Roey's
Must Go
1 Perry St (Manhattan)
Order: Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Italian + American
The Best Happy Hour in NYC!
Very Popular
Butter
Must Go
106 MacDougal St (Manhattan)
Order: Candy Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Family Friendly
Taqueria Ramirez
Must Go
94 Franklin St (Brooklyn)
Order: Al Pastor Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexico
Very Popular
City-Style
Authentic
Barlume
Must Go
900 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Meatballs with Toast — $$$; Res recommended
Mediterranean + Italian
Stylish
2 Floors
Westville
Must Go
1359 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Kale Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Katz's Delicatessen
Must Go
205 E Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Pastrami Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Jewish + American
Very Popular
Well Known
Types & Places (Favorites)
New York City’s lunch scene is at its absolute best when you need a quick, unforgettable bite or finally have the time to sit back for a proper midday meal. You might be craving a perfectly crisped smash burger, authentic street-style tacos, a legendary slice of pizza. You’ll also see standout destinations for lunch that offer the perfect excuse to take a midday break.
Top Pizza Spots
Roey's
1 Perry St (Manhattan)
Order: Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Italian + American
The Best Happy Hour in NYC!
Very Popular
L’industrie Pizzeria
197 Grand St (Manhattan)
Order: Burrata Slice — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Very Popular
Classic
Scarr's Pizza
35 Orchard St (Manhattan)
Order: Hot Boi — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Classic
Cello's Pizzeria
36 St Marks Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Plain slice — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Ops
176 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Classic Taverns Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Italian + American
Ceres
164 Mott St (Manhattan)
Order: Cheese Pizza — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Marinara Pizza
379 Park Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Pepperoni Pizza — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Takeout
Williamsburg Pizza
277 Broome St (Manhattan)
Order: Pepperoni Pizza — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Vegan Options
Mama's TOO!
325 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Angry Nonna — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Insanely Popular
Rubirosa
235 Mulberry St (Manhattan)
Order: Tie Dye Pizza with Vodka Sauce — $$$; Res recommended
Italian + American
Authentic
Cozy
Gluten-Free Options
Prince Street Pizza
27 Prince St (Manhattan)
Order: Naughty Pie — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Insanely Popular
Upside Pizza
51 Spring St (Manhattan)
Order: Cheese Pizza — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Lucia of Gramercy
282 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Vodka Slice — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
L&B Spumoni Gardens
2725 86th St (Brooklyn)
Order: Plain Slice — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Legendary
Historic
Giulietta
200 Park Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Truffle Pizza — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
All Day
Vibrant
Bleecker Street Pizza
69 7th Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Nonna Maria — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian
Classic
Lively
John's of Bleecker Street
278 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: The Sasso — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Historic
Joe's Pizza
1435 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Pepperoni Pizza — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Well Known
Emmett"s on Grove
39 Grove St (Manhattan)
Order: Hot Girl Pizza — $$; Res recommended
Italian + American
Very Popular
Tavern
Lively
Leuca
111 N 12th St (Brooklyn)
Order: Pepperoni Pizza — $$$; Res recommended
Southern Italian
Modern
Café Maud
132 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Ricotta Pizza with Hot Honey — $$; Res recommended
American
Very Popular
Top Burger Spots
Butter
106 MacDougal St (Manhattan)
Order: Candy Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Family Friendly
The Lions Bar & Grill
132 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Dry-Aged Cheeseburger — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Best Burgers
