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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Midtown South

Cafes for lunch

You want a cafe that serves a lunch substantial enough to get you through the rest of your day.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Brioche NYC image 1
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Spacious cafe with a modern, elegant interior featuring high ceilings and minimalist decor creates a bright, airy atmosphere. Soft jazz music and thoughtful lighting add a relaxing, lively vibe ideal for coworking or casual meals. Comfortable seating and a clean, sophisticated space distinguish it from typical brunch spots.

Spacious layout suits coworking well. Pottery pieces from a Korean studio add a multicultural feel and beautiful decor.

Lunch here features consistently satisfying meals that invite frequent visits. Many find themselves returning often for the reliable midday options.

People are saying

"I found the matcha yuzu refreshing and a nice twist."

"The Cafe's French toast was tender and soaked up syrup."

"The French toast at this Lunch Spot was super yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

2

The brunch menu features a variety of pastries and specialty drinks.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely meals.

02
Anas cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small, clean space with plenty of inside seating and a family-owned vibe creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Background music blends country and Spanish hits, adding to the cozy, local feel. The place fills up quickly, reflecting its popularity for affordable, hearty breakfasts.

Food tastes homemade and delicious with a wide range of breakfast options. Staff are fast and friendly, making it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day snack.

Small casual spot offers plenty of options for breakfast and lunch. Friendly staff greet with a smile, making it convenient for a quick coffee and meal while working.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I found the lunch spot food to be delicious and a great value."

"The cafe staff, especially Astrid, always welcomed me with a smile."

Good to know

1

You can get a filling sandwich or lunch for under 10 bucks.

2

The prices are about half the price of restaurants 6 blocks away.

3

They open at 5 AM.

03
Toastique image 1

Bright space with natural light and modern decor features a wall mural that adds a unique touch. Atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, offering a relaxed vibe with soft music and smiling faces. Presentation of food is artistic, enhancing the overall inviting and fresh experience.

Very clean space with kind staff creates a welcoming atmosphere. This little gem offers a cozy spot to enjoy a quiet break.

Offers quick and healthy options for lunch with a focus on fresh, tasty ingredients. Serves as a reliable spot for a fast, nutritious midday meal.

People are saying

"The avocado smash toast was amazing and perfect."

"I loved my fresh and healthy smoothie here."

"The cafe staff here is so kind and helpful."

Good to know

1

Prices are generally high for the portion sizes provided.

2

Expect to pay around $15 for a drink.

3

The location is convenient, just a short walk from Bryant Park.

04
Hanamizuki Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese cafe offers exquisite decorations and cozy vibes with dim lighting and small two-seat tables. The atmosphere stays pleasant and cute, attracting a steady flow of customers. Charging ports near seats support a relaxed, low-key experience.

Unique onigiri plates stand out with a variety of flavors. The cafe offers a clean space with small tables for two and plenty of indoor seating, making it a solid grab and go spot.

Lunch features a combo with two onigiris, miso soup, and a side dish for $16. It serves as a quick Japanese lunch spot with straightforward options.

People are saying

"The onigiri here is super yummy, especially the kinoko."

"The cafe's onigiri, especially tuna yuzu, is super yummy."

"The onigiri at this Lunch Spot are surprisingly large and tasty."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo costs $16 and includes 2 onigiris with miso soup and a side dish.

2

The price for a plate of onigiri is about $17.

3

Customers have to compete for tables without a list to manage seating.

05
City Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with a friendly atmosphere and casual dining style attracts a mix of local workers and visitors. Offers great value with huge menu selection and generous portions. The vibe stays warm and inviting without table service, making it a convenient spot for early breakfast or casual meals.

Small and cozy with a bodega-style setup, this cafe serves amazing food and offers great value. Friendly staff provide amazing service, making it a solid spot for an early breakfast or a casual brew.

Offers a varied menu including pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Serves quick, affordable lunches suitable for daily visits.

People are saying

"The food here is great, truly the best I've ever had."

"The food at this cafe was amazing and offered great value."

"I found a lot of great options for a reasonable price."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is available from Monday to Friday.

2

The price for a breakfast sandwich and coffee is under $10.

3

There is an additional charge of $2 for onions and tomato.

06
GRIND THE NYC COFFEE SHOP & BAGEL HOUSE image 1

Coffee shop offers an authentic Greek design with green chairs and wood accents and real plants creating a warm, welcoming vibe. Loud music fills the space, which is open and airy with plenty of seating including outdoor tables. Atmosphere suits working, socializing, or relaxing away from city stress.

Coffee here is never burnt and the bagels stand out as better than most cafes nearby. Service is consistently very good and the place fills up early, showing its popularity.

Lunch includes very good sandwiches and quick service. The spot works well for a fast coffee and lunch break.

People are saying

"I experienced the best coffee in the city."

"This cafe's coffee is strong and the bagels are hot and flavorful."

