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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of UES

Lunch spots with outdoor seating

You want to eat your lunch outside without sacrificing the convenience of a quick midday meal.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated June 2026
01
ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a sexy, classy atmosphere with live jazz music that energizes the space. Outdoor sidewalk seating feels cozy and private, enhanced by stylish interior decor featuring marble lighting and onyx accents. Signature cocktails crafted with care add to the refined vibe.

Lunch offers a special four-course menu with dishes like Red Lentil Soup, Zucchini Pancakes, and Grilled Mediterranean Chicken. The avocado and feta spread stands out, and the lunch specials provide great value.

Outdoor seating offers a charming setup with a great ambience that enhances dining. It ranks among the better setups in the area.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean dinner spots here have fresh, well-balanced flavors."

"The food here is delicious, especially on the Outdoor Seating."

"Emre took great care of us at the Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals.

3

Brunch is served until 4 PM on weekends.

02
Emmy Squared Pizza: Upper East Side image 1

Urban chic space with an outdoor terrace offers a fresh vibe and artisanal pizza that stands out. Atmosphere tends to be loud, making conversation challenging during busy times. Group dinners fit well with long tables and reservation options.

Casual lunch features pepperoni and olive pizza with attentive outdoor service. It suits a relaxed meal after visiting nearby attractions.

A spacious outside terrace offers a great spot for lunch with attentive service. Outdoor seating works well for families with children and suits nice weather perfectly.

People are saying

"Our server Cesar was so attentive and asked about allergies."

"The Detroit style pizza at this Lunch Spot did not disappoint."

"The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the nice weather."

Good to know

1

The pizza place stops taking orders at 8:30 PM.

2

Make a reservation to avoid a wait, especially for parties of 4 or more.

3

You will experience a one-hour wait at this place during peak times.

03
Anand image 1
Indian restaurant

Outdoor area features a quiet, relaxing patio lounge with clean surroundings and pleasant aromas. Interior combines dark wood and stone elements creating a calm, nice atmosphere with pre-2000s Indian classic music playing. The space feels quiet and friendly, offering a peaceful dining experience.

Lunch here offers perfect meals that suit solo visits well. The spot works smoothly with MealPal lunches, making it easy to grab a quick bite.

Anand offers a quiet, relaxing outdoor area out back with a clean patio lounge atmosphere. The space suits a nice night, though an industrial sound can be heard outside.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, authentic Indian food."

"I enjoyed a lovely dinner on the patio."

Good to know

1

They charge a surprise 20% service fee which is not notified before.

2

The restaurant is very vegan-friendly.

3

They serve jain food.

04
Butterfield Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Bright, clean space with beautifully arranged displays and a cozy, elegant atmosphere creates a neighborhood feel. Outdoor seating with benches invites relaxation while enjoying the lively surroundings. Classical music adds a refined touch to the shopping experience.

Bright, clean space offers fresh produce, yummy desserts, and a variety of lunch and dinner options. Quick bites and coffee make it a solid choice for lunch.

Benches and armchairs fill the outdoor seating area, offering spots to eat or relax. The space feels lively and often gets packed, making it a social place to enjoy snacks or smoothies.

People are saying

"This market has a spectacular selection of fresh, delicious prepared foods."

"This lunch spot has a fantastic selection of fresh, gourmet foods."

"The outdoor seating area is a great place to sit and observe the neighborhood."

Good to know

1

Be prepared for a premium price tag that may not match the perceived value.

2

Most items are not marked with prices, so ask for details.

3

Butterfield Market offers a unique experience with high-quality food.

05
L'Osteria image 1
Italian restaurant

Small rectangular room with intimate seating and large windows creates a cozy, upscale vibe. Tables sit close together, but an enclosed outdoor area offers more space. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, fitting for a calm evening.

Lunch offers delectable dishes that satisfy groups and individuals alike. Outdoor seating adds a nice atmosphere while cappuccinos provide a smooth finish to the meal.

