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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown East

Casual soup spots

Made for those who want a straightforward, no-fuss environment for their soup habit.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 1
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 2
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 3
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Spacious Thai restaurant with outdoor seating and a full bar featuring large drinks and a variety of cocktails. The atmosphere combines pretty decor and great music, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Indoor seating is tight, but the back area offers more space and a cozy garden spot.

Broths stand out with rich, comforting flavors and tender meat that falls off the bone. Varieties include pho bo, green curry, and Tom yum, each delivering distinct, satisfying tastes without needing extra sauces.

Cozy and somewhat intimate atmosphere suits easy, casual nights out. Offers a quick, solid Thai dining experience ideal for casual workday meals or gatherings with friends.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I loved the pho bo soup, it's the best I've had."

"The food here is amazingly delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features $3 Sapporo beers from 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special with a free appetizer on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.

3

There is a $20 all-you-can-drink beer special available.

02
Tartinery Café - Bar | Olympic Tower image 1

Space offers magnificent views of St. Patrick's Cathedral with an open, airy atmosphere and casual seating. Energy stays peaceful and quiet, making it suitable for work or relaxation despite nearby city bustle. Occasional live music and a bar add a lively touch without overwhelming the calm vibe.

Chestnut mushroom soup stands out as especially delicious and flavorful. Lunch combos often include soup paired with a petite tartine or sandwich, offering a well priced and satisfying meal option.

Bright, air conditioned space with a casual vibe. Located in an atrium, it offers a casual-yet-chic atmosphere with a touch of magic.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be tasty and delicious."

"I loved the lunch combo with soup and a tartine."

"The casual dishes here are so satisfying and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The kitchen closes at 4:30 PM, despite the all-day menu.

3

Lunch deal includes a soup and small tartine for $15.5.

03
Charoen Krung Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Elegant decor and cozy ambiance create a warm, inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Upstairs party space adds a lively dimension on weekends, while a well-stocked bar offers unique cocktails like lychee martinis and refreshing soju blends. The place balances authentic Thai flavors with a comfortable, airy setting.

Creamy Tom Yum soup delivers a perfect kick and works well as a starter. Pork with noodles comes in a clear soup that pairs nicely with the meal.

Cozy and inviting atmosphere suits casual meals and nights out with friends or family. It works well for a slightly more than casual dinner or lunch with visitors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Tom Yum soup here is so good, it's to die for."

"The food here is bursting with authentic Thai flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 4-7 PM with specials under $10.

2

Lunch specials include a meal for low $20s with salad and dumplings.

3

Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits, especially for lunch.

04
Aji Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Simple yet elegant decor creates a bright and inviting dining space with a homey feel. The atmosphere stays serene and cozy, supported by knowledgeable and friendly staff. The layout suits both small groups and larger meetings, making it comfortable and relaxed.

Broth stands out as very comforting and filled with vegetables in the udon. Miso soup comes standard with some dishes like chicken teriyaki, offering a simple, warm option.

Offers a casual vibe with cheap drinks and solid sushi. Atmosphere stays relaxed and unpretentious.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and high quality."

"The sushi here is so fresh and high quality."

"The sushi rolls here are great and well-packed."

Good to know

1

Aji Sushi can get quite busy during peak lunch and dinner hours, leading to longer wait times.

2

The prices are affordable, with $16 for a 10 piece sashimi being a good deal for Manhattan.

3

The restaurant offers fresh, quality products at a more than correct price.

05
PARK AVE KITCHEN BY DAVID BURKE image 1

Beautiful interior with Himalayan sea salt decor and lots of windows creates a classy, charming atmosphere. The vibe feels like an old neighbor, offering a unique and welcoming experience. A grab-and-go area adds convenience for those on the run.

Thick tomato soup comes with a layer of melted cheese and crusty bread. Variations include au gratin style with melted cheese crouton, alphabets, and basil.

