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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Newark's best

Lunch spots

Made for those who treat the midday break as the most important hour of the day.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Brick City Market image 1
Brick City Market image 2
Brick City Market image 3
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Cozy cafe offers a warm atmosphere and healthy, tasty food perfect for lunch. Known for excellent sandwiches, it handles large orders smoothly. Friendly crowd and clean design make it a top lunch spot for regular meals.

Frequent visits highlight this spot as a reliable go-to lunch spot with consistent appeal. It serves as a great lunch location for regular midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and always cooked fresh."

"I loved their breakfast; it was my go-to spot."

"This lunch spot's food is great, especially the sandwiches."

Good to know

1

Brick City Market offers a diverse menu with salads, pressed juices, wraps, and hot dishes.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

3

There are many vegan options available on the menu.

02
Cafe Airlie image 1
Sandwich shop

Spacious seating and a cozy vibe make this sandwich shop welcoming. Large portions with great bread-to-meat balance satisfy lunch cravings. The hot pastrami sandwich is a standout, and delivery adds convenience for busy midday crowds.

Quick and easy lunches draw a crowd, making the spot busy at midday. The menu includes a hot pastrami sandwich that satisfies specific cravings and offers delivery for convenience.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were fresh and delicious."

"It felt like eating breakfast with family, everyone was so friendly."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are fresh, delicious, and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Cafe Airlie opens at 7 AM but often runs out of key ingredients by 7:30 AM.

2

Expect to wait 15 minutes or more if you don't order ahead.

3

Parking is hard to find; consider calling in advance to place an order.

03
Brother's Kitchen and Meal Prep image 1

Fresh meal preps with high-quality ingredients fuel weight lifters and health-conscious eaters. Barbecue shines as a solid lunch choice in a warm, welcoming and clean, quiet setting. Options include takeout, delivery, and indoor dining.

Fresh meals cater to weight lifters and health-conscious eaters throughout the day. Barbecue stands out as a solid choice for a work lunch.

People are saying

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

"The BBQ here is amazing and a perfect 10/10."

"This lunch spot has quality ingredients and fresh meals."

Good to know

1

Fresh meal preps are made every morning and sell out quickly.

2

The meals include calories and grams of protein and carbohydrates.

3

They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals suitable for health-conscious eaters.

04
Hannas Deli image 1

Deli serves affordable meals with a huge selection, perfect for quick service seekers. Morning crowds love the veggie omelets and pastrami sandwiches. Lunches cost just $5, ideal for a filling meal before the park.

Offers filling lunches for $5, making it a rare affordable option. Serves both breakfast and lunch, popular for quick meals before heading to the park.

People are saying

"The staff here for breakfast were super friendly."

"This lunch spot is affordable and a great value."

"I found the sandwich here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Hannas Deli opens at 6am and is closed on weekends.

2

Expect a filling lunch for $5 at Hannas Deli.

3

Prices at Hannas Deli are fair, with meals around $10.

05
Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant & Catering image 1

Vibrant space with island-inspired decor offers a cozy vibe and colorful murals. Soft Caribbean music sets a lively yet comfortable mood. Convenient location and catering service make it perfect for quick, tasty lunches.

Convenient location makes it easy for a quick lunch break. Offers catering service suitable for business lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The jerk chicken here is perfectly cooked, tender inside and flavorful outside."

"The oxtails at this Lunch Spot are tender, juicy, and fall off the bone."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers catering services for groups of 10-12.

3

Expect generous portions for all menu items.

06
Rainha Dos Queijos Restaurant image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Bright, colorful decor sets a cozy atmosphere perfect for lunch. Quick seating and tasty flavors make busy days easy. Friendly service adds to the welcoming vibe for a relaxed, authentic Brazilian experience.

Lunch offers really tasty flavor with quick seating even on busy days like Saturday.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I savored the steamed ribs with rice and beans."

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

Good to know

1

The menu changes daily, focusing on a few dishes for better quality.

2

Queen of Cheeses sells 100% homemade cheeses and jams.

3

The restaurant is very clean.

07
Queen Pizza II image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza near transit hub serves quick slices with crispy bottoms and tasty subs. Clean, well-lit space suits lunch or dinner with fast service and steady local crowd. Perfect for grabbing a foldable slice or a full pie any time.

Slices come out fast with excellent quality and quick service. Options include single slices for lunch or full pies for dinner.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be amazingly delicious and top-tier."

"I found the food here to be consistently delicious."

"I loved the foldable slices with just enough crispiness."

Good to know

1

They accept both card and cash.

2

The pizza was ready in minutes.

3

The restaurant offers slices suitable for lunch or a full pie for dinner.

08
La Cocina image 1
Cuban restaurant

Casual Cuban spot offers flavorful pork and empanadas in a cozy, lived-in space. Buffet-style dining makes lunch quick and fresh, with vegetarian options available. Outdoor rooftop patio adds charm to a steady downtown crowd.

