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Lunch spots in Morningside Heights

Made for those who view the lunch hour as the most important part of their daily schedule.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Le Monde image 1
Le Monde image 2
Le Monde image 3
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French restaurant

Parisian bistro style shines with rustic decor and old world charm. Lunch impresses with incredible food and strong menu knowledge from staff. Outdoor seating adds to the lively, dog-friendly vibe.

Lunch here offers excellent service and incredible food that impress consistently. Staff show strong menu knowledge which enhances the overall lunch experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always very good."

"The French food here is amazing, thanks to attentive servers."

"The staff here makes your lunch spot feel unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak times, especially if Columbia is in session.

2

The bottomless mimosa brunch costs $25 per hour.

3

The restaurant offers a fixed price menu on Christmas Eve.

02
Island Grill Harlem Modern Caribbean Kitchen image 1

Lively fusion spot shines with clean decor and vibrant DJs that boost its Caribbean vibe. Lunch features a $6 special with tasty modern Caribbean dishes. Great energy and value make it a top choice on 125th Street.

Offers a $6 lunch special that stands out for its value and quality. Serves modern Caribbean dishes that make it a popular go-to lunch spot on 125th Street.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and phenomenal."

"The jerk chicken here is so good and fresh."

"The lunch special here is unmatched and a great deal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only and does not offer sit down service.

2

The restaurant accepts cards for payment.

3

You get a good amount of food for $6.50.

03
The U bar and grill image 1

Sports bar features a hidden hookah lounge and private party hall for lively socializing. Lunch specials like $5 Grouper a la Bretona offer affordable, tasty meals. Vibrant vibe with music and sports on every TV keeps energy high all day.

Lunch offers a $5 special tailored for the Columbia community with options like Grouper a la Bretona. The menu is affordable and delicious, paired with a relaxing ambiance for a good midday break.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, and the service was great."

"Chanty at the bar was funny, professional, and paid attention to detail."

"The lunch spot service from Chaney or Heidi was great."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer 5 tacos and a margarita for 20 dollars.

2

Happy hour includes $3 tacos and $7 frozen margaritas.

3

All-day happy hour on Tuesdays features one drink and five tacos for $20.

04
Ban Ban Shop image 1
Asian restaurant

Bright interior with tropical vibes sets a laid-back tone. Quick protein and grain bowls make lunch easy and tasty. Friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere, perfect for casual meetups or solo visits.

Protein and grain bowls stand out as quick lunch options here. Meals come ready to go, making it easy to grab a delicious lunch on the move.

People are saying

"The $3 happy hour baos were a great deal."

"The banh mi at this Lunch Spot is enormous and fully loaded."

"I loved the Vietnamese iced coffee; it was so sweet and yummy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour for bun baos runs daily from 3-6 PM.

2

Each bao during happy hour costs $3.

3

Ban Ban Shop offers an additional 10% off for Columbia ID holders.

05
Pho Amsterdam image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Bright lighting and cozy booths create a lively, slightly drafty space. Authentic Vietnamese dishes shine with rich broth and fresh ingredients. Lunch offers a hearty Pho that fills you up well.

Lunch here features a really big Pho size that fills you up. Portions suit those wanting a hearty midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the pho to be delicious and on the lighter side."

"The banh mi here, with its bread and pork belly, really rocked."

"The pho at this Lunch Spot is delicious and comes in a large bowl."

Good to know

1

For $16, you get an enormous serving size of pho.

2

Customers should ask for jalapeño and cilantro if they want them in the banh mi.

3

The restaurant does not offer gluten-free options.

06
Junzi Kitchen 君子食堂哥大店 Columbia University, New York NY| Healthy Authentic Chinese image 1

Counter setup lets you build bowls with house-made sauces and real Chinese flavors. Clean, modern space feels calm and warm, perfect for a quick midday break. Staff provide above and beyond service with an efficient pace in a quiet, well-lit environment.

Lunch here offers quick tasty meals with above and beyond service during early hours. It serves as a reliable spot for a midday break near campus.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and flavorful."

"The beef noodle soup here has the most tender beef."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are super nice and helpful."

Good to know

1

Students get a discount.

2

The bowl of noodles costs $17.91 after tax.

3

You can customize your own bowl of noodles.

07
Pisticci image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor patio shines for peaceful dining with live music weekends. Cozy interior suits relaxed dinners and brunches. Lunch stands out with sensational quality meals perfect for casual or special gatherings.

