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Guide to Kips Bay

Italian lunch spots

An Italian lunch that feels like a proper sit-down meal, rather than a rushed bite that leaves you hungry an hour later.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Norma image 1
Norma image 2
Norma image 3
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Italian restaurant

Brick walls and wood-fired ovens create an authentic Italian kitchen vibe. Lasagna and pasta dishes like Busiate al pesto Trapanese shine with skillful preparation. Heated outdoor seating and a friendly Colombian host make it a cozy lunch spot with attentive service.

Lasagna comes out buttery soft with many layers. Pasta dishes like Busiate al pesto Trapanese and pasta con sardi show skillful preparation. Pizza and beef carpaccio also stand out as simply delicious.

A Colombian host adds a personal touch with friendly conversations and attentive service. Tables outside catch the sun, making it a nice spot for a late lunch without waiting.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is delicious."

"This pizza has a thin, crispy crust that's cooked to perfection."

"This Lunch Spot has classic Italian food done really well."

Good to know

1

Norma's does not take reservations.

2

Come early to avoid waiting.

3

If you are coming in with a group of 3+ people during peak times, you probably will have to wait to get a table.

02
Fumo Kips Bay image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy, vibey ambiance with clean, spacious interiors and a nice outdoor patio. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic atmosphere that can feel warm and lively. Pasta and pizza stand out as delicious Italian dishes enjoyed here.

Pasta dishes come with rich sauces and a perfect texture. The spaghetti vongole stands out as exceptional. A $12 pasta deal runs on Sundays and Mondays.

Lunch offers $12 pasta specials like Rigatoni Bolognese and Penne Funghi with perfect portion sizes. The deal is affordable and popular for a midday meal at the bar.

People are saying

"The pasta here is cooked perfectly and tastes amazing."

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is rich, nourishing, and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's pasta dishes were delicious and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant has a $12 pasta special available on Sundays and Mondays.

3

Happy hour runs on Sundays and Mondays with great deals.

03
Lena's Italian Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian takeout spot offers large portions of authentic pasta like penne alla vodka and fiorentina with rich sauces. Lunch specials pair half sandwiches with salads or pasta at affordable prices. Busy and efficient, it has no seating, creating a strict atmosphere for quick pickups.

Pasta dishes come with perfectly cooked noodles and rich sauces like the penne alla vodka and fiorentina with extra sauce. Desserts include a fantastic tiramisu that stands out.

Affordable lunch specials include half sandwiches paired with half salads or pasta options. Ordering by phone allows paying on arrival, but food delivery can be unreliable with long waits.

People are saying

"The pasta here, especially the vodka sauce, is amazing."

"The delivery portions here are huge, you get so much food."

"I love their affordable lunch specials."

Good to know

1

Lena's is take-out only with no dine-in options.

2

Delivery from Lena's is quick, often taking just 15 minutes.

3

Lena's has happy hour appetizers that are a great deal.

04
Nonna Dora's 2nd Avenue image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with mostly high top tables and a long bar creates a cozy, friendly vibe. Atmosphere suits laid-back date nights and special occasions without feeling formal. Seating can be uncomfortable, but the overall energy stays intimate and welcoming.

Pasta comes freshly made with delicate textures and a balanced use of butter and cheese. Dishes like tonnarelli feature a hearty marinara sauce with lobster chunks, while options include basil-pesto gnocchi and rabbit orchiette.

Prix fixe lunch offers 3-course meals with appetizer, pasta, and dessert for around $38. Vegetarian pasta tasting menu provides ample portions and quick service fits a 1-hour lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought the handmade pasta was fresh and divine."

"The pasta here is fresh, handmade, and outstanding."

"This lunch spot feels like Nonna's home while she makes pasta."

Good to know

1

Make sure to make a reservation, as they are hard to get.

2

They charge a $50 'no show' fee even if you show up on time.

3

Nonna Doraโ€™s offers a pre-fixed meal option for $55 per person.

05
Banter NYC - Murray Hill image 1
Australian restaurant

Small space with cozy decor and banquette seating offers a snug, intimate setting. Loud atmosphere makes conversation challenging, creating a lively but sometimes overwhelming vibe. Cocktails and falafel bowl stand out as notable highlights.

Offers a $22 Wednesday dinner deal with chicken parmesan and a pint of draft beer. Pasta dishes stand out, especially with brussel sprouts and desserts. The chicken pesto panini also gets attention.

Offers a nice lunch experience with a relaxed vibe. Serves well for a late lunch option.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is simple and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with half-off burgers and drinks on Mondays.

