There are a number of similar names for this small, but mighty, establishment floating around on the internet: Ninth Avenue International Foods, Ninth Avenue International Market, International Grocery & International Food, Ninth Avenue International Grocery, or just what's written on the sign: International Grocery. Whatever the actual name, it seems that this Mediterranean specialty store has been open since 1947, run first by the Smitsis Family, and then the Karamouzis (including brothers Sotiris, Dinos, and Panayiotis). The Karamouzis moved it a few doors north to its present location in 1983. The neighborhood around the store has evolved a great deal over the years, but inside, old world charm persists. Everywhere you look there are bulk bins, barrels, and sacks brimming with: - Spices: all the staples needed for Mediterranean, Indian and North African cuisines, including za'atar, dried tamarind, cloves, allspice, rock salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, red pepper, black mustard seed, etc... - Dried fruits: pineapple, apricots, raisins, figs, diced orange peel, dates, etc... - Dried nuts: cashews, macadamias, almonds in every form, walnuts, pistachios, etc.. - Grains, beans, lentils, and flours - Coffee I love that International Grocery has stuck with bins and barrels for all these years. Bulk bins were the norm when the store first opened and are so much more environmentally friendly than the ubiquitous single use plastic packaging we see nowadays. Environmentally conscious folks are increasingly coming around to appreciate bulk bins and I wouldn't be surprised if they became the hot "new" trend in coming years. If you stick with something for long enough, it comes back into fashion, right? The wonders don't end with all those glorious bins, however. Far from it. Improbably, all of the following (and more) also neatly fit into a store the size of a suburbanite's two-car garage: - Olives -- about 10-15 kinds by my last count, but I've seen even more varieties at times. I love my crisp, green Castelvetranos and black Kalamatas; the Progeny loves her pimento-stuffed Manzanillas. - Antipasti (mushrooms, artichokes, giardiniera, gigantes plaki) and preserved lemon peel - Feta (Bulgarian, Greek) and other cheeses - Tzatziki and other spreads - A variety of fresh and packaged pastries (baklava, kourabiedes, koulourakia) and halvas - Olive oils, pomegranate molasses, carob molasses - Pita breads and pasta - Rose water - Amardeen (an apricot leather used to make a Syrian drink of the same name) Prices are quite fair and the owners + staff are kind, generous, gentle and gracious. When my 10-year old privately expressed interest in the orange peel to me, one of the owners overheard and offered her some to try. They didn't look at all askance when she delightedly opened various bins to sniff the beautiful aromas within. (I did teach her to waft the smells to her nose by hand a la chemistry lab, instead of sticking her head into each bin.) As much as I detest the areas around Port Authority -- it's one of the dirtiest, smelliest parts of NYC -- I do go out of my way for International Grocery and will for as long as we're both around. read more

Given the high quality of products, excellent personalized service and magical ambiance, International Grocery is a necessary fixture from old New York that i hope will continue well into the future! Try something from their wide range of olives, excellent cheeses, babaganouche, hummus. Treat yourself to the best dates in the city - awa baklava!!! Of course, there are spices galore, arranged in barrels, offering old world charm and earthy fragrances! Everyone working there is a gem. Thank you International Grocery! read more

Great spices, cheeses, olives. Service friendly and helpful I've been shopping here for years, very consistent quality read more

Love to shop there. Beautiful workers. Olive oils , Nuts and Cheese. Plus spices in wood barrels. Reminds me of being back home in South Carolina. read more

Wide choices of imported herbs, spices, plus prepared salads, very good dried fruits, excellent spinach pie, cheeses, olives, oils, pita bread, and much more. Good service, friendly staff. read more

Two SMALL tubs of spreads, some black peppercorns, a bag of pita bread and some olives came to almost $30. So love this place for over 40 years but the prices are now through the roof. We simply can't afford it anymore. What used to be reasonable local wonderful home cooked food has now gone out of reach price wise for families like us. read more

i don't go to this place a lot but when i do i always enjoy it. the variety of spices and costumer service is great. the prices are also great i'm going their later today. read more

