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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of LIC

Relaxing lunch spots

You want a lunch break that actually feels like a break, in a space that lets you decompress.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Macoletta image 1
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Pizza restaurant

Brick oven pizza over charcoal fire delights lunch crowds with amazing flavors and attentive service. Outdoor seating with live jazz music creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing and unwinding on sunny days.

Lunch specials offer amazing flavors and consistently exceed expectations. Service during lunch is excellent, with attentive waitstaff like Madrid and Joanna enhancing the experience.

Atmosphere feels fantastic and cozy, perfect for a relaxed outing. It suits a warm sunny day to eat pizza and unwind.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is amazing."

"The food at this lunch spot is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The pizzas here have a perfect balance of crisp crust and gooey toppings."

Good to know

1

Thursday nights feature live jazz music, perfect for a relaxed evening.

2

The pizza-making class allows hands-on experience for participants.

3

Reservations are recommended for the pizza-making class due to limited spots.

02
Darjeeling Kitchen & Café image 1
Tibetan restaurant

Small, warmly decorated space evokes a cozy Himalayan home with authentic decor and family-owned atmosphere. The vibe is inviting and intimate, with close seating that encourages a communal feel. Guests often enjoy the upscale Indian and Nepalese flair paired with rich, flavorful dishes.

Lunch feels like a mini vacation to the Himalayas with the chef's auntie making a special appearance and receiving applause. Great for a solo meal with a book and some quiet time.

Cozy and relaxed ambiance creates a soothing environment. The atmosphere stays consistently calm and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and feels like a home-cooked meal."

"This Lunch Spot's momos are flavor-packed dumpling bombs."

"It's a cozy and relaxing spot with a quiet, homey vibe."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal certified, making it suitable for halal diets.

2

Expect a short wait time of a few minutes on busy Saturday nights.

3

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

03
Thai Tree NYC image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with traditional decor and unique chandeliers creates an intimate, authentic atmosphere. The environment feels peaceful and elegant, inviting quiet enjoyment. Creative, quirky wall adornments add charm to the dining experience.

Lunch offers great specials with large portions like the crispy duck roasted to perfection. The food has fantastic flavor and quality, and sticky mango rice makes a nice finish.

Quiet surroundings create a calm atmosphere. The overall vibe stays relaxing throughout the visit.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and felt very homely."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh and flavorful."

"It's a quiet and relaxing spot with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great value for money.

2

Prices are reasonable and portions are great for sharing.

3

You receive complementary spring rolls with orders over $30.

04
Ooi Sushi & Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Japanese-style sushi restaurant offers a beautiful interior with elegant decor and Michelin star-style tables. Atmosphere stays romantic and quiet, perfect for winding down with chill vibes. The space suits groups and features warm, casual yet high-quality dining.

Lunch offers great value with specials like the Lunch Bento box and sushi courses at reasonable prices. The lunch menu features high quality meals that combine variety and affordability.

Classy yet relaxed atmosphere creates a cozy charm. It suits casual dinners and catching up with friends.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and yummy."

"The food here is fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor."

"It's a super relaxed vibe, perfect for decompressing after work."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 4-7 PM, and weekends from 12-4 PM.

2

The happy hour offers $5 rolls and $8 martinis.

3

The restaurant charges a $2 delivery fee for orders under $40.

05
Umiya Sushi image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers cozy authentic atmosphere with warm lighting and soft wood accents. Space feels clean and comfortable, with attentive staff creating a relaxed vibe. Sushi and sashimi stand out for their freshness and quality, making it a notable spot for value-conscious diners.

Lunch offers good value with a variety of food options. The premium menu draws a steady crowd during lunch hours.

Clean environment and relaxed atmosphere create a calm setting. Service supports a relaxing meal experience.

People are saying

"I found the all-you-can-eat Japanese food to be a great value."

"This lunch spot is great value for all-you-can-eat sushi."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch is priced at $39.99 on weekends.

2

A charge of $0.50 applies for each leftover piece of sushi.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

06
DK PubLIC image 1
Gastropub

Gastropub with old-school upscale vibe featuring dark wood decor and hand-painted murals creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays consistently, and the space includes large indoor and outdoor seating areas. Dog-friendly environment attracts locals looking for a chill place to work or socialize.

Quick service makes it easy to grab lunch when short on time. The spot serves solid meals for breakfast, brunch, and lunch with consistent quality.

Cozy, welcoming atmosphere creates a quiet neighborhood vibe. The bar stays clean and relaxing, making it easy to unwind.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and really good."

"This lunch spot has delicious burgers and crispy fries."

"It's a nice, clean, and relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is within a short walk from Queensboro Plaza and the subway.

2

Happy hour drink deals are available.

3

The restaurant offers a great brunch.