Lunch features Latin American dishes served hot and fresh around midday. Vegetarian options exist, making it a solid choice for a downtown meal on a warm day.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious food that always arrives hot."

"I enjoyed dining in the cute outdoor seating area."

"I'm obsessed with the guava and cheese empanadas."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially before noon.

2

Limited indoor seating may lead to crowded conditions.

3

Street parking is very limited near the restaurant.

09
Salad House image 1
Salad shop

Chic interior and lively music create an upbeat vibe. Known for fresh salads and nutritious meals, it offers a reliable spot for lunch. Occasional spicy poblano soup adds variety to the healthy menu.

Offers a healthy, fulfilling lunch with a focus on salads. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable spot for quick, nutritious meals and occasional soups like the spicy poblano.

People are saying

"I found the Thai rice bowl salad to be the best I've ever had."

"This is my favorite lunch spot for a healthy meal."

"The seafood portions here are generously sized and worth the price."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is very limited.

2

Ordering from their app incurs an additional $22 fee for two meals.

3

The portion size of the salad is generous, making each bite satisfying.

10
Dayton Steakhouse Bar & Grill image 1

Small, intimate spot with Portuguese charm and live music weekends. Lunch features steakhouse classics and grill options, perfect with sangria. Atmosphere shifts from business-like to lively, with beautiful, welcoming decor.

Lunch offers a solid mix of steakhouse classics and grill options. Sangria pairs well with the meals, making for a satisfying midday break.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The steak here is cooked perfectly and packed with flavor."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and perfectly done."

Good to know

1

Live music starts at 10 p.m. on Saturdays, perfect for dancing.

2

Dancing is available on weekends along with a selection of wines.

3

The menu features Portuguese-inspired dishes like Bitoque a Portuguesa.

11
Go!Go! Curry! Newark image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with quirky decor and fun animation art creates a chill vibe. Quick lunches focus on fast food ordering at the counter, perfect for grabbing meals before flights. Clean and comfortable, it offers a quiet environment ideal for short breaks.

Quick lunches happen here with a focus on efficiency over comfort. The spot suits grabbing a meal before flights or during short breaks, offering a straightforward setup for fast dining.

People are saying

"The curry here is so delicious and hearty."

"The service here for Chicken Katsu is so kind and personable."

"The curry dishes here are delicious and authentic Japanese style."

Good to know

1

Parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a free topping coupon on the 5th, 15th, or 25th of each month with purchase.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes due to post-pandemic adjustments.

12
Deluxe Diner image 1

Cozy space with classic American decor offers a quiet spot for quick lunch breaks and relaxed meals. Fluffy pancakes shine on a varied menu served with fast service. Comfortable seating makes it ideal for casual, intimate dining.

Offers a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes with fluffy pancakes standing out. Serves as a reliable spot for a quick lunch break between classes or during a holiday.

People are saying

"The pancakes at this diner are fluffy and fantastic."

"I loved the great selection of lunch dishes here."

"It's a cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be complicated; consider arriving early to find a spot.

3

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak brunch hours on weekends.

13
Red Reisa Grill&Catering Please place orders on the Website because the Order-pickup button on Google sometime Doesn't work image 1

Newly built space offers outdoor seating and a mix of vintage and elegant decor. Website ordering keeps things smooth despite platform issues. Perfect for a friendly lunch with casual meals and an inviting vibe.

Offers a great spot for lunch with a friendly atmosphere. Serves meals that work well for a casual lunch with friends.

People are saying

"The Newark cheesesteak sandwich was melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem with excellent food."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is made to order and fresh."

Good to know

1

Place orders on the website or use the QR code on the table for prompt service.

2

The restaurant is handicap accessible for all guests.

3

The entire restaurant, including the dining area and bathroom, is clean.

14
Nova Alianca Bakery image 1

Busy bakery offers a pay-by-weight buffet with many options for lunch. Portuguese-style toast is a local favorite, creating a home-style atmosphere. Prices stay very reasonable, making it easy to visit often.

Lunch comes from a reasonably priced buffet charged by the pound. The buffet offers a variety of options to enjoy during the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly made daily."

"The bakery's toasted rolls with scrambled eggs and cheese are to die for."

"I loved the lunch buffet; the scrambled eggs on a Portuguese roll were delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery operates on a pay-by-weight system for food.

2

Expect long lines, especially in the morning when itโ€™s busiest.

3

The lunch buffet is priced at $9.00 per pound.

15
Mr. Falafel - Best Halal Food In Newark image 1

Halal restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern flavors with crispy falafel and smash burgers as a lunch favorite. Cozy, colorful space offers a relaxed vibe. Perfect for bold, traditional dishes and reliable midday meals.

