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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown South

Deli lunch spots

Made for those who have a specific standard for their deli lunch and won't accept anything less.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
38th st grocery deli image 1
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Grocery store combines 24/7 availability with a local worker focus in a clean, straightforward setting. Prices vary and sometimes confuse, but food offerings like Philly cheesesteak and chopped cheese stand out for quality and flavor. The atmosphere feels like a classic NYC deli with a practical, no-frills approach.

Lunch costs stay under $30 for two, which is rare in the city. Sandwiches are available for quick pickup at this deli grocery.

Offers a good New York deli experience with great sandwich recipes and plenty of customization options. Prices show clearly on a large menu, and the place accepts cards, making it easy to pay.

People are saying

"I found the deli sandwiches to be worth the price."

"The chicken cutlet sandwich was really good."

"I loved the cheesy chopped cheese sandwich."

Good to know

1

Lunch for 2 is under $30, which is rare to get nowadays, especially in NYC.

2

The sandwiches are less than $10.

3

The deli takes cards, which is important if you don't have enough cash.

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.

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.

Offers an amazing New York deli breakfast sandwich with coffee. Provides great deli, salads, sweets, and fresh foods at a very affordable price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

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

"I highly recommend this deli; the atmosphere is pleasant."

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
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.

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

Freshly made deli food comes with friendly staff and a clean environment. The setup feels like a bodega-style cafe near a busy area.

People are saying

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

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

"The deli staff are so friendly and know the customers."

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.

04
Mike's Coffee and Deli image 1

Tiny coffee stand with a window to a tiny kitchen creates a hole in the wall vibe. Atmosphere feels homey as regulars gather and staff know names. Offers customizable sandwiches with quick service and affordable prices.

Offers a solid selection of breakfast and lunch items with sandwiches featuring bacon and cheese. Captures a NYC vibe and serves only breakfast and lunch.

Small stall offers basic sandwiches like tuna melt with tomato and bagels. Staff provide super fast, friendly service with affordable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was one of the best."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was super quick and friendly."

"The deli staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

A bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee costs 5 dollars.

2

For 15 dollars, you get 2 delicious sandwiches and 2 coffees.

3

Your order will come out in like two to three minutes.

05
Madison Cafe & Grill image 1

Bright lighting and fabulously clean environment create a welcoming atmosphere. Shelves stay well stocked, supporting a wide breakfast and lunch menu with reasonably priced sandwiches and fresh items. The place suits quick meals and late-night snacks, attracting a steady flow of people looking for everyday food options.

Extensive breakfast and lunch menu offers many options. Accepts EBT for lunch purchases. Convenient for to-go orders after nearby visits.

Counter features schmears and deli meats. Recognized as a favorite deli in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the food was clean, fresh, and delicious."

"The staff here are super nice and friendly."

"The deli staff here are super friendly and decent."

Good to know

1

The deli has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with hot sandwiches and salads.

2

The store accepts EBT for purchases, making it accessible for many.

3

The deli is very clean, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

06
Tabletime image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a mezzanine seating area offers a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxing or quick meals. It attracts a breakfast rush and serves custom-made dishes with good value for money in a busy urban setting.

Lunch offers an extensive variety with some nice Korean dishes alongside usual options. Prices stay competitive and affordable for the area, making it good for a late lunch before an early dinner.

Grilled to order burgers stand out alongside a salad bar and a buffet with many healthy options. Deli food comes from the back where you can pack your own lunchbox.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has so many tasty and healthy choices."

"The fried chicken food is super crispy and juicy."

"The deli sandwiches here are amazing and cost less than $10."

Good to know

1

Beware of the breakfast rush.

2

The buffet table at Tabletime is only $11.99.

3

You can eat the food at the public tables in Bryant Park, which is next door.

07
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.

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.

Cleanliness and professionalism stand out with an A rating from the health department. The Korean-run deli offers a pay-by-the-pound buffet and a huge upstairs dining area with bathrooms, covering a wide variety of quality foods.

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."

"The deli here has a fantastic selection of sandwiches."

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.

08
OLIYO image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a spacious seating area with a clean, well-organized interior and a second floor featuring claw machines and figurines. The atmosphere is quiet and cool, providing a calm place to relax or work. A salad bar and deli complement the buffet setup, adding variety to the dining experience.

Lunch here offers quick service with spartan but clean tables inside. The spot suits a fast lunch break with straightforward options.

Deli offers excellent food with a perfectly organized and clean setup. It serves as a solid spot to grab a bite before or after events.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and reasonably priced."

"This lunch spot has a fantastic Korean section with tasty food."

"The deli has so many options, I didn't know where to start."

Good to know

1

The buffet charges $13.99 per pound, which can be misleading for smaller portions.

2

Expect to pay around $19.40 for a small plate of food.

3

The restaurant is conveniently located across from Penn Station.

09
Pastrami Queen image 1

Restaurant inside a busy transit hub offers pastrami sandwiches known for lean, spicy meat and moist, fresh rye bread. Atmosphere is typical of a train station, making fine dining difficult. Menu includes chicken matzoh ball soup served hot with well-textured matzoh balls.

Soup and pickles offer a satisfying lunch option. The setting suits a casual lunch date after a train ride.

Meat stays moist and flavorful here, especially compared to other delis. Both locations feel like a regular corner deli. The deli pickle adds a nice touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The pastrami here is outstanding, moist, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's pastrami on rye is piled high with meat."

"I found the pastrami sandwich at this deli to be delicious."

Good to know

1

This location is not kosher but 'kosher-style.'

2

Expect high prices for small portion sizes.

3

A slice of tomato or lettuce costs extra.

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Midtown South, New York

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