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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Lunch spots in Midtown

A midday break is the only way to step away from the desk and breathe for a moment.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Char-CUTE-rie by Bohemian Picnics image 1
Char-CUTE-rie by Bohemian Picnics image 2
Char-CUTE-rie by Bohemian Picnics image 3
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Picnic basket rentals with fire pits create a cozy outdoor vibe. Lunch features Char-CUTE-rie with fresh charcuterie and mini sandwiches. Impeccable design and wine options add charm and flavor to the experience.

Picnic lunches come packed full, making them a satisfying meal for two. The Char-CUTE-rie option stands out for its delicious flavors.

People are saying

"You can rent picnic baskets and blankets for a great picnic."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I had a delicious picnic lunch here."

Good to know

1

Char-CUTE-rie offers affordable picnic baskets perfect for a day in the park.

2

The location is conveniently close to Central Park for easy access.

3

Catering services are available for larger celebrations beyond picnics.

02
Tartinery Café - Bar | Columbus Circle image 1

Cafe boasts scenic views of Columbus Circle and Central Park with a cozy ambiance. Lunch features a healthy combo of soup and tartine served with attentive care. Bright, relaxed setting pairs well with French wines and refreshing cocktails.

Lunch offers a healthy combo of soup and small tartine with the right portion size. The spot features a beautiful park view and attentive service that makes lunch memorable.

People are saying

"The food here is great and the service is attentive."

"The view here is beautiful, especially of the city."

"The lunch spot service was so warm and attentive, it made the meal an experience."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off drinks, including beers and wines by the glass.

2

Lunch specials are available during the day with affordable pricing.

3

The café is located on the 3rd floor of the Columbus Circle shopping mall.

03
Vallata image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and lovely decor create a relaxed vibe perfect for lunch. Sandwiches like the mortadella sandwich shine on the new menu. Music selection adds a unique touch, making it great for casual gatherings or quick office delivery.

Offers a new lunch menu with solid sandwiches like the mortadella sandwich. Works well for grab-and-go or office delivery options.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food, especially the pizza and pasta."

"The sandwiches here are amazing and perfect for lunch."

"The staff here is so kind and warm, making the whole experience incredible."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a pasta and wine special for $30 on weeknights.

2

Reservations are accepted on short notice for same-day dining.

3

The menu changes daily, ensuring fresh options each visit.

04
Farinella image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy pizzeria near a major park offers authentic pizza with thin to medium crusts. Outdoor seating creates a fun vibe despite cramped tables. Perfect for lunch breaks with a cute atmosphere and standout quality among New York spots.

Lunch breaks here offer a cute atmosphere and a notable quality that stands out among New York spots.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was great and tasty."

"The coffee here is delicious and always on point."

"The pizza here is so tasty and fresh."

05
BARBOUNIA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot boasts high arched ceilings and open air seating with heaters, creating an elegant yet lively vibe. Loud music fuels a party atmosphere, ideal for groups at the large bar area. Prix fixe lunch features hummus and chicken salad, perfect for business or casual meals with attentive service.

Prix fixe lunch offers perfect and satisfying dishes like hummus and chicken salad. Attentive staff ensure a comfortable pace for meals, making it suitable for business lunches or casual visits.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the heirloom cauliflower."

"Eugenio behind the bar was super attentive and made great cocktails."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly encouraged due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour offers great drink specials and half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant can accommodate large groups, but it's best to contact the Events team in advance.

06
Gramercy Tavern image 1
New American restaurant

Contemporary interior blends warmth with natural floral decor. Lunch features a 3-course meal with great value and attentive service. Quiet atmosphere supports pleasant conversations while cozy outdoor seating adds charm.

Lunch offers a 3-course meal with great value during Restaurant Week. Staff handle dietary restrictions well and provide amazing service.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, with seasonal dishes and high-quality ingredients."

"The staff here is amazing and attentive to details."