Smash burgers stand out as a lunch favorite here. The spot serves consistently great lunch options that make it a reliable choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and tastes homemade."

"The Mediterranean food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, especially the smash burgers."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult, but there are many streets for street parking nearby.

2

Call ahead for pick-up as the kufta kebab takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

3

The prices are excellent for the quality of food offered.

16
Imperial Restaurant image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Small space with colorful Ecuadorian decor offers a casual vibe perfect for lunch. Weekday $10 specials include a drink, while weekends feature ร  la carte options. Enjoy generous portions of authentic dishes like chofan and empanadas in a pleasant, music-free setting.

Lunch features $10 specials with a drink during the week. Weekends switch to ร  la carte only, no lunch specials. Snacks and lunches come across as very delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The lunch spot here is super delicious and satisfying."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15% service charge added to your bill without prior notice.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional $1 fee, which is not allowed in New Jersey.

3

Delivery within the same area incurs a $7 charge.

17
Mulberry Street Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Enjoy New York style pizza with thin crust and fresh toppings. Lunch features a massive chicken penne vodka special for $11.95, perfect for groups or pairs. Atmosphere is welcoming and safe, ideal for local workers seeking hearty meals.

Massive chicken penne vodka lunch special costs $11.95. Pizza works well for groups and pairs with a beer during lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was fantastic and the crust was really crunchy."

"The delivery here is amazing, just like the food."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot is great."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value.

3

The large pizza typically arrives in about 15 minutes.

18
Ammas kitchen image 1
Indian restaurant

Enjoy authentic South Indian food in a cozy, home-like setting with friendly service. Lunch offers Tamil Nadu biryani and strong regional flavors. Fresh chai after lunch adds a traditional touch to the affordable, comfortable experience.

Lunch features authentic Tamil Nadu biryani and meals with strong regional flavors. Chai is served fresh after lunch, adding a traditional touch.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be very affordable with generous portions."

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

Good to know

1

Ammas Kitchen offers authentic South Indian food at reasonable prices.

2

The prices at Ammas Kitchen are affordable, with dishes like paneer dosa priced at $14.

3

Ammas Kitchen is easy to locate in Newark.

19
BulgogiZip image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Small dining area resembles an old school diner with a vintage look. Atmosphere feels cozy and quiet, though it can get hot and humid inside. Mostly serves takeout but offers plentiful portions for the price.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the kalbi bbq bowl, is smoky, savory, sweet, and delicious."

"The fried beef dumplings are crispy with juicy filling."

"The soy garlic wings at this Lunch Spot are addictive and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

BulgogiZip is a convenient option for events at the Prudential Center.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical Korean food spots.

3

Portion sizes are generally good for the price.

20
A1NJIT Food truck image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Bright lights and lively music create a fun vibe with quick service and affordable halal dishes. It serves as a reliable lunch spot with reasonably priced meals perfect for on-the-go dining.

Offers reasonably priced lunch meals that suit quick, on-the-go dining. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable go-to lunch spot with consistent availability.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food, perfectly seasoned and cooked well."

"I found the food to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Food never takes longer than 6-7 minutes, even during busy times.

2

The food truck offers a large variety of halal food options.

3

Prices are very reasonable and portions are large.

21
Taste of Portugal image 1
Portuguese restaurant

Portuguese restaurant blends elegant European style with a lively local vibe. Lunch offers fresh bread and olives, with service that shines during gatherings. Sangria is a notably good drink, and meals finish with a strong espresso coffee.

Lunch features fresh bread and olives, with olives often requested for seconds. Service stays wonderful during gatherings, and meals end with a strong espresso coffee.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"The seafood here is amazing and the service is excellent."

"I had the best grilled fish Iโ€™ve ever had at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

The kitchen closes at 5 PM on Christmas Eve, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available, but it's not full service.

22
Yumsem Eats image 1
Korean restaurant

Halal Korean cuisine offers bold flavors in a cozy space with quick service. Perfect for lunch with consistent quality and a lively, welcoming vibe.

Quick service and consistent quality make it a solid choice for lunch. Frequent visits show it handles busy midday crowds well.

People are saying

"I found the Korean fast food here to be flavorful and tasty."

"The food here is delicious and truly authentic."

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot to be great."

Good to know

1

Yumsem Eats offers halal Korean cuisine, making it a unique option in the area.

2

Prices at Yumsem Eats are considered affordable by many customers.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

23
RocketFuel Wings image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Bright, clean space with fresh wings and indoor and outdoor seating offers a lively, welcoming vibe. Perfect for lunch breaks with friends, it blends good music and friendly energy for casual conversation.

Frequent visits happen during lunch breaks, often with company. The spot offers a consistent choice for a midday meal with wings as a key feature.

People are saying

"The sandwich sauces were made in-house and were slamming."