Outdoor seating includes an outdoor shed with tables. Guests often start dining outside but may move indoors if it gets too warm. Several visits include sitting outside for lunch.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Caesar salad with extra Parmesan."

"This Lunch Spot's food is mighty tasty and delicious."

"The service at the outdoor seating was top-notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is quite small.

2

Customers have the option to pay the bill via a QR code.

3

The restaurant charges 16 dollars for sparkling water.

06
Don Filippo image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy, quaint dining space with classic Italian decor and a small outdoor seating area featuring a gazebo and plants. Atmosphere is lively and inviting, enhanced by Italian music and well-stocked tables with traditional seasonings. The vibe remains consistent, offering a comfortable and peaceful setting.

Lunch specials offer two plain slices and a small fountain drink for $7.50, making it a cheap and tasty option. Portions are decent, with one menu item usually enough for a lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"The pizza at this lunch spot is delicious and great."

"The outdoor seating is comfortable and nicely arranged."

Good to know

1

Basic pizzas are $3.5 a slice and elaborate ones are $5.5.

2

The deal for 2 plain pizzas and 1 drink is $6.5.

3

Portions are decent; one menu item is enough for lunch.

07
Tamam by Soom Soom image 1
Falafel restaurant

Small indoor space with limited seating and a cozy outdoor area featuring bar stools and heat lamps. Atmosphere mixes lively Latino music with attempts at a Middle Eastern vibe, creating a unique but sometimes conflicting energy. Outdoor seating invites people-watching and casual dining.

Lunch offers authentic Middle Eastern vegan dishes with a focus on pita and bowls. Timing matters since arriving on time ensures the best experience.

Outdoor tables with bar stool seating offer a casual spot to eat right away. The setup is great for people-watching while enjoying your food.

People are saying

"I found the falafel pita to be excellent and perfectly crisp."

"I loved the flavorful falafel platters on the patio."

"I loved the falafel platter; it's the best lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8 PM.

2

The prices are high, with a simple bowl of hummus and falafel costing $20.

3

Everything on the menu is vegan.

08
Water & Wheat Upper East image 1
Italian restaurant

Long rectangular room centers on fresh pasta making station with an open kitchen nearby. Cozy, quiet atmosphere feels like a neighborhood dining room with stained wood and cozy lighting. Small space hosts families and individuals enjoying an authentic Italian American vibe.

Offers a reasonable lunch special with quick service. Pasta dishes with vodka sauce and a chicken parm lunch sandwich stand out, along with perfectly cooked octopus.

Outdoor seating fills up quickly, even when the temperature is around 50 degrees. Tables are available both inside and outside, with perfect weather often making the outdoor option appealing.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is fantastic, they really took care of us."

"This lunch spot has delicious pasta and sandwiches."

"The fresh pasta here is so delicious, you'll want to eat it all at our outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The price for two people is about $100 without tip.

09
Sistina image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an elegant interior with artistic decor evoking Italy and old New York. Atmosphere varies from quiet and reserved to loud and crowded, often filled with older diners. Wine selections stand out as exquisite and well-curated.

Lunch features delicious wines paired with meals. Meals suit family gatherings and special occasions like anniversaries.

Outdoor seating offers a pleasant dining experience when the weather is warm. The space feels just as good as inside, making it a solid choice for al fresco meals.

People are saying

"The Italian food's pastas were absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked with rich flavors."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, especially the artichokes."

"I sat outside because the weather was warm and beautiful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are difficult to secure on weekends; book well in advance.

2

Expect high prices, with some specials exceeding $120 per plate.

3

The restaurant has a strict 'no children' policy.

10
Pil Pil image 1
Wine bar

Cozy interior with tree branches on ceiling and a rustic mural creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and a 90s R&B soundtrack set a chill, inviting vibe. The space blends rustic charm with chic decor, making it suitable for both dates and group gatherings.

