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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University Place

Chill lunch spots

You want a relaxed place to grab lunch that does not feel rushed.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Hu's Cooking image 1
Hu's Cooking image 2
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Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with a balance of elegance and comfort. Space feels cozy yet cramped, with narrow aisles and close tables suited for family groups. Lighting and noise levels adjust from quiet when less crowded to lively during busy times.

Casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax while enjoying tasty Chinese food. Affordable prices and a setting suited for family gatherings or hanging out with friends add to the chill vibe.

Lunch offers great specials with a lot of variety and good portions for $13. Food arrives quickly after ordering, making it easy to grab and return to work.

People are saying

"I thought the Chinese food here was the most authentic and tasty possible."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and affordable."

"The food here is so flavorful and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be challenging, especially during busy hours.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers dim sum during specific hours, check their schedule.

02
Japanese Ramen Gachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with stylish wooden booths and dim lighting creates an intimate, chill vibe. Playlist adds to the clean and cute atmosphere. Known for authentic ramen that many consider the best outside Japan.

Laid back and quiet atmosphere with chill background music like Khruangbin sets a pleasant tone. The vibe stays good and chill even as popularity grows.

Offers a flexible lunch hour that suits varied schedules, especially near the Medcenter. Serves Japanese ramen that fits well for a quick, satisfying lunch.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious with a rich, flavorful broth."

"This lunch spot's ramen broth is the best I ever tasted."

"It's a super chill vibe with quiet, pleasant background music."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available nearby.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours due to the small space.

3

The restroom cleanliness is a concern, with reports of it being dirty.

03
Salento Bistrot image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an intimate, warm atmosphere with live jazz music on a chic patio that welcomes dogs. The space balances quiet conversation indoors with a European-inspired casual vibe. Outdoor seating faces the street, providing a mixed experience for people watching and dining.

A chill atmosphere with friendly and professional service makes it easy to relax during brunch or lunch. Casual dress and a beautifully decorated space add to the laid-back vibe.

Lunch offers a chill atmosphere that suits families and friends. The lunch special provides good value, especially with the paella for two that leaves no leftovers.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, tasty, and outstanding."

"The outdoor patio has live music and is dog-friendly."

"It's a chill place for brunch with friends."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $2 per hour for street parking.

2

Happy hour prices are available before the dinner rush.

3

Live music occurs on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.

04
Sushi by Hidden image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant hides behind an art gallery with an intimate setting seating about 12 people per session. The atmosphere is intimate and casual, enhanced by colorful curated art and a speakeasy concept. Sushi is prepared right in front of diners, offering fresh, creative nigiri and a well-curated sake selection.

Fun and casual atmosphere sets a chill vibe where about 8 people can feel social yet relaxed. Service stays cozy and casual, matching the overall laid-back setting.

Lunch offers an express omakase with 12 to 13 sushi pieces served in about 30 minutes for $60. The setting feels intimate with very few diners during lunch, making it a focused dining experience.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so well crafted, with delicious fish."

"This Lunch Spot offers an amazing, affordable omakase experience."

"The service here is so casual and cozy, it's great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating in this small restaurant.

2

The 12-course omakase costs $60 for lunch and $75 for dinner.

3

Sushi by Hidden is BYOB with a $20 corkage fee for a 720ml bottle.

05
Croissant-Brioche image 1

European-style bakery with cozy indoor and outdoor seating and wooden bistro furniture creates a Parisian cafรฉ vibe. Atmosphere feels intellectually stimulating and relaxed, encouraging conversation without Wi-Fi distractions. Small, busy space offers a warm, timeless elegance with eclectic decor and original artwork.

Cozy, quaint interior creates a casual vibe. Friendly service and good food make it a cool spot to chill. Mocha pairs well for a relaxed outing.

Light lunches come with great bread and bakery items. Coffee pairs well with the food, making it a nice spot for a solo lunch or a casual late meal.

People are saying

"This cozy spot feels like a little corner of France for coffee."

"You'll love the light, fresh sandwiches and baked goods here."

"It's a cozy, quaint interior with a really chill vibe."

Good to know

1

The shop opens at 7:00am.

2

Seating is limited.

3

Parking was complicated on Saturday morning, and I had to park in another block.

06
Kasra Persian Grill image 1
Persian restaurant

Contemporary design with retro-modern art and beautiful chandeliers creates a stylish, museum-like setting. Atmosphere ranges from relaxing to lively, with some noise during busy times. Spacious layout suits private gatherings and groups comfortably.

Fun interior decor sets a chill atmosphere. The vibe stays cozy and relaxed, balancing between formal and casual.

Lunch offers a fantastic experience with consistently excellent dishes. The spot earns strong recommendations for a satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"The lamb kubideh food is so juicy and seasoned perfectly."

"The Persian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food was delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Kasra Persian Grill offers only to-go service and has parking available.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially after 6:30 PM when lines form.

3

I paid $30 for the happy hour special that included three appetizers and a bottle of wine.

07
Ar-Haan image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dining area with tables placed close together creates an intimate setting. Warm, cozy vibe with authentic Thai decor and ambient music offers a welcoming atmosphere. Fresh, flavorful Thai dishes stand out as a key feature.

Bright yet casual ambience creates a relaxed setting. The host is super chill and friendly, making the atmosphere comfortable.

A very cute and nice spot for lunch, suitable for outings with friends or family. Offers a relaxed setting for a late lunch with kids or a casual date.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is packed with flavor and perfectly spiced."

"The food here is delicious; I loved the Khao Soi."

Good to know

1

Parking at this restaurant is limited, so arrive early.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other Thai restaurants in the area.

3

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

08
Torchy's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with big patio and clean, comfortable seating offers an upbeat atmosphere energized by lively staff. Decor includes devil-themed accents and casual style, creating a unique vibe. Margarita and taco offerings stand out as highly praised features.

Casual and friendly vibes create a chill atmosphere with a slight touch of elegance. The place feels relaxed and captures a laid-back spirit.

Lunch service includes attentive staff who check on diners multiple times. The pace can be slow, which may affect quick lunch plans. It suits a family-friendly lunch setting.

People are saying

"The food here is great and fresh."

"The tacos here are an explosion of flavors with the right spiciness."

"The food and service at this lunch spot are great."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be tight, so arrive early.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

Expect potential delays for to-go orders during busy hours.

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University Place, Houston

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