07
Dim Sum Palace image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Classic tavern-style interior blends with authentic Cantonese dim sum and a lively, cozy atmosphere filled with chatter and the scent of baos. Spacious seating includes family-style tables and a notable whiskey and cocktail selection that complements the dining experience.

Lunch offers quick service and good portions with tasty dishes like the beef and broccoli lunch special and dim sum. The spot suits casual weekday or weekend meals with options to-go.

Clean and cozy environment creates a relaxed atmosphere. Seating near windows offers a quiet and peaceful vibe.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious, especially the dim sum."

"The lunch special here is delicious, especially the beef and broccoli."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid a 20-minute wait for a table for four.

2

The restaurant is open late until 2:30 am, perfect for late-night dim sum cravings.

3

Expect to wait longer during peak hours, especially on weekends.

08
Izakaya Noname image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy space with Shibuya street food style decor and casual bar atmosphere creates an authentic Japanese vibe. Music and lighting add to the calm, inviting energy. Creative cocktails like the Espresso Martini complement the experience.

Lunch specials focus on bento boxes and tempura udon sets with a wide-ranging menu. Food is prepared quickly even during peak hours, offering good value deals.

Warm, relaxed vibe fills the space with attentive service and freshly prepared dishes. The atmosphere invites calm and suits a laid-back night out.

People are saying

"I loved the Japanese food here, especially the udon and skewers."

"I loved the lunch special bento box; it was amazing."

"The yakitori here is grilled perfectly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant takes reservations on Google.

2

The fish plate costs over $30.

3

Expect large portions for most dishes.

09
JACX&CO Food Hall image 1

Upscale food court with stylish seating and large windows offers a relaxed atmosphere filled with live music and DJ sets. Spacious layout supports both ordering from vendors directly or via phone with delivery to tables. Bar area stands out with happy hour and screens showing live sports.

Variety of options suits groups and business lunches with quick service. The space fits casual or semi-casual meals, and the chicken Caesar wrap stands out as a lunch choice.

Spacious and quiet with a nice vibe, this spot offers a comfortable and relaxed environment to unwind. It works well for chilling out while eating or waiting for food.

People are saying

"It's a great place to sit and chill out."

"This lunch spot has a great variety of food vendors to choose from."

"It's a comfortable and quiet spot to relax and unwind."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm at the bar with $10 old fashion drinks.

2

You can scan a QR code at the table to place your order.

3

Ordering is simple as you can place orders from your phone.

10
Safir Mediterranean image 1
Turkish restaurant

Small, elegant space with clean, minimal decor and a subtle Mediterranean touch creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Turkish music and live performances add to the relaxed, authentic vibe. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant, tidy option for dining.

Lunch offers a fantastic meal with a Mediterranean focus. The spot suits a late lunch visit with a relaxed vibe.

Cozy and relaxed atmosphere invites you to unwind. Outdoor seating offers a charming, cool vibe perfect for a relaxed brunch or hearty dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"It's such a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, a truly relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay extra for bread; it's not complimentary.

2

The restaurant does not have a liquor license.

3

The meat served is halal.

11
Omakase OSUKAA LIC image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, intimate sushi spot offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere with simple, comforting surroundings. Lighting is dim, which affects visibility of the food. Known for fresh fish, affordable omakase, and standout dishes like fatty tuna collar and A5 Wagyu with scallop, uni & caviar.

Lunch offers high-quality dishes with options like a 13-course omakase set usually not available at this time. Staff show flexibility to accommodate special requests during quick lunch visits.

A relaxed vibe sets the tone here with pleasant ambience. Service matches the mood, staying great and unobtrusive.

People are saying

"The Omakase here is so fresh and well-balanced."

"The sushi here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

"This lunch spot has great quality and fresh, unique pieces."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Dinner service is the only option available; lunch is no longer offered.

3

Omakase sets are priced at $69 for 13 pieces and $90 for 17 pieces.

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.

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.

Soft lighting and elegant furnishings create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space feels cozy and suits a relaxed meal with friends.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck here is lovely and crisp."

"It's a cozy, welcoming spot with warm lighting, perfect for a relaxing meal."

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

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
Chef Papa Vietnamese Kitchen LIC image 1

Space blends indoor and outdoor with a semi-outdoor patio under string lights and a clear roof. Lunch offers pho and spring rolls at $25, perfect for a casual midday meal. Cozy, modern design and relaxing music create a calm, bright spot to unwind.

Lunch specials include spring rolls, Thai tea or Vietnamese iced coffee, and pho for $25. Portions fit well for a midday meal with a casual vibe.

Cozy and modern interior creates a bright and comfortable space. Relaxing music adds to the calm atmosphere for a laid-back meal.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho broth, is rich and flavorful."

"The lunch spot's pho broth is delicious and the noodles are the best."

"It's a cozy and modern interior, a truly relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a liquor license.

