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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in SB Downtown

Lunch spots

A midday break is the only time to sit down and enjoy a proper meal.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 2
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 3
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Large, airy dining space offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio with heating. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Punjabi music that energizes the setting. Clean, spacious environment complements authentic Indian cuisine known for standout dishes like butter chicken and korma.

Food features authentic Indian flavors with excellent quality and exceptional taste. The dishes consistently deliver a strong sense of traditional Indian cuisine.

Lunch offers a thali special with salad, butter chicken, rice, and naan, providing a great variety. Prices stay incredible for sampling many dishes, and service can be special and attentive.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"I found the Butter Chicken to be fantastic and well made."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was great, especially from Joban."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

02
Olio Bottega image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a warm, friendly vibe and authentic Italian touches. Guests often enjoy fantastic sandwiches and European-style pizza in a setting that includes a small market area for browsing Italian goods.

Food features authentic Italian flavors with simple, high-quality ingredients. The lunch menu offers fantastic pasta and unique items available in the market section.

Lunch features fantastic food with options that satisfy groups, including family gatherings. The menu suits those seeking a pick me up or a solid midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the pork belly sandwich was the greatest I ever had."

"The food here is fantastic and wonderful."

"I thought the food at this lunch spot was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early for lunch.

2

Expect a limited pizza selection later in the day as they sell out quickly.

3

Outdoor seating is available and provides a comfortable dining experience.

03
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads image 1

Outdoor seating dominates the space, offering a cozy patio with tables in a small alley near the embankment. The atmosphere feels quiet and inviting, suitable for relaxed meals or a first date. Music plays softly, enhancing the pleasant environment without overwhelming conversation.

Food comes out piping hot and flavorful with quick preparation and generous portions. The counter-order setup keeps dining relaxed without pressure on tipping.

Quick service and consistently excellent food make it a solid choice for lunch. Menu items are absolutely delicious, fitting well for office breaks or a shopping trip stop.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

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

"This lunch spot has delicious pasta and sandwiches."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms inside the establishment.

2

The nearest restroom is a two-minute walk above Panda Express.

3

The restaurant is open in the evening, unlike most other places.

04
Petit Valentien image 1
French restaurant

Small French bistro offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a quiet, intimate atmosphere that feels like dining in a European town. The place hosts a friendly, informal vibe ideal for social dinners or date nights. Weekends bring a unique twist with Ethiopian cuisine, adding variety to the experience.

Weekend lunches offer Ethiopian cuisine, a rare find in the area. French dishes serve up elegant flavors with consistently impeccable quality.

Lunch features a special deal priced at $18. The offer provides a great value for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"This Ethiopian Lunch Spot is incredibly good."

"It's a perfect cozy place with a romantic atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Lunch offers a great deal at $18.

3

The menu changes every 2 weeks, so check for new items.

05
Sushi Bar 29 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with an open kitchen and chalkboard specials offers a casual, lively vibe that suits couples and groups. Lighting is dim, creating a cozy atmosphere without loud noise. Sushi is fresh and flavorful, served quickly with affordable prices and easy parking nearby.

Food arrives promptly and tastes consistently delicious. The menu includes desserts that match the quality of the main dishes, all offered at a good value.

Lunch includes specials that are available for both take out and dine in. Happy hour also runs alongside lunch options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh and executed beautifully."

"The food here is delicious and tasted very good."

"It's a great casual lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with lunch specials available.

2

Parking at the restaurant is easy and accessible.

3

Expect a very short wait time even during rush hours.

06
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain creates a cute, relaxing patio atmosphere. Interior feels modern and airy but can be cold and lifeless. Warm, welcoming vibe outside contrasts with loud music and occasional distractions indoors.

Food here is delicious and refreshing with a good choice of vegetarian options. The quality feels classic and the staff's knowledge helps with easy selection.

Lunch costs around $150 with slow service near the end of lunch hours. Requests like skipping basil on a pizza cause delays despite the restaurant being generally slow during lunch.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The food here is delicious and fantastic."

"I loved grabbing a table at this cute outdoor lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

07
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina image 1

Outdoor courtyard offers beautiful patio with propane heaters and romantic lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A large bar complements the modern, elegant design. Margaritas and cocktail flights stand out as popular drink choices.

Mexican food here features fresh, well-prepared flavors with great quality and presentation. The patio and lighting add to the overall outstanding dining experience.

Lunch offers a gorgeous outdoor dining area that stands out. Meals suit both casual day-offs and special occasions with a consistently great all-around experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The outdoor seating is so romantic with its fireplace and lights."

"The presentation of the food at this Lunch Spot is stunning."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $10 for bottled water and $10 for tostadas.

2

Expect an additional $15 charge on your card without explanation.

3

The menu offers vegetarian options and local vegetables.

08
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers affordable tacos with a varied selection including vegetarian options like rajas and nopales. Atmosphere suits casual dining with sticky tables and a focus on fresh meat in tacos and tortas. Salsa, especially pineapple salsa, adds a flavorful touch to meals.

Food here is fresh and flavorful with a spicy kick. Prices stay reasonable while delivering consistently good Mexican dishes.

Tacos stand out as a tasty and inexpensive lunch option. The spot stays fairly quiet during lunch hours, making it a convenient downtown stop.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is piled high with meat."

"I thought the shrimp burrito with guacamole was worth the extra cost."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are delicious and a good size."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.50 each for carnitas or chicken.

2

Daily specials offer great deals on tacos and burritos.

3

The building is very clean and well-maintained.

09
China Pavilion image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area with large tables suits groups well and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Menu balances classic American-style Chinese dishes with more authentic options, including weekend dim sum. Free peanuts and attention to small authentic details add to the experience.

Food features fresh, flavorful, and well-balanced dishes with a focus on authentic Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. Options range from American-style Chinese to more adventurous, authentic styles.

Lunch specials offer good value with options like basil beef and spring rolls. Spicy soup comes with the lunch, and spareribs are available in Capital and Salt and Pepper styles.

People are saying

"You can get great Chinese Food dim sum here, especially the shrimp dumplings."

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The public paid parking lot next door offers 70 minutes of free parking.

2

The Beijing duck requires a wait of over 30 minutes.

3

Dim Sum is available on weekends.

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