Very Popular
Swoony's
215 Columbia St (Brooklyn)
Order: Swoony’s Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Best Burgers
Very Popular
Fairfax
234 W 4th St (Manhattan)
Order: Bar Sardine Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Cozy
Dudley's
85 Orchard St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Australian
Bistro
Deux Luxe
384 Broome St (Manhattan)
Order: Smashburger with Cottage Fries — $$; Walk-in friendly
French
Fast Food
Hillstone
378 Park Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Very Popular
Celebrity Hotspot
MONO+MONO
116 E 4th St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger with Fries — $$; Res recommended
Asian
Very Popular
Unique
Aesthetic
Nowon
507 E 6th St (Manhattan)
Order: Legendary Cheeseburger — $$; Res recommended
Korean + American
Gastropub
Good Music
Rolo's
8-53 Onderdonk Ave (Queens)
Order: Burger — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
Has Happy Hour
Bar & Grill
Monkey Bar
60 E 54th St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$$$; Res recommended
American
Cozy
Very Popular
Café Chelsea
218 W 23rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$$; Res recommended
French
Bistro
Brasserie
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Cozy
Popular
Fatboys Vegan Burgers
537 Nostrand Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Vegan
Hamburger America
155 W Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Gotham Burger Social Club
131 Essex St (Manhattan)
Order: Gotham Smash — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Casa 13urger
1 Delancey St (Manhattan)
Order: Smash Burger — $; Walk-in friendly
American
Very Popular
The Waverly Inn
16 Bank St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger with Fries — $$$$; Res recommended
American
Classic
Popular
High-End
Top Taco Spots
Taqueria Ramirez
94 Franklin St (Brooklyn)
Order: Al Pastor Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexico
Very Popular
City-Style
Authentic
UT47
683 9th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $$; Walk-in friendly
Korean + American
Premier
Bistro
Vegan Options
Esse Taco
219 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican
Buzzy
Fast-Casual
Vegan Options
Los Tacos No. 1
229 W 43rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Carne Asada — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican
West Coast-Style
Tijuana
Very Popular
Birria-Landia
77th St & Roosevelt Ave (Queens)
Order: Birria Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican
Tijuana-Style
Food Truck
Very Popular
Caliente Cab Co.
61 7th Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $$; Walk-in friendly
Mexican + American
Tex-Mex
Very Popular
High-Energy
Carnitas Ramirez
210 E 3rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Surtida Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican
Popular
Michoacán-Style
The Ready Cantina
112 E 11th St (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $$; Res recommended
Mexican
Rooftop
High-Energy
Birria LES
127 Rivington St (Manhattan)
Order: Surf & Turf Taco — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican + Halal
Popular
Taco Mahal
73 7th Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Roti Tacos — $$; Walk-in friendly
Indian + Latin American
Popular
Top Must Go' Spots
Barlume
900 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Meatballs with Toast — $$$; Res recommended
Mediterranean + Italian
Stylish
2 Floors
Ashoka Grill
1436 Flatbush Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Rice With Curry — $$; Walk-in friendly
Halal Indian
Sunday In Brooklyn
348 Wythe Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Avocado on Toast — $$; Res highly recommended
American
3 Stories
Neighborhood Atmosphere
Jack's Wife Freda
226 Lafayette St (Manhattan)
Order: Peri-Peri Chicken — $$; Res recommended
Globally
Bistro
Very Popular
Little Ruby's
198 E 11th St (Manhattan)
Order: Steak with Fries — $$; Walk-in friendly
Australian + American
Very Popular
Bar Bianchi
5 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Rigatoni di Nash — $$; Res recommended
Italian
Has Happy Hour
Popular
Lively
Juliette Restaurant
135 N 5th St (Brooklyn)
Order: Juliette Burger with Fries — $$; Res recommended
French
Bistro
Garden
Rooftop
Claud
90 E 10th St Ground Floor (Manhattan)
Order: Peekytoe Crab Bread — $$$; Res recommended
French
Cozy
Popular
Caviar Kaspia at The Mark
