What Is Eataly and Where Can You Find It?
Eataly is a chain of large-format Italian marketplaces that combines restaurants, food counters, grocery shopping, and cooking schools under one roof. Founded in 2007 in Turin, Italy, this unique concept has grown to 45 locations worldwide, offering visitors the chance to eat, shop, and learn about authentic Italian cuisine.
Quick Facts About Eataly:
- What: Italian marketplace with restaurants, retail, and cooking classes
- Where: 45 locations across 16 countries including the US, Italy, Japan, and Brazil
- Founded: 2007 in Turin, Italy by Oscar Farinetti
- Concept: “Eat, Shop, Learn” – combining dining, shopping, and education
- US Locations: New York City, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Toronto
- Hours: Typically 9 AM – 11 PM daily (varies by location)
The New York Times described Eataly as a “megastore” that combines elements of a European open market, a Whole Foods-style supermarket, a high-end food court, and a learning center. When the first NYC location opened in 2010, lines extended down Fifth Avenue for two weeks straight.
What makes Eataly different? Unlike traditional grocery stores or restaurants, Eataly lets you watch pasta being made fresh, taste products before buying, take cooking classes, and dine at multiple restaurants – all in one visit. It’s designed around the Slow Food philosophy, emphasizing quality ingredients and authentic Italian food culture.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for specific location details, understanding Eataly’s unique marketplace concept helps you make the most of the experience.
Eataly helpful reading:
From Turin to the World: The Story Behind Eataly
Picture this: it’s January 2007, and Oscar Farinetti is standing in a converted vermouth factory in Turin’s Lingotto district, about to change how the world experiences Italian food. His vision was beautifully simple yet – make quality Italian food accessible to everyone.
That first Eataly location wasn’t just another grocery store opening. Farinetti had reimagined the entire concept of food shopping, creating something that had never existed before. The timing was perfect too – the location was easily accessible by metro, drawing curious locals who quickly became devoted fans.
The name itself tells a charming story. Back in 2000, branding consultant Celestino Ciocca coined “Eataly” as a clever blend of “Eat” and “Italy,” with a playful nod to the word “alley.” It perfectly captures those narrow Italian streets lined with food stalls where locals have shopped for generations. The name practically whispers “Come taste Italy.”
What made Farinetti’s vision truly special was his partnership with the Slow Food movement from day one. This wasn’t just a business decision – it was a philosophical foundation. The Slow Food philosophy of good, clean, and fair food became woven into Eataly’s DNA, shaping everything from product selection to employee training.
The company built itself around three core values: sustainability, sharing, and responsibility. But here’s what makes it real – they genuinely believe that quality doesn’t have to be exclusive. Their mission focuses on educating guests to make informed, healthy food choices rather than just pushing expensive products.
The growth story reads like a fairy tale for food lovers. From that single Turin location, Eataly has blossomed into 45 eataly locations worldwide as of 2024. The company now employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people globally, with a presence in 16 Italian cities and successful expansions to Japan, the United States, Brazil, Germany, and Turkey.
Scientific research on marketplace trends shows that Farinetti was more than a decade ahead of his time. Consumers were just beginning to crave experiential retail, and Eataly had already perfected it.
The Eat-Shop-Learn Concept
The “Eat, Shop, Learn” concept isn’t marketing fluff – it’s the beating heart of every Eataly location. Walking into any marketplace, you’ll immediately understand why this integration works so beautifully.
The “Eat” experience surrounds you from the moment you enter. Multiple restaurants and food counters operate seamlessly within each marketplace, creating an authentic Italian food court atmosphere. You might find a pizzeria serving crispy Roman-style pizza al taglio right next to a pasta counter where chefs hand-make cacio e pepe before your eyes.
A traditional salumeria displays aged prosciutto alongside artisanal cheeses, while a nearby gelateria tempts you with creamy pistachio and stracciatella. These aren’t separate restaurants competing for space – they’re integrated experiences that flow naturally together.
