Written by 1:38 pm Dining & Wine, Food, Restaurants

NYC’s Top Spots for Midday Meals

As New York City reawakens with bustling energy, its culinary scene is following suit. While late-night dining is making its grand return, another meal is reclaiming its spotlight: lunch. From cozy Midtown cafes to Ridgewood takeout joints, the city offers an array of options to satisfy every craving. This guide highlights some of the best lunch destinations, showcasing diverse cuisines, price ranges, and styles.


Cocina Consuelo

Nestled in Harlem, Cocina Consuelo started as a pandemic supper club run by Karina Garcia and Lalo Rodriguez. Today, it’s a welcoming all-day cafe that feels like an extension of their home—complete with a piano. The standout daytime menu includes masa pancakes and tortillas with fried eggs and hoja santa.

Address: 130 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031


Torrisi Bar & Restaurant

Torrisi is nearly impossible to get into for dinner, but lunch offers a rare opportunity. Here, you can indulge in an Italian Cubano or corned beef short rib bao in a stunning landmarked space. Reservations open 30 days in advance at 10 AM, and the bar area is saved for walk-ins—though expect a long wait.


275 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012


Schnipper’s Quality Soups

The founders of Hale and Hearty have brought their soup expertise back with Schnipper’s Quality Soups. Located near Hunter College, this spot offers comforting soups like tomato-cheddar, chicken-sausage jambalaya, and spinach-artichoke cheddar. Prices start at an affordable $4.50, making it a convenient option for locals and nearby workers.

Address: 849 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10065


Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao briefly closed in 2019 but returned bigger and better. If soup dumplings are your thing, put this on your must-visit list. Avoid the long weekend waits by stopping in on a weekday and ordering a mix of dumplings and scallion pancakes with sliced beef.

39-16 Prince St, Flushing, NY 11354


Cafe Boulud

This Upper East Side gem has reintroduced lunch service, offering an a la carte menu that includes oysters, black truffle croque monsieur, and fusilli primavera. With its elegant ambiance and high-end pricing, Cafe Boulud remains a go-to for upscale dining.

Address: 100 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212)-772-2600


Davelle


102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002
Cuisine: Japanese | Neighborhood: Lower East Side

Ootoya Times Square

For a taste of Japanese comfort food, Ootoya Times Square offers set meals like grilled mackerel, katsu don, and Japanese butterfish paired with rice and miso soup. At around $25 per meal, it’s a quick and satisfying lunch experience.

Address: 141 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036


Le Bernardin

A Midtown institution for over 30 years, Le Bernardin operates like a well-oiled machine with flawless service. But the real star here is the seafood—think geoduck chawanmushi with uni. The three-course lunch tasting menu is $125, which is over $80 less than the least expensive dinner option. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, this is a must-visit.


W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019


Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food

Expect a line at Wah Fung—but for under $10, it’s worth the wait. Order the duck and roast pork over rice, and watch as the server ladles rich gravy over your meal. Find a bench across the street and enjoy this classic NYC experience.


79 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002


Hyderabadi Zaiqa

Recognized as one of the best Midtown lunch spots, Hyderabadi Zaiqa serves exceptional biryani for under $20. Recently, the restaurant upgraded to a larger space with table service, enhancing its dining experience.

Address: 184 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 646-952-0066


Teranga

Teranga, located at the northeast corner of Central Park, is the perfect excuse for a picnic. Their easy-to-carry grain bowls, like the Nigerian beef suya or Moroccan chermoula, are around $16 and packed with bold flavors.


1280 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029


S&P

In the former Eisenberg’s location, S&P reinvents the traditional lunch counter with sandwiches featuring creative toppings like chopped olives and cream cheese, alongside classics like burgers and matzoh ball soup.

Address: 174 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 691-TUNA


Hawksmoor NYC

This British steakhouse offers unbeatable lunch deals, including a 10-ounce rump steak, Caesar salad, or beef fat fries for $25. The bar menu features a standout burger, lobster roll, and salt-and-vinegar halibut.

Address: 109 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 777-1840


NY Dosas

While Washington Square Park’s famous white arch is worth a visit, NY Dosas is an even better reason to stop by. This vegan South Indian food cart near the dog run serves dishes like chopped roti with vegetables, samosas filled with potatoes and peas, and crispy lentil dosas. The cart operates from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Saturday, so plan accordingly.


50 Washington Sq S, New York, NY 10012


Hamburger America

Burger connoisseur George Motz teams up with Schnipper’s to bring Hamburger America to life. Alongside the famous smash burger, diners can enjoy hot ham sandwiches, egg salad, and patty melts, all served in a vibrant luncheonette setting.

Address: 51 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012


Superiority Burger

In its new East Village location, Superiority Burger now offers fries alongside its beloved vegetarian-friendly dishes like tomato soup, wedge salad, and toasted cheese. Be sure to save room for dessert.

Address: 119 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (646) 422-7707


Lakruwana

A ferry ride to Staten Island may sound like a trek, but Lakruwana makes it worthwhile. The restaurant’s decor features masks and elephant statues, and the menu includes must-try dishes like vegetable lamprais wrapped in banana leaves and heart-shaped godamba roti with garlic and green chilies. Bonus: the ferry is free.


668 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10304

Revelie Luncheonette

Known for its burgers, the team behind Raoul’s introduces Revelie Luncheonette, where the signature dish is now easier to get. Try the wedge salad, patty melt, or open-faced tuna melt, and pair your meal with a pistachio float for a nostalgic treat.

Address: 179 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (202) 273-8354


Taqueria Ramirez

If you see a long line in Greenpoint, it’s probably for Taqueria Ramirez. Their tacos, featuring tripa and suadero stewed in lard, are best enjoyed on a weekday around noon. After your meal, head to nearby Transmitter Park for a relaxing waterfront view.


94 Franklin St, New York, NY 11222


Woorijip

Skip the usual salad chains and head to Woorijip for an affordable, homestyle Korean meal. Their shelves are lined with to-go kimbap, bulgogi, and fried chicken containers—all under $10. Dine in or take your meal to go.


12 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Cuisine: Korean | Neighborhood: Koreatown


ThisBowl

An Australian import, ThisBowl specializes in customizable lunch bowls like Sophie’s Way—featuring poached chicken, purple cabbage, and green curry dressing. Despite the lines, it’s worth the wait for its fresh, flavorful offerings.

Address: 65 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012


Tokuyamatcha & Onigirazu

This East Village cafe focuses on onigirazu, Japanese rice-based sandwiches stuffed with fillings like saba fish and chicken karaage. Vegetarian options are available, and a new location with seating recently opened on East 27th Street.

Address: 627 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10009

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