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New Yorkers 1st Choice
University Place's best

Lunch and date spots

You want a midday meal that feels intentional enough to serve as a shared experience.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
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Updated May 2026
01
Hudson House image 1
Hudson House image 2
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American restaurant

Elegant dining space with gorgeous booths and comfortable seating arranged for privacy. Atmosphere feels sophisticated and inviting with low lighting that suits intimate occasions. Music includes classic tunes like Frank Sinatra, adding to a relaxed, pleasant vibe.

Service stands out with attentive care during lunch. Meals come with a friendly atmosphere suitable for small groups.

Low lighting creates a great atmosphere for a cute date. Friendly staff with smiling faces adds to the positive vibe. Tuna rolls stand out as a favorite dish.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for Date Spots."

"The service for dinner spots was so kind and accommodating."

"The Lunch Spot salad was huge and delicious with green goddess dressing."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant requires payment, while the back garage offers two hours free.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $10 burger deals and half-priced drinks.

3

The restaurant does not accept walk-ins; reservations are recommended for seating.

02
K-Town Poke image 1
Poke bar

Open, well-lit space offers a clean, modern setting with plenty of seating and a chill atmosphere. Bright environment features K-pop music and a welcoming vibe. Menu includes fresh, generously portioned poke and Korean bowls with diverse sauces and options beyond seafood.

Offers a solid lunch option with satisfying meals. Provides a pleasant midday break with good food choices.

Bowls to go make for a simple, casual date option. Dinner visits offer a relaxed setting for couples to enjoy fresh, customizable meals together.

People are saying

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

"The Lunch Spot staff let me sample nearly every ingredient."

"The food here is yummy and fresh, especially the Korean bowls."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a buy one get one free special this weekend.

2

Parking is available in front of the shop and in a nearby garage.

3

They offer a variety of toppings and sauces for customization.

03
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.

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

Menu offers tasty items including a mixed shrimp and beef shish kebab. Suitable for celebrations like birthdays with a cozy atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The service here is attentive and warm, making it a great spot for dates."

"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.

04
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.

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

Great ambiance sets a cozy mood for date nights. The original chicken Ramen offers a lightly-savory taste with a rich but not heavy broth, while the Tonkatsu delivers a satisfying flavor.

People are saying

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

"The ramen here is the best I've ever had, truly delicious."

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

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.

05
Hu's Cooking image 1
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.

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.

Shrimp stands out as some of the best around, making it a solid pick for a date. House fried noodles and Szechuan sautรฉed beef offer incredible flavors that keep the meal interesting and satisfying.

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 amazing and the service was great."

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.

06
Pasha Turkish Restaurant image 1
Turkish restaurant

Classic Turkish style fills the space with cozy, elegant decor and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Small, intimate setting suits quiet dinners, with a comfortable upstairs lounge and a small outdoor seating area. The vibe blends authentic cultural touches with a rustic charm.

Lunch offers delicious, filling, and authentic dishes with a fantastic menu. Baba ganoush stands out as creamy and rich with wonderful eggplant flavor.

Comfortable, refined atmosphere suits quiet date nights. Dishes like pide with complex flavors and juicy kebabs highlight quality ingredients and careful preparation.

People are saying

"The Iskander Kebab was well made and incredibly delicious."

"The Date Spots here have amazing, juicy kebabs and fresh, creamy dips."

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

Good to know

1

Parking can be problematic, so consider arriving early.

2

The space can be limited on busy days, especially during lunch.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

07
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.

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.

Offers a fun and casual atmosphere ideal for a quick date night. Serves quality sushi at a great price, making it a unique and magical spot for couples.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so fresh and tasty, perfect for Date Spots."

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

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.

08
Duck n Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese restaurant with modern chic design and an oriental vibe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious seating and visible kitchen action. Upbeat music complements the cozy setting, attracting both groups and intimate diners.

Lunch specials offer generous bento boxes with slow cooked, tender pork. Fresh, crispy onions and cucumber add a nice crunch, making it a solid spot for a filling midday meal.