Lunch offers a wonderful spot for casual or special occasions. Meals come with a sensational quality that suits gatherings with family, friends, or significant others.

People are saying

"The pasta here is wonderful and delicious."

"The brunch here is fabulous, especially the lemon ricotta pancakes."

"This Lunch Spot's pasta dishes are always full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Gluten-free pasta options are available for an additional $5.

2

The restaurant has a peaceful outdoor patio for dining.

3

Jazz performances occur on Sundays, enhancing the dining experience.

08
Cafe Massawa image 1
East African restaurant

Small, chic space with large folding doors creates a bright, cozy vibe. Family-run spot offers simple lunches like zigni with timtimo, perfect for a quick work break. No alcohol, but the inviting interior makes it a great casual lunch spot.

Simple lunches fit well into a work break here. The zigni with timtimo and green salad offer a solid meal, but avoid the rum soaked cake for a midday bite.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and left a wonderful taste."

"The vegetarian dishes were delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the lunch spot here was really good."

Good to know

1

This is not a restaurant; it is a culinary experience.

2

At the time of this review, they don't serve alcohol.

3

Massawa on Broadway is a new venture of the original Massawa on Amsterdam.

09
Dig Inn image 1
American restaurant

Deli-style spot serves healthy fast meals with a vibrant atmosphere and throwback jams. Seating is comfortable and clean, perfect for quick lunch breaks or group catering. Music volume shifts from relaxing to loud, shaping the vibe.

Offers a quick lunch option with good vibes during lunch hour. Suitable for light meals and group orders for catered meetings.

People are saying

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

"I found the mac and cheese here to be amazing."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially around noon.

2

The restaurant charges $15 for a bowl, which some find overpriced.

3

Portion sizes are small, especially for delivery orders.

10
314 - pizza,pasta&cocktailbar image 1

Italian restaurant shines with real pizza oven and spacious seating. Lunch features excellent pizza and pasta with reliable service. Bar buzzes with a friendly Columbia crowd, creating a warm, social vibe.

Lunch offers excellent food with options like pizza and pasta. Service stays great even when it's not busy, and groups can enjoy a meal comfortably.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was outstanding, the best around."

"The cocktails here are amazing, balanced, and visually stunning."

"This lunch spot's pasta and calamari were amazing and perfectly crunchy."

Good to know

1

MSM students get a 10% discount.

2

The salad might not be safe due to the rotten vegetables.

3

The restaurant makes their own gluten-free crust.

11
Symposium image 1
Greek restaurant

Underground Greek restaurant offers authentic Greek dishes like a standout spinach pie for lunch. Cozy space features eclectic artwork and a long family table that creates a nostalgic vibe. A secret garden adds quiet charm to the relaxed setting.

Lunch features specials that stand out for quality and taste. The spinach pie impresses even those familiar with authentic versions, making it a notable choice.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and fresh."

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the moussaka."

"This spinach pie is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There isn't a lot of space to move around, so be cautious about carrying large bags or strollers.

2

Food is served quickly, even for large groups of around 13 people.

12
Milano Market Westside image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Classic Italian deli buzzes with nostalgic design and a busy deli counter serving large, praised sandwiches. Quick to-go options like box lunches suit casual meals or catering. Friendly cat adds a personal touch to the lively vibe.

Offers quick to-go lunch options with box lunches and tray platters that work well for catering or a casual meal.

People are saying

"The sandwich ingredients are so fresh, especially the prosciutto and greens."

"This deli makes massive, satisfying sandwiches."

"The sandwiches here are massive and loaded with creamy burrata."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait if you did not order ahead with their app.

2

There are over 50 kinds of sandwiches available, including hot, cold, and vegetarian options.

3

The sandwiches are really expensive.

13
Jin Ramen West Harlem image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, bright ramen shop offers lunch specials like kimchi and vegetarian miso ramen that are fresh and well-seasoned. Cozy booths and fun posters create a welcoming vibe perfect for a relaxed lunch. Prices are great for a satisfying meal in a friendly setting.

Lunch specials offer great deals with options like kimchi ramen and vegetarian miso stock ramen that are fresh and well-seasoned. Prices help save money while providing a chill spot to enjoy a satisfying lunch.

People are saying

"The ramen here is amazing, especially the broth."

"It's a cozy spot with a great atmosphere."

"I highly recommend this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers lunch specials from 11:30am to 3:30pm.

2

Happy hour runs daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant closes at 10 PM on Sundays.

