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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Greenwich Village

Casual lunch spots

You want a lunch spot that keeps things casual without cutting corners.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
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Indian restaurant

Fast casual Indian restaurant offers customized bowls with a diverse, flavorful menu catering to vegetarians and vegans. Space feels cozy and modern with eco-friendly decor featuring plants and candles. Atmosphere is welcoming and lively, blending homey vibes with cool music.

Offers healthy, fast-casual Indian food ideal for a quick lunch during a 9-5 workday. Meals come out fast and provide a unique alternative to basic, overpriced salads.

Offers fast casual Indian food with a focus on healthy, authentic flavors. Serves homestyle dishes in a modern, casual setting ideal for quick lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh, it's better than typical casual."

"Their mango lassi is rich, refreshing, and homemade."

"This Lunch Spot's food is so tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

The make-your-own-bowl costs about $13 after a student discount.

2

You don't have to wait a long time for the food.

3

The restaurant is super close to the NYU campus.

02
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian eatery with indoor and shaded outdoor seating creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Italian music and lemon garland decor enhance the vibe, making it feel like a street in Italy. The place welcomes dogs and offers affordable wine and sangria, attracting a relaxed crowd.

Offers make-your-own sandwiches with prompt service and good taste. Outdoor seating provides a sunny spot for a quick lunch under $20, including coffee.

Lovely and casual atmosphere suits a relaxed dinner. Offers family friendly vibe with casual Italian food.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are fantastic, especially the burrata one."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, perfectly constructed sandwiches."

"It's a cute and casual place with a lovely atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 glasses of wine.

2

The fall menu includes 50% off wine.

3

You can enjoy a healthy lunch for under $20 with coffee.

03
Sanuki Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Japanese restaurant with a cafeteria-style setup offers a self-serve condiment bar and a tempura sauce station for customization. The space feels spacious and clean with minimalist design and a mural reflecting the udon theme. It attracts a busy crowd, especially students, creating a lively atmosphere with tables placed close together.

Lunch offers beef udon with tempura at about $18 including tax. Tempura comes with a 50% off deal during lunch, making it a solid choice for a quick meal.

Fast-casual, cafeteria style serves up quick udon meals with a laid-back vibe. The setup feels familiar and easygoing, making it a solid spot for a casual bite.

People are saying

"I thought the udon noodles were the best I ever had."

"It's a casual spot where you can easily customize your udon."

"This is a fast and easy lunch spot with a great self-serve station."

Good to know

1

During Restaurant Week 2024, tempura is 50% off.

2

You need to take a tray and tempura plate, then pay at the cash register.

3

The prices for udon range from $6.95 to $16.95.

04
SIMร’ PIZZA - UNIVERSITY image 1

Italian pizzeria with authentic atmosphere and casual indoor and outdoor seating featuring flour bag wallpaper and imported Italian beverages. Music plays at a comfortable volume, creating an inviting vibe for conversation. Gluten-free pizza options stand out with a light, fluffy, and chewy crust.

Quick lunch options include pizza that stays consistently perfect. The woman at the counter offers great help choosing drinks to pair with meals.

Setup feels laid-back and unpretentious. Pizza service matches the casual vibe throughout.

People are saying

"I had the best gluten-free pizza I've ever tasted."

"I found it to be an excellent casual pizza place."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot is delicious and has a thin crust."

Good to know

1

They offer gluten-free pizza options and an optional gluten-free crust.

2

The pizza is prepared and served quickly, allowing for a fast meal.

3

The restaurant has a clean bathroom that is larger than typical NYC bathrooms.

05
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Thai restaurant

Interior decor recreates a Bangkok street scene with authentic Thai flair and beautiful outdoor seating. The atmosphere is loud and crowded, creating a lively and immersive vibe. Large tables and secluded booths accommodate groups, while music adds to the energetic setting.

Lunch specials include an entree with a complimentary salad and often come with free soup and a side salad. Options like pork and noodles pair well with a light salad and Thai tea.

Open floor plan creates a fun, casual vibe. Food suits a quick stop or a relaxed hangout. Atmosphere stays lovely and easygoing for casual dinners.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's curries are packed with delicious, authentic flavor."

"I loved the authentic, flavorful Thai street food during my casual dinner."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times on Wednesday nights due to high demand.

3

Dinner service gets very busy; make reservations well in advance.

06
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Mediterranean restaurant

Small dining space features communal tables and metal trays that create a street food vibe. Atmosphere blends fast food and cafe energy, lively with delivery riders frequently passing through. Seating is limited and can feel cramped and loud.

Offers quick, healthy, and delicious Middle Eastern meals ideal for lunch. Provides high-quality food at a low budget, making it a reliable go-to spot.

Low-key atmosphere and pleasant decor create a relaxed setting for a quick bite. The spot offers healthy, affordable meals with an upscale fast casual feel.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"The pita here is warm, fluffy, and wonderfully chewy."

"The casual Mediterranean street food here is flavorful and filling."

