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Grilled fish lunch spots in New York

You need a midday meal that centers on fresh grilled fish without sacrificing the convenience of a quick lunch.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
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West African restaurant

Small space with exposed brick walls and modern chic decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Low lighting and Afrobeats music set a vibey, intimate mood where patrons enjoy quiet, comfortable seating. The environment feels clean and cozy, offering a full cultural immersion distinct from typical dining spots.

Grilled fish comes spiced to perfection with tomatoes and onions, served moist and flavorful. It pairs well with vermicelli and a balanced red sauce that complements plain rice.

Small and quiet during lunch, the spot serves West African specialties with quick preparation. It often has few customers even on Saturdays, making it easy to find a seat.

People are saying

"The grilled fish here is tender, flavorful, and spiced to perfection."

"It's a really cozy place with a warm atmosphere."

"This lunch spot's fufu and flavorful stews are a warm hug."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is accessible by taking the U 6 Uptown to 116th and then a 5-minute walk.

2

They don't serve alcoholic beverages because the owner is Muslim.

3

The restaurant was very clean and the cook wore a hair net and gloves.

02
Seafood Story image 1
Seafood restaurant

Boat-themed decor creates a cozy, ocean-inspired atmosphere that feels fresh and welcoming. The space is clean and thoughtfully designed, offering a charming setting with good music. Regulars enjoy a warm vibe that complements the focus on fresh, well-seasoned seafood.

Grilled fish comes with sayadeya rice and pairs well with fried fish, calamari, shrimp, and salad. The grilled fish is a solid choice among the seafood options.

Lunch combos include a fried fish filet, rice, and salad with hibiscus water. Portions are generous and offer good value for the price.

People are saying

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

"The grilled fish here is tender and perfectly cooked."

"This Lunch Spot's fried fish is tender, flavorful, and beautifully seasoned."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers good value for the price.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-organized.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours.

03
Din's Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Newly renovated space features Chinese-style lighting for a calm vibe and comfy seating. Grilled fish shines with pickled vegetable soup adding tang, paired with crispy potato shreds. Lunch combos offer big portions at great prices, making it a solid lunch spot choice.

Grilled fish comes in a pickled vegetable soup that adds a unique tang. It pairs well with crispy potato shreds, creating a nostalgic and special snack.

Lunch combos offer big portions at a very affordable price. The specials provide a solid deal with tasty, satisfying options.

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're amazing."

"You have to try the sauerkraut fish soup; it's authentic and spicy."

"I found the grilled fish to be delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is accommodating to large parties, suitable for groups of 7 or more.

2

You can refill the rice noodles for free, making it a great value.

3

The dry hotpot is affordable and comes in a hefty amount.

04
Le Petit Pêcheur image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers nautical themed decor and a spacious dining area with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere that feels like dining by the Mediterranean shore. The place stays quiet and welcoming even when busy, encouraging easy conversation. Guests select fresh fish from a showcase and order at the counter in a casual setting without alcohol service.

Grilled fish comes out cooked perfectly. It often shares the plate with scallops as main dishes.

Lunch offers a relaxed and accommodating setting with options like a lunch special and fried calamari available to go. The spot suits family meals and casual early dinners.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and seasoned to perfection."

"This Lunch Spot has perfectly seasoned, fresh seafood that isn't fishy."

"The grilled fish was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

You can request the portion size and how you want the seafood cooked.

2

The way to order is to pick your fish, cooking style, and sides.

3

Prices are very fair since the fish is priced by the pound.

05
The Best Sichuan 一品成都21 image 1

Spicy grilled fish shines with Szechuan style and a bold kick. Lunch specials offer great portions and affordability around $11-13. Spacious, clean dining with free ice cream creates a calm, cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals.

Spicy grilled fish stands out here, especially the Szechuan style and chef's special versions. The fish tastes delicious with a notable kick.

Lunch specials offer great portion sizes with a main dish, rice, and appetizer included. Meals run around $11-13, making it a very affordable and filling option for a quiet midday break.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food here to be excellent and authentic."

"I loved the lunch special; it was delicious, fast, and affordable."

"I found the grilled fish to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the roast duck; call in advance.

2

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 4 PM.

3

Expect an 18% gratuity automatically added to your bill.

06
La Dong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant showcases charming contemporary design with rattan lotus-shaped light fixtures and tranquil, authentic decor. Atmosphere feels classy and friendly with good acoustics and a welcoming vibe. Patrons enjoy exceptional pho and grilled turmeric branzino, complemented by a unique selection of Vietnamese gin and crafted cocktails.