992 Madison Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Mini Potatoes with Caviar — $$$$; Res recommended
French
Caviar
Exclusive
SUKI DESU
217 E 85th St (Manhattan)
Order: Kaisendon — $$; Walk-in friendly
Japanese
Hidden Gem
ACRE
64 Meserole Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Salmon & Chicken Bento Boxes — $$; Walk-in friendly
Japanese
Industrial
Home Goods
Unique
DASHI OKUME
50 Norman Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Custom Dashi — $$; Walk-in friendly
Japanese
+ Grocery Store
Dashi
Syokudo
Izakaya
Xi'an Famous Foods
45 Bayard S (Manhattan)
Order: Mt. Qi Pork Hand-Ripped Noodles — $$; Walk-in friendly
Chinese
Authentic
Very Popular
Xi'an-Style
Peking Duck Sandwich Stall
137-28 40th Rd (Queens)
Order: Peking Duck Bao — $; Walk-in friendly
Chinese
Popular
Beautiful Interior
Bo Ky
80 Bayard St (Manhattan)
Order: Country Style Chicken & Curry Noodle Soup — $; Walk-in friendly
Vietnamese + Chinese
Popular
Wah Fung No.1
79 Chrystie St (Manhattan)
Order: Roast Pork Over Rice — $; Walk-in friendly
Chinese
Cantonese
Popular
Giulietta
200 Park Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Ricotta Toast — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
All Day
Traditional Flavors
Misi
329 Kent Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Grilled Artichokes — $$$$; Res recommended
Italian
Very Popular
Shoo Shoo
371 Broome St (Manhattan)
Order: Fries — $$; Res recommended
Mediterranean + Israeli
Very Popular
Modern
Baby Blues Luncheonette
97 Montrose Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Mezze Plate — $$; Walk-in friendly
Greek + American
Diner
Aesthetic
Wonton Noodle Garden
56 Mott St (Manhattan)
Order: Orange Chicken — $; Walk-in friendly
Chinese
Popular
Laser Wolf
97 Wythe Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Fries — $$$; Res recommended
Israeli
Very Popular
Rooftop
High-Energy
Types & Places (Secondaries)
Here are additional lunch ideas focusing on fresh bowls and perfectly stacked sandwiches. These spots offer the perfect excuse to take a midday break.
Top Healthy Bowl Spots
Westville
1359 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Kale Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Basta
417 W 47th St (Manhattan)
Order: Casablanca Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Middle Eastern + North African
Ongi
630 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Bulgogi And Spicy Pork Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Korean
Chloe
185 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Vegan Bowls — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Vegan
Sweetgreen
1153 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Shroomami Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Vegan Options
Milu
333 Park Ave S (Manhattan)
Order: Sichuan Spiced Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Chinese + American
Vegan Options
Just Salad
295 5th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Earth Bowl — $; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Vegan Options
Cava
350 Hudson St (Manhattan)
Order: Harissa Avocado Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Mediterranean
Very Popular
Le Botaniste
127 Grand St (Manhattan)
Order: Coconut Curry Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Globally
Vegan Options
THISBOWL
65 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Miso Chicken Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Asian + Australian
Two Hands
262 Kent Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Acai Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Australian
Vegan Options
Gluten Free
Springbone
1429 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Grandma’s Chicken & Rice Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Vegan Options
Gluten Free
Anytime Street
34 St Marks Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Spicy Pork Cupbop — $; Walk-in friendly
Korean
8282
84 Stanton St (Manhattan)
Order: 8282 Steak Bowl — $$$; Res recommended
Korean Fusion
Top Sandwich Spots
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St (Manhattan)
Order: Pastrami Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Jewish + American
Very Popular
Well Known
Jeffrey's Grocery
172 Waverly Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Lobster Roll — $$$; Res recommended
American
Seafood
Cozy
Salt Hank's
280 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: French Dip — $$$; Walk-in friendly
American
Insanely Popular
Garden Carver
187 Grand St (Brooklyn)
