It pulls out all the stops on the ground floor of the main building, where you could easily spend a whole day, from morning till night. The Espresso Bar Gelateria welcomes foodies at the crack of dawn for a “ristretto”, a delicious shot of the black stuff to savor with pastries that couldn’t be more Italian. If you’re looking to fill your cupboards, try the takeout counters at the Panetteria bakery, the Macelleria butchers, the Salumeria deli/antipasti bar, the Mozzarella bar, the Ravioli bar, and the Salume e Formaggi area. Eataly has the capital’s largest stock of Italian wines, big and small – L’Enoteca – with over 1,200 vintages, and a maturing cellar for cheeses and another for meat.
A courtyard with an open-air fruit and vegetable market connects to the second building and its typically Italian café. The heady drinks list at the Bar Torino, with a great view of the square Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, makes it hard to leave, especially since it doesn’t close until 2am. Between two drinks, make your way to one of three restaurants where there’s something to suit all pockets. For everyday meals, Pasta and Pizza will do you proud or, if you want a taste of real Italian gastronomy, hop along to the Osteria del Vino.