Bursting with flavor, the grilled fish features a lemongrass and aromatic herb marinade. Turmeric adds a distinct touch, and the dish pairs well with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles.

Lunch offers a reasonably priced menu with clearly marked gluten-free options. Seating happens quickly, making it easy to enjoy a fantastic meal without long waits.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"This Lunch Spot's pho is warming to the soul."

"The grilled fish here is bursting with flavor and perfectly marinated."

Good to know

1

Make sure to make a reservation before visiting.

2

La Dong charges almost $30 for its bún bò Huế.

3

The restaurant could accommodate a big party of 20 people.

07
Jang Dok Dae Corp image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, cozy Korean restaurant feels like stepping into a homey living room with ornate, whimsical decor featuring plants and nature paintings. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, creating a comfortable, intimate vibe. The place offers a mom and pop charm with a curated, personal touch in both design and food.

Grilled fish comes moist and crispy on the inside with a not salty flavor. Assorted grilled fish options are available and appeal even to picky eaters.

Lunch features kimchi tofu stew available for takeout. Meals attract families for both lunch and dinner, highlighting a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"I had some of the best home-style Korean food ever."

"This Lunch Spot's pork belly is aged for depth and has a perfect crispiness."

"The grilled fish is so fresh and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed from 4 to 5 PM for a break.

2

Be ready to wait at least 40 minutes for food even when it's not too busy.

3

Parking is limited to street parking.

08
小叫天live frog - 川味烤鱼烤蛙 Sezchuan grilled fish & frog image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Sichuan flavors with spicy grilled bullfrog and fish as standout dishes. Atmosphere feels welcoming and clean, with large portions and reasonable prices. Takeout packaging is neat and prevents spills.

Grilled fish comes with a fragrant, very spicy soup base that suits those who like heat. The garlic grilled fish tastes fresh and fragrant, making it a solid choice for a midnight snack.

Lunch offers great taste at an affordable price. Specials focus on fish and frog dishes, with no chicken options available.

People are saying

"This authentic Sichuan Chinese food is spicy and incredibly satisfying."

"I found the Sichuan cuisine here to be really authentic and flavorful."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot were friendly and quick."

Good to know

1

Adding a bullfrog costs $10.

2

The two of us spent nearly $100 and were not full.

3

The cuisine is authentic Sichuan.

09
The Best Sichuan image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small, clean space offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Sichuan flavors and spacious seating. Soft music creates a calm vibe, while staff interactions sometimes add a lively edge. The interior combines simple, modern design with a welcoming feel.

Szechuan Spicy Grilled Fish stands out with a mouth-watering aroma and rich flavor. The grilled fish is consistently delicious and highly recommended by the chef.

Crowds fill the spot during lunch hours. The lunch special offers good value and the noodles serve as a quick, satisfying option.

People are saying

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

"I found the grilled fish to be especially delicious."

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

Good to know

1

A 20% tip is automatically added to your bill, so check your receipt.

2

The restaurant closes at 10:00 PM, but last seating is at 9:30 PM.

3

The lunch special ends at 3 PM, not 4 PM as advertised.

10
Yemeni Restaurant image 1
Yemeni restaurant

Small space with bright lighting and Arabian-themed decor creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Seating includes comfortable booths but tables can be awkwardly spaced. The vibe blends a family picnic style with exceptional Yemeni cuisine and a spirit of generosity.

Grilled fish arrives after a wait but is gorgeously cooked and packed with flavor. It pairs well with bread and rice, making it a standout dish worth ordering again.

Lunch offers beef shawarma sandwiches and a quick, satisfying meal. Chicken shawarma can be dry during busy times.

People are saying

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

"The mint lemonade here is so fresh and refreshing."

"The lunch here is delicious and perfect."

Good to know

1

Colombia and City College students get a 10% off discount.

2

The restaurant catered an event during Ramadan and provided extra food for free.

3

The event had no food left because everyone came back for 3rds and 4ths.

11
Young Fish 每味鱼 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with bright lighting and clean, spacious layout creates a vibrant atmosphere. Loud music fills the space, making conversation difficult. Free rice and boiled peanuts accompany meals, enhancing the casual dining experience.

Grilled fish comes with crispy skin and tender, fresh meat. Garlic flavor pairs well with rice, and the broth is rich and appropriately spicy.