14
Dos Toros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny takeout spot serves fresh Mexican food with generous portions and efficient service. Staff handle food allergies well and keep lunch lines moving fast. Welcoming vibe with good music and clean space makes it a lively lunch choice.

Efficient service keeps the lunch line moving even during rush. Staff assist with meal choices and prepare lunches carefully every day.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious burritos packed with flavor."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are incredibly fast and friendly."

"The staff here is amazing; they never get overwhelmed."

Good to know

1

Dos Toros is a takeout-only restaurant.

2

Expect to be in and out in less than 10 minutes.

3

The meal costs $12 as of fall 2025.

15
Massawa image 1
Ethiopian restaurant

Open air interior with woody decor and floral accents creates a warm vibe. Lunch features healthy portions like chicken in berbere sauce and lamb alicha. Outdoor patio and large bar add variety for casual meals and dinner dates.

Lunch offers healthy portions of rice, meat, and two sides at reasonable prices. The menu includes dishes like chicken in berbere sauce and milder lamb alicha, served in a calming ambiance.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The authentic East African cuisine here is a perfect choice for Date Spots."

"This lunch spot's injera is light with a perfect tang."

Good to know

1

They have an awesome happy hour with $6 cocktails.

2

You should reserve ahead to ensure you can dine here.

3

This place is all cashless and there is no receptionist to seat you.

16
Max Soha image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot offers intimate street-side seating and a relaxed vibe with natural light. Lunch features spaghetti with vegetables and shrimps and friendly service. Perfect for family meals and casual weekday lunches.

Wonderful service staff enhances the lunch experience. Lunch options include spaghetti with vegetables and shrimps. Suitable for family meals on Sundays and casual weekday lunches.

People are saying

"I found the pasta dishes here to be fresh and delicious."

"I loved the breakfast here; the eggs and coffee were so good."

"I thought the pasta at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

Good to know

1

You have to call a week or two ahead of time for a reservation.

2

The restaurant accepted credit cards as of 01/22/23 and is not cash only.

3

Max Soha serves breakfast and coffee from 9 to 3:30.

17
Toast 125 image 1
American restaurant

Small space with homey decor and a lovely terrace offers a cozy lunch spot. Quick service serves BBQ pulled pork sandwich and Caesar salad at moderate prices. Friendly, diverse crowd enjoys calm music, perfect for conversation or quiet moments.

Lunch offers BBQ pulled pork sandwich and Caesar salad with quick service even during busy times. The crowd is diverse and friendly, and prices stay moderate.

People are saying

"It's a friendly, welcoming place for a great date night."

"The American Food here, especially the mac and cheese, is warm and creamy."

"This lunch spot has great food, especially the Cuban sandwich."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM every day with great specials.

2

Wings and burgers are available during happy hour.

3

The $10 burger is only available with the purchase of a beer.

18
Tom's Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Cozy diner with Seinfeld memorabilia offers a quiet, family-friendly space. Enjoy a diverse menu with breakfast and lunch served all day at reasonable prices. Compact seating adds an intimate vibe, blending nostalgia with cultural history.

Offers a great and diverse menu for breakfast and lunch served all day. Prices stay very reasonable and the spot carries a bit of cultural history.

People are saying

"This diner has really good, simple food done well."

"It felt surreal and nostalgic being at the iconic spot from the show."

"You have to visit this Lunch Spot if you loved Seinfeld."

Good to know

1

The total cost for an omelet, eggs Benedict, and coffee was $47.60.

2

The location is super convenient and accessible by subway.

3

Sometimes it can be very busy, so plan to go early or wait for tables.

19
El Porton image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with Frida Kahlo art and a warm lounge vibe. Lunch specials feature burritos with free drinks like mimosas. Outdoor seating adds a cozy option on warm days.

Lunch specials include a variety of burritos and come with a free drink like mimosas or sangria. Takeout costs an extra $2 not always mentioned upfront.

People are saying

"You have to try their margaritas; they're a real adventure."

"The salsa and chips here are really fresh and high quality."

"The lunch special here is a great deal with a small drink."

Good to know

1

Prices for drinks are not listed on the menu; ask before ordering.

2

An automatic 25% tip is added to the bill.

3

The first bowl of salsa and chips is free.

20
Community Food & Juice image 1
American restaurant

Large, well-lit space with casual outdoor seating offers a homey vibe. Quick service and solid variety make it a great lunch spot. Patio provides a quieter place for people watching and enjoying drinks.

Lunch offers a solid variety of dishes with options that satisfy different tastes. The spot draws people for its quick service and reliable quality, making it a good choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The French toast here is a unique and delicious brunch take."

