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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Little Italy

Cheap lunch spots

A lunch that is genuinely affordable without sacrificing the quality of the ingredients.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 2026
01
Bánh Mì Saigon image 1
Bánh Mì Saigon image 2
Bánh Mì Saigon image 3
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Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese sandwich shop with standing counters and limited indoor space designed mainly for quick takeout. The atmosphere is authentic and busy, filled with the aroma of cold cuts and banh mi. Crowds gather especially during peak hours, creating a lively, fast-paced environment.

Vietnamese lunch focuses on Bánh Mì sandwiches that are filling and affordable, usually under $10. The chicken bahn mi offers a tasty, satisfying portion perfect for a quick meal or snack on the go.

Sandwiches come cheap, fresh, and big here. The food is good and fast without costing much.

People are saying

"This banh mi has the freshest bread and flavorful fillings."

"This is my go-to lunch spot for fresh, tasty banh mi."

"The banh mi here is cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

2

Be prepared to wait about 15 minutes during lunch hours.

3

You should order in advance and go to pick up.

02
Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, no-frills Vietnamese deli with authentic hole-in-the-wall charm and cash-only policy. Hip, welcoming vibe with energetic music and limited indoor and outdoor seating. Known for best banh mi featuring unique pickled vegetables and lemongrass.

Lunch offers Vietnamese sandwiches with solid value around $10.50. The spot suits quick meals during lunch breaks.

Prices stay very low with cheap sandwiches that come in big portions. The fresh bahn mi stands out as both affordable and high quality.

People are saying

"This sandwich is packed with fresh flavors and has a perfect crunch."

"The banh mi here is so cheap and filling."

"This lunch spot has the best banh mi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, but there’s an ATM in the store.

2

The large stuffed baguettes cost $10, and the Bánh Mì #1 special is $9.75.

3

You should get there early if you want a sandwich for that day.

03
May Wah Fast Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese restaurant splits space between dine-in and takeout with a cozy, homey vibe reminiscent of a family kitchen. Atmosphere stays clean and neat with attentive staff creating a relaxed, unpretentious setting. Lunch hours often bring a long line, reflecting steady local popularity.

Lines form outside during lunch, showing its popularity. It offers a quiet and fast spot for a quick meal or lunch break.

Food comes at a cheap price and offers authentic, filling portions. Service is fast, and only cash payments are accepted.

People are saying

"The fried chicken leg is juicy with irresistibly crispy skin."

"This Chinatown fast food spot offers authentic, comforting pork chop rice boxes."

"I found the food to be super cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only.

2

A queue forms from about 11:15 AM to 1 PM.

3

It is advisable to avoid the queue times of 11:15 AM to 1 PM if possible.

04
Lan Larb Chiang Mai, Soho image 1

Small space with cramped seating and colorful artwork creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Indoor and outdoor areas offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with quiet music that supports conversation. Tables sit close together, making it feel lively and social.

Lunch specials offer great value with a good amount of food every day. Options like calamari and coconut milk soup provide a satisfying late lunch.

Foods come at a cheap price and taste very good. Service is also friendly and affordable, though ingredients lean toward the Americanized and inexpensive side.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic northern Thai food here."

"This Lunch Spot's food was exceptional and flavorful."

"The food here is cheap and tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

Making an advanced reservation helps avoid waiting.

2

There is a 35-minute wait to get seated because the dining room is small.

3

Thai Diner only accepts walk-ins.

05
Quan Sushi Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with just a handful of tables creates an intimate atmosphere that feels cozy and family-friendly. The setting is quiet and casual, suitable for a quick bite or casual meal. Limited seating adds to the charm and makes the experience welcoming.

Lunch specials offer great value with fresh preparation. Sushi and sashimi options stand out in the lunch menu.

Sushi prices run higher here, with $22 rarely covering a full meal. This spot does not offer cheap sushi compared to city options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious and incredibly fresh."

"It's a cozy little spot with only a few tables."

"I found the sushi to be fresh and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is best for takeout with limited indoor seating.

2

For just $20, you get three rolls (8 pieces each) of sushi.

3

There is a 15% service charge automatically added to the bill.

06
Nyonya image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Large dining area combines with authentic Malaysian decor and colorful murals to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space fills quickly, leading to a noisy, crowded environment with tight seating. Cash-only policy and an on-site ATM support a traditional hawker-style experience.

Late weekday lunches offer a quiet atmosphere and flavorful dishes that stand out. The spot draws attention through consistent positive feedback on its lunch offerings.

Prices stay very cheap with considerate portions. Food offers high quality at a low cost, which is quite rare.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and affordable with huge portions."

"The roti here is crispy and delicious with the curry."

"The food here is cheap and surprisingly high quality."

Good to know

1

Nyonya in Chinatown NYC celebrates the Lunar New Year with nine specialty dishes until 2/12.

2

Monday night is great for visiting with friends who have kids.

3

This restaurant only accepts cash, with an ATM on site.

07
Paesano of Mulberry Street image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with rustic wooden beams and strung lights creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Seating is tight, fostering a lively but intimate vibe. Outdoor dining with weather protection adds flexibility to the experience.

Lunch offers big portions with cheap specials. The chicken cacciatore stands out as a solid choice. Outdoor seating adds a nice touch to the meal.

Lunch specials come in very big portions and cost less than typical NYC prices. Italian dishes are cheap and well cooked.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is so creamy and yummy, especially the rigatoni vodka."

"This lunch spot's rigatoni ala vodka was my favorite dish."

"The food here is cheap and the portions are enormous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended at this restaurant.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to your bill.

3

The restaurant closes by 10 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

08
Jose Luis Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a fun aesthetic with 90s music that creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. The space feels comfortable and well-maintained, welcoming groups of friends and families. Outdoor seating and dog-friendly accommodations add to its casual, inviting vibe.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with options around $16 to $17 including a salad or appetizer. Bread served before lunch stands out as five-star quality.

Drinks come at a very cheap price here. Dining costs stay surprisingly low, making it a nice and affordable spot.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The lunch here is delicious and super tasty."

"Freddy's attentive and friendly service made me fall in love."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 wine, beer, and sangria until 10 PM.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to the bill.

3

The restaurant has a spectacular happy hour with tapas and sangrias for $5.

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Little Italy, New York

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