"This is a great spot for a really tasty lunch."

Good to know

1

A bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee costs $14.

2

The cafรฉ opens before 7am for early customers.

3

The price of macaroons is $17.

07
Jerusalem Cafe image 1
Kosher restaurant

Spacious kosher restaurant with two floors of seating and a self-serve setup featuring a pizza bar, salad bar, and sushi. Atmosphere feels airy and friendly, resembling a casual business lunch spot rather than a formal dining experience. Plenty of seating and amenities like WiFi and outlets support a relaxed, easygoing vibe.

Offers diverse kosher food with options like egg wraps and salad. Serves meals suitable for any time of day with consistently delicious flavors.

Quiet and clean atmosphere suits a weekday lunch well. Offers a simple choice for a kosher midtown lunch.

People are saying

"It's a great kosher place with delicious food."

"This lunch spot has fresh, affordable food with great assortments."

"The food at this Cafe is delicious and offers so many options."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is kosher and offers a variety of options for kosher consumers.

2

A regular lunch in the cafeteria costs $35, with pizza slices at $6.

3

Parking in the area can be difficult to find.

08
Slate Cafe NoMad image 1

Cozy cafe offers quiet atmosphere and ample seating including outdoor igloos. Enjoy black coffee and avocado toast with attentive service. Quick, healthy lunch options make it a casual spot for office workers.

A calm oasis with a relaxed ambiance stands out in a busy neighborhood. The black coffee and avocado toast come highly praised, paired with attentive service and a quiet vibe ideal for working.

Casual spot offers healthy, delicious lunch options with great coffee. Quick service suits nearby office workers looking for a tasty meal.

People are saying

"Their breakfast pizza with eggs over medium is delicious."

"The food and coffee at this cafe are really tasty."

"This lunch spot is fresh, clean, and delicious."

Good to know

1

You order at the counter and food comes out within a few minutes.

2

The restaurant can be crowded, so be quick to get a spot.

3

Do not go for lunch unless you have 45 minutes to spare.

09
Vanilla Gorilla Cafe image 1

Spacious coffee shop boasts strong wifi and cozy seating with a large couch. Quick, friendly service delivers well-crafted coffee and fresh, healthy vegan options. Affordable, tasty lunch choices make it a great spot for a quick bite before shows.

Quick, friendly service pairs with an awesome atmosphere perfect for work or relaxing. The cafe offers fresh, unique, healthy food options including great vegan choices and well-crafted coffee with carefully foamed milk.

Offers affordable lunch options with some vegan choices. Serves tasty meals suitable for a quick bite before activities like shows.

People are saying

"The breakfast Pastrino was delicious, flaky, and buttery."

"The coffee at this cafe is really good and not bitter."

"The staff here makes you feel so welcomed at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The price for one small drink, one medium drink, and two sandwiches is $45 including tip.

2

Tipping is customary, even when you have to collect your drinks and food yourself.

3

The cafe is not clean, including tables and toilets.

10
Heritage Grand Bakery image 1

Small bakery with Parisian-quality pastries and an in-store bakery visible from seating. Quiet, cozy atmosphere invites lingering away from city noise. Limited seating with high stools and narrow counters creates an intimate setting.

Cozy atmosphere with cute decor and friendly staff creates a welcoming vibe. The tuna sandwich stands out as a delicious grab-and-go option near Bryant Park.

Offers a quick business lunch option with a nice bakery setting. Convenient for those working near Bryant Park.

People are saying

"I found the pastries to be incredibly varied and beautifully crafted."

"The cafe's croissants are flaky and buttery."

"The pastries here are Parisian quality, especially the flaky croissants."

Good to know

1

During the soft opening week, customers can enjoy pre-opening 50% off.

2

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

3

Expect to wait for a seat during busy hours, especially on weekends.

11
Bryant Park Cafรฉ image 1

Outdoor seating overlooks green lawns and tall trees, creating a shaded, fresh atmosphere ideal for people-watching. Music and cultural programs fill the air, adding a festive vibe to the space. The terrace offers a spacious view of the park, making it a lively spot in the heart of the city.

Outdoor seating offers a beautiful lunch experience next to the park. The menu features a great selection but leans more toward dinner-style dishes even at lunchtime.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the shrimp tacos."

"The Cafe's food and drinks were really good."

"It's a beautiful outdoor lunch spot with great views."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom for customers; public restrooms are nearby.

2

Expect long lines for the public restroom due to high foot traffic.

3

Prices are high, with a small dinner salad costing $16 and two sliders at $19.

12
Green Blend / Balanced Food / 8th ave image 1

Modern interior blends green, eco-friendly design with cozy, lively atmosphere. Music mixes bachata and 2000s pop, creating an energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable with ample plug points and free WiFi for convenience.

Cozy and inviting atmosphere defines this cafe with a clean interior. Simple dishes like eggs are available for order.