Aesthetics inside suit both big groups and intimate dates. The spot works well for anniversary dinners and features dishes like Peking duck that fit a date night vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Chinese food here."

"You have to try the Peking Duck at this Lunch Spot; it's amazing."

"The food here is amazing, especially the soup dumplings."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a good value with generous portions.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

09
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.

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.

Dinner or lunch outings work well here with a focus on Thai food. The Coconut Curry stands out as a flavorful choice for a date night.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the Khao Soi."

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

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.

10
Tamashi Ramen Sushi- Holcombe Rice Village image 1

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and close tables creates an intimate but sometimes crowded atmosphere. The vibe is lowkey and welcoming, suited for quiet hangouts or solo dining. Occasional background music and visible sushi preparation add to the authentic Japanese feel.

Lunch combos offer good value and variety. The spot suits quick midday meals with coworkers or solo visits.

Small, cozy atmosphere fits well for a sushi date or casual meal. The experience feels intimate and leaves a strong impression.

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be delicious."

"It's a small, intimate place perfect for date spots."

"The curry ramen at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited; expect to find street parking nearby.

2

Reservations are required for groups; the whole party must be present to be seated.

3

The restaurant opens at 12 PM; arrive early to avoid wait times.

11
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston image 1

Four connected buildings with expansive galleries create a vast, modern space filled with bright lighting and large open areas. Visitors encounter a mix of classic and contemporary art, alongside interactive family zones and a sculpture garden. The layout encourages exploration through underground tunnels linking distinct themed exhibitions.

Multiple spots serve lunch, including a cafe with reasonable prices and a snack bar with tasty options. Menus feature soup, salad, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, and gelato, with places to sit and relax during a break.

A free date night on Thursdays offers a relaxed way to explore extensive art exhibits. Spending hours here feels easy with plenty to see, making it a fun activity even for those new to art.

People are saying

"The museums' couture exhibits were absolutely amazing."

"There's so much art to see here, it's a great spot for a date."

"The exhibits here are fantastic and really something to see."

Good to know

1

Admission is free on Thursdays from 11am to 9pm for the permanent collection.

2

The museum features rotating special exhibits that change frequently.

3

They host seasonal and cultural events a couple of times a year.

12
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.

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.

Perfect for a walking date, this spot offers high-quality chocolate croissants and a raspberry tart that leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

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

"The pastries and croissants here are heavenly and delicious."

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

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.

13
El Meson image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere with subtle music that keeps conversation easy and a warm, romantic vibe enhanced by detailed decor and a wall of crawling ivy. The setting feels cozy and family-friendly, perfect for sharing tapas and enjoying freshly made sangria.

Late lunch options include a Caesar salad and tortilla Espaรฑola. The spot suits casual visits and also works well for a date night setting.

Low-key atmosphere suits a cozy date night or solo visit. Space feels welcoming for neurodivergent folks and casual outings.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is enchanting, perfect for cozy date spots."

"The paella at this dinner spot has saffron rice done just right."

"This Lunch Spot's Cuban food is the best I've had since childhood."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $7 for valet service, which can be inconvenient.

2

Two hours of free parking is available in the garage across the street.

3

Paella is only available for parties of two or more.

14
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar image 1

Open space combines modern Asian design with ample indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed, lively vibe especially on the patio with fans and heaters. Lighting and airflow support a comfortable atmosphere where live music adds energy. The setting suits groups and families, offering games for kids and a smart layout.

Lunch features a two step lunch special praised for its value and as a good menu introduction. Sandwiches stand out as a popular choice, though the BBQ plate is not available at lunch.

A great spot for a date night with a menu featuring a salmon dip, a Bangkok Spicy Fried Chicken Bowl with nam tok and hot honey, and solid options like salads and pulled pork sandwiches.

People are saying

"The happy hour prices here are a really good deal."

"The food and atmosphere at this lunch spot were amazing."

"The salmon dip here is so creamy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Thursdays from 6-8pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Parking is available behind the building, but may become limited as nearby businesses open.

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