2

Customers on crutches or with disabilities may have difficulty waiting to be seated.

3

The restaurant does not allow customers to sit without all parties present.

14
Meri's Bakeshop Cafe image 1

Cafe offers bright natural light and clean, comfortable spaces with both indoor and peaceful outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, suited for relaxing or working quietly. Frequented by those seeking a calm environment with plenty of power outlets.

Lunch options include a meat pie and pistachio baklava alongside coffee. Food choices expand during lunch hours.

Outdoor seating offers a peaceful and quiet environment. Staff provide friendly service with a smile, creating a relaxing atmosphere to linger and enjoy.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the excellent Greek coffee here."

"I loved the homemade food options at this lunch spot."

"The outdoor seating area is a peaceful, quiet, and relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

Each shot of espresso costs $3.

2

They bake everything in-house daily.

3

Lunch options have been added recently.

15
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.

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

Clean atmosphere and gentle contemporary music create a relaxed environment.

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 seafood here is perfectly cooked and full of authentic flavor."

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.

16
Avenue Restobar image 1
Greek restaurant

Open space with huge windows and a big island bar creates a bright, inviting setting. Music ranges from live DJ sets with reggaeton and reggae to quieter moments suitable for conversation. Crowd is diverse and family-friendly, with a vibe that balances lively energy and cozy comfort.

Avenue Restobar offers a pleasant crowd and a nice setting for lunch, whether alone or with friends. The lunch experience is consistently delightful and enjoyable.

Spacious outdoor area creates a very relaxing mood during warmer weather. Cozy and inviting atmosphere suits a relaxed evening or a night out with music ranging from euro trance to hip hop.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, perfectly cooked and seasoned."

"The staff here always go above and beyond to make you feel welcome."

"This Lunch Spot's food and drinks were delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a credit card fee that is mentioned on their website but not in person.

2

Customers must go to the bar to pay with Apple Pay.

3

The place has a bottomless brunch that ends at 8 pm.

17
Court Square Diner image 1

Chrome and glass decor create a classic 1950s diner look with a retro mom-and-pop vibe. The atmosphere feels authentic and nostalgic, filled with oldies music and a comfortable pace. Open 24 hours, it offers a true New York diner experience that blends vintage style with modern touches.

Generous lunch specials come with large portions. The menu includes all the classic diner favorites, making it a solid spot for a hearty lunch.

Open 24 hours with a relaxed atmosphere and clean, retro vibe. The space feels inviting and comfortable for long, easy visits.

People are saying

"This diner's food is hearty and pretty darn delicious."

"I enjoyed the great food at this lunch spot."

"It's a clean, inviting, and truly relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

The diner is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

2

Late night dining is available.

3

The diner serves brunch on Christmas Day.

18
Softbite | Soufflé Pancakes image 1

Cafe offers bright, cozy atmosphere with plush, cloud-themed decor and plenty of natural sunlight. Space feels relaxed and family-friendly, with outdoor seating and allowance for dogs inside. Music adds to the soft, unwinding vibe, making it suitable for casual dates or quiet meetings.

Savory lunch options include purple potato fries and a fresh avocado salad. Service moves quickly, making it easy to fit in a meal during a lunch break.

Roomy and cozy space offers a relaxing vibe with music that fits the mood. The atmosphere feels cute and calm, perfect for enjoying coffee and a snack.

People are saying

"The soufflé pancakes here are so fluffy and yummy."

"The souffle pancakes at this Lunch Spot were light and fluffy."

"These Japanese pancakes are fantastically soft and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 45 minutes for the signature soufflé pancakes.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added for parties of 6 or more.

3

The soufflé pancakes take 1.5-2 hours to prepare after ordering.

19
Maiella image 1
Restaurant

Elegant waterfront Italian restaurant offers spectacular city views and a bustling outdoor patio with options to sit inside or outside. Atmosphere combines high energy with attentive service, creating an intimate yet lively vibe. Decor includes artificial plants and flowers, enhancing a welcoming and homely feel.

Offers Italian specialties that suit a late lunch or dinner. Serves well for both quick meals and special occasions like a baptism lunch.

An elegant gem with a relaxed ambience that suits both dates and family nights. Good for chatting and unwinding.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of the highest quality."

"The food here is delicious and the ingredients taste so fresh."

"This lunch spot has delicious, mouth-watering Italian specialties."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to guarantee your spot, especially for larger parties.

2

Expect high prices, with meals costing around $200 per person.

3

Parking is difficult; consider using public transport or rideshares.

20
Terrone image 1
Pizza restaurant

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking city and river views with spacious outdoor seating and a modern, luxurious interior. Atmosphere balances lounge-style comfort and lively dining, attracting those who appreciate scenic ambiance alongside authentic Italian and Neapolitan pizza.