International Market is simply the BEST in value, quality, specialty items-- and their staff always provide service with a smile... and a sample! A dying breed of old world charm with affordable prices for quality imports! I'm waiting for them to open right now so I can restock my coffee beans and pick up pignoli nuts! The cheese selection considering prices per pound are a dream! I hope they remain in business forever! The spice selection is solid! read more

Great service, excellent products at very reasonable prices. Everything is bulk so you get exactly how much you need. They will fill/refill your containers (e.g. Spice jars, dried fruit, cocoa) so you can help reduce packaging waste. read more

The fact that I'm a repeated customer of more than 20 years should say enough: 5 stars for quality, for variety, for service--and the prices, though not at the bargain level, are better than those of the local small grocers and way better than those of the nearest supermarket, Food Emporium. As for Brooklyn Fare and Whole Foods, they might as well be on another planet. It's a small and cozy place and you always feel welcome there. read more

Okka foods is absolutely amazing...they have beautiful vegetables and fruit at the best prices. Cakes , dried fruit and nuts, Turkish pastries not to mention an amazing dairy section. It is a shining gem!!! read more

Awful service- Awful and the tip was automatically added without our consent- Did I mention how awful the service was?

I was glad to see that this place survived Covid. Tucked away behind Port Authority this is a great place for reasonably prices ethic spices and items like grains, beans, olives and cheeses and pitas. Sadly because of covid the bins of spices/dry goods are shrouded in plastic . Their hummus, spinach pie and cheese baklava are amazing as well read more

International Grocery - Spinach pie - International Grocery Near Me - New York, New York

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Fantastic spot with great cheese, great hummus, great desserts and spices. If you need specialty groceries in hells kitchen you should come here, it's really worth it! read more

One result of the pandemic is that I'm more Manhattan centric. This store is like many old school stores in the boroughs except it's in Manhattan. The store is very special! They sell great imported and ethnic foods Delicious olives and spreads coffees and a wonderful variety of olive oils plus spices and more with amazing service The tzatsiki and taramasalouta were delicious and these kind of businesses are worth saving and patronizing. A true Manhattan gem! read more

International Grocery - Delicious and fresh - International Grocery Near Me - New York, New York

I have been going to this place for several years now and it is awesome. having access to fresh cocoa and spices and basmati rice has changed the way I cook. I regularly use pinched basil instead of measuring. i brew my coffee with some cocoa powder to take the bitterness out and always make hot chocolate from scratch. great cheese selection and olives also. don't forget to stop at the great fish market next door read more

Go to place for spices (good quantity/low cost), shallots, garlic...so many things in a small shop. Greek pastries, olives, coffee...Next visit is for spices AND NUTS! read more

Passed by this place a few months ago, and looked it up on Yelp. Saw that they sold spices by weight for seemingly cheap. Decided to check it out while I was in the area the other day. Needed a couple of spices, and the minimum is 1/4 lb. The prices were excellent. Cheaper than stores for sure. 1/4 lb worth of spices is basically equivalent to a bit more than two standard spice bottles from supermarkets. I shared half with my cousin, and still have a bit leftover after filling my spice jars. It's basically double the product for less than half the price. Pretty crazy. Also got a slice of the spinach pie for $4. Also a good deal for a hunky piece of spinach pie. They have plenty of goodies from around the globe. What a neighborhood gem. Will absolutely return! read more

International Grocery - Spinach pie (bite taken) $4 - International Grocery Near Me - New York, New York

This is the most amazing place - they have EVERYTHING you need, and even things you don't know you need. I go in to buy more basic items like spices and olives but always find something new to try. The spreads, beans and prepared foods are fresh and carefully stored and packaged for you on order. The gentlemen who work there are so kind - they always have a smile for you and offer advice whenever asked. They are all fantastic ambassadors for their products and a reason to come back to find new treats. read more