"The desserts here are refined and not overly sweet."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially during peak times and special events.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with $6 wine and beer and $12 cocktails.

3

The restaurant participates in NYC's summer restaurant week with special menus.

07
Yakiniku Futago Chelsea image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Enjoy authentic Wagyu beef cooked on inset grills in a stylish, high-end setting with dimmed lighting. Lunch features a special box with meat, vegetables, soup, and rice, offering great value and weekday deals. Perfect for groups seeking a relaxed social vibe.

Lunch offers a special box with a selection of meat, three vegetables, soup, and rice. The lunch set provides more value than the weekday menu and includes options during restaurant week with good deals.

People are saying

"The food here is really amazing and delicious."

"The wagyu BBQ here is melt-in-your-mouth buttery and tender."

"Ryu at this Lunch Spot gave amazing service with a smile."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the prix fixe menu, and all guests must order the same.

2

Lunch on Friday afternoons offers a unique experience with special menu items.

3

The restaurant only serves 10 orders of the prix fixe menu each day.

08
Brasserie Cognac Central Park South image 1

French restaurant shines with warm lighting and intimate atmosphere. Offers a filling 2-course lunch all day, perfect for dine-in or takeout. Soft French music adds to the relaxed vibe.

Open all day, the brasserie serves a filling 2-course lunch suitable for late meals. It works well for dine-in or takeout, offering flexibility for different lunch plans.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and freshly made."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and knowledgeable."

"I ate the steak cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The average price for dinner is $100 per person.

2

Cognac is open all day for lunch and dinner.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

09
Tariq's #1 Halal Food Cart image 1
Fast food restaurant

Park Avenue food cart serves authentic halal dishes with Indian spices and generous portions. It draws a steady lunch crowd near Union Square, making it a top lunch spot. Online ordering helps skip long waits during busy hours.

Offers affordable and filling meals that satisfy hunger well. Located near Union Square, it stands out as a top choice for lunch in the area.

People are saying

"I found the Halal food here to be the best in NYC."

"This lunch spot's chicken tikka masala is creamy and flavorful."

"I found the samosas to be phenomenal and delicious."

Good to know

1

You should order ahead because they get busy.

2

The cart is located right on 19th St and Park Ave South, in front of Chase Bank.

3

The Chicken Tikka with Rice costs only $9.

10
Tarallucci e Vino Union Square image 1

Rustic Italian spot shines with fresh pasta and specialty wines. Cozy vibe suits a power lunch with healthy, traditional options. Outdoor seating adds charm on warm days.

Offers a solid traditional Italian power lunch with options that are consistently healthy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and authentic."

"The Italian food here, especially the carbonara, is really good."

"This lunch spot's pasta and sandwiches are delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as it can get very busy.

2

Happy hour cocktails are available, but only at the bar.

3

Happy hour does not extend to the patio area.

11
Thai Villa image 1
Thai restaurant

Upscale Thai spot boasts traditional decor and a warm atmosphere with indoor and heated outdoor seating. Lunch specials offer great value under $20 with tasty portions. Outdoor area is dog-friendly, adding to its hip New York vibe.

Lunch specials include a mini appetizer, choice of soup or salad, and a main for under $20. Portions and prices offer excellent value with consistently good food.

People are saying

"This Thai food is outstanding, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"I had a delicious lunch here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to potential wait times.

2

Lunch specials are available until 3 PM and include two appetizers.

3

Expect a 90-minute time slot for dinner service.

12
Sentir Vegan Mexican Restaurant image 1

Modern, industrial space with Mexican decor and moody ambiance offers a relaxed vibe for lunch with soft lighting and attentive service. Vegan dishes like arepas pair well with standout cocktails such as the Spanish Rose.

Soft lighting and cool masks on the walls create a relaxed vibe for lunch. The lunch menu offers dishes preferred over brunch, paired with attentive service for a leisurely meal.

People are saying

"I ate the best vegan tacos I have ever eaten."

"The tres leches dessert was the best part of the meal."