Good to know

1

You can get a great meal with great flavor, generous portions, and lots of veggies for less than $15.

2

The prices for the food are very reasonable, with a huge hummus bowl costing only $10.

3

They have vegetarian options available.

07
Steam image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space features bright, modern decor with inventive bamboo steamer ceiling in the back. Atmosphere stays clean, calm, and welcoming, supporting easy conversation with moderate music. Guests often enjoy exquisite soup dumplings and dim sum, making it a notable spot for Chinese cuisine.

Lunch offers huge servings with a lunch special that provides great value. Popular choices include XLBs and dim sum, making it a solid spot for satisfying midday meals.

Super clean and accommodating, this spot offers freshly prepared dumplings and pan-Chinese dishes in a casual but welcoming setting. The ambiance feels relaxed yet a bit special, fitting for a quick, casual meal.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the soup dumplings, is juicy and savory."

"You've got to try the lunch special; it's a great deal."

"The food here is casual, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You receive a 10% discount if you pay with cash.

2

The restaurant serves dim sum all day long.

3

Prices at Steam are super reasonable for the food quality.

08
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar image 1

Counter-style seating creates a casual and intimate dining experience in a cramped space with dim lighting. The vibe is sleek and minimal, focusing on freshness and speed with a chill atmosphere. Seating is tight, often with diners close enough to bump elbows.

Takeout comes in professional packaging with a wet wipe and spill prevention. Bar seating offers a nice spot for quick lunches. Staff ensure a fuss free and smooth experience.

Counter-style setup creates a casual and intimate vibe. Quick, premium sushi service fits a relaxed mood.

People are saying

"The seafood hand rolls are fresh, with a satisfyingly crisp seaweed."

"The Japanese food hand rolls are delicious and a great value."

"The casual hand rolls are fresh with perfectly seasoned rice."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not accept reservations.

2

Going during peak times would likely result in some waiting.

3

You can pay with card or cash.

09
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American restaurant

Cozy space with funky music and cool decor featuring pictures from different eras creates a dog lover atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a comfortable setup for casual coffee or brunch. The vibe is lively and fun, though it can get loud during peak hours.

Offers a casual lunch setting with reasonable prices. Serves as a neighborhood spot popular for lunch and brunch.

Offers a cozy and casual atmosphere ideal for lunch or brunch. Balances between fine dining and fast casual with quick meals and coffee options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"It's a perfect local spot for casual eats with friendly, attentive service."

"Our server Hannah was so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink prices.

2

Reservations are recommended for brunch to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant accommodates gluten and lactose-free dietary restrictions.

10
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Ramen restaurant

Space feels cozy and roomy with a traditional Japanese vibe highlighted by Manga artwork on the walls. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxing, suited for unwinding. Indoor seating dominates, complemented by an outdoor patio.

Lunch offers a quiet atmosphere with a lunch special ramen that includes toppings. The spot serves a perfect lunch experience near the park.

Atmosphere feels nice and casual with a relaxed vibe. Seating and service match the easygoing style.

People are saying

"The ramen here is so spicy and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen is delicious and spicy."

"It's a nice and casual atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 10 PM on a Saturday.

2

Customers should seat themselves upon arrival.

3

The restaurant requires a 25% tip or you will be asked to leave.

11
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Italian restaurant

Wood-fired pizza ovens run constantly, filling the space with warmth and aroma. Italian staff create a modern Italian atmosphere with a hip vibe and authentic feel. Nighttime brings nightclub-style music and a lively energy, while outdoor seating offers a quieter option.

Lunch here feels peaceful and the setting is very cute. It offers a calm spot to enjoy a midday meal.

Atmosphere feels casual and relaxed with an easy Italian dining vibe. Dishes show precise execution despite the laid-back setting.

People are saying

"I found the gluten free pizza here to be the best I ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's Naples style pizza is the best I ever had."

"The pizza here is delicious, big, and tasty."

Good to know

1

The place turns into party mode after 9 PM on weekends.

2

Friday nights feature a lively atmosphere for dancing and fun.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait even with a reservation on busy nights.

12
NAYA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Spacious interior with high ceilings and an open window layout creates an inviting, airy atmosphere. Bright, modern design and varied seating options offer a comfortable, upscale fast-casual dining experience. Friendly energy fills the space, making it a pleasant spot for lunch near a university area.

Offers healthy options in a clean setting with quick to go service. Lunches come reliably and satisfy those seeking a nutritious break.

Spacious interior with modern styling creates an inviting atmosphere that elevates the typical fast-casual meal. This spot offers a casual dining experience that feels more upscale than most in the area.

People are saying

"It's a bright, spacious spot for casual dining."

"This lunch spot's chicken shawarma is hearty and flavorful."

"The Lebanese options on the menu are really unique for this area."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not accept cash payments.

2

There is no guest wifi available.

3

The pita comes for free with bowls right now.

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Greenwich Village, New York

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