Atmosphere stays casual and nice with a mix of sit-down and to-go options. Staff like roving servers and hosts help guide menu choices, and there's a great happy hour every day.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the tomato soup au gratin."

"The drinks here are perfect, and the bartenders make you smile."

Good to know

1

The happy hour at Park Avenue Kitchen is every day from 4pm until 7pm.

2

The menu has limited options for those with shellfish allergies.

3

The restaurant offers a creative and innovative menu during restaurant week.

06
Brasserie Cognac Midtown East image 1

French restaurant offers a cozy, intimate space with Parisian-style decor and a chic bar featuring excellent cocktails. Atmosphere feels like a relaxed Parisian bistro, encouraging easy conversation. Seating is well spaced, creating a comfortable and inviting vibe.

French onion soup stands out with its rich flavor and suits a rainy day well. It pairs often with dishes like escargot and shrimp with cognac risotto.

Trendy yet casual vibe fits well for a relaxed French bar and restaurant. Coffee service stays simple and approachable.

People are saying

"The French food service here is amazing and so friendly."

"The onion soup here is so tasty and perfect for a rainy day."

"It's a nice, casual French restaurant with a flair."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant opens at 7 am, offering breakfast options.

3

Expect a 20% service fee added to all bills.

07
MáLà Project 53rd St image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space combines raw industrial look with 1920s China vibes, creating a cool, elegant atmosphere that feels both pared back and lively. Occasional noise from large groups contrasts with generally chill energy, while outdoor seating offers a different way to enjoy the setting.

Beef noodle soup features rice noodles and a broth that tastes like typical rice noodle soup. It lacks a distinct beef flavor.

The place has a casual atmosphere that feels very relaxed. The environment stays consistently easygoing and comfortable.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, Sarah made our time special."

"You have to try the dry pot; it's fragrant, numbing, and salty."

"I loved the spicy beef noodle soup here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the busy nature of the restaurant.

2

Happy hour offers strong cocktails at a good price.

3

The lunch special costs $43 per person.

08
Lucky Cat image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Izakaya-style space filled with authentic Japanese decor and retro anime visuals playing behind the bar. Atmosphere feels cozy and charming, closely resembling izakayas in Japan. Regulars enjoy anime-inspired cocktails and a lively vibe with a DJ and classic anime movies on TV.

Broth shines with rich, savory umami and a luxurious golden brown color that suggests long, careful preparation. Soups balance fresh vegetables, tender meats, and delicate seafood for complex, comforting flavors.

Atmosphere suits post-work drinks and casual dinners. Space fits small gatherings and relaxed hangouts with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and authentic Japanese."

"The nabe broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"It's a cozy and lively atmosphere, perfect for casual fun."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a meal, especially for large groups.

2

Happy hour offers $4 Sapporo and runs daily from 12pm to 6pm.

3

Free parking at the meter is available after 7 PM.

09
Yumpling Midtown image 1

Spacious layout and modern decor create a clean, well-lit environment with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The place draws a steady crowd looking for quick, authentic Taiwanese food with standout items like crispy fried chicken sandwiches and flavorful dumplings.

Tender beef and a tasty broth make the beef noodle soup stand out. The soup is hot, perfectly seasoned, and satisfying.

Casual vibe shines through with a relaxed setting suited for lunch or casual dinner. The spot keeps things simple and easygoing, making it a solid choice for everyday meals.

People are saying

"These dumplings are so juicy and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's fried chicken is juicy, flavorful, and crispy."

"The beef noodle soup here is so delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait time can be a little long during peak hours.

2

Yumpling Midtown has limited seating available.

3

The chicken sandwich costs $11.25.

10
Benny John's Bar and Grill image 1

Live guitar and jazz music create a relaxed, European cafe vibe with comfortable seating both indoors and on a pleasant outdoor patio. The atmosphere suits both solo diners and groups, offering an upscale yet cozy setting with excellent energy throughout.

French onion soup stands out with its rich flavor and consistent quality. Lobster bisque also appears as a notable option alongside other well-prepared dishes.

