Empire State Building Adds Eataly to Tastes of New York Experience
The Empire State Building, widely recognized as the “World’s Most Famous Building,” has announced a new culinary partnership that will bring a taste of Italy to one of New York City’s most iconic destinations. As part of its year-round Tastes of New York Experience, the landmark attraction will feature Eataly, the renowned Italian marketplace and dining brand, in a seasonal pop-up that highlights some of its most beloved desserts and beverages.
Running from June 4 through August 31, the limited-time activation will transform part of the Empire State Building’s Observation Deck experience into a celebration of Italian flavors and culture. Visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy handcrafted gelato, tiramisù, cannoli, and specialty beverages while taking in panoramic views of New York City from the building’s famous 86th Floor Observation Deck.
The collaboration is the latest addition to the Empire State Building’s Tastes of New York Experience, an initiative designed to showcase distinctive food and beverage brands that represent the city’s rich culinary landscape. Through rotating pop-up concepts, the program offers guests a chance to sample local favorites while exploring one of the most visited attractions in the United States.
According to Empire State Building Observatory General Manager Dan Rogoski, the partnership with Eataly aligns perfectly with the attraction’s mission of delivering memorable experiences to visitors.
“We are excited to present Eataly’s true ‘estate Italiana’ as part of our year-round featured Tastes of New York program,” Rogoski said. “The Empire State Building can be seen and photographed throughout New York City, but only a visit to our Observatory Deck offers the most authentic and top-ranked attraction experience in the country, along with the best views of New York City.”
Located on the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck, the Eataly pop-up will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing guests with convenient access throughout the day and evening. The experience combines sightseeing with premium Italian-inspired refreshments, creating a unique offering for tourists and local visitors alike.
A centerpiece of the menu is Eataly’s signature gelato selection. Guests can choose from a variety of classic flavors that have become favorites among Eataly customers. Available options include Cioccolato (Chocolate), Pistacchio (Pistachio), Fior di Latte (Sweet Milk), Limone (Lemon), and Fragola (Strawberry).
Adding an exclusive touch to the experience, Eataly has created the Coppa Cremino, a specialty gelato cup available only at the Empire State Building Observation Deck. The dessert features rich hazelnut gelato swirled with gianduja, topped with whipped cream and finished with an Eataly chocolate cremini. Designed specifically for this collaboration, the Coppa Cremino offers visitors a one-of-a-kind treat unavailable at other Eataly locations.
In addition to gelato, the menu showcases a broad range of tiramisù flavors, expanding on the classic Italian dessert with creative variations. The traditional Classico version combines coffee-soaked rice flour sponge cake with layers of mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
For guests seeking something different, several specialty varieties are available. The Pistacchio tiramisù features pistachio mascarpone cream topped with crushed pistachios, while the Hazelnut Gianduja version incorporates hazelnut gianduja mascarpone cream and chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
Fruit-inspired options include the Fragole tiramisù, made with maraschino-soaked sponge cake, mascarpone cream, strawberry gelee, and fresh strawberries. Another inventive offering is the Peanut Butter and Jelly tiramisù, which combines mascarpone and peanut cream with strawberry gelee, fresh strawberries, and crunchy peanuts.
Completing the lineup is the Speculoos tiramisù, featuring layers of mascarpone and Speculoos cream topped with cookie crumble, creating a dessert that blends Italian tradition with modern flavor trends.
Visitors looking for another classic Italian sweet can enjoy freshly filled cannoli prepared on-site. Guests can customize their cannoli with a choice of toppings, including pistachios, chocolate chips, or sliced almonds. The made-to-order approach helps ensure freshness while allowing customers to personalize their dessert experience.
To complement the food offerings, the pop-up also includes a selection of beverages. Guests can choose from San Benedetto still and sparkling water, along with several Eataly-branded soft drinks, including Eataly Cola, Eataly No Sugar Cola, Lemon Soda, and Orange Soda. These beverages provide refreshing options during the busy summer tourism season and pair naturally with the dessert-focused menu.
Eataly North America Vice President of Operations Enrico Prodi emphasized the significance of bringing authentic Italian cuisine to one of New York’s most recognizable attractions.
“Eataly is thrilled to bring New York City’s most authentic Italian cuisine to visitors from around the world at the Empire State Building Observation Deck this summer,” Prodi said. “Together, we will create a unique experience that celebrates great food, culture, and one of New York City’s most iconic destinations.”
The partnership reflects a broader trend among major attractions seeking to enhance visitor experiences through food and beverage offerings that go beyond traditional concession options. By collaborating with a respected culinary brand such as Eataly, the Empire State Building is further positioning itself as a destination that combines culture, entertainment, dining, and sightseeing.
The addition of Eataly comes as the Empire State Building continues to benefit from extensive investments made in recent years. The landmark’s Observation Deck Experience underwent a comprehensive $165 million transformation that introduced a new interactive museum featuring nine galleries, upgraded visitor amenities, custom-designed staff uniforms, and significant enhancements to the building’s observatory spaces.
One of the most notable improvements was the modernization of the 102nd Floor Observation Deck, which now offers expanded floor-to-ceiling views from the heart of Manhattan. Combined with the famous open-air experience on the 86th Floor, the upgrades have helped reinforce the attraction’s status as one of the city’s premier tourism destinations.
The investment and enhanced guest experience have received widespread recognition. Most recently, the Empire State Building’s Observation Deck Experience was named the No. 1 attraction in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The honor reflects strong visitor satisfaction and the attraction’s continued appeal among travelers from around the globe.
With Eataly’s summer pop-up now underway, guests can enjoy an additional layer of hospitality and culinary excellence during their visit. By combining breathtaking views, immersive exhibits, and authentic Italian desserts, the collaboration aims to create unforgettable memories for millions of visitors who pass through the Empire State Building each year.
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