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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Memorial

Authentic lunch spots

Made for those who prioritize authentic flavors even when they only have an hour to spare for a midday meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Aroy Thai Cafe image 1
Aroy Thai Cafe image 2
Thai restaurant

Small space with modern eclectic decor and five TVs playing cooking shows creates a unique dining environment. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting despite being smoky and intimate, suitable for families, couples, and singles. Lunch hours bring a quiet, pleasant vibe with occasional long wait times.

Authentic Thai dishes feature flavorful pad thai and rich soup with genuine taste. The food delivers a real Thai experience in every bite.

Lunch servings come in large portions that often leave leftovers. The lunch special pad thai is well seasoned and includes a roll and crab rangoon.

People are saying

"This lunch spot serves authentic, flavorful Thai dishes."

"I really enjoyed their Thai Tea; I should get it more often."

"I found the Thai food here to be flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 2 pm for all orders, including online and call-in.

2

The dining room closes at 2:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is convenient, but can be limited during peak hours.

02
Empire Turkish Grill image 1
Turkish restaurant

Turkish restaurant offers authentic cuisine with freshly grilled kebabs and complimentary hot tea. Interior features clean, well-designed decor with recent renovations and sound dampening panels. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and intimate for small groups to lively with large gatherings after sunset.

Turkish dishes deliver authentic taste with rich, traditional flavors. The food stays true to classic recipes, offering a mouthwatering experience that reflects genuine Turkish cuisine.

Lunch specials offer great value with reasonable prices every day. The menu includes daily deals that suit single diners well.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious Turkish food with big portions."

"The hot black tea here is exquisite."

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekends due to high demand.

2

Lunch specials are available every day of the week.

3

A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

03
Zaab Der image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with warm lighting and cozy seating creates a laid back vibe. Decor blends modern and vintage elements, inviting guests to settle in. BYOW policy adds a relaxed, personal touch to the dining experience.

Authentic Esan style Thai food stands out with a wide variety of authentic dishes on the menu. The place offers quality flavors and a fun atmosphere that matches the genuine taste.

Lunch here suits group gatherings and business meetings. The spot offers a casual atmosphere and reliable service for midday meals.

People are saying

"This Thai food is authentic and flavorful, just like in Thailand."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is extraordinary and bursting with flavor."

"I found it served authentic Esan style Thai food."

Good to know

1

Zaab Der allows BYOW (bring your own wine), making it suitable for celebrations.

2

Parking in the square is easy and convenient.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

04
Bistro Mistral - Memorial image 1
French restaurant

Small French bistro with traditional European decor and an open kitchen featuring a wood-fire oven. Cozy and intimate atmosphere with cramped seating, suited for quiet lunches or romantic dinners. Offers authentic French cuisine and a notable wine selection including Bordeaux and rare bottles.

Dishes show authentic French cuisine made with care. Every plate delivers authentic flavors true to traditional recipes.

Lunch specials offer really tasty dishes at a good price. The spot suits a lunch date or daily meals outside the home.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the ravioli, was amazing."

"It's a cozy lunch spot, perfect for quiet conversation."

"I found the French cuisine here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available: two for $26.00.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

3

Parking is limited, so plan ahead for a spot.

05
Original Napoli Pizza & Pasta image 1

Cozy pizza restaurant with an older style ambiance and a large enclosed sun room out front. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and casual, with booth and table seating inside and a small outdoor area. Known for authentic Italian pizza with thin crust and tasty tomato sauce.

Meals follow traditional Italian recipes with natural, flavorful ingredients. The spot offers authentic Italian pizza in a super clean setting.

Quick service makes it a solid choice for a weekday lunch. The spot works well to catch up with friends while grabbing a fast bite.

People are saying

"This pizza is delicious, with a crispy crust and fresh ingredients."

"I found the homemade Italian meals to be authentic and flavorful."

"The pizza here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on an order first, then sit system.

2

Parking is kind of limited.

3

Expect generous serving sizes for all dishes.

06
Sushi Jin image 1
Japanese restaurant

Quaint Japanese restaurant offers authentic tatami rooms and traditional seating with a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels warm and comfortable, with private rooms suited for intimate gatherings. Ample sushi bar seating complements the classic, lowkey vibe.

Tokyo-style cutting techniques shape the sushi, crafted by an authentic Japanese chef. Green tea comes directly from Japan, and the menu offers authentic Japanese cuisine that feels like a trip back to Japan.

Every day lunch specials run until 2:30 with bento box options and fulfilling meals. Dishes like salmon teriyaki and chirashi lunch specials come with sides like miso and salad at a decent price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"It's an authentic Japanese place with a traditional tatami room."

"This lunch spot's sushi and sashimi are so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for the sushi bar with chef Toda san.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

3

The average ticket price is around $20 per person.

07
Izakaya-Wa image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small, crowded space with authentic Japanese izakaya vibe and cozy, intimate atmosphere. Indoor seating feels like a lived-in home, while outdoor areas offer shaded seating with heaters. Frequented by those seeking fresh sushi and quality sake, it fills up quickly and encourages a relaxed, unhurried dining pace.

The menu features authentic Japanese cuisine with a strong Izakaya style vibe. Udon and sushi stand out as top tier dishes, reflecting a commitment to genuine flavors and atmosphere.

Lunch features reasonable prices and lunch specials like the nigiri sushi and noodle set or the half and half chirashi bowl with pork belly udon. Portions leave you feeling full and satisfied.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here tastes like you're actually in Japan."

"The main floor felt cozy, warm, and welcoming."

"This lunch spot's Japanese food is so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait for a table around 7pm.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to secure a table.

3

Parking is available but can be difficult during busy times.

08
La Hacienda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious yet cozy Mexican restaurant with lively, colorful atmosphere and soft live music that encourages dancing. Seating includes both booths and tables, creating a friendly, festive vibe. Known for strong margaritas and authentic dishes like tacos al carbon and chicken enchiladas.

Food offers a very authentic Mexican taste with flavors that feel genuine and traditional. Dishes deliver an amazing and delicious experience true to Mexican roots.

Lunch offers large portions like the eggs and chorizo plate with amazing corn tortillas. Family-friendly prices and options like chicken enchiladas make it a solid spot for a casual meal.

People are saying

"I go there for the old school enchiladas and vintage vibe."

"The lunch spot has great enchiladas and corn tortillas."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but recommended during peak hours.

2

Take-out is available, but designated parking is limited.

3

Expect food to be ready in 10 minutes or less, even when busy.

09
Nirvana Indian Restaurant image 1
Indian restaurant

Small and intimate space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with soft lighting and comfortable seating. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and welcoming to occasionally noisy, with a classy and clean vibe. Buffet setup stands out as a key feature, drawing attention for its quality and variety.

Food offers authentic flavor with a balance that is not too oily or spicy. Dishes taste super fresh and maintain genuine Indian qualities.

Buffet lunch offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Seating happens quickly and service stays attentive during weekday and weekend lunch hours.

People are saying

"The buffet here is stellar with a diverse menu."

"I finally found authentic Indian food that's not too oily or spicy."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and always top-notch."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available on Monday and Tuesday nights, and Saturday and Sunday at noon.

2

Large groups can be accommodated for special occasions like birthday celebrations on Sundays.

3

The buffet costs $21.99, offering a variety of over 20 items.

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Memorial, Houston

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