Honestly, finding a decent place to eat in the Financial District used to be a nightmare of overpriced steakhouse chains or sad, wilted salads from a plastic container. Then Westville Wall Street showed up at 110 Wall Street, and everything kind of changed for the better. It’s tucked away near the East River, far enough from the frantic energy of the Stock Exchange to feel like a breather, but close enough that you can grab a quick lunch without your boss wondering if you’ve hopped a ferry to Staten Island.
If you aren't familiar with the Westville brand, it basically built a mini-empire in New York City by doing something shockingly simple: cooking vegetables so they actually taste like food.
The Wall Street location is arguably their most handsome spot.
It has these huge windows. High ceilings. A vibe that’s a mix of "I have a mortgage and a 401k" and "I still remember what it’s like to have fun." It's the kind of place where you see guys in tailored suits sitting right next to someone in a hoodie and sneakers who probably works in a nearby tech startup. It’s democratic. It’s consistent. And in a neighborhood that often feels like a giant concrete canyon, it feels remarkably human.
The Reality of Eating at Westville Wall Street
Let’s get one thing straight. You aren't going to Westville Wall Street for a revolutionary, molecular gastronomy experience that changes your DNA. You're going there because you want a piece of grilled salmon that isn't overcooked and a side of Brussels sprouts that are charred just enough to be addictive.
The "Market Plate" is the undisputed king of the menu.
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You pick four sides. That's it. It sounds boring until you realize that their honey-curry carrots or the pesto mashed potatoes are better than the main courses at most other FiDi spots. It's a lifesaver for anyone trying to eat healthy-ish while surrounded by Shake Shacks and pizza joints.
Most people think of it as a lunch spot, which is fair. The lunch rush is intense. You’ll see delivery drivers cycling in and out like a swarm, and the noise level definitely hits a fever pitch around 1:00 PM. But if you head there for dinner, it’s a completely different animal. It’s quieter. Dimmer. The outdoor seating on Wall Street—yes, they have it—is actually a great place to people-watch as the neighborhood transitions from business hub to residential enclave.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Don't overthink it. The menu is massive, which is usually a red flag in the restaurant world, but Westville manages to pull it off because most of it shares the same base ingredients.
- The Smoky Mac and Cheese: It's iconic for a reason. They use bechamel and smoked gouda. It's heavy. It's rich. Don't plan on doing any complex math after eating it.
- The Burgers: They use Pat LaFrieda meat. If you know NYC food, you know that name carries weight. The Portuguese muffin they use instead of a standard bun is a total pro move—it’s sturdy enough to hold the juices but doesn't get soggy.
- The Market Sides: Always get the beets with goat cheese. Just do it. Also, the asparagus with parmesan is usually a winner.
One thing to keep in mind? The wait. Even with the expanded space at the Wall St location, peak hours are brutal. If you show up at noon on a Tuesday with a party of six and no reservation, you're going to have a bad time. They do take reservations through their website or platforms like Resy, so use them.
Why the Location Matters
The Financial District has been through a weird identity crisis over the last decade. It’s no longer just a place where people work 9-to-5 and then vanish. With the rise of residential buildings like 110 Wall Street (where Westville is actually located), the neighborhood needs restaurants that feel like "neighborhood" spots.
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Westville fills that gap perfectly. It’s the "third place."
It’s where you go when you don’t want to cook in your tiny apartment kitchen, but you also don't want to spend $150 on a steak. The fact that it’s right near the Pier 11/Wall St ferry terminal is also a secret weapon. If you're commuting back to Brooklyn or Queens, grabbing a takeout order from Westville Wall Street before jumping on the boat is a high-level commuter move that most people miss out on.
The Competition in FiDi
Look, there are other options. You’ve got the fancy stuff at the Seaport—The Fulton, Malibu Farm—and you’ve got the old-school staples like Delmonico's. But those are "events." They aren't "Tuesday night because I'm tired" places.
Then you have the fast-casual chains like Sweetgreen or Dig. They’re fine. They’re functional. But they feel like an assembly line. Westville gives you the speed and health-consciousness of those places but with actual silverware, a glass of wine, and a server who (usually) knows the menu inside and out. It bridges the gap between a "quick bite" and a "dining experience" in a way that very few places in Lower Manhattan manage to do.
Navigating the Menu Logistics
If you’re vegan or gluten-free, this is probably your safest bet in the area. They are incredibly accommodating. You can swap buns for lettuce wraps, and because the Market Sides are so central to their identity, they always have a rotating list of vegan-friendly options that aren't just an afterthought.
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Pro tip: Check the chalkboard.
They always have daily specials that aren't on the printed menu. Sometimes it’s a specific fish taco or a seasonal soup. Since they source things relatively locally, the specials are often the freshest thing in the kitchen.
Price-wise, it’s "New York City affordable." What does that mean? Well, you’re looking at $18-$26 for most entrees. The Market Plate is usually around $20. It's not "cheap," but for the quality and the portion size, it’s one of the better values in the zip code. You won't leave feeling like you got ripped off, which is a rare feeling in Manhattan these days.
A Note on the Service
Honestly, the service is hit or miss depending on the crowd. When it’s slammed, the staff is in "war mode." They are efficient, but don't expect a 20-minute chat about the wine list. They need that table. When it’s slower, the vibe is way more laid back. The staff generally seems like they actually want to be there, which is a nice change of pace from the dead-eyed stare you get at some of the higher-volume tourist traps near the 9/11 Memorial.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Time your arrival: Aim for 11:30 AM or after 1:45 PM for lunch to avoid the worst of the corporate rush. For dinner, 6:30 PM is usually the sweet spot before the local residents start trickling in.
- Download the app: If you're working in the area, Westville has its own ordering system. It’s way better than using third-party apps that upcharge you 30%.
- Walk the Seaport afterward: Since you’re right there, walk two blocks north to the South Street Seaport after your meal. It’s a great way to digest and catch the breeze off the water.
- The "Secret" Drink: Their mint lemonade is legit. It’s not just yellow water with a leaf in it; it’s blended and super refreshing on a humid New York summer day.
- Check the seating: If the main room is loud, ask if the back area or the outdoor tables are available. The acoustics in the main room can be a bit challenging for a serious business meeting.
Westville Wall Street isn't trying to be the "hottest" restaurant in the city. It's trying to be the most reliable one. In a neighborhood as volatile as the Financial District, that reliability is worth its weight in gold. Whether you're a local living in a converted office building or just someone passing through on the way to the Statue of Liberty, it's the kind of place that reminds you why New Yorkers actually like living here.