Order: Steak Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Vegan
Montagu's Gusto
645 2nd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Empire Steak Pastrami — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Deli
Little Ruby's Cafe
225 W 4th St (Manhattan)
Order: Blueys Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Australian
Very Popular
Mama's Too
325 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken A La Vodka Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Popular
Sandwell
412 Amsterdam Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Pesto Burrata — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Modern
Via Quadronno
25 E 73rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Barbagia Sandwich — $$; Res recommended
Italian
Milanese Café
Paninoteca
Milano Market
1582 3rd Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Vodka Parm — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian
Family-Owned
Classic
Salty Lunch Lady
5-65 Woodward Ave (Queens)
Order: The Chicky — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Shalom Japan
310 S 4th St (Brooklyn)
Order: Wagyu Pastrami Sando — $$$; Res recommended
Jewish + Japanese
Unique
Rare
Farmer in the Deli
357 Myrtle Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Any Meat Chop On Hero — $; Walk-in friendly
American
Classic
El Castillo De Jagua
113 Rivington St (Manhattan)
Order: The Dominican — $$; Walk-in friendly
Dominican
Authentic
Banh Mi Co Ut
83 Elizabeth St (Manhattan)
Order: Banh Mi Special — $; Walk-in friendly
Vietnamese
Banh Mi Saigon
198 Grand St (Manhattan)
Order: Banh Mi Saigon — $; Walk-in friendly
Vietnamese
Legendary
Pecking House
83 Henry St Shop 1 (Manhattan)
Order: Chili Chicken Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Asian + American
Danny & Coop's
151 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Order: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Best Cheesesteaks
Popular
Court Street Grocers
485 Court St (Brooklyn)
Order: Droopy Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Market
New School
Librae Bakery
35 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)
Order: Herb Tuna Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Middle Eastern + Danish
Luna La Mer
468 4th Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Focaccia Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
French + Italian
Vegan Options
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
28 W 53rd St, Fl 2 (Manhattan)
Order: Afternoon Tea Sandwiches — $$$$; Res recommended
French
Luxurious
Fine Dining
Bonnie's
398 Manhattan Ave (Brooklyn)
Order: Rib Sandwich On Milk Bun — $$$; Res recommended
Cantonese + American
Popular
Bubby's
120 Hudson St (Manhattan)
Order: Soft Shell Blue Crab Sandwich — $$$; Res recommended
American
Classic
All'Antico Vinaio
729 8th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: La Paradiso Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian
Authentic
Famous
Regina's Grocery
241 Mulberry St (Manhattan)
Order: Uncle Jimmy — $$; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Classic
Dear Margo
961 Lexington Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich — $$$; Res recommended
Eastern Mediterranean + Levantine
The Blue Box Cafe
727 5th Ave (6th Floor) (Manhattan)
Order: Tea Sandwiches — $$$$; Res recommended
French
Ultra-Luxury
Areas
Discover top-tier lunch destinations spanning the busy Midtown, the charming streets of Greenwich and West Village, and the vibrant avenues of Chelsea, Flatiron, and NoMad. You might be craving a fast-casual bowl on the go, a juicy burger, or a sit-down plate of fresh pasta. These places deliver the ultimate midday meal to fuel your afternoon in New York City.
Midtown / Central / East / West
Bar Primi
349 W 33rd St (Manhattan)
Order: Ricotta Agnolotti — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
Stylish
Basta
417 W 47th St (Manhattan)
Order: Casablanca Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
Middle Eastern + North African
Heritage Grand
8 W 40th St (Manhattan)
Order: Neapolitan Stracciatella Pizza— $$$; Res recommended
American + Mediterranean
Has Happy Hour
Avra
141 E 48th St (Manhattan)
Order: Salmon Salmoriglio — $$$$; Res recommended
Greek + Mediterranean
High-End
Legasea Bar & Grill
485 7th Ave (Inside Moxy Times Square) (Manhattan)
Order: Wagyu French Onion Burger — $$$; Res recommended
American
Shawarma Bay
401 E 57th St (Manhattan)
Order: Chicken Shawarma & Beef Doner Platter — $$; Walk-in friendly
Middle Eastern
Street Food
