Zabar's

Zabar's to me is a capsule of my childhood. Since I was a little girl, this has been the go-to spot for my family, who lived in New Jersey. And since moving into the city, I make my rare forays to the Upper West Side for this store, because it truly is something special. I think the food is pretty good overall; the matzo balls hold a place of honor in any high holiday celebration in our family. If some people complain about the price, then they haven't gone to Eli's or Dean and Deluca's - those places are just exorbitant. The prices for the overall quality I think are justified. It's a happy medium between standard supermarket fare and snootier-than-thou 'gourmet', where the costs seems to support the overhead and not the product. Here at Zabar's, you're spoiled for choice by the array of cheeses, fish, meats, and prepared foods here. Whether your tastes run to the mundane or truly eclectic, you. will. find. something here. No question. Yes, it's cramped and noisy and commotional, but that's the fun of shopping here. Here, getting elbowed aside by a little old lady in a proper hat and gloves just seems funnier than it does at Whole Foods. I've had my cheeks pinched by the fish manager when ordering their world-famous smoked salmon and had an unofficial advisory board at the deli counter on whether I should get the brisket or the pastrami. Zabar's necessitates interacting with your fellow New Yorkers and whether it's positive or negative, it's always an authentic New York experience. more

no trip to the city is complete without a visit to zabar's - it's noisy, frequently crowded, and has the most amazing food selection that you will ever find anywhere. their cheese department alone is worth fighting the crowd for, and their fish counter? forget it, you'll never want to eat anywhere else again. we don't live in new york anymore, but it's a standing bargain that anyone who comes to visit us from there has to bring bagels, lox, white fish salad, and some chocolate ruggala. more

Sometimes I like to go to Zabars just to look around. If this is your purpose, try to pick a good time of day, though it doesn't matter much because the crowd tends to be pretty pushy and annoying. I like Zabar's because I have been able to find products here that I have failed to find elsewhere (ie Kressi vinegar) more

Zabar's is a Manhattan institution but that may not be a compliment here. Zabar's is a nice market that provides many items at prices that are above average by Manhattan standards but does have some fair values as well. The fact that it is an institution though really does make it tough to deal with as it gets very crowded and may take many lines to purchase what you want. I do not deny that it has some realy quality items but compared to some excellent markets outside of Manhattan, it really pales in comparison. If you are in the city and need some lox, this is the place to go. more

I can't say too much about this place because you just need to go there for yourself if you haven't already. Zabars is a throw back to a slightly different time before whole foods and fresh direct. It is sort of like the biggest small brooklyn mom and pop immigrant grocery stoe in the world, if that makes any sense. With saw dust on the ground and recognizeable voices over the storewide intercom, after a few visits you will soon realize you aren't just in any old international food place. From their great selection of cheeses, to the coffee beans, to the Zabar's cafe which has a great selection of cheap sandwiches and the best pain au chocolate this side of the atlantic, you will come away with what you needed or something you never knew you could need but now want everyday. You can't go wrong here. more

This is one of my favrotie places to go to find food. They have the most great and fresh looking food in NY. You can find anything there. They even have stuff for your kitchen. Overall it's a great place to shop. more

A great place for smoked salmon, cheeses and kitchen tools (on the 2nd Floor). Pricey - and often crowded during "peak" times - but worth it for those hard-to-find items. One of the things I miss most about NYC. No place else like it, although many imitators. more

Everyone I know in New York City loves this place. I've always found it to be crowded and overly priced. The food I've had from there has always been consistantly good and they do have a nice selection . . . but I'm not sure it's worth it. Especially on the weekends -- that place is packed!! But the locals swear by it and it's definately one of those "New York City" spots that everyone should visit at least once. more

This retail store is more than just a deli and sells prepared foods, packaged goods from around the world, coffee beans, excellent fresh breads, and much more. Second floor sells a collection of housewares and restaurant-quality cookware. The cafe serves terrific sandwiches, bagels, and spreads. You will find best value for your dollar here. On weekends the store can get very crowded. more

There are many reasons to go to this famous food store, but the cheese stands alone. The best selection and the most unvbelievable prices. Truly, there are fine cheeses that go on sale here for 2.99, 1.99, even 99 cents a pound! It is impossible to understand how they do it, but they do. While there, you should of course get some of their salmon, rugelach, etc. But go for the cheese. more

Zabar's is a city favorite. They have really good quality seafood. Their selection of cheeses and nuts is also very inviting. Opened 75 years ago and still going strong, it wouldn't be New York without their famous Lox on bagels for breakfast. Their kitchenware section has a good selection of name brands and quality goods. more

Located on the Upper West Side, this famous store is worth visiting. On the lower level they sell gourmet food starting olives, cheeses, chocolates, nuts, then onto the sea food and meat sections, where they sell their famous Nova Lox, packaged foods, cereals, freshly roasted and ground coffees, various oils and vinegars, cookies, fresh breads, and more! On the upper level they sell kitchenware ranging from dinner sets to BBQ grills. Attached to this main store is their cafe where you can have a quick snack for a decent price. more

What can you say about Zabar's. Nothing except that it is magnificent. Zabar's is a gourmet market that also specializes in catering. They have the best cheese, bread, and nuts! I've never seen this wide of a selection of cheese from all over the place from Vermont, Spain, to Germany. This place is heaven for cheese lovers like me. Also this is the place to shop for groceries if you are planning to host a party and cook up some appetizers. Plus prices are not outrageous fairly reasonable for the quality. Go for the cheese!!! more

Zabar's just keeps going strong - it set the trend and is still the best around. Great selection, great prices - can't beat the nova anywhere (Sable's on the East Side is very close). Everything you want is here - cheese, meat, prepared meals, bread, appliances, etc, etc. The food moves so fast it doesn't get stale. The prices are reasonable as well. more

Well, I don't know what you can say about this place except that it is as perfect as a food emporium can be in this city. The fish is unmatched anywhere at any price. In fact, I won't waste my money on Nova from anywhere else. The deli is fabulous with a wide array of delightful dishes along with a great selection of the best cold cuts around. You want rare roast beef? They have it waiting for you. The upstairs has a wonderful supply of kitchen stuff from pots and pans to salt shakers and knives. You will always be able to find just the right present for any chef. When I die, just bury me here. more

The best lox in the city hands down. I've been coming here since I was a kid. Their food is simply awesome. Their herring in cream sauce and whitefish salad are to die for. Also, if you can get there early enough in the morning, they make an incredible chocolate cuossont?sp (hey I'm not french). Also, they have an amazing cheese selection. Beware, they are no bargain so be prepared to pay. more