The “Shop” component feels like wandering through Italy’s best food markets. Every product is carefully curated, from essential pantry staples like San Marzano tomatoes and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano to specialty treasures like Taggiasca olive oil and artisanal pasta shapes you’ve never seen before.
Many products are exclusive “Eataly Signatures” created through partnerships with small Italian producers. This means you’re not just buying groceries – you’re taking home pieces of authentic Italian food culture.
The “Learn” element transforms shopping into findy. Cooking classes happen regularly throughout each location, from basic pasta-making workshops perfect for beginners to advanced techniques like truffle preparation led by Italian chefs and food experts. Wine tastings and cultural events add layers of education that make every visit feel like a mini-vacation to Italy.
This seamless integration creates something magical – shopping becomes dining becomes learning, all in one unforgettable visit. It’s why food lovers often describe their first Eataly experience as overwhelming in the best possible way.
Eataly Locations & Hours at a Glance
Planning your eataly trip starts with understanding where to find these incredible Italian marketplaces around the world. With eataly locations spanning 16 countries, each flagship store brings its own unique character while staying true to the original Turin vision.
The NYC Flatiron location remains the crown jewel of American eataly locations. This 50,000-square-foot marketplace created quite a buzz when it opened in 2010 – Mayor Bloomberg himself attended the ribbon cutting! The location at 200 5th Avenue generated 300 new jobs and continues to draw massive crowds. With over 6,000 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, it’s clearly struck a chord with food lovers.
Chicago takes the prize for sheer size, boasting 63,000 square feet of Italian paradise. The $20 million investment shows in every detail, from expanded dining options to specialized food counters you won’t find anywhere else. It’s like the NYC location’s bigger, bolder sibling.
Las Vegas at Park MGM brings eataly to the Strip with a twist – this location can handle up to 1,200 guests for events. Imagine celebrating your birthday surrounded by fresh mozzarella and authentic Italian wines!
The international eataly locations tell fascinating stories too. Tokyo was the first location outside Italy, proving that great Italian food translates across cultures. Milan serves as a European hub, while Toronto marks the brand’s expansion into Canada.
What’s particularly charming is how many locations breathe new life into historic buildings. The original Turin store transformed a vermouth factory, while other locations have repurposed everything from old terminals to vintage shopping centers.
| Location | Square Feet | Daily Hours | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Flatiron | 50,000+ | 9 AM – 11 PM | Original US flagship |
| Chicago | 63,000 | 9 AM – 11 PM | Largest US location |
| Las Vegas | N/A | 9 AM – 11 PM | Event capacity 1,200 |
| Toronto | N/A | Varies | Canadian flagship |
Navigating eataly Flagships
Understanding eataly hours helps you make the most of your visit. While each location has its own rhythm, most follow a similar pattern that keeps the Italian experience flowing from morning espresso to evening aperitivo.
Most eataly locations operate from 9 AM to 11 PM daily, but here’s where it gets interesting – different sections within each store may have slightly different schedules. The retail market often opens earliest around 7 AM for those grabbing coffee and pastries, while wine shops typically start service at 10 AM. Individual food counters might close 30 to 60 minutes before the main store.
Holiday schedules can throw a curveball into your plans, so checking the specific location’s page before heading out saves disappointment. Nobody wants to arrive craving fresh pasta only to find shortened hours!
Peak times vary by location, but weekends between noon and 3 PM tend to buzz with activity everywhere. Weekday dinner rush hits between 6 PM and 8 PM. If you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience, mid-morning or late afternoon on weekdays offer the best browsing conditions.
Public transit access was a key consideration when choosing eataly locations. The NYC Flatiron store sits perfectly accessible by multiple subway lines, while the original Turin location was specifically chosen for its metro connections. This thoughtful planning makes spontaneous visits much easier.
Finding eataly Near You
Locating eataly locations goes beyond just finding an address – it’s about timing your visit perfectly. The official store locator provides the basics, but a few insider tips can transform your experience from good to unforgettable.
Each location’s individual page reveals specific hours that might surprise you. While most locations maintain consistent daily schedules, some services within the store operate on different timetables. The market section might stay open later than the wine shop, or vice versa.