Electric Lemon
33 Hudson Yards, 24th Fl (Manhattan)
Order: Oysters — $$$; Res recommended
American
Upscale
Insane Views
Little Beet
135 W 50th St (Manhattan)
Order: Paleo Bowl — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Gluten-Free
Greenwich Village / West Village
Grandma’s One Pizza
165 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Pepperoni Slice — $; Walk-in friendly
Italian + American
Dame
87 MacDougal St (Manhattan)
Order: Fish And Chips — $$$; Res recommended
British
Seafood
Dante
551 Hudson St (Manhattan)
Order: Mussels — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
Very Popular
Stylish
Palma
28 Cornelia St (Manhattan)
Order: Arancini — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
Rusic
Cozy
Suprema Provisions
305 Bleecker St (Manhattan)
Order: Suprema Burger — $$; Res recommended
Italian + American
Euro-Hybrid
Jeffrey's Grocery
172 Waverly Pl (Manhattan)
Order: Lobster Omelette — $$$; Res recommended
American
Seafood
Cozy
Tacos 1986
1 Cornelia St (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $; Walk-in friendly
Mexican
Authentic
& Son Steakeasy
62 W Ninth St (Manhattan)
Order: Burger with Fries — $$$; Res recommended
American
Upbeat Vibe
Chelsea + Flatiron + Nomad
Il Fiorista
17 W 26th St (Manhattan)
Order: Campanelle Pasta — $$$; Res recommended
Mediterranean + Italian
Modern
La Bergamote
177 9th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Eggs Benedict — $$; Walk-in friendly
French
Bistro
La Pecora Bianca
54 Prince St (Manhattan)
Order: Meatballs — $$$; Res recommended
Italian
Lively
Mama Mezze
1123 Broadway (Manhattan)
Order: Burger — $$; Res recommended
Eastern Mediterranean
Levantine
Lively
Popular
Sentir
37 W 19th St (Manhattan)
Order: Tacos — $$; Res recommended
Mexican
Vegan
Thai Villa
5 E 19th St (Manhattan)
Order: Pad See Ew — $$; Res recommended
Thai
Popular
Authentic
S&P Lunch
174 5th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Crispy Potato Latkes — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Deli
Old School
Pura Vida
100 5th Ave (Manhattan)
Order: Caesar Wrap — $$; Walk-in friendly
American
Popular
Miami-Inspired
Occasions
Choosing where to eat lunch in New York City is as much about the occasion and vibe as it is about the food. If your planning a lively hangout with friends, setting the scene for a romantic date, or simply picking a spot tailored to your exact frame of mind, these curated picks have you covered.
Dates
Best Overall
Oxomoco
128 Greenpoint Ave (Brooklyn)
Oxomoco is the absolute perfect lunch date destination, featuring a stunning dining room and a vibrant atmosphere that sets the right mood. Their incredible, Michelin-starred wood-fired Mexican menu ensures an unforgettable experience that is guaranteed to impress.
Dates
First Date
Dates
Hotel Delmano
82 Berry St (Brooklyn)
Regular
19 Rector St (Manhattan)
First Date
Lil' Frankie's
19 1st Ave (Manhattan)
Isabelle's Osteria
245 Park Ave S (Manhattan)
Mood
Best Overall
Electric Lemon
33 Hudson Yards, 24th Fl (Manhattan)
Electric Lemon is the ultimate midday escape, offering a stunning dining room and a insane terrace high above Hudson Yards. Its breathtaking city views and vibrant atmosphere perfectly capture the ideal lunch mood, making it the absolute best spot to unwind and grab a bite and drink.
Cozy Comfort
People Watching
Rooftop Views
On the Go
Cozy Comfort
Emilio's Ballato
55 E Houston St (Manhattan)
Hudson Clearwater
447 Hudson St (Manhattan)
People Watching
Dudley's
85 Orchard St (Manhattan)
Bar Bianchi
5 Avenue A (Manhattan)
Rooftop Views
The Ready Rooftop Bar
112 E 11th St (Manhattan)
Sandbar Rooftop
152 W 26th St (Manhattan)
On the Go
Village Square Pizza
118 Christopher St (Manhattan)
Hutch and Waldo
247 E 81st St (Manhattan)
Highlights
These are the essential lunch highlights you absolutely cannot miss in New York City. A vibrant Tel Aviv-inspired hotspot, an elegant Flatiron destination with a subterranean lounge, and a breathtaking high-rise oasis with panoramic skyline views are shown below.
Shoo Shoo
Shoo Shoo is a stunning Nolita hotspot that completely earns its title as an essential NYC lunch highlight. This vibrant, beautifully designed neighborhood staple is the absolute perfect place to gather with friends for an unforgettable midday meal.
371 Broome St (Manhattan)
Mediterranean + Israeli
Very Popular
Modern
Start with their warm, silky hummus served alongside fresh pita bread. Pair it with their signature cocktail crafted with vodka and fresh blackberry purée.
