Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central Ward's best

Salad and lunch spots

Made for those who need a quick, nutritious midday meal that fits seamlessly into a busy workday.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Brick City Market image 1
Brick City Market image 2
Brick City Market image 3
View all

Cozy cafe with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and clean, beautiful design hosts a lively, friendly crowd. Known for healthy, tasty food and excellent sandwiches, it handles large orders smoothly. The environment feels inviting and bustling, making it a top spot for breakfast and lunch.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and a wide variety of vegetables. Options include a build your own salad and a chopped salad with cheese and chicken.

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
Ellie's Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a modern rustic vibe and a visible brick oven adds character to the space. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy but can get tight and crowded, creating a lively buzz. Known for excellent pizza and pasta, it offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails and wines.

Salads feature a raspberry vinaigrette that stands out, especially on the Kristin Salad. Options like Caesar salad come with solid flavor and freshness.

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.

03
Salad House image 1
Salad shop

Chic and clean interior with modern seating and lively music creates a fresh, upbeat atmosphere. The place draws people looking for healthy, fresh salads with wide variety options. It stands out for its consistent freshness and well-crafted meals in a neat setting.

Salads feature super fresh ingredients and come in generous portions. The salmon is cooked just right, and the blackened chicken has a mild salt level that appeals to many.

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.

04
Sihana Bistro image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a romantic vibe with live music enhancing the atmosphere. Space features modern, intimate design with private dining rooms and an outdoor patio. Noise level can be high, balancing relaxed and luxurious ambiance.

Freshness stands out with the Oyster Mushroom Salad and the salmon salad served at lunch. The burrata salad combines arugula, beets, cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata for a colorful start.

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."

"I loved the fresh and flavorful oyster mushroom salad."

"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.

05
Mulberry Street Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers New York style pizza with thin crust and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere feels welcoming and safe, attracting local workers. Menu includes a full Italian American selection with reasonable prices and generous portions.

Salads here include a Spicy Caesar Chicken Salad and a Balsamic Chicken Salad. Both come with fresh ingredients and stand out alongside pizzas and mozzarella sticks.

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 pizza at this Lunch Spot is great."

"I found the pizza to be very good."

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.

06
Cafe Airlie image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers spacious seating and a cozy, homey atmosphere where people interact freely. It serves large portions with a variety of sandwich options, known for great bread-to-meat balance. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it a popular spot for a quick bite downtown.

Salads come with a checklist system that makes customization easy. Options include a chopped salad and other fresh choices alongside sandwiches and soup.

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."

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

"It feels like eating salad with family at Cheers."

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.

07
Mr. Falafel - Best Halal Food In Newark image 1

Halal restaurant offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with freshly made food and crispy falafel. The space feels cozy and colorful, creating a relaxed atmosphere. It attracts those seeking bold, traditional dishes rather than Americanized versions.

Salads come fresh and beautifully cut with a colorful mix. The tabouleh salad stands out as particularly well made, often served alongside dishes with a drizzle of white and hot sauce.

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.

08
TOSSED NJ image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers healthy bowls and wraps with generous portions and flavorful sauces. Seating is limited but accommodates small groups comfortably. Prices tend to be high compared to similar options nearby.

Salads feature fresh salmon and crispy chicken options with dressings that top the flavors perfectly. Some salads come as a surprise on the house, showing care in every bite.

Offers an excellent lunch special every weekday. Serves well for small gatherings and quick orders during work hours.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's meals are always fresh and flavorful."

"I found the Salmon Caesar salad to be a good meal."

Good to know

1

Tossed NJ offers an excellent lunch special every weekday.

2

Expect to pay around $14 for a meal with tax.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

09
fresh&co image 1
Restaurant

Bright, fresh salads and grain bowls create a healthy, clean vibe with flavorful avocado toast and hot egg platters. Communal seating down the hall supports a casual, quick dining experience without indoor seating. Music livens the connecting passageway, adding energetic atmosphere to the space.

Salads come freshly made in front of you with standard pricing for this type of spot. Dressings can vary, sometimes tasting like Italian instead of tahini, and chicken in salads has caused stomach upset before.

Fresh and tasty options stand out for lunch here. Grain bowls offer a healthy, fresh choice for a quick meal.

People are saying

"I found the salads here to be fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed their great smoothies."

"This is a great lunch spot for fresh, tasty food."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside the store; communal seating is available down the hall.

2

The cold brew is self-serve, allowing for quick access.

3

The sandwich costs $12.75, which may feel overpriced for some.

Discover more

Central Ward, Newark

Area guide
Loading Map...