Lunch offers a tasting menu with 2 antipasti and a choice of 3 pasta flavors or 1 pizza with 4 flavors, available Monday to Thursday until 3:30 PM. Staff are kind, and the $26 menu runs from 12 p to 3 p.

A relaxed atmosphere fills the space with a warm, welcoming vibe and beautiful views. The indoor ambiance stays calm and stylish throughout.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pizza and pasta."

"The indoor ambiance here is so relaxing."

"The Lunch tasting menu was so good, I highly recommend it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an unlimited buffet breakfast hotel style on Sundays.

2

The Lunch tasting menu includes 2 antipasti and either 3 flavors of pasta or 1 pizza until 3:30 PM.

3

Parking is tough in the area, so use the parking lot behind the building.

21
What the fish image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines live DJ music and loud atmosphere that makes conversation difficult. Interior features red lighting and Instagrammable decor creating a vibrant, visually striking space. Crowd energy peaks with live entertainment including comedy and expert cocktails.

Offers a calm atmosphere for birthday lunches and casual get-togethers. Suitable for after-work drinks and varied occasions including dates and dinners.

The spot offers a relaxed and exotic vibe with perfect food and music for unwinding. It maintains a quiet atmosphere ideal for a calm dinner.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and full of flavor."

"This lunch spot's sushi is honestly great and delicious."

"The food and music here make for a perfect relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

This place only accepts cash; credit cards are not accepted.

2

Reservations are necessary for a specific seating time due to limited space.

3

An 18% service charge is automatically added for dine-in for two.

22
John Brown BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Large backyard with garden and picnic-style seating creates a laid-back, city-escape vibe. Live music adds energy while outdoor heated patio offers comfort and safety. Crowd enjoys classic BBQ flavors alongside craft cocktails and beers in a relaxed setting.

A backyard dining area creates a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of open space. The spot offers a laid-back vibe perfect for enjoying a drink or a slow afternoon.

People are saying

"The brisket and burnt ends are tender, smoky, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's BBQ is amazing, especially the tender brisket."

"The slow-smoked meats here are infused with a delightful smoky flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is currently closed on Mondays.

2

Expect a long wait on game nights due to popularity.

3

The entrance is hard to find; look for a small door on the side.

23
Santa Chiara Caffe image 1

Small space blends classic Italian style with breathtaking Manhattan skyline views. Atmosphere feels cozy yet elegant, offering comfortable indoor and outdoor seating including a waterfront terrace. Gelato and coffee stand out as highlights in a setting that evokes a European vibe.

Lunch features a large selection of coffee, teas, pastries, and inventive lunch options. Wine and food are served for lunch, with boozy gelato and a dog bakery adding unique touches.

Views of the midtown skyline create a calm backdrop. Lounging by the water adds to the relaxing atmosphere, though the music sometimes feels like a loud dance hall rather than a quiet cafe.

People are saying

"The coffee here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"This Italian coffee spot has inventive lunch options and gelato."

"I love their unique Italian desserts and pastries, like Sfogliatelle."

Good to know

1

The cafe has a two-sample limit for tasting gelato.

2

Prices at Santa Chiara Caffe are lower than most gelato spots.

3

Membership through CashApp offers numerous discounts.

24
Lately Café/Bistro/Bar image 1

Space combines spacious seating with calming decor featuring plants and big windows. Atmosphere feels cozy and undisturbed, with a quiet outdoor courtyard offering breaks from noise. Energy suits both study and casual gatherings, often busy but relaxed.

Menu offers a mix of lunch and dinner items plus small bites and café drinks. Steak curry over rice and sandwiches paired with matcha latte stand out as lunch choices.

Warm and relaxed ambiance creates a cozy vibe for unwinding. Outdoor seating adds a calm, inviting space for chatting or enjoying a coffee alone.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, rich, and well made."

"I had a flavorful curry for lunch here."

"It's a cozy and welcoming spot for catching up with friends."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is open until 3 PM.

2

Seating is only for brunch and service on Sundays.

3

Customers must be seated and accept table service to stay at the cafe.

25
Blend on the Water image 1
Latin American restaurant

Riverfront setting offers stunning views and a tropical floral interior with romantic lighting. Live music fills the space, creating a lively atmosphere that can be loud. The crowd enjoys flavorful Latin American dishes and a variety of cocktails, with some drinks standing out more than others.

Beautiful venue offers a great setting for lunch. The lunch menu includes appealing options, and the waitress service stands out for being attentive and accommodating.

Elegant decor and background music create a relaxing atmosphere. Views of the water and glimmering NYC skyline lights add to the mindfulness vibe.

People are saying

"The food here tasted really good."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and well-portioned."

"It's a relaxing spot with amazing waterfront views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as this place is usually fully booked.

2

Happy hour runs from 11 am to 7 pm with various drink specials.

3

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2 for 1 Mojitos during happy hour.

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