics like soda, chips, milk, bread, eggs, etc.

So, although they typically don’t have a ton of food to choose from, they do have the essentials and come in handy if you just want to go around the corner and get something really quickly.

Pro Tip: Do NOT use bodega ATMs to get cash. They are sketchy AF and often charge you insane fees to withdraw cash. Always use a bank ATM instead. Many bodegas also serve up some of the best bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches in the city.

14. Eataly

Serra in Eataly with a flower motif on the roof.

Not one of your typical supermarkets in Manhattan, Eataly was originally founded by famous chef Mario Batali.

As a result, it is a fusion Italian grocery store/restaurant that serves some of the best pizza, pasta, espresso, and gelato that I’ve ever had in my life.

So, while I wouldn’t come here to do a full week’s worth of grocery shopping – since they definitely don’t have everything you need – this is a great place to go if you want a delicious pre-prepared Italian meal or some high-quality, Italian ingredients.

It’s also very much NOT cheap but the quality of the meat, cheese, seafood, pasta, and produce available here is worth the sometimes steep price tag.

Pro Tip: The Flat Iron location is typically crowded but my favorite outpost in the city. I’d also stop by the pasta bar (Il Pastaio di Eataly) and get a giant plate of butternut squash stuffed pasta with sage and brown butter.

15. Union Market

Free produce outside a local market at one of the best supermarkets in New York City.

With multiple locations in Brooklyn and the East Village, Union Market is one of the best supermarkets in Manhattan if you’re looking for local fare that is both organic and all-natural.

So yeah, think of it as a smaller, slightly more local version of Whole Foods. They also have an excellent selection of meat, bread, cheese, prepared foods, seafood, and produce to choose from, making this a go-to spot for anyone in the East Village.

In particular, their meat and seafood sections are next-level awesome, in addition to providing customers with delicious sushi, bread, baked goods, and sandwiches.

Therefore, even though this store is a little pricey, it’s worth it to shop for all the high-quality products on offer here.

Pro Tip: Katz Deli is nearby so be sure to stop by one of the many places you must eat in NYC while you’re here.

16. Associated Supermarkets

With locations scattered throughout Manhattan, Associated Supermarket is great if you’re looking for one of the cheapest grocery stores in Manhattan.

Because this local chain of shops is known for providing customers with high-quality, name-brand items for less.

And if you want to save even more money, but sure to visit their website, where they offer shoppers special online coupons for popular products,

While you’re here, you can also access various recipes and use them to create some of your favorite dishes at home.

Pro Tip: My favorite store is on the Upper East Side along Madison Avenue.

17. C-Town

Oh C-Town, you are the ultimate blast from the past. Yeah, I used to go shopping at one of the best grocery stores in Manhattan ALL THE TIME with my grandma.

She would low-key steal grapes by shoving them in my mouth as a snack. LOL. Anyway, C-Town is a chain of independently owned grocery stores that can be found all throughout the Northeastern United States.

So, as you might expect, there are a bunch of stores located in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan. It’s nothing special and pretty much just a regular old grocery store where you can find traditional items at decent prices.

And my fave location happens to be in Harlem on Frederick Douglas Boulevard since the service is good, the store is clean, and the staff are always helpful.

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    Map of the Best Best Grocery Stores in Manhattan

    Map of the best grocery stores in Manhattan.
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    Well, there you have it. That pretty much concludes my list of the best grocery stores in Manhattan.

    Tell me, did your favorite supermarkets in Manhattan make the cut?

    If not then let me know in the comments below so that I can add them to this list of the best supermarkets in New York City.

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