Reservations become essential for the sit-down restaurants, especially at popular eataly locations like NYC Flatiron. If you’re planning a group celebration with 17 or more people, their dedicated group dining service requires advance booking – but the experience is worth the extra planning.
Peak times tell interesting stories about each location’s neighborhood. NYC sees lunch and dinner rushes that mirror the city’s work schedule, while Las Vegas locations experience more evening crowds as visitors wind down from daytime activities.
Online ordering opens up new possibilities for enjoying eataly at home. Whether you order directly through their website or use Instacart for same-day delivery, you can bring the marketplace experience to your kitchen.
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What to Expect When You Visit
Stepping into an Eataly feels like being transported to a busy Italian marketplace. The energy is infectious – you’ll hear the sizzle of fresh pasta hitting hot pans, see clouds of flour dancing in the air as pizza dough gets stretched, and catch the rich aroma of aged cheeses wafting from the salumeria.
Restaurant variety is one of Eataly’s biggest draws. You’re not limited to just one dining experience. La Pizzeria serves up authentic Roman-style pizza, while La Pasta counter creates fresh pasta dishes to order right before your eyes. The salumeria offers an impressive selection of cured meats and artisanal cheeses, and you might find specialty concepts like a mozzarella bar where cheese is pulled fresh throughout the day, or a crudo counter featuring raw preparations that showcase the quality of Italian ingredients.
The fresh pasta counters are pure theater. Watching skilled pasta makers roll out sheets of silky dough and cut perfect ribbons of fettuccine never gets old. It’s this kind of food preparation spectacle that makes Eataly feel alive and authentic – you’re not just buying ingredients, you’re witnessing Italian food culture in action.
Wine shops within each location house extensive Italian wine collections, staffed by knowledgeable team members who genuinely love helping you find the perfect bottle. Many locations feature dedicated sommeliers and regular wine tastings that let you explore different Italian regions through their signature wines. Some locations even have rooftop bars where you can enjoy your wine with a view.
Hands-on cooking classes transform your visit from shopping trip to culinary education. Recent class offerings have included “Uncorked” tours that take you through Italian wine regions and innovative anti-waste cooking classes developed in partnership with Too Good To Go. These aren’t just cooking lessons – they’re cultural experiences that connect you to Italian food traditions.
For special occasions, private events can turn Eataly into your personal Italian marketplace. The Las Vegas location can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in reception style, while other locations offer more intimate private dining experiences perfect for celebrations or corporate events.
Delivery services bring the Eataly experience home when you can’t make it to a location. GET STARTED Enjoy $25 off your first Instacart order when you spend $75 or more. Many eataly locations offer delivery in as little as one hour, so you can satisfy those Italian food cravings without leaving your kitchen.
The overall atmosphere captures what makes Italian dining culture so special – it’s social, educational, and absolutely delicious. Every visit feels like a mini vacation to Italy, complete with the warmth and passion that Italian food culture is famous for.
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Signature Products & Best Sellers
Eataly Signatures represent something special – exclusive partnerships with small Italian artisan producers that you simply can’t find anywhere else. These aren’t mass-market products with Eataly labels slapped on; they’re carefully curated collaborations that reflect the company’s deep commitment to authenticity and quality.
Regional gift boxes are among the most popular signature items, and for good reason. Boxes like “A Trip to Puglia” or “A Trip to Milano” let you explore specific Italian regions through carefully selected foods that represent each area’s unique culinary identity. It’s like taking a food tour of Italy from your own dining room.
Artisanal olive oils showcase the difference that quality makes. The premium Taggiasca olive oil is a standout – it’s the kind of ingredient that transforms homemade pesto from good to restaurant-quality. These oils come from specific groves and are pressed using traditional methods that preserve the complex flavors Italian cooks have treasured for generations.
Aged cheeses receive special attention at Eataly, particularly the Parmigiano-Reggiano that’s aged to exacting standards. You can often find the same cheese aged for different periods – 12 months, 18 months, or even 24 months – each offering distinct flavor profiles that showcase how time transforms this iconic Italian cheese.
