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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Chinatown

Casual lunch spots

Sometimes the middle of the day just requires a low-pressure meal where the focus stays entirely on the food.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Uncle Lou 快樂人 image 1
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Cantonese restaurant

Spacious dining area with Asian decor featuring lanterns and a lion head on the wall creates a modern Chinatown vibe. The atmosphere is loud and lively due to popularity, making conversation challenging. Lazy Susan tables facilitate sharing dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience.

Lunch offers include specials starting around $10 with meals that taste good. Multiple visits confirm consistent quality during lunch hours.

Easy-going and casual environment suits both everyday meals and special celebrations. It works well for a relaxed dinner without fuss.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the Peking duck and dim sum."

"This Lunch Spot's sweet and sour fish filet is perfectly balanced."

"This casual spot serves authentic Cantonese dishes packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.

02
Kong Sihk Tong image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers a tasteful modernization of traditional 茶餐廳 with authentic local vibe and classic Chinatown setting. The space feels cramped and crowded but includes comfortable booths in the back for larger groups. It accepts only cash or Venmo for payment.

Lunch offers quick and easy meals with reasonable wait times even on busy Saturdays. This spot draws a popular crowd and serves some of the best food for midday dining.

Atmosphere feels super casual and relaxed with a hip and clean look. Food delivers a high fidelity reminder of Hong Kong casual dining, making it a solid spot for family meals or casual hangouts.

People are saying

"The golden lava toast is amazing and so buttery."

"The golden lava toast at this Lunch Spot is a must-get."

"The casual food here is amazing, especially the golden lava toast."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo for payment.

2

You will likely have to wait 20-30 minutes for a table on weekends.

3

Lunch is only served after 11:30.

03
Deluxe Green Bo image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cramped space fills quickly with a loud, bustling atmosphere where tables sit close together. Traditional Shanghai style decor supports a local, cozy vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Complimentary hot tea arrives at the table, enhancing the casual, authentic dining experience.

Lunch offers include a 3-dish combo from a list of 20 for $24. Options come with tea, soup, rice, and a good portion of meat. Service is very fast and prices range around $11 to $24, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Seating is tight and the decor is basic Chinese, creating a very casual vibe. The spot suits quick, casual dining with straightforward flavors and larger portions.

People are saying

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

"I found the authentic Shanghainese cuisine here to be traditional and homemade."

"The dumplings here are packed full of flavor and worth the price."

Good to know

1

The lunch special before 3:30 PM allows you to choose 3 dishes for $24.

2

The restaurant is cash only but also accepts Venmo.

3

If you order an entrée, you need to ask for rice as it does not come with it.

04
Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 | Chinatown image 1

Chinese noodle restaurant with an open kitchen and self-service ordering kiosks creates a fast-paced, casual dining environment. The space feels crowded and coolly air-conditioned, encouraging quick meals rather than lingering. Seating consists mainly of stools, emphasizing a come-and-go atmosphere.

Lunch here offers Spicy Cumin Lamb and pasta and spinach dumplings as standout dishes. The spot stays busy but usually has seating, with great service during lunch hours.

A casual vibe defines the spot with a fast food setup and an unassuming setting. The atmosphere feels cute and relaxed, making it easygoing and approachable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super tasty and affordable."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fast, delicious, and packed with flavor."

"I thought the hand-pulled noodles were unbelievable."

Good to know

1

You order at a window and then wait for your food.

2

This restaurant is the only place we were able to pay by credit card in Chinatown.

3

Getting seating can be difficult as it gets crowded sometimes.

05
King’s Kitchen image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Cantonese restaurant with bright, inviting ambiance and tight quarters creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The space features an excellent hanging meats display that stands out visually. It attracts diners seeking authentic clay pot rice and roast meats in a casual, bustling setting.

Affordable lunch specials offer tasty options for quick meals. The spot works well for groups and provides convenient orders to go for later.

Offers a solid casual dining experience with straightforward Chinese dishes. Atmosphere suits relaxed meals without fuss.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic Chinese."

"This casual spot has amazing Cantonese BBQ and comfort food."

"You've gotta try the clay pot rice; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

You need to wait 20 minutes for the claypot rice.

2

The payment machine was broken, and they were only accepting cash.

3

The roasted pork (char siu) rice costs $8.50.

