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Guide to the LES

Italian lunch spots

You want an Italian lunch that fits into your day without sacrificing the quality of the meal.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fossetta image 1
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Restaurant

Small space with large garage doors opens to the street, blending indoors and outdoors with plenty of natural light. Dim lighting and intimate tables create a cozy atmosphere ideal for quiet dinners or date nights. A carefully curated playlist adds to the warm, relaxed vibe.

Focaccia stands out with honey and ricotta variants that pair well with spreads like smashed eggplant and labne. Pasta dishes like chicken liver pasta and bucatini Amatriciana also feature prominently alongside a notable lasagna.

Lunch features include a mortadella sandwich available for takeout. The spot suits girls lunch gatherings and offers early evening drinks and appetizers alongside lunch options.

People are saying

"I found the focaccia to be amazing."

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

"The focaccia at this Lunch Spot is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made easily for brunch on Sundays.

2

There is a 3.99% discount if you pay by cash.

3

The restaurant allows last minute Saturday night reservations.

02
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with cozy indoor and romantic outdoor garden seating. The space feels warm and sophisticated, filled with calm Italian music that creates a soothing vibe. It suits both intimate dinners and larger gatherings without feeling rushed.

Pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe stand out with excellent flavors and perfect portions. The lamb shank offers a rich, satisfying option, and the bruschetta is a notable starter.

Food looks great and the menu offers many delicious options. A nice outdoor area in the back provides a pleasant spot for lunch, though lunch hours can vary with openings sometimes starting at 3pm.

People are saying

"The pasta here is the best Italian food I've ever had."

"It's like stepping into a family home; the staff's warmth makes you feel so welcome."

"I was pleasantly surprised by this lunch spot; I highly recommend it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, so book in advance.

2

The restaurant opens at 3 PM, not at the reserved time of 1:30 PM.

3

Mauricio's personalized tasting menu with wine pairings is available upon request.

03
Toriya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior combines neon-soaked decor with wooden booths and paper lanterns, creating a warm, authentic izakaya vibe. Music varies from lively to loud, shaping a bustling atmosphere that suits groups more than quiet dates. Space feels roomy yet retains an underground Osaka bar charm.

Clam pasta stands out with sake-steamed clams paired with al dente linguine. Lunch specials include gyudon and clam pasta at a reasonable price.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with dishes like $10 gyudon, clam pasta, and udon. Food quality stays great for the price during lunch hour.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is tender and grilled to perfection."

"The lunch special here is a great value at only $10."

"The lunch special here is a great deal for Italian food."

Good to know

1

Don't miss their happy hour from 5-7 PM, where you can enjoy $1 (for 3 pieces) of okonomiyaki.

2

The restaurant charges a mandatory 20% gratuity and a 20% service charge on the bill.

3

The restaurant can accommodate big groups.

04
Rex image 1
Cafe

Cozy cafรฉ with soft lighting and comfortable seating creates a relaxed vibe ideal for work or unwinding. Walls display cool old photographs, adding character to the space. Pet friendly atmosphere complements a welcoming, casual energy.

Fresh pasta dishes stand out, especially the pesto pasta made from scratch and the filling pasta with vodka sauce. Gluten-free options include house-baked focaccia and English muffins.

Friendly workers help pick out a great lunch sandwich. The spot offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be truly amazing and delicious."

"The pesto pasta tasted like it was made from scratch."

"You have to try the banana bread at this Lunch Spot; it's one of the best."

Good to know

1

Rex offers an incredible happy hour deal with a mimosa after work for $7.

2

Rex stayed open until 12:30, perfect for late night studying.

3

Rex offers all-day happy hour.

05
Jonny's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza spot with retro design and vinyl legends on walls offers a buzzy vibe with hip hop music at an enjoyable volume. No chairs inside, only tall standing tables and a central green bench create a casual, standing-eating setup. Crowd tends to be lively, making it a popular choice near nightlife for quick bites.

Vodka sauce with pesto stands out as a distinctive flavor on pizzas. Cheese slices often come topped with burrata or prepared Jonny's way. Options like hot honey pepperoni add a spicy-sweet twist.