Housewares from prestigious Italian brands like Guzzini and Alessi serve as what one customer called “lasting culinary souvenirs.” These aren’t just kitchen tools; they’re beautifully designed pieces that bring Italian style to your home cooking experience.
Pantry staples bridge the gap between accessibility and authenticity. San Marzano tomatoes, specialty pastas, and other carefully selected ingredients let home cooks recreate the Eataly experience in their own kitchens. These are the building blocks of authentic Italian cooking, sourced directly from the regions where they’re made best.
Digital & On-the-Go Services
Eataly has acceptd the digital age without losing its authentic Italian soul. The e-commerce platform offers nationwide shipping for selected products, with free shipping on orders over $135. It’s particularly helpful for those signature products that aren’t available elsewhere.
Instacart integration brings the marketplace experience to your doorstep in as little as one hour in many markets. The current special offer of $25 off your first order of $75 or more makes it easy to try the service and find how convenient it is to have authentic Italian ingredients delivered fresh.
The Eataly Caffè app serves customers in the New York area with exclusive offers and streamlined ordering for the quick-service Eataly Caffè concept. It’s perfect for those times when you want your Italian coffee fix without the full marketplace experience.
Curbside pickup at select locations represents the perfect compromise – you can browse and shop online while still getting the freshness and quality of in-store selection. It’s especially popular for larger grocery orders or when you’re picking up ingredients for a dinner party.
These digital services maintain Eataly’s commitment to quality while meeting modern convenience expectations. Whether you’re planning ahead or need ingredients for tonight’s dinner, there’s a way to access authentic Italian products that fits your schedule.
Sustainability & Partnerships That Matter
When Eataly talks about sustainability, they’re not just checking boxes – they’re creating real change you can measure. Their partnership with Too Good To Go perfectly shows this commitment in action.
Since 2019, this food waste reduction program has delivered impressive results. In the US alone, 103,633 Surprise Bags have been saved, preventing 611,434 pounds of CO2e from entering the atmosphere. These aren’t just numbers on a report – each bag represents perfectly good food that customers can buy at reduced prices instead of it ending up in a landfill.
The program works beautifully in Italy too, where 116,153 Surprise Bags have saved 313,613 kg of CO2e. Even Canada’s newer program has already rescued 72,407 bags, avoiding 195,499 kg of CO2e. It’s a win-win situation where customers get quality Eataly products at lower prices while helping the environment.
But Eataly’s partnerships extend far beyond food waste. Their collaboration with MSC Cruises brings the authentic Italian marketplace experience to the high seas through “Eataly at Sea.” Imagine enjoying freshly made pasta and tableside truffle service while cruising – it’s exactly the kind of creative thinking that makes eataly locations so special.
The brand also connects food with Italian culture through partnerships like the Giro d’Italia cycling race and their upcoming participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. These collaborations showcase how food culture weaves through all aspects of Italian life.
Perhaps most importantly, Eataly supports local Italian producers through their Signature product line. By partnering with small artisans, they help traditional food makers reach global markets while maintaining authentic production methods. It’s not just about selling products – it’s about preserving culinary traditions.
Measuring Impact
What sets Eataly’s sustainability efforts apart is their commitment to tracking real results. Those 290,000+ Surprise Bags saved globally represent tangible environmental impact, not just good intentions.
The educational component runs deep too. Community education now includes specialized cooking classes focused on reducing food waste at home. These sessions teach customers how to use every part of their ingredients and get creative with leftovers.
Zero-waste cooking classes have become particularly popular, showing people how to transform what they might normally throw away into delicious meals. It’s the perfect blend of Eataly’s “Learn” philosophy with practical sustainability.
This data-driven approach proves that sustainability and business success can work hand in hand. Every saved bag, every educated customer, and every supported artisan contributes to a larger mission of responsible food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eataly
How many hours is Eataly open each day?