This is one of my favorite places in NYC. It definitely has an old New York feel. There are so many spices and cheeses to choose from. If you are new to a Greek market try ordering feta, stuffed grape leaves (put a little lemon on them) and Kalamata olives. Go home and eat it with a fresh loaf of Italian bread. You won't be disappointed! read more

This is neighborhood favorite but also for those who commute to NYC! I have not been back in the city since last year--and miss this place. The staff is always busy but always amazingly polite, friendly, knowledgeable and most interestingly--have all learned to speak Greek even though all are Latinos! The founder is Greek and the store has been famous from its founding many years ago. You can find remarkable international cheeses, all sorts of spices, and of course a great assortment of Greek and Mediterranean goodies! And of course, there is a mascot--a fat cat who lives contently and sizes up the customers with typical feline disdain! Hope all are safe and doing well and soon I look forward to paying a visit to stock up on so many goodies from this great shop! read more

Prices are super cheap and the service is friendly and fast. I have purchased coffee, spices, tabbouleh, and a spinach pie. The tabbouleh was flavorful with a lot of dressing, but was surprisingly not overwhelmingly acidic. There's just the right amount of feta mixed in, but I wish there was a bit more tomato. They weigh this by pound, and I got a small container for $3.25. The spinach pie is hefty for $4, loaded with spinach too! They give it to you cold, so the downside is that you have to heat it up in an oven (shouldn't microwave delicious phyllo). For $7.25, it was a huge tasty lunch! read more

International Grocery - Spinach pie - International Grocery Near Me - New York, New York

I had searched for Greek Feta Cheese (Dedonia) and this was the ONLY place in all of Manhattan that had it. They have the freshest foods. The three guys who work there are excellent in service and knowledge. They have all been there for the over 20 years I have been going there. I am so grateful I found this place. THE BEST. read more

GREAT PLACE!! Happens to be the last business I visited while I was in Manhattan before Covid hit. You know you've found a great place when you walk in and the smell of fresh spices hits you like a hammer. I was looking for imported Greek yogurt and they had the thickest and tastiest I've had since I was in Greece last year -- they'll give you a sample if you ask. Also got a jar of Attiki honey and a few other sundries I can't remember right now. The guys were really cool, even treated me and another customer to samples of feta they were unpacking. I even convinced that other customer to try the yogurt and she bought herself a container! Don't miss this place! read more

Absolutely a gem!!!! The spices food deserts and the people are the best this place if you don't know about it then you really don't know go there and you will see! read more

My favorite shop in the city to get amazing olives, feta and herbs amongst homemade Greek specialities! Also they have the freshest selection of grains, flour's, nuts & dried fruits. The crew in there are sooo nice and helpful. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing this place still exists! Whole bean coffee is great and fresh figs are delicious... ! read more

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I come out of the way to this hole in the wall on the west side for one specific reason: they're the best. Their selection of spices is vast, they carry great coffee beans, and their cheeses are cheap as hell! In NYC it's hard to find a spice market, but when I found these guys on Yelp I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. Their prices are insanely good. I'll refill every spice jar in my kitchen, and get a new block of locatelli pecorino romano for less than $25. They know what they're doing and they'll help you try new spices, too. A perfect example is when they guided me to sumac. I've never cooked with sumac in my life and, honestly, when I heard the name I thought of poison. Now it's a staple in my kitchen. These guys will help you, educate you, and really make the most of your dollar. Sometimes there's a line, but it goes by quickly so be patient. Pro tip: come knowing what you want with a list, but ask them for spice recommendations and keep an open mind! read more

They have really great roasted cashews. They have great dates They have a lot of spices and other open-barrel things to buy. I cannot go back. There is a big fat cat that I took a picture of......that I don't need to post because he is already on the reviews. Seriously? You sell food and you have a family cat in the store licking his ass? Which is what he is doing in my pic. Yes, I know cats clean themselves but they also carry diseases and should not be in a place that sells open food. I am not surprised people have found bugs and hair in their food. It is a health violation. I will say the workers are super nice. Really helpful and the nuts were good. But, in good conscience of wanting a clean product, I cannot go back. read more