"The Lunch Spot here is so flavorful, I loved every bite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off all drinks until 6:30 PM on weekdays.

3

The restaurant has a variety of gluten-free options, but cross-contamination may occur.

13
Roma Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Enjoy affordable slices under $5 for a quick lunch in a spacious, clean setting. The lively yet family-like vibe makes it perfect for groups. Choose outdoor seating for a nice avenue view or stay inside for quiet comfort.

Slices of regular cheese New York pizza cost less than $5 including tax, making it a quick and cheap lunch option. The spot works well for a family lunch or a fast bite.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was some of the best I ever had."

"I found the Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, to be delicious."

"This lunch spot's pizza is a cheap, satisfying slice of New York."

Good to know

1

They are open until 04:00 am on weekends for late-night dining.

2

They close at 12am every day except Fridays and Saturdays when they close at 4am.

3

There is no card minimum for payment, making transactions easy.

14
Boqueria Flatiron image 1
Tapas restaurant

Spanish restaurant buzzes with loud music and a cramped layout that packs indoor and outdoor seating tightly. Lunch menus are reasonably priced and staff create a pleasant walk-in experience. Sangria and paella shine, adding to the lively vibe.

Lunch offers excellent menus with reasonable prices. Staff work well together, creating a pleasant walk-in experience.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, flavorful, and perfect for sharing."

"The charcuterie board had aged manchego and jamon serrano."

"This lunch spot has great tapas, especially the croquettes and bikini grilled cheese."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6 PM with a special menu.

2

The paella takes 45 minutes to prepare, so order early.

3

Brunch reservations are not honored after 3 PM due to happy hour.

15
Mido’s image 1
Fast food restaurant

Halal food truck offers juicy chicken and flavorful lamb with spicy hot sauce and fresh salad. Popular for quick lunch with some wait time. Casual, fast-paced vibe suits busy diners.

Locals pick this spot for quick bites at lunch or dinner. Expect some wait time, as orders can take up to 30 minutes during lunch hours.

People are saying

"I found the best Halal food I ever had in NYC."

"The chicken and lamb gyro here is out of this world."

"This is my new go-to lunch spot before class."

Good to know

1

The halal cart is open from 0800 to 0400.

2

Prices are $9 for a meal and $1 for drinks.

3

Expect generous portions for under $10.

16
NAR Modern Turkish Cuisine image 1
Turkish restaurant

Turkish restaurant shines with authentic cuisine and modern decor featuring sea blue banquettes. Warm, inviting atmosphere with a hip jazzy soundtrack sets a great mood. Perfect for lunch with family meals served in a welcoming setting.

Lunch offers delicious Turkish dishes served in a welcoming setting. Family meals fit well, making it a solid choice for midday dining.

People are saying

"You have to try the Nar Kebab; it's so flavorful and delicious."

"The homemade desserts here are delicious and not overly sweet."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh Turkish cuisine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect small portion sizes, so plan to order multiple dishes.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with a bill of $600 for four people.

17
Barlume image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant shines with open space design and a speakeasy lounge for after-dinner drinks. Warm lighting and lively music create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for lunch breaks or social dinners. Great spot for friends and family gatherings.

Offers a great break from work with a welcoming atmosphere. Popular for lunch or dinner with friends or family, making it a solid choice for social gatherings.

People are saying

"The seafood appetizers and raw dishes were amazing."

"The service at these dinner spots was so attentive and welcoming."

"The cheeseburgers here are juicy, tasty, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The Restaurant Week menu offers a wonderful experience.

2

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

3

The restaurant accommodates restrictions and allergies.

18
maman image 1
Coffee shop

Hand-painted murals and a charming floral arch create a cozy vibe. Lunch features healthy food with friendly service in a quiet back area. Space suits both casual coffee breaks and elegant events with dedicated kids' play area and spots for laptops.

Lunch offers a mix of good and healthy food that satisfies many cravings. Tables in the back provide a quiet spot to sit down and enjoy a meal with friendly service.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent and delicious."