06
Kiki's image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant with rustic decor and laid back atmosphere evokes an old Mediterranean tavern. The space includes outdoor seating and a lively, often crowded environment with loud music. Offers an affordable Greek wine selection that complements the energetic vibe.

Walk-in seating works well for lunch, even with kids. The leisurely vibe pairs with views of street activity, while dishes like shrimp with white sauce and whole branzino stand out.

Plenty of seating fits casual dates or small groups. Staff and service stay friendly and casual. The atmosphere feels relaxed and easygoing.

People are saying

"The Grilled Octopus was perfectly charred and tender."

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the Dakos and Spanakopita."

"It's a loud, lively spot with a fun, casual atmosphere."

Good to know

1

No reservations are accepted; you need to put your name down and wait.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Come early or you might have to wait a bit to get in.

07
Au Cheval image 1
New American restaurant

Graffiti-adorned alley leads into a modern, rustic space with dim lighting and upbeat ambiance. A lively atmosphere fills the restaurant, with a secret speakeasy bar downstairs offering a more intimate setting. The place draws a crowd that appreciates a cozy yet trendy vibe.

Lunch offers an amazing burger and fries with complimentary drinks and dessert. Service is attentive even when dining alone, and seating happens quickly without a reservation.

A casual hip vibe sets the tone with a soulful location that suits hanging out with friends or casual dates. Classic American fare complements the fun and relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"You have to try these burgers; they're perfectly cooked and juicy."

"You have to try their burgers; they're legit and classic."

"This casual burger spot's juicy, cheesy burgers just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.

2

The wait to get in is about 20-25 minutes depending on party size.

3

The speakeasy operates from 6-11 pm on certain days downstairs.

08
Scarr's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant combines quintessential New York slice joint vibe with a cocktail bar in the back. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with plenty of seating and an NBA Jam arcade adding to the fun. Late hours and gourmet edge distinguish the experience.

Quick lunches feature Scarr's Pizza with fantastic slices. Drizzling hot honey on the Caesar and using it as a dip for the knots adds a unique twist.

Old-school retro vibes set a casual and comfortable tone. The atmosphere feels relaxed and fun, ideal for hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"The Hotboi pizza was amazing and spicy."

"The pizza here is legit, with a crispy crust and rich sauce."

"This Lunch Spot's Hotboi pizza has a spicy yet sweet flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait on weekends, especially during peak hours.

2

Seating inside is only available for those ordering a full pie.

3

If you want a whole pie, go inside and order at the bar.

09
Kopitiam image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Small Malaysian cafe offers authentic Penang cuisine served in classic ceramic bowls with shared seating and plexiglass barriers. Atmosphere is casual and busy, with a messy interior featuring stacks of boxes and taped chairs. Window seats provide a nice park view amid a functional, no-frills setup.

Crowds peak during weekend lunch with free seating available. Weekday late lunch offers a quick and flavorful experience in a busy but manageable setting.

Casual style shines with authentic Malaysian drinks and foods. The vibe suits solo visits, friends, or out-of-towners, with a focus on cleanliness to keep things authentic.

People are saying

"I found the Asian food here to be really good and warm."

"This casual spot's food, especially the char kway teow, is delicious."

"It's pretty crowded at this lunch spot during peak hours."

Good to know

1

Kopitiam serves brunch on wet mornings.

2

The card machine isn’t working; cash or Venmo only.

3

Expect crowds on weekends, especially for larger groups.

10
Nom Wah Tea Parlor image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant preserves an authentic 1920s Chinatown atmosphere with old-school decor like lumpy red vinyl booths and faded calligraphy. The space feels shabby and cramped, reflecting decades of minimal renovation. It offers a quiet alleyway terrace option and serves unique dishes alongside traditional Chinese beers.

Lunch draws a huge queue during the week but moves quickly, especially around 3 pm when there's often no wait. Early arrival means a short wait, making it a popular lunch spot in Chinatown.

Good spot for a casual lunch with friends or a solo meal while exploring. Offers a satisfying and relaxed dining experience.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is authentic and delicious, especially the soup dumplings."

"The dim sum here is reasonably priced for the quality."

"This Lunch Spot is authentic and just like I remember from childhood."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or American Express.

2

Expect to wait for at least 15-20 minutes during weekends.

3

You should book a reservation at Nom Wah because this iconic spot is always bustling.

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