Combo meals include a choice of fish, one appetizer like popcorn chicken, and a drink. Lunch options come as a set combo making ordering straightforward.

People are saying

"The fish here is so soft, tender, and flavorful."

"The grilled fish here is so delicious and tender."

"This is a super perfect lunch spot I can't wait to return to."

Good to know

1

The prices at Young Fish 每味鱼 are reasonable for the portion sizes.

2

Expect large portions; come hungry to enjoy the meal fully.

3

You can choose the spicy level of the dishes to suit your taste.

12
Jiang Nan LIC image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with elegant yet welcoming décor and soft lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere suited for couples and business banquets. Spacious, comfortable seating offers privacy while maintaining a lively vibe. Live music on weekend evenings adds a cozy, romantic touch.

Signature grilled fish comes with a spicy option and a rich setup including potatoes, lotus root, kelp, and enoki mushrooms. It pairs well with cold dishes like jelly fish and hot kidney.

Lunch offers super cheap prices with a good value set that includes the chef's pick. Meals come with everything included and suit business or casual settings.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck here is lovely and crisp."

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

"I highly recommend the signature grilled fish; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday before 6:30 PM with drink specials.

3

Complimentary mooncakes are offered during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

13
Sabry's Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood market-style layout displays fresh fish on ice, with food prepared visibly and served hot. Atmosphere reflects authentic Egyptian vibe with Middle Eastern decor and soccer games on TV, creating a homey feel. Small interior includes outdoor seating when weather permits.

Grilled fish comes perfectly seasoned with spicy oil and chopped herbs. Portions are large and flavorful, served alongside savory rice or pasta.

Lunch offers fresh seafood with satisfying flavors. The setting suits a relaxed midday meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the Shrimp a la Sabry's; it's amazing."

"The grilled fish here is so fresh and seasoned perfectly."

"This lunch spot has incredibly fresh seafood that's full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charged $75 for a single grilled fish, which is significantly higher than typical entrees.

2

The menu marks some items as MP, meaning market price, so prices may vary.

3

The restaurant does not mention the service charge and adds it to the bill without notice.

14
IBN Hamido Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Ordering happens by a pond where fresh seafood is selected and cooked on site, surrounded by walls covered with fish tanks. Loud music and crowded seating create a lively, vibrant atmosphere that feels like a bustling fish market. Outdoor heated seating and an open kitchen add to the busy, energetic vibe.

Open grilled fish comes with a special red spicy rub and stands out as the best seller during dinner. The menu also includes authentic grilled calamari and sides like tajin and small rice plates.

Lunch offers a fantastic set deal on Saturdays and an awesome menu overall. The food is consistently delicious and suits casual visits well.

People are saying

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and tastes amazing."

"The lunch special with a whole fried fish and two sides was unbeatable."

"The whole grilled fish here is perfectly seasoned and a real treat."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait on a Saturday night.

2

The lunch special is available until 4pm on weekdays.

3

You have to order before they give you a table.

15
Jiang Nan Flushing image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining areas feature private outdoor rooms with wooden panels and decorative fans, creating a classy atmosphere ideal for relaxed meals. Background music includes authentic Chinese instruments, enhancing the cultural vibe. The setting balances beautiful, exquisite decor with comfortable spacing between tables.

Grilled fish comes out tender and juicy with a crispy exterior and packed with full flavor. The spicy bean curd grilled fish stands out as a particularly delicious option.

Offers a quick lunch option without long waits. Suitable for both casual lunches and family meals.

People are saying

"I thought the Peking duck was probably their best dish."

"The grilled fish is tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked."

"This Lunch Spot's duck dishes are amazing and a must-try."

Good to know

1

You need to book in advance online to secure a table.

2

Getting on the waitlist via Yelp beforehand can shorten your wait.

3

You have 5 minutes from the time of the text notifying your table is ready to show up.

16
Funny BBQ 98 聚点串吧 image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Basement dining area features Hello Kitty karaoke room design with family style seating and Sanrio decals. Atmosphere is colorful and lively, inviting guests to stay and enjoy music and karaoke. Unlimited refills of crayfish, fruit, and free ice-cream complement the clean, spacious environment.

Grilled fish comes with preserved vegetables and has just right seasoning. Every bite is delicious and included in the all-you-can-eat price.

Lunch offers a dry pot lunch deal and a 20 skewer meal that fills you up well. The mala tang lunch special also provides a solid, satisfying option.

People are saying

"The Chinese hot pot here is authentic and the broth is freshly made."