"The pastries here are delicious and beautifully crafted."

"The Lunch Spot server, Nicholas, was super friendly and accommodating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant requires a tip for table service, which is different from other locations.

3

Lunch options and packed meals to go are available for convenience.

19
Gabriel's Bar & Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant blends cozy atmosphere with an art gallery vibe and views of Central Park. Roses at every seat add a romantic touch. Outdoor seating is available for lunch with an order, making it a fancy lunch spot.

Cozy atmosphere suits a fancy lunch experience. Outdoor seating requires ordering lunch to be seated there.

People are saying

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

"The pasta here is amazing, truly some of the best I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's pasta dishes were incredible and fantastic."

Good to know

1

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to the bill without prior notice.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy times like weekends.

3

The menu features northern Italian cuisine with a variety of options.

20
Masa image 1
Restaurant

Offers an authentic Japanese setting with a serene atmosphere upstairs and a lively bar vibe by the chefs' counter. Lunch features a chef's tasting menu with six refined plates. Space feels cozy yet cramped, blending quiet and loud moments.

Lunch offers a chef's tasting menu with six plates that deliver a refined dining affair. The experience is simple yet transcendent, combining quality and elegance in every dish.

People are saying

"The sushi here is an art form, truly out of this world."

"The Wagyu experience here is spiritual, worth every bite."

"The sushi here is the best I've ever eaten, with melt-in-your-mouth textures."

Good to know

1

Dinner costs over $1600 for two people.

2

Reservations in the main dining room are around $1000 per person.

3

You have only 90 minutes for your table after sitting down.

21
ROBERT image 1
American restaurant

Enjoy majestic views over Central Park and Columbus Circle while dining. The live jazz piano sets a posh, intimate mood. Perfect for lunch with a fixed menu offering delicious, well-portioned dishes in a classy lounge.

A great fixed lunch menu offers perfectly portioned dishes with delicious flavors. The lounge provides a classy atmosphere and an amazing view for lunch.

People are saying

"The food here was truly amazing."

"The view of Central Park and Columbus Circle is amazing."

"The view from this lunch spot is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a window table, especially for busy times.

2

The restaurant offers a special menu on Father's Day with gifts for dads.

3

Live jazz is featured during Sunday brunches, enhancing the dining experience.

22
Ootoya Chelsea image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese spot offers home cooking style lunch with balanced sets including rice and miso soup. Spacious interior with quiet, chill atmosphere and beautiful decor invites relaxation. End meals with soothing tea service amid a busy yet calm setting.

Lunch offers a home cooking style Japanese experience with a well-balanced set including entree, rice, miso soup, salad, and vegetables. Diverse menu options provide good portions and a satisfying, healthy meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the tonkatsu, is crispy and not greasy."

"This lunch spot's grilled fish set was perfectly cooked and delicious."

"You have to try the ube montblanc dessert; it's insanely good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special lunch course for their 10th anniversary.

2

A restaurant week menu is available on Saturdays, typically a weekday offering.

3

The restaurant week menu features three prix fixe sets priced at $30, $45, and $60.

23
Kyma image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant shines with live DJ and violin for a loud, energetic vibe. Lunch specials offer phenomenal midday meals perfect for business teams. Elegant decor and large dance floor invite lively crowds and dancing on chairs.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with a prefix menu that suits business and team lunches well. The spot serves phenomenal midday meals that make it a solid choice for a weekday lunch.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food at this dinner spot is delicious and amazing."

"The grilled octopus at this Lunch Spot is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary, especially for larger groups, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of over an hour for parties with reservations during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers an unlimited mimosa and sangria option during brunch.

24
abc kitchen image 1
Restaurant

Dining room offers an intimate lighting with a vibrant energy that can challenge conversation. Service is excellent and reservations are seamless, ideal for business lunches. Citrus tiramisu shines as a refreshing dessert choice.