Most eataly locations welcome visitors from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, though you’ll find some variation depending on what part of the marketplace you want to explore. The retail markets often open their doors earlier at 7:00 AM for early morning shoppers, while the wine shops typically keep more focused hours from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Here’s what makes it interesting: individual food counters within each location might have their own rhythm. The pasta counter might start rolling dough at 9 AM sharp, while the gelato station might not fire up until mid-morning.
NYC Flatiron keeps things simple with consistent 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM hours every day of the week. Meanwhile, Las Vegas at Park MGM adapts to the city’s late-night culture – their restaurants stay open until 11:00 PM on weekends while retail areas might close a bit earlier.
The golden rule? Always check your specific location’s page before heading out. Holiday schedules and seasonal adjustments happen regularly, and nobody wants to arrive at closed doors after planning the perfect Eataly trip.
Does every location have the same restaurants and counters?
While every Eataly shares the same DNA, each location has its own personality shaped by local tastes and space constraints. You’ll always find the core experiences – fresh pasta counters, pizza stations, and wine shops – but the specific restaurants and specialties create unique flavors at each spot.
Las Vegas perfectly illustrates this customization. They offer exclusive “Roman Nights” family-style dining experiences and can transform their space to accommodate events for up to 1,200 people. Try finding that capacity at a smaller location!
Size matters too. Chicago’s massive 63,000 square feet allows for specialized counters that smaller locations simply can’t fit. Some eataly locations feature rooftop bars, others focus on seasonal concepts, and certain spots offer region-specific programming that reflects their local community.
Nevada residents even get a special 10% retail discount in Las Vegas – a perk you won’t find everywhere. The beauty lies in these local touches while maintaining the authentic Italian heart that makes Eataly special.
Can I order groceries online from Eataly?
Absolutely! Eataly has acceptd the digital age with multiple convenient ordering options that bring authentic Italian flavors right to your doorstep.
Direct e-commerce through Eataly.com offers nationwide shipping on selected products, with free shipping kicking in at $135. This works perfectly for stocking up on pantry essentials and specialty items.
For immediate gratification, Instacart delivery operates in many markets with delivery in as little as one hour. New customers can snag $25 off their first order of $75 or more – a sweet deal for exploring Eataly’s curated selection.
Some locations offer their own local delivery services for both restaurant orders and grocery items. In New York City, the Eataly Caffè app provides exclusive offers and streamlined ordering for quick-service items.
The online selection thoughtfully includes pantry staples, fresh items where shipping allows, wine (where legally permitted), and those beautiful gift boxes that make perfect presents. While not every in-store item makes it online due to freshness requirements, the core Eataly Signatures and popular products are well-represented, letting you recreate that marketplace magic at home.
Conclusion
Eataly offers more than just shopping or dining – it provides an immersive journey through Italian food culture. Whether you’re visiting the flagship NYC Flatiron location, exploring the massive Chicago marketplace, or finding one of the 45 eataly locations worldwide, you’re experiencing a unique concept that has revolutionized how we think about food retail.
From Oscar Farinetti’s original vision in Turin to today’s global presence, Eataly has maintained its commitment to making quality Italian food accessible while educating customers about authentic food culture. The “Eat, Shop, Learn” concept isn’t just a tagline – it’s a philosophy that transforms every visit into a cultural experience.
Planning your visit is straightforward: check location-specific hours (typically 9 AM – 11 PM), consider making reservations for popular restaurants, and don’t miss the opportunity to take a cooking class or attend a special event. With delivery options through Instacart and comprehensive online shopping, you can even bring the Eataly experience home.
As we’ve explored the various eataly locations, their hours, and what makes each unique, it’s clear that this isn’t just about convenience – it’s about preserving and sharing Italian food traditions in an accessible, educational format. Whether you’re a curious food enthusiast or a serious home cook, Eataly offers something valuable for your culinary journey.
At The Dining Destination, we believe experiences like Eataly represent the future of food tourism – places where culture, education, and exceptional food converge to create memorable experiences that extend far beyond a single meal.
