We got a tour of the new Eataly in New York's Financial District — and it's obvious why it has so many dedicated fans

• Sarah Jacobs
   
 

• 24h

Opening day at Eataly's new downtown New York City location.Sarah Jacobs

Freshly baked breads, hand-pulled mozzarella, regional Italian seafood, and grilled flatbread are just a few of the delicious items that have drawn food-loving customers to Eataly's marketplaces in New York and Chicago.

Inspired by the original famous food mecca of the same name in Turin, Italy, chefs Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and Joe Bastianich opened the first American Eataly near New York's Madison Square Park in 2010. Building off of that success, the management team opened new locations in Chicago, and, just this week, New York's Financial District.

Eataly's mixture of market-style shopping, counter dining, and traditional restaurants has made it insanely popular with New Yorkers — and the new location, on the third floor of World Trade Center Tower 4, doesn't fail to impress. This location is unique, offering customers more breakfast and lunch options, including juice and salad bars.

Business Insider got the chance to check out the new space before the crowds arrived on opening day. Here's what to expect inside Eataly's new 45,000-square-foot space:

Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., this location is the first in New York to offer sit-down and grab-and-go breakfast options as well as menus for lunch and dinner.

Sarah Jacobs

Upon entering the store, you'll find a large table stacked high with baguettes. Bread is the theme for this location, and the brand says it represents community and connectivity around the world.

Sarah Jacobs

A wine and coffee bar is also conveniently located for those who want to sip while shopping.

Sarah Jacobs

There's a hefty supply of fresh fruits and vegetables for grocery shoppers.

Sarah Jacobs

There are also more than 10,000 products on sale, from cheese to salami.

Sarah Jacobs

Various imported Italian products, including soft drinks and tomato sauces, line the walls.

Sarah Jacobs

There are also over 100 varieties of extra virgin olive oil from producers that exclusively harvest in Italy.

Sarah Jacobs

If you're not sure what to purchase, the markets' mongers can help you decide.

Sarah Jacobs

Fresh seafood and cut meats are available.

Sarah Jacobs

Intricate pasta shapes are made on the premises.

Sarah Jacobs

For dessert, stop for a pasticcini — a bite-sized Italian pastry.

Sarah Jacobs

Learn how to put all those fresh ingredients to use at the 'Foodiversità' — a space for free classes and food demos happening three times daily.

Sarah Jacobs

There are more than seven different dining areas if you'd rather sit for a meal than shop.

Sarah Jacobs

Orto E Mare offers both classic American breakfast staples, such as granola and yogurt, and Italian dishes like prosciutto served with poached eggs.

Sarah Jacobs

For lunch, get oysters at the seafood bar.

Sarah Jacobs

Or pick up a quick slice of Italian flatbread, cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Sarah Jacobs

Sit and order freshly baked Neapolitan pizza from Rossopomodoro.

Sarah Jacobs

Get a made-to-order salad at Eataly's first-ever salad bar.

Sarah Jacobs

Osteria della Pace is a brand-new addition to Eataly that serves only dinner. Dishes are inspired by southern Italian cuisine.

Sarah Jacobs

Dishes such as pan-seared swordfish, suckling pig, and grilled lamb chops grace the menu.

Sarah Jacobs

Cheese and wine are served at a round bar in the center of the main dining area.

Sarah Jacobs

Eataly partner and well-known chef Lidia Bastianich was a special guest at the location's opening.

From left: Dino Borri, head of purchasing; Alex Saper, partner of Eataly Americas; Lidia Bastianich; Nicola Farinetti, CEO of Eataly Americas; Adam Saper, partner of Eataly Americas.Sarah Jacobs

Wine was given to guests who lined up to enter on the opening day.

Sarah Jacobs

The line to get in stretched outside the building, through the main hallway, and along two escalators.

Sarah Jacobs

Customers quickly filled the seats, ready to wine and dine.