Citarella

Greenwich Village
424 Avenue of the Americas
at W.9th St.
New York, NY

P: 212.874-0383
F: 212.555.1213

Upper West Side
2135 Broadway
at W.75th St.
New York, NY

Upper East Side
1313 Third Avenue
at E.75th St.
New York, NY

What's great:

The butchers and fish mongers really know what they’re doing and have much to teach so ask them questions. Best for fish and shellfish, fresh meats, poultry, game, and seasonal specialties, e.g., goose at Christmas or ham at Easter. Year-round specialty charcuterie offers fois gras, caviar, and when in season, black and white truffles.

What to avoid:

All the stores the day before a big holiday. 

What to know:

Produce and grocery items are very good and there's a deep and wide selection, but the prices are almost always higher than elsewhere.  In every department, but especially the butcher, if you want something special, order ahead.  If you do, they can get you almost anything.

In addition to the NYC stores, there are Citarellas in the Hamptons and in Greenwich, CT.