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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Clifton

Authentic Lunch Spots

Made for those who seek out an authentic midday meal and refuse to compromise on the integrity of their lunch hour.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Olive Bistro image 1
The Olive Bistro image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with modern artistic decor and cultural artwork creates a warm atmosphere with chill music at comfortable volume. Open kitchen design adds to the experience while serving authentic Palestinian food with generous portions. The vibe is welcoming and cozy, attracting diners seeking a top-tier dining experience.

Offers authentic Palestinian food with full of flavor dishes. Staff provide great authentic Arab food service.

Lunch offers prix fixe meals around $20 with soup, appetizer, and main course included. Portions come in great servings at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and freshly prepared."

"The authentic Palestinian food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and shareable."

Good to know

1

Mansaf is only available after 3pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

The portions are generous, making it a good value for families.

3

Parking is ample and convenient for guests visiting the restaurant.

02
Kashan Indian Kitchen & Bar image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant with black and white pastel theme and spacious, clean decor creates a cozy atmosphere. Music varies from amazing to uncomfortably loud, contributing to a lively vibe. Offers a well-stocked bar with standout cocktails alongside highly praised Indian dishes.

Dishes show authentic Indian flavors crafted with care. Meals blend traditional taste with fresh ingredients and modern elegance.

Affordable lunch buffet offers a great way to sample Indian cuisine with both meat and vegetarian options. Quality stays consistent across all dishes, making the weekend lunch buffet a solid choice.

People are saying

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

"The lunch buffet here is amazing and offers great value."

"I found the Indian food here to be authentic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch buffet every day.

2

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, with possible all-day options.

3

Thursday night features Open Mic Comedy Night.

03
Lamoon’s Thai Restaurant image 1

Small dining room with a semi-open kitchen lets aromas fill the space. Atmosphere feels cozy, warm, and welcoming with pleasant music creating a calm vibe. Guests come for authentic Thai cuisine praised for its quality and generous portions.

Food features fresh ingredients and bold flavors that capture authentic Thai taste. Dishes come packed with authentic flavor and show clear care in preparation.

Lunch specials cost $11.95 and taste really good. The spot offers a great lunch menu and suits a casual lunch outing.

People are saying

"I found the drunken noodles to be super flavorful and perfectly spiced."

"The food here is packed with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients."

"This Lunch Spot's Thai food is flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The restaurant is BYOB friendly, allowing you to bring your own drinks.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
Toros image 1
Turkish restaurant

Restaurant offers an elegant, warm interior filled with traditional Turkish decorations and Turkish lamps. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, resembling an Ottoman palace. A downstairs area accommodates large groups and parties.

Food offers authentic Turkish flavors that are fresh, hot, and filling. Atmosphere matches with an authentic, high-end design reflecting traditional Turkish style.

Lunch features a $17.99 special with good value and variety. Options include lentil soup and Adana kebab for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved their lunch menu; it's an amazing deal."

"The authentic Turkish food here tastes just like Turkey."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a small parking lot that is free.

2

The lunch special is available from 11:30 AM to 3 PM.

3

The restaurant is Halal certified.

05
La Fortaleza Clifton image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and Día de Los Muertos theme creates a vibrant, colorful setting. Live mariachi band and loud music fill the space, fostering a lively, festive atmosphere. Tables sit close together, adding to the energetic, bustling vibe.

Mexican dishes come fresh and well-presented with authentic flavors and quality ingredients. The environment and decor reflect a genuine Mexican vibe, enhancing the overall experience.

Lunch here features specials that draw regular visits. Service is generally solid, supporting occasions like birthdays, though experiences can vary.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, it feels like you're in Mexico."

"Our server Daniel was so attentive and wonderful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features a variety of drink specials.

2

Live music is available on weekends.

3

Karaoke is included during visits on certain nights.

06
Yasmeen Mediterranean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers cozy home vibe with stunning decor and gorgeous outdoor patio. Hookah is available indoors and outdoors with smooth smoking experience and affordable prices. Atmosphere feels welcoming and fantastic, blending traditional hospitality with a modern night spot energy.

Authentic Middle Eastern dishes like Kibbeh, Fatteh, and Babagnoush use fresh ingredients and expert preparation. The atmosphere includes hookah smoke, adding to the genuine Arab experience.

Lunch features great specials with a $20 option that is both delicious and filling. Staff remain friendly and professional throughout the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing with many flavors and options."

"This lunch spot has amazing, authentic Lebanese and Syrian dishes."

"The food here is authentic and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a dress code on certain days; check in advance.

3

Outdoor seating is the only option available; confirm this when booking.

07
Macondo Restaurant & Bakery image 1
Colombian restaurant

Spacious interior with authentic Colombian vibes creates a family-friendly, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Decorations add to the comfortable, well-kept environment perfect for relaxed conversation. Empanadas and traditional snacks stand out as distinctive Colombian offerings.

Authentic Colombian vibes fill the space, making it feel like a true Colombian spot. The chorizo and empanadas deliver genuine flavors that stand out in every bite.

Offers Colombian dishes for lunch with a menu that can lead to a bill over 100 dollars. Food is available for dine-in or takeout on days off.

People are saying

"The Colombian food here is genuinely spectacular and hearty."

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I've ever had."

"This is the best Colombian lunch spot; the food is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available nearby, but it can be limited.

2

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a 4% fee applies to card payments.

08
Clifton Thai Restaurant image 1

Small dining area with cozy decor and an open wall to the outside creates an intimate, comfortable atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and relaxing, with a big screen TV playing Thai favorites adding a cultural touch. Seating is tight, making it suitable for casual meals or quick takeout.

Dishes burst with fresh, aromatic flavors crafted from scratch. The Drunken Noodles and red curry stand out for their authentic Thai taste.

Lunch specials stand out with great value and consistent quality. Options come with generous portions that satisfy midday hunger.

People are saying

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

"The authentic Thai flavors here make you feel like you're back in Thailand."

"This lunch spot always serves fresh and delicious food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a spice level scale from 1 to 10 for all dishes.

2

Delivery through their website is faster than third-party services.

3

Lunch specials are offered daily and are considered a great value.

09
It's Greek To Me image 1

Greek décor and music create a warm, familial atmosphere with a cozy small-town style that feels inviting and comfortable. The space stays quiet and clean, allowing easy conversation and relaxed dining. Plenty of parking and BYOB policy add to the convenient, welcoming vibe.

Decor shows beautiful, authentic style. Appetizers come in generous portions with genuine flavors. Gyro spices do not match traditional Greek cuisine.

Lunch offers a variety of Greek appetizers like stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita that stand out. The menu includes light options such as lemon chicken soup with Greek salad and a notable salmon lunch special.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"This lunch spot offers fresh, flavorful Greek food with generous portions."

"The authentic appetizers were outstanding and generous portions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Parking is available and has never been a problem.

3

Most meals come with fresh pita bread.

10
Sombrero Tacoria Clifton image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small grab-and-go Mexican spot offers soft lighting and comfortable seating with some counter seats by the window. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet with friendly energy and soft background music. Food quality is consistently fresh, featuring delicious birria tacos and generous portions.

Tacos and steak burritos have an authentic flavor that stands out. Those familiar with traditional Mexican food might find the offerings here do not match their expectations.

Lunch features a great special that stands out. Staff stay friendly during busy lunch hours with coworkers.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and fresh."

"I thought the burritos here were top tier."

"My steak burrito tasted so good, I almost drooled."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

Online orders are ready within 5-10 minutes.

3

On Taco Tuesdays, buy a chicken taco trio for half-off.

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Clifton, New Jersey

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