Head downstairs to discover a gorgeous, intimate lounge illuminated by ornate chandeliers. The warm lighting and cozy vintage setting make it the ultimate private gathering space.
Barlume
Barlume is a breathtaking Flatiron destination that completely earns its title as an essential NYC lunch highlight. This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired space radiates old-world elegance, making it the absolute perfect place to gather for an unforgettable midday meal.
900 Broadway (Manhattan)
Mediterranean + Italian
Stylish
2 Floors
The bright, airy dining room is absolutely fantastic for lunch groups, offering shareable Mediterranean spread samplers and incredible fresh seafood.
Beneath the main dining room lies Barlume Downstairs, a stunning subterranean cocktail club that serves as a beautifully hidden escape.
Electric Lemon
Electric Lemon is a breathtaking Hudson Yards destination that completely earns its title as an essential NYC lunch highlight. Perched high on the 24th floor, this stunning space offers the absolute perfect mix of incredible food and unmatched skyline views for your midday meal.
33 Hudson Yards, 24th Fl (Manhattan)
American
Stylish
Insane Views
Upscale
The sleek, airy dining room and bar feature massive floor-to-ceiling windows that have sweeping, panoramic views of Manhattan. Get a table right by the glass to enjoy an unforgettable lunch while towering over the bustling streets below.
Outside there is a stunning reflecting pool and a wire-mesh sculpture to elevate the atmosphere. It is the ultimate spot to soak up the sun, take in the breathtaking skyline, and unwind with a midday drink.
Must Knows
Must-know basics so you’re not guessing on tipping, menu lingo, or how to book.
Reservations
Before you fall in love with the menu, make sure you’ve got the res
Decoding the menu
Lunch Special / Combo — discounted midday meals; often includes a main, side, and drink or soup.
Bodega Heros / Hot Sandwiches — iconic deli staples; chopped cheese, chicken cutlet, hot pastrami.
Bowls / Build-Your-Own — customizable fast-casual; grain bases, leafy greens, selected proteins, dressings.
Platters / Over Rice — street cart essentials; halal chicken, gyro meat, falafel, white and red sauce.
By the Slice / Pies — classic pizzeria orders; standard NY slice, square Sicilian, grandma style.
Bento Box / Lunch Sets — compartmentalized midday meals; sushi, teriyaki, rice, miso soup, side salad.
Power Lunch / Executive Menu — upscale sit-down meals; multi-course prix fixe, steaks, seafood, martinis.
Dim Sum / Small Bites — daytime Cantonese dishes; steamed dumplings, pork buns, rice rolls to share.
Café Plates / Tartines — lighter sit-down fare; open-faced sandwiches, quiches, seasonal salads.
Tacos / Taquería — tortilla mains; choose protein + salsa; often sold per taco or as a plate.
Tips
Standard tip for sit-down restaurants
In NYC, 18–22% of the pre-tax bill is considered normal for good service. 15% is low; 25%+ is very generous.
Why tipping matters
Servers and bartenders are paid a lower base wage because tips are expected here, so the tip is a big part of their income.
Check for built-in gratuity
Some places (especially for large groups or trendy spots) add “gratuity” or “service charge” automatically. If you see that on the bill, you don’t need to add an additional tip unless you want to.
Social
Best Overall
Shoo Shoo
371 Broome St (Manhattan)
Shoo Shoo is the champion of social dining, offering a stunning 2 floor Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere that elevates any midday gathering. Whether you’re dropping in for casual drinks or the food, it stands as the absolute best social lunch spot in the city. (Happy Hour: Monday to Friday from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
Women Day Out
Men Day Out
Birthday With Friends
Happy Hour
Women Day Out
Rintintin
14 Spring St (Manhattan)
Horse with No Name
223 E 5th St (Manhattan)
Men Day Out
Fairfax
234 W 4th St (Manhattan)
Five Leaves
18 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)
Birthday With Friends
Jack's Wife Freda
226 Lafayette St (Manhattan)
Chez Fifi
140 E 74th St (Manhattan)
Happy Hour
Avg times for both: Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Happiest Hour
121 W 10th St (Manhattan)
Jackdaw
213 2nd Ave (Manhattan)