Little Spain Market: A Piece of Spain in New York
Location: Hudson Yards, Manhattan, New York. (Specifically at 10 Hudson Yards, at the base of the building).
Market History
Little Spain Market is a vibrant «love letter to Spain» conceived by world-famous Spanish chef José Andrés , in collaboration with legendary chefs Ferran and Albert Adrià .
Opened in March 2019 , the market is part of the ambitious redevelopment project for Hudson Yards. José Andrés’ vision was not simply to create another food hall , but to replicate the atmosphere and experience of an authentic traditional Spanish market. It’s a space of over 3,200 square meters designed to be a bustling hub of social life, where people can eat, drink, and shop, all under one roof.
What can we buy at this market?
Although the main focus is on prepared food, Little Spain Market has a «Colmado» (grocery store) and specialized kiosks where you can buy high-end Spanish products to take home:
- Hams and Sausages: Slices of acorn-fed Iberian ham and Serrano ham.
- Spanish Cheeses: A cured selection that includes Manchego, Idiazabal and Cabrales.
- Canned goods: An impressive variety of high-quality canned seafood (razor clams, cockles, tuna belly), a mainstay of Spanish tapas culture.
- Oils and Vinegars: Extra virgin olive oils from different regions of Spain.
- Sweets and nougat: Especially during the Christmas season, but also shortbread and other traditional sweets.
- Wines and Spirits: A wine cellar ( Wines ) with an extensive selection of Spanish wines, cavas and sherry.
What can we eat at this market?
This is where Little Spain shines. It’s a labyrinth of kiosks, bars, and restaurants, each specializing in a different aspect of Spanish cuisine:
- Tapas and Raciones Kiosks:
- Bravas: Serving the classic patatas bravas.
- Croquettes and Fried Foods: Kiosks dedicated to croquettes (ham, chicken, etc.) and fried fish.
- Ham and Cheese: Stalls to taste dishes of freshly hand-cut Iberian ham and cheese boards.
- Main Dishes:
- Leña: The heart of the market, a restaurant centered around the wood fire where gigantic paellas are prepared in full view of the public, as well as roasted meats.
- Sandwiches: Serving the famous Spanish sandwiches, such as the calamari sandwich (bread with fried calamari) or the Serrano ham sandwich.
- Restaurants with Seating:
- Spanish Diner: A Spanish version of an American diner , serving «home-style food» such as huevos rotos, stews, and the quintessential Spanish breakfast.
- Mar: A restaurant focused on the freshest seafood and fish in Spain.
- Desserts and Drinks:
- Churros: A kiosk dedicated exclusively to freshly made churros with thick hot chocolate.
- Cakes and Ice Creams: Ice creams with Spanish flavors such as nougat or olive oil.
- Bars: Several bars serving sangria, gin and tonics (very popular in Spain) and «cañas» (draft beers).
Best times to visit
Little Spain Market is a completely indoor destination , making it perfect to visit year-round .
- Winter: It’s an ideal refuge. Its warm and bustling atmosphere, along with its stews and hot churros, make it a perfect place to escape the New York cold.
- Spring and Summer: Although the market is indoors, its location in Hudson Yards allows you to perfectly combine the visit with a stroll along the High Line or a visit to The Vessel structure , which are right next door.
Guided tour options
Little Spain Market is designed for self-guided exploration . It does not offer traditional public guided tours.
The «visit» consists of strolling freely, going from kiosk to kiosk ( tapas ), ordering a drink at a bar, and perhaps sitting down for a paella. It’s a social and immersive experience. However, they also offer options for private events and group bookings at their larger restaurants.
Conclusion
Mercado Little Spain is much more than a food hall ; it’s a culinary and cultural embassy. José Andrés has managed to capture the energy, the buzz, and above all, the authentic flavors of Spain in the heart of Manhattan. It’s a vibrant, delightful, and absolutely essential experience for any food lover visiting Hudson Yards.