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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of New York

High protein lunch spots

Your lunch break is for refueling, and you need a high-protein meal that keeps you full until dinner.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Animo! image 1
Animo! image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican cafe-restaurant offers authentic flavors and thoughtful design with Latin American music setting a lively yet chill atmosphere. Seating allows ordering at the counter or from the table, creating a fast-paced but welcoming environment ideal for casual connections.

Offers a great menu for lunch with options that suit various tastes. Serves meals that work well for a midday break or casual dining.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The food and drinks at these dinner spots are amazing."

"This lunch spot's food tasted homemade and was delicious."

Good to know

1

Animo! operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

2

They offer a tortilla making class later this month.

3

You need to order at the counter.

02
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 1

Spacious Thai restaurant with outdoor seating and a full bar featuring large drinks and a variety of cocktails. The atmosphere combines pretty decor and great music, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Indoor seating is tight, but the back area offers more space and a cozy garden spot.

Lunch here features a reasonable price with a lunch set menu available on weekdays until 4 pm, including a free appetizer. The spot suits workday meals with a reliable, tasty selection.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The drunken noodles here are amazing and packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's food is packed with flavor and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features $3 Sapporo beers from 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special with a free appetizer on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.

3

There is a $20 all-you-can-drink beer special available.

03
Chamoun's Way image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small eatery with about 15 seats offers a cozy, homey atmosphere and laid-back vibe. Casual setup includes open front exposure and simple furnishings. Great music plays, enhancing the calm and chill environment.

Food suits a quick lunch grab with friends. Options come together fast and satisfy midday hunger.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma, is so juicy and tender."

"I loved the authentic Lebanese flavors that reminded me of home."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh and high-quality."

Good to know

1

If you go a bit late, you might get a free dessert.

2

The price for 2 chicken shawarma with 2 drinks is $27, which is unbeatable value for money.

3

There is not much seating available, so plan accordingly.

04
5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a vibrant chill vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, often quiet on weeknights. Unique feature includes a hidden bathroom behind a bookshelf, adding a fun surprise to the clean, cute space.

Welcoming staff create a relaxed vibe during lunch hours. Outdoor seating suits quick meals, making it a solid choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed and yummy midday break.

People are saying

"The pho here is amazing, clean, and well-seasoned."

"This banh mi is amazing and flavorful, even without heat."

"This lunch spot has amazing pho and crispy chicken banh mi."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

05
Cinco de Mayo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with vibrant Mexican decor and lively music creates a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Staff maintain a happy, helpful attitude that enhances the experience. Air conditioning and free ice water add comfort in a clean, affordable setting.

Offers a quick lunch with good value, serving meals for around $26 for two. Conveniently located near cultural spots, it suits a casual midday break.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and quesadillas here are amazing."

"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're astounding."

Good to know

1

Lunch for 2 people costs $26, which is great for the area.

2

The restaurant offers fair and reasonable prices compared to other places in the neighborhood.

3

They give a free mini carrot cake as a treat.

06
TAP Brazilian Café – 100% Gluten-Free | Tapioca Sandwiches & Açaí | Astoria – NYC image 1

Sandwich shop offers 100% gluten-free options with a cozy, stylish interior and outdoor seating under shaded umbrellas. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with thoughtful decoration and a peaceful vibe. Space welcomes dogs and cyclists, creating a friendly, relaxed environment.

Offers a reliable spot for quick lunch and snacks. Serves well for breakfast and lunch breaks.

People are saying

"The cheese bread is warm, soft, and perfectly cheesy."

"I loved that the entire menu was 100% gluten-free and delicious."

"I considered TAP NYC my go-to lunch spot."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is 100% Celiac friendly and gluten free.

2

All food options are gluten free.

3

The restaurant offers vegan and gluten-free options.

07
Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen image 1

Space combines indoor and outdoor seating with a bright, natural aesthetic featuring clean lines and greenery. Atmosphere balances casual and elevated vibes, making it suitable for solo visits or relaxed group brunches. Staff contribute to a friendly and welcoming environment, though occasional loud moments can disrupt the calm.

Affordable and nutritious options stand out with great value brunch and lunch menu items. Sandwiches like the Saigon Sanga, BLAT, and Pesto make solid lunch choices.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, well-balanced, and exceptional."

"I found the breakfast sandwich to be the best I ever had."

"I tried every coffee spot, but their cappuccinos were the best."

Good to know

1

There is a 45 minute laptop timer policy.

2

Parking enforcement is strict; be cautious where you park.

3

Seating is limited to 10-15 seats indoors.

08
Ho'Brah image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers surf-themed California style with small indoor seating and outdoor tables suited for warm weather. Atmosphere feels fun and welcoming with loud music and low lighting. Known for variety of margaritas and fresh Modelo beer.

Lunch offers a variety of great options with a lunch special that provides good value. The spot welcomes visits for late lunch as well as regular midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos here were pure fire."

"You'll find great happy hour deals here."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers amazing food with special pricing.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The restaurant has a kids menu and provides highchairs.

09
Bagels & Schmear image 1

Small bagel shop with limited indoor seating and a few outdoor tables on a quiet street. Atmosphere ranges from quiet to hectic and fast-paced during busy times. Known for fresh, highly praised bagels and a casual, takeout-focused setup.

Large bagels serve as a full meal for lunch or dinner. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches offer quality options suitable for a quick bite or a treat.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be amazing."

"This local spot has the best bagels, perfectly fresh and chewy."

"The staff here is super friendly and keeps things moving."

Good to know

1

On weekends, expect long lines that can go out the door.

2

Timing your visit closer to 10:00 AM helps avoid rush hour crowds.

3

Under $6 requires cash; there's a $6 minimum for card payments.

10
Protein Dreams image 1
Health food restaurant

Small, cozy health food restaurant with an impeccably clean and relaxing atmosphere. Offers high-protein waffles, donuts, and shakes that appeal to those focused on fitness and healthy eating. Quiet mornings give way to a welcoming spot ideal for post-workout meals or quick, nutritious treats.

Shakes come low calorie and high protein, ideal for cutting season. Protein waffles serve as a filling and solid high-protein breakfast choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and high-quality."

"You should try the tea; it's very good."

"I found their waffles to be very delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Protein Dreams offers options for everyone from vegan to kosher products.

2

The pricing at the restaurant is very reasonable.

3

The place is super clean, which is difficult to find in New York.

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New York, New York

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