Offers fresh, healthy lunch bowls with generous portions that often exceed a single meal size. Serves quick lunches but expect some wait during busy times.

People are saying

"I found the healthy food options to be fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot offers fresh, healthy food, a welcome change."

"I found the Cafe to be cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

You should order ahead because the wait may be long.

2

The restaurant closes at 11 PM, not 11:30 PM as stated online.

3

There are lots of vegan and non-vegan options available.

13
Ole & Steen image 1

Large, bright rooms with spacious seating and big windows create an inviting environment. The atmosphere blends traditional Danish baking with a calm, soothing vibe suitable for work or gatherings. Free, fast Wi-Fi and accessible seating add to the comfortable experience.

Cozy cafe vibe with adequate seating and a large selection of offerings. It stands out as a must-see coffee shop near Bryant Park.

Quick service keeps the line moving fast during the busy lunch rush. Staff provide stellar service even when packed. Offers a variety of light meals suitable for a quick bite or a longer lunch break.

People are saying

"The pastries here are always fresh and delicious."

"The pastries at this cafe are huge, delicious, and made fresh daily."

"The pastries and savory items here are to die for."

Good to know

1

The line moves quickly, which is important for breakfast and lunch.

2

Food and drinks should be picked up at different counters.

3

The special lunch is $14.95 and includes a sandwich, chips, and a beverage.

14
Angelina Paris New-York image 1
French restaurant

Elegant Parisian decor with ornate chandeliers and pastel hues creates a refined atmosphere. The space feels vibrant and classy, with a bustling yet sophisticated tearoom vibe. Seating extends indoors, upstairs, and outside, offering a spacious and private dining experience.

Beautiful French decor creates a lovely escape from the city. The cafe offers wonderful desserts and beverages, including hot chocolate and croissants.

Perfect for lunch or afternoon tea, this spot sells a dozen almond croissants that sell out before noon. Two family friends say they would not do lunch anywhere else nearby.

People are saying

"The hot chocolate here is rich, creamy, and delicious."

"I'd come back for the pastries and hot chocolate at this lunch spot."

"The Cafe's hot chocolate is unbelievably rich, thick, and velvety."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for brunch on Sundays.

2

Each person must order at least two items to sit down.

3

Expect long wait times during weekend brunch hours.

15
{petite} maman image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop inside a busy food hall with lively positive energy and nice lighting. Offers varied coffee options and notable pastries, though seating is unavailable and space at the pick-up counter is limited. Atmosphere blends the bustle of a train station with a tasteful, engaging vibe.

Unique pastry flavors stand out alongside a variety of drinks and cafe food. The Honey Lavender Latte is a consistent favorite, enjoyed both on arrival and departure.

Heavy foot traffic during the lunch rush shows this spot's popularity. Teams come here daily for reliable lunch options and coffee.

People are saying

"The pastries here are unique and tropical, like mango passion fruit."

"I always got the Honey Lavender Latte from this cafe."

"This Lunch Spot is quick, and you get your food fast."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during breakfast and lunch rush hours.

2

Prices are slightly lower than Starbucks in the station.

3

There is no seating available in the shop.

16
Le Pain Quotidien image 1

Spacious cafe with community tables and a long table with outlets creates a practical setting. Calm music and inviting decor contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. Seating options include high top tables and some outdoor seats, accommodating different preferences.

Offers delicious food and good coffee with quick service and minimal wait times. The cafe stays less busy, making it a great spot near Bryant Park and the NYPL.

Many options available at all times make it easy to find something for lunch. The spot next to Bryant Park suits grabbing a meal after shopping, with delicious lunch choices.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh baked goods and tasty dishes for breakfast."

"This lunch spot has delicious food, especially the tomato soup."

"I loved the cafe's good pastries and coffees."

Good to know

1

The place holds a special event at noon due to its proximity to Bryant Park.

2

You can enjoy entertainment events held on the grounds of Bryant Park.

3

The location is right across the street from Bryant Park.

17
Toast Cafe Brasserie image 1

Two-floor cafe offers a hot and cold buffet with large windows overlooking the street. Atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with a spacious upstairs dining area that is clean and well air-conditioned. Breakfast service provides a quiet setting with views of the avenue.

Owner-run cafe offers fair pricing and great breakfast options in a clean setting. Coffee quality varies, with cafe mochas tasting mostly like warm milk.

Buffet offers a wide variety of quality meats and vegetables for lunch. Large lunch boxes with samples cost around $20 and provide a delicious and satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and made to order."

"This lunch spot has a great variety of fresh food, like a buffet."

"I loved the cafe's good breakfast options and fair pricing."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open 24/7, making it convenient for late-night visits.

2

They only accept card payments; no mobile payment options available.

3

Prices are charged by weight, with a buffet option available.

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Midtown South, New York

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