Gelato with a skyline view is officially a thing: the Empire State Building is teaming up with Eataly for a summer pop-up on its 86th-floor observation deck, serving gelato, cannoli and tiramisù high above Midtown. The cart, part of the building’s year-round Tastes of New York pop-up series, will be parked on the outdoor deck through Aug. 31 and will feature an observatory-exclusive Coppa Cremino alongside Eataly’s signature flavors.
According to the Empire State Building, the Eataly cart will operate on the 86th floor every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., running from June 4 through Aug. 31 during regular observatory hours. “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,” said Enrico Prodi, VP of Operations at Eataly North America, in the announcement.
Per a press release via Business Wire, guests can expect classic gelato flavors such as Cioccolato, Pistacchio, Fior di Latte, Limone and Fragola, plus the Coppa Cremino, described as hazelnut gelato swirled with gianduja, whipped cream and an Eataly chocolate cremini. The cart’s menu also features multiple tiramisù varieties and freshly filled cannoli, along with bottled beverages from Eataly’s lineup.
What To Expect
Visitors looking to turn their observatory trip into a dessert break should plan around security screenings and lines, since the cart sits on the open-air 86th-floor deck. Timed tickets for the Observatory Experience are available through the building’s site, and the pop-up follows the observatory’s normal hours. Those craving a broader spread beyond what fits on a cart can head to Eataly’s brick-and-mortar locations in the city, including Eataly NYC Downtown, for fuller menus.
A Familiar Pop-Up Strategy
The Tastes of New York program is one way the observatory keeps repeat visits feeling fresh. The building recently hosted a Ghirardelli pop-up for its 95th anniversary, and seasonal activations have been a regular feature since the deck’s reimagining. Those short-term partnerships give visitors a taste of local brands while helping the Empire State Building update its retail mix and event calendar, according to Empire State Building announcements.