Lunch offers five tapas for $40, providing a quick and tasty option. Deals include happy hour specials and lunch plates that deliver good value.

Outdoor seating adapts well even when fully booked, offering space despite crowding. Weather suits late fall, making it comfortable to enjoy dishes with crispy exteriors and creamy interiors.

People are saying

"It's so cozy and romantic with a rustic charm."

"The tapas here are delicious, especially the croquettes and bravas."

"The tapas here, especially the croquettes and bravas, are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price tapas and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20% service charge automatically added to your bill.

3

The restaurant has a unique touchscreen menu for ordering.

11
Thai At Lex image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space holds about 16 people with intimate seating and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor area offers well-decorated, aesthetic dining with a Southeast Asian vibe from fruit and vegetable decor. Noise levels vary, sometimes becoming loud depending on crowd.

Affordable lunch options include starters, salads, noodles, fried rice, and curry priced around 15 USD. Service stays quick and friendly even during busy lunch hours, making it a solid choice for a quick bite.

Outdoor seating offers a pleasant atmosphere with a small but inviting space. Both indoor and outdoor options exist, with the outside area favored in warm weather.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be excellent and super tasty."

"I found the outdoor seating to be lovely and pleasant."

"The drunken noodles at this Lunch Spot were amazing."

Good to know

1

Limited seating is available, so call ahead or order take out.

2

The lunch special is $14 and includes soup, appetizer, and any entree dish.

3

Prices are very reasonable for Manhattan and the Upper East Side.

12
Home Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Small American restaurant offers cozy, laid-back atmosphere with casual, relaxing decor and outside seating. The vibe is kid- and dog-friendly, creating an inviting space near cultural spots. Tables on the street add some noise, but overall energy stays pleasant and welcoming.

Lunch features a mix of Italian dishes and simple, high-quality sandwiches. The Brunch Platter offers a blend of breakfast favorites for a relaxed meal.

Outdoor seating offers a cozy atmosphere but tables can be unstable and shake during use. It suits those looking for a place to sit outside despite the table issue.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"This is a cozy lunch spot that's very family-friendly."

"The outdoor seating is really cozy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are preferable for groups larger than three.

2

Happy hour oysters are $2 each from 12 to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday.

3

The restaurant serves brunch on Saturdays and has an all-day brunch menu on Sundays.

13
Tokugawa Sushi Restaurant image 1

Intimate sushi restaurant with a small, elegant setting and cozy corner space. Atmosphere feels tight but pleasant, with fresh, premium sushi prepared by multiple chefs behind the counter. Outdoor seating offers views of the city and adds to the experience.

Lunch fills up fast here with no lunch special bento box available. It suits a quick lunch but expect a busy spot during midday.

Patio dining offers a pleasant spot to enjoy meals. Plenty of outside seating invites guests to eat outdoors when weather allows.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be delicious and super fresh."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish at this Lunch Spot is super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

They charge $8 USD for 1 can of pop.

2

This establishment does NOT serve cooked entrees.

3

The menu is limited.

14
Tal Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop with spacious indoor and outdoor seating and a bright, nicely decorated interior featuring flower decorations outside. Atmosphere varies from loud and chaotic during busy times to cozy and homely in quieter moments. Known for fresh, highly rated bagels with many filling options.

Light but filling lunch sandwiches offer a simple meal option. Prices stay average, and service can be accommodating when issues arise.

Cozy outdoor seating includes plenty of tables decorated with flowers. Both indoor and outdoor options are available.

People are saying

"These bagels are hot with the perfect crust and chewiness."

"The staff here is super attentive and kind."

"It's got plenty of outdoor seating, decorated with flowers."

Good to know

1

The cost of an everything bagel with whitefish spread is $15.10.

2

The lox option costs $17.

3

You need to order your bagel before you get to the cashier to pay.

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Upper East Side, New York

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