2

Brunch items are served daily until 4pm.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to long lines.

06
Coletta Italian Vegan Restaurant image 1

Beautiful vegan Italian spot with cozy design and library-like wine walls. Tiramisu shines as a standout dessert. Lunch feels relaxed with quick seating and a calm vibe perfect for conversation.

Tiramisu stands out as a highlight, noted for its exceptional flavor and texture. It often overshadows other dishes, marking a memorable point in the Italian food experience here.

Lunch here offers quick seating and a relaxed pace, making it easy to enjoy a meal without rush. The spot suits both late lunches and more leisurely afternoon dining.

People are saying

"I experienced the best vegan Italian food I had ever had."

"I found the vegan Italian food here to be amazing."

"This lunch spot has some of the best Italian food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations for dinner are recommended on busy nights, especially Sundays.

2

The restaurant offers a special chunk steak night each week.

3

The tasting menu is popular and well-received by guests.

07
Patrizia's Of Manhattan image 1
Neapolitan restaurant

Large space with live entertainment and loud music creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Crowds include young people celebrating with dancing on chairs and tables. Outdoor patio offers seating but with uncomfortable chairs.

Homemade pasta stands out with perfect texture and exceptional flavor. Dishes like Sorrento gnocchi and fettuccine Alfredo come with tasty bread and salad. Gluten free pasta and pizza options are available.

Offers generous lunch specials at good prices during lunch hours. Serves well for banquets, lunch, or dinner with consistent quality.

People are saying

"It's a fun spot with amazing vibes and awesome music."

"The food and bottomless drinks at this dinner spot were immaculate."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is amazing and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, but expect long wait times for your table.

2

The restaurant has a mandatory 20% tip added to all bills.

3

Sunday opens at 12 noon, perfect for a late brunch.

08
Leonetta image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant features boho modern decor with upscale yet cozy atmosphere and a stunning downstairs lounge complete with fireplace and DJ. The space attracts a crowd looking for an elevated dining and cocktail experience with creative drinks and expertly crafted dishes.

Pasta al limone stands out with its zesty and creamy blend of lemon and fava bean pesto. The menu offers a diverse selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including pastas and seafood, alongside inventive cocktails and zero-proof drinks.

Lunch offers delicious food and a beautiful decor setting. Service tends to be painfully slow, stretching out the meal longer than expected.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is bold, vibrant, and fearlessly flavored."

"The truffle pasta here is rich and delicious."

"This lunch spot's decor is beautiful and the vibe is warm."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The bar downstairs opens at 7 p.m. on select nights for cocktails.

3

Expect to spend around $8 for a regular coke.

09
Romano Pizza Restaurant image 1
Pizza restaurant

Corner spot with plentiful indoor seating overlooks an energizing city avenue. Atmosphere blends pleasant corner joint vibe with friendly local energy and a clean, cozy space. Pizza aroma fills the air, drawing a crowded, lively crowd throughout the day.

Spaghetti and Meatballs come with a wonderfully flavored marinara sauce. The vodka pasta pizza and penne pizza stand out, with the penne pizza being surprisingly good. Bruschetta pairs well with pizza, and the cannoli cake features moist texture and delicious cream with chocolate chips.

Quick service makes it easy to fit a lunch break here. The menu includes grilled chicken Caesar salad and other straightforward options.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was unreal and amazing."

"I found the pizza here to be among the best I've ever had."

"The grilled chicken at this Lunch Spot is so flavorful."

Good to know

1

All pizza slices are under $5.

2

The regular slice costs $3 and the Sicilian slice costs $3.75.

3

They open late for late-night cravings.

10
Little Ruby's Murray Hill image 1

Narrow space with tight seating creates a loud, nightclub-like atmosphere that can feel crowded and intense. Heated outdoor seating offers a cozy alternative amid the minimalist, stylish decor. The place attracts a lively crowd, especially on busy nights.

Creamy pasta dishes feature chicken and sun-dried tomatoes or spicy sausage with creamy tomato sauce and peas. Portions stay balanced, and gluten free pasta options exist. Shrimp pasta also appears on the menu.

Offers a well-prepared lunch with options like pancakes that stand out. Outdoor seating is available for a relaxed midday meal.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, flavorful breakfast bowls and avocado toast."

"The pasta here is really good, especially the creamy chicken."

"This lunch spot has great food, especially the classic cheeseburger."

Good to know

1

There are no reservations, leading to a 30-minute wait for a party of 6 on Saturday nights.

2

Expect a line or a waiting list on weekends.

3

If you go when the restaurant opens, you can avoid waiting.

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Kips Bay, New York

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