Atmosphere blends casual and elegant vibes with quaint fine dining style. Dress code stays reasonably casual, fitting both everyday meals and special occasions.

People are saying

"I've never had a steak cooked so perfectly to my preference."

"The French onion soup here is wonderful, truly the best I've ever tasted."

"The seafood here is excellent, truly some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has an all-day happy hour with a variety of appetizers.

2

Happy hour drink specials are available all night at the bar.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand during peak times.

11
Copinette image 1
American restaurant

Space combines cozy modern decor with heated outdoor seating offering people watching and a Parisian flair. Atmosphere shifts from relaxing brunch to lively with live jazz and Bossa Nova music. Crowd includes intimate family gatherings and groups enjoying cocktails and private events.

Soups come out piping hot and well flavored, especially the French onion soup. Options include Potato Leek and French Mushroom soups, with care taken to serve them fresh and at the right time.

Atmosphere feels casual and cozy with a nice balance between casual and fine dining. Space suits casual meals or brunch gatherings with friends and dates.

People are saying

"The food here is incredibly delicious and crafted with love."

"The food and service here are great for a casual meal."

"The French Onion Soup was perfectly flavored and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made online the same day.

2

The restaurant offers a 3-course lunch for $30 during restaurant week.

3

Happy hour offers good wine by the glass.

12
Atto Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a bright, welcoming space with a quiet, calming atmosphere that feels like a small oasis away from the city bustle. The interior is sophisticated and modern, featuring thoughtful design and playing great house music that enhances the dining experience.

Ambiance feels casual and pleasant with a clear casual omakase vibe. It matches the quality of more formal omakase spots despite the laid-back setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the omakase, was incredible."

"The sushi here is pure magic, truly outstanding."

"This casual spot offers great value for the quality."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $5 Sapporo and great Sake.

2

The happy hour deal costs $10 for a draft beer and 1 hand roll.

3

The lunch special includes 3 hand rolls for $15.

13
Grand Central Oyster Bar image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Huge space with classic architecture and old school NYC charm creates a unique atmosphere that feels like stepping back decades. Oyster shuckers perform visibly at the bar, adding to the lively, traditional vibe. Seating options include a hidden saloon and multiple bars, catering to varied preferences.

Seafood soups stand out with creamy, rich bisques and clam chowder that delivers deep flavor. Bouillabaisse features lobster and multiple fish, while cream of crab soup pairs well with soft shell crabs.

Warm and casual ambience sets the tone here. Seating options include a casual counter, a saloon, or a fancier section, offering flexibility in vibe.

People are saying

"The oysters here are so fresh, with many varieties to choose from."

"The clam chowder soup is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The casual oyster bar has a fantastic variety of fresh, delicious oysters."

Good to know

1

Happy hour happens on Thursdays from 4-6 PM in the Saloon and Lounge.

2

The happy hour includes two options of $1 clams.

3

The kitchen closes at 9 PM, and it’s impossible to order after that.

14
Smith & Wollensky image 1

Quintessential high-end steakhouse with a loud, boisterous atmosphere and an exclusive club vibe. Spacious layout contrasts with some cramped booths and high air conditioning. An adjoining room offers an intimate bar with skilled mixologists.

Split pea soup arrives in a perfect portion for sharing and pairs well with Prime Rib. It tastes good to superb, sometimes a bit salty, but worth ordering.

The vibe stays pretty casual with lots of half zips and jeans. It suits lunch, dinner, or late-night meals well.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the excellent steaks here."

"I really enjoyed the split pea soup; it was tasty."

"It's a casual place, great for lunch or dinner."

Good to know

1

The "Weekend Wine Dinner" is offered Thursday through Saturday after 8:00 PM for $95 per person.

2

The weekend wine dinner includes 3 courses and unlimited wine for $95.

3

The Prix Fixe promotion is only available on Fridays and Saturdays after 8:30 PM.

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