Lunch specials include two slices and a coke for $9.50. Specials end at 3 PM but adding extras like pesto charges full price, which can double the cost.

People are saying

"I considered the pizza here one of the best I ever had."

"I thought this Italian food spot served up the best true NY slice."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza has a light, crispy crust and great toppings."

Good to know

1

Jonny's is open until 3:00 AM.

2

There are only 4 options on the menu: Cheese, Pepperoni, Vodka, and Vodka Pep.

3

The establishment charges $5 for 3 garlic knots.

06
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Restaurant

Bar planted in the center anchors a stylish space with exposed bricks, wooden beams, and indoor orange trees. Atmosphere shifts from lively and warm with an Aussie twist to occasionally loud music that challenges conversation. Outdoor seating offers comfortable shade and fans, attracting brunch crowds who often wait for entry.

Pasta dishes stand out with shrimp linguine and truffle pasta cooked very well, scoring at least 9 out of 10. Bruschetta with bufala and pear adds a unique touch to the Italian food offerings.

Crispy rice salad with halloumi stands out as a distinctive lunch dish. Service during lunch is responsive and attentive. The spot offers a perfect vibe for daytime meals, with simple options like cheeseburgers and fries that satisfy without excess.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the crispy bacon."

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

"The ricotta hotcakes are delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Expect about an hour wait on Saturday mornings.

2

Reservations are not accepted for Sunday brunch.

3

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with discounted cocktails.

07
Trapizzino image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with counter seating and outdoor dining offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with authentic Italian vibes. Music selection adds to the relaxed energy, attracting those seeking casual yet classy dining. Known for quality suppli and trapizzini, it provides a taste reminiscent of Rome.

Roman street food shines with crispy focaccia stuffed with savory fillings. Pasta dishes like homemade ragรน and Cacio e Pepe come sauced perfectly and taste authentic.

Lunch offers a great deal with specials that let you try a variety of food. Trapizzino stands out as a notable choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and trapizzino, is delicious."

"You have to try the olive oil cake; it's phenomenal."

"This lunch spot's olive oil cake is perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A meal for two can cost between $80 to $130 depending on choices.

3

Most food items on the menu are under $15.

08
Davelle image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with rustic decor and kissaten-style fixtures creates a calm, cozy atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate limited groups, with a warm, welcoming vibe inside despite some cramped areas. Creative Japanese toast and cocktails add a unique touch to the experience.

Mentai spaghetti stands out with its savory, slightly briney, and creamy flavor. The uni pasta offers a creamy, umami-rich sauce with perfectly chewy noodles and generous portions.

Traditional Japanese cafe offers comfort food ideal for a quick lunch. Seating at the bar suits solo diners, while the atmosphere fits casual catch-ups over breakfast or lunch.

People are saying

"The toast here is so good, it's a cozy Japanese spot."

"The Mentai pasta here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The mentai pasta here is fantastic with a creamy, umami sauce."

Good to know

1

You need to put your name down to get a table.

2

Be prepared for an extremely long wait to dine in and even for take out.

3

The restaurant is quite popular during weekends and has a small space with no reservations.

09
Sunday to Sunday image 1
American restaurant

Small space with spacious indoor area and cramped tables creates an intimate setting. Music plays a central role, often curated by guests, adding to the chill, neighborhood vibe. Locals gather in a welcoming, lively atmosphere that balances warmth with a bit of noise.

Rich and creamy carbonara stands out with its crispy bacon and perfectly coated pasta from a runny egg yolk. The menu also features truffle Mac and risotto balls that add variety to the Italian offerings.

Offers solid breakfast and lunch options with consistent quality. Serves as a reliable spot for meals throughout the week.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be really good and yummy."

"The Italian food's carbonara sauce is rich, creamy, and spectacular."

"I loved their breakfast and lunch options."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers half-price wine bottles midweek.

2

The outside patio has a $20 bottle of wine on happy hour every day.

3

Happy hour runs daily with great deals.

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Lower East Side, New York

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