I love this store. The employee that helped me didn't speak much English, however when I asked him for some parmesan reggiano cheese that was advertised on the front door, he brought out a massive wheel of cheese. I asked him if I'm supposed to use this cheese for Pasta Carbonara and he said yes, it's the right stuff, but I'm probably wasting my money, and he had some other cheaper alternatives. It would have been like ordering filet mignon to make hamburger meat. When in doubt, ask. These guys can probably answer your questions. read more

LOVEEEE! See the array of spices when you walk in, and the fresh cheese, the fresh hummus its all delicious! Their olive bar is to DIE for. The people are really nice. They also have fresh oatmeal and other grains. I tried their quinoa cooked, its great quality! I will definitely be returning to this place as long as I live nearby! read more

International Grocery - Wide array of spices - International Grocery Near Me - New York, New York

obsessed. their cheese tzatziki hummus baklava amazing can't wait to go back i can't believe i just discovered this place

This is one of the last shops from the old neighborhood,I usually go there forwholecadammon to put I my tea and indian dish.It wSntuntiliit wSnt google itt read more

I had been to this wonderful store about four years ago. The Taramasalata has been the best I have had since I left Europe 20+ years ago. I bought 3 big containers and plenty of pita bread and enjoyed every night in my hotel room. I bought 2 more the night before I left to back to Baltimore and kept them cold in the fridge and wrapped them up in my luggage before getting on the train. My family loved it also. I wish they had a website that I could order and have it shipped over night. I would order every couple of months. The place is worth the visit. read more

I wish I had been able to come here before the pandemic caused them to fence off half the store. For anyone who loves cooking, wants to purchase spices and various dried legumes and rice package free, this is the place for you. The gentleman that was working was super friendly and helpful. I would travel far and wide to come support them and you should too. read more

There are so many reasons to love the 9th Ave strip of Hell's Kitchen, and here is one. This store is like a preserved, historic sanctuary of old New York, with its intoxicating conglomerate of European cultures all under one heady roof. Buy spices by the pound for crazy cheap. Enjoy freshly made pastries like the giant slices of Basbousa for only a mind-boggling $3.50. Bask in the old world hospitality of the owners, who never fail to thank you and invite you to come back. #lovelovelove read more

Nice staff. Primarily Mediterranean stuff here. Got some hazlenuts to go (5 dollars for half a pound, oh my) and a thing of turon that I haven't tried yet. I'll be back for some of their homemade goods read more

Took Albanian labels off things and labeled Greek. Weird to change the import country. Tea and oregano, same package straight from Albania, not greece. Lol weird read more

For the past 5 years, the 9th Avenue International Grocery has been our go-to for fresh mediterranean feta, dips, spices, dried fruits, baklava, olives, yogurt, honey, spinach pie, pita breads, olive oils, grape leaves, bulk grains and coffee. We citibike up from Chelsea almost every week and dock on 42nd street, then walk a few blocks down 9th ave to Espositos meat market for high quality meats, chicken and sausages. I'm glad we still have family owned businesses like this that are reasonably priced, with courteous, experienced staff members who treat everyone like old friends. It hurts my heart to see people reject small businesses like this in favor of corporate-owned markets and faceless door drop delivery services. Let's keep New York institutions like this alive! read more

If you're big into cooking this little gem is a life saver. The days of buying overpriced, low quality spices are over people. You can find anything from chia seeds, to whole wheat flour, to saffron. All in bulk. They even have all of your standard nut and dried fruit offerings. A really sweet worker helped me out by bagging my spices as I browsed through the store. How nice is that? We walked out with a ton of spices, nuts, and goodies for under 20 bucks. You couldn't get a quarter of that for the same price at Whole Foods. Do yourself (and your wallet) a favor and check this place out! read more

This place is huge and has a wide variety of a lot of international foods. Was able to find my fava beans there!