"The American Food here, especially the wings, is so crispy and flavorful."

"I loved their homemade sauces, especially the ones blended with fruit."

Good to know

1

Every Wednesday, they offer $1 wings from 11am to 5pm with a minimum order of 10 wings.

2

There is a BOGO sandwich deal on Fridays with other specials throughout the week.

3

Every two to three months, a new sauce flavor is introduced.

24
Dario's Tex Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines with top-tier taco bowls and fresh ingredients in a worn Italian-style space. Lunch draws a busy crowd of locals and business people, making waiting common but worth it. Energetic vibe suits nearby workers seeking a solid meal.

Waiting during lunch is common but worth it. The spot offers consistent lunch options and suits those working nearby.

People are saying

"I loved the taco bowls; they were awesome."

"I thought the burritos here were the best I ever had."

"This lunch spot has delicious food with great flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is all Halal.

2

Prices are very affordable for the quantity and quality of food.

3

Expect long wait times during busy lunch hours.

25
McGoverns Tavern image 1

Lively Irish pub offers a classic college bar vibe with authentic 1930s decor. Friendly crowd of locals and students enjoy great music and sports on TV. Weekday lunch specials attract a steady crowd, so arriving early is best.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with weekday specials and a quick fill-up crowd. Arriving early helps secure a spot during busy lunch hours.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was good and arrived timely."

"It's a lovely Irish pub with a great pint."

"Our server Kevin was friendly and attentive at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks specials run from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Parking is available around the tavern, but can be difficult to find.

3

The tavern gets crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.

26
Sihana Bistro image 1
Restaurant

Enjoy romantic vibe with live music and a modern, intimate design. Lunch features a salmon salad and cocktails, perfect for groups after events. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed yet luxurious ambiance despite some noise.

Offers a salmon salad and other lunch options that suit group meals. Serves lunch alongside cocktails and dinner, making it a go-to spot after nearby events.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are strong and perfectly balanced."

"The service here is impeccable, especially from Isaac."

"I loved the food at this Lunch Spot; it was lovingly prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs all day with special appetizers available.

3

Street parking is plentiful and safe at night.

27
Ellie's Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot shines with brick oven charm and fast service for lunch. Cozy, lively vibe blends well with excellent pizza and pasta. Offers a solid range of well-crafted cocktails and wines for a full dining experience.

Fast service makes it a solid choice for lunch. The spot feels tucked away, offering a quiet place to enjoy a meal.

People are saying

"The Kristin Salad's raspberry vinaigrette is addictive."

"The dinner portions here are huge and very good."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is amazing and fast."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 4-6 pm at the bar.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially before events.

3

Expect a one-hour wait during busy times, particularly before shows.

28
O Preguinho image 1
Portuguese restaurant

Tiny space creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for quick yet comfortable meals. Friendly patrons add to the personal vibe making lunch here a regular treat. Offers a varied lunch menu that satisfies diverse tastes efficiently.

Offers a good lunch selection with a variety of options. Frequented regularly for lunch several times a week.

People are saying

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

"I savored the perfectly grilled skirt steak."

"The service at this lunch spot is outstanding and friendly."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

2

Soup and bread are included with every dish.

3

They automatically add a 20% tip on bills of $60 or more.

29
Casa Vasca image 1
Basque restaurant

Formal dining with white tablecloths meets a lively soccer bar showing La Liga matches. Enjoy authentic Basque cuisine like shrimp in white wine sauce for lunch. Atmosphere blends elegance and warmth, perfect for casual meetings or spirited sports fans.

Shrimp in white wine sauce stands out as a lunch choice. The spot suits a lazy Sunday lunch or casual client meetings.

People are saying

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection and tastes so tender and fresh."

"The bar room felt old-fashioned and authentically Spanish."

"This Lunch Spot's shrimp dishes were truly delicious and lusciously prepared."

Good to know

1

Casa Vasca offers free parking for customers.

2

The price of paella is $35, which is reasonable.

3

Parking is available on the side street and in a nearby lot.

30
Caffรจ Espresso Italia image 1
Italian restaurant

Renovated space offers a homey atmosphere with friendly staff creating a welcoming vibe. Lunch features hearty Italian dishes like eggplant parm and chicken cutlet with mozzarella. Family-friendly spot serves satisfying meals with lunch specials that feel humble and delicious.

Hearty Italian dishes like eggplant parm and chicken cutlet with mozzarella make lunch satisfying. The menu offers lunch specials with humble, delicious flavors.

People are saying

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

"The lunch spot food is super fresh and homemade."

"I found the breakfast here to be great."

Good to know

1

The establishment is family-friendly, making it suitable for visitors with children.

2

The place is known for its cleanliness, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

3

Prices have increased slightly, so budget accordingly for your visit.

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