Near the Hudson River and Battery Park City, a mostly residential area, is an unexpected center for convenient shopping and dining, the World Financial Center. It is also known as Brookfield Place, and appears to be an ordinary mall with shops and a food court. Step inside, though, and you will see that it is much more than that.
The oft-visited food court is a little more than your usual chain restaurant fare. Gourmet Manhattan restaurants have instead used the World Financial Center as an opportunity to deliver their cuisine to a broad audience in a comfortable setting. Grab soul food, surf and turf or enjoy a gourmet cupcake.
Once you have your food, chose from the many seating options that face out over one of the most prized views in New York City. The dining area is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic look at the Hudson River and Jersey City. Start your dinner while the sun is out. Continue eating until the sun sets and the chic, modern chandeliers overhead begin to glow a soft rust color.
Shop for cosmetics, clothes and accessories in the mall's luxury and high street fashion stores. There is also a luxury fitness club and shops selling sporting apparel. Even if you’re not interested in buying anything, the World Financial Center is a great place for an indoor stroll. The Winter Garden Atrium is filled with rows of palm trees basking beneath a gorgeous glass-vaulted ceiling. On a cold sunny day, relax on a bench under the shade of palm leaves.
The World Financial Center is located just southwest of TriBeCa and just west of the World Trade Center. To get here, take the train to the World Trade Center or Cortlandt Street. The mall is just a short walk from these two stations. Come see why so many Downtown locals recommend its restaurants to anyone in need of a great meal for lunch.