"The dinner spots here are so tasty and offer great variety."

"The pancakes at this Lunch Spot are yummy and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served until 3:30 PM every day.

2

Solo diners should opt for a seat at the bar for faster service.

3

There is a minimum enforced tip of 20%.

21
V & T image 1
Pizza restaurant

Old-school Italian charm shines with checker cloth tables and a cozy atmosphere perfect for family meals. Quick, tasty pizza makes lunch a hit. Tight seating and covered outdoor dining suit gatherings and after-event meals.

Quickly made pizza stands out during lunch hours. The spot suits gatherings, including after-event meals like home-going celebrations.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, is excellent."

"The pasta here is excellent and the service is wonderful."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot has excellent flavor and quality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a generous menu with all the American-Italian classics.

2

A small loaf of Italian bread is complimentary with entree orders.

3

Prices at this restaurant are reasonable considering the area.

22
Just Salad image 1
Health food restaurant

Bright, comfortable seating creates a welcoming vibe with a chill, homey energy. Generous portions of fresh salads come in eco-friendly packaging that rewards reuse. Popular for lunch, it draws daily crowds despite slow service during busy hours.

Frequent visits show this spot serves consistent lunch options that attract daily crowds. Service can be slow or disappointing during busy lunch hours.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the salad experience so friendly and fast."

"I found the food here to be fresh and full of vibrant flavor."

"This Lunch Spot's food was so delicious, I couldn't get enough."

Good to know

1

Bringing back a plastic bowl scores a free side item.

2

During lunch time, there isn’t a place to really sit inside, so be prepared to take your meal to go.

3

The food is reasonably priced for New York.

23
Sapps Uws image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant blends trendy decorations with a lively bar vibe and spacious seating. Lunch offers amazing specials around $19, delivering great value. Comfortable chairs and charging outlets make it practical for longer stays.

Lunch features amazing specials with several $19 options that offer good value.

People are saying

"The sushi here is expertly crafted, fresh, and bursting with flavor."

"The sake here has a wonderful, inviting atmosphere."

"The bathroom is spacious, clean, and decorated."

Good to know

1

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

2

Guests need a $30 minimum commitment to use a credit card.

3

The lunch special costs $17-$19 for udon noodles and katsu bowl.

24
Nikko Hibachi Asian Fusion image 1
Japanese restaurant

Hibachi chefs deliver lively cooking shows with interactive fun like food tossing. Lunch specials feature bento boxes with sushi, chicken, and teriyaki for quick, tasty meals. Seating is close-packed, creating an energetic atmosphere that blends charm and practicality.

Lunch specials run every day with bento boxes that include an entrée, rice, California rolls, soup, and salad. Options like sushi roll, chicken and garlic, salmon teriyaki, and General Tso's chicken offer good value and quick takeout.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the torched salmon, is tender and delicious."

"The hibachi experience here is super fun!"

"The torched salmon and grilled squid at this Lunch Spot are so tender and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with affordable drink prices.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special from 12 PM to 3:30 PM.

3

Guests have one hour to complete their meal from seating.

25
West Place image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese takeout offers affordable prices and classic dishes with mixed quality. Lunch specials like General Tso and Pepper Steak run weekdays 11 am to 2 pm. Seating is available, and card payments accepted with a minimum charge.

Lunch offers affordable specials with good value. Service runs Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, featuring dishes like General Tso Lunch Special and Pepper Steak with Onions.

People are saying

"I called twice about the delivery delay, and they kept changing the time."

"This lunch spot is delicious and affordable."

"I thought the takeout here was pretty greasy."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.

2

Expect a $2 delivery fee despite advertised free delivery for orders over $15.

3

They charge a minimum of $10 for debit card transactions.

26
Wu and Nussbaum image 1
Italian restaurant

Asian-Jewish fusion shines in a modern classic setting with black and white tiles. Airy, bright space offers outdoor seating and free wifi, perfect for long chats or quick meals. Affordable, consistent lunch options make it a flexible spot all day.

Offers a cheap and decent lunch option with consistent availability. Serves well for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a flexible choice throughout the day.

People are saying

"I felt God's presence when I drank this chai."

"I loved the vegan Chinese menu; it had a large selection and great tasting food."

"This Lunch Spot's shrimp fried rice became my new obsession."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait for plain bagels that are not toasted.

2

The restaurant runs out of bagels around 4 PM.

3

The bathroom is located past the order line, towards the kitchen.

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Morningside Heights, New York

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