"The grilled fish deal was amazing with tons of options."

"The Lunch Spot food here is so tasty."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat hot pot option costs $39.9 per person.

2

Tipping is compulsory at this establishment with a minimum of 15%.

3

The restaurant offers 2-for-1 beers during happy hour.

17
Ootoya Chelsea image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese restaurant offers a spacious interior with both bar and table seating, featuring beautiful decor and a quiet, chill atmosphere. The place stays crowded and serves tea at the end of meals, creating a calm dining experience amid busy surroundings.

Grilled fish comes out tender and flaky, cooked to perfection. Lunch sets often feature a smaller fillet without sashimi, paired well with sides like soba and matcha ice cream.

Lunch offers a home cooking style Japanese experience with a well-balanced set including entree, rice, miso soup, salad, and vegetables. Diverse menu options provide good portions and a satisfying, healthy meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the tonkatsu, is crispy and not greasy."

"This lunch spot's grilled fish set was perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The grilled fish here is cooked to perfection, tender and flaky."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special lunch course for their 10th anniversary.

2

A restaurant week menu is available on Saturdays, typically a weekday offering.

3

The restaurant week menu features three prix fixe sets priced at $30, $45, and $60.

18
estiatorio Milos Midtown image 1
Greek restaurant

Open, airy space with Mediterranean-style decor and whitewashed walls creates a breezy, coastal charm. The atmosphere is loud and crowded, making conversation difficult. Guests often choose fresh fish directly and enjoy private rooms for events.

Grilled fish here is always fresh and consistently great. It stands out alongside other dishes like lobster pasta.

Lunch offers a 3-course prix fixe menu priced at $45 with excellent quality and portion sizes. Traditional dishes like karydopita with honey lavender ice cream are available, sometimes served outside regular lunch hours.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is outstanding; I loved the lobster pasta."

"The grilled fish here is so fresh, soft, and tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary as the restaurant is very busy.

2

A reservation should be made at least one week in advance.

3

Milos stays open until 12 a.m., making it great for late-night dining.

19
Jiang Nan NYC image 1
Chinese restaurant

Interior combines cozy, stylish decor with creative Chinese elements like poems on hanging lamps. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with a classy, elegant vibe. Tables feature iPad ordering, adding convenience to the dining experience.

Grilled fish comes with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Customizable toppings and a garlic oil option add extra flavor.

Lunch offers a five-course meal with large portions and fresh ingredients. The steak with green peppers lunch special comes with soup, rice, bok choy, and a mini egg roll, all well presented.

People are saying

"The food here is wonderfully prepared and flavorful."

"This lunch spot has super fresh, delicious food."

"The grilled fish here is super flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend dining to avoid long waits.

2

Dining time is limited to one hour during peak hours.

3

A promotion offers free steamed pork soup dumplings with orders over $30 from noon to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.

20
Abuqir image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with fresh seafood counter and outdoor street seating. Atmosphere feels cramped and noisy, with strong fish smells inside and a busy street outside. Offers excellent seafood dishes despite basic and tight dining space.

Grilled fish comes with great flavoring and often includes eggplant stuffing. Some dishes can be a bit soggy due to the stuffing, but the fish stays fresh and tasty.

Fresh seafood stands out for lunch here, with options suitable for groups or couples. The spot works well for a low-key midday meal or dinner.

People are saying

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and cooked perfectly."

"This Lunch Spot's seafood is fresh, cooked to perfection, and affordable."

"The grilled fish here is so fresh and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not provide a menu or pricing list.

2

You can only order once; no reordering is allowed.

3

You need to go up to the front to order your food.

21
Szechuan Opera image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Neo-traditional Chinese decor with wood and marble themes creates an upscale, authentic atmosphere. Private dining rooms with Karaoke setups offer spaces for family-style gatherings. The environment balances wide spacing and comfortable seating, fostering a welcoming vibe.

Tomato flavored grilled fish comes with a mild spice level and uses fresh peppers. It serves well for three people but does not include any side dishes.

Affordable lunch specials feature Sichuan and Fuzhou cuisines with generous portions. Private rooms support family-style dining during quiet lunch hours.

People are saying

"The food here, like the spicy pork kidney, has a milder offal flavor."

"The grilled fish here has such an authentic Sichuan flavor."

"The mapo tofu at this Lunch Spot is silky, smooth, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Szechuan Opera is wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for elderly family members.

2

Customers are required to pay an 18% tip for lunch.

3

You can eat well for $20 per person.

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