Excellent service and a seamless reservation process make it a solid choice for business lunches. The citrus tiramisu stands out as a refreshing dessert option during lunch.

People are saying

"The service here is casual yet impeccable."

"The crab toast is spectacular, with hints of dill and lemon."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is superb, with balanced flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a three-course Prix Fixe menu for $60 during restaurant week.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, typically from 4-6pm.

25
Halo deli inc image 1

Small deli offers phenomenal sandwiches like steak and bacon egg and cheese with quick service perfect for lunch. Friendly, clean spot stays open late, making it great for late-night cravings and grabbing food before a Central Park picnic.

Quick service and convenient options make it a solid choice for a fast lunch. Many enjoy grabbing food here before heading to Central Park for a picnic.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and phenomenal."

"The deli staff here are so friendly and patient with complicated orders."

"You have to try the steak sandwich for lunch."

Good to know

1

The deli offers quality breakfast sandwiches and drinks usually around $10.

2

Halo Deli is just a few feet away from Central Park, perfect for a picnic.

3

The deli is open till 12 most days with the grill not closing.

26
Old Town Bar image 1
Gastropub

Vaulted tin ceilings and a 55-foot mahogany bar set a historic, cozy tone. Classic draught beers and steak sandwiches shine on the menu. Perfect for casual meetups or a three martini lunch, the lively bar keeps energy high through weekday afternoons.

Lunch here suits casual meetups with friends and works well for a three martini lunch. The spot stays lively through weekday afternoons and offers a solid bar setting for a late lunch.

People are saying

"This bar has such an authentic, historic New York vibe."

"I felt the history and classic New York character the second I walked in."

"This lunch spot feels like old New York City."

Good to know

1

The seating is first come, first served, rather than reservations.

2

Visitors need to plan accordingly due to the crowd on weekends.

3

The price for 2 Bud beers and chicken fingers is $32.00.

27
Bāng Bar image 1
Korean restaurant

Small takeout spot on a high floor serves Korean-inspired U wraps and bowls with unique green hot sauce. Offers good value for lunch with a trimmed menu and moderate prices. Casual vibe fits quick work meals near Columbus Circle.

Offers good value for lunch with a menu that suits workday meals. Stands out as a reliable option when exploring spots around Columbus Circle.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, aromatic, and pretty delicious."

"The cumin beef wrap was so flavorful and well-seasoned."

"I tried the green hot sauce at this Lunch Spot; it was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Bang bar gets busy between 12-1 PM.

2

It is advisable to arrive a little early to avoid the lunch rush.

3

Prices offer good value for lunch, though not as cheap as pre-Covid.

28
Quality Meats image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant buzzes with a lively crowd and noisy atmosphere. Outdoor cabins offer private, beautifully decorated spaces for quieter moments. Lunch features great steak, ideal for business meetings, while the downstairs bar serves creative cocktails to round out the experience.

Steak stands out as a great lunch option here. The spot suits business lunches well, offering a solid setting for meetings and vendor meals.

People are saying

"The steak was savory and seasoned just right."

"Trusting Nick for dinner made the experience feel intentional and special."

"My Lunch Spot steak was cooked perfectly medium rare."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

2

Seats will not be available until around 8 o'clock on Wednesday night.

3

The restaurant does not accept international payment cards.

29
Porter House Bar and Grill image 1

Steakhouse boasts panoramic views of Columbus Circle and Central Park, perfect for celebrations with its elegant decor and private rooms. Lunch is affordable with a solid menu, ideal for quick meals before events. The lively bar offers craft cocktails to round out the experience.

Lunch offers affordable prices and a weekday menu similar to the restaurant week options. It suits a quick meal before events with good variety and solid quality.

People are saying

"The steak here was truly the highlight of my trip."

"The roasted bone marrow appetizer is an absolute must-try."

"I found the lunch special during restaurant week to be very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to dine at the restaurant.

2

Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, but the kitchen closes at 9 PM.

3

The restaurant serves Prime Rib on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

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