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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in University Place

Lunch spots

You need a reliable place to sit down and eat when the middle of the day is your only window.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
MANA Thai Kitchen image 1
MANA Thai Kitchen image 2
MANA Thai Kitchen image 3
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Thai restaurant

Contemporary Thai spot shines with authentic flavors and a casually elegant atmosphere. Lunch specials are tasty and the quiet vibe suits a relaxed midday meal. Soft music and cozy style make it perfect for catching up with friends.

Lunch specials menu offers delicious options. The atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, ideal for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is amazing and tastes like I'm in Thailand."

"The shrimp dumplings were super tasty and came with a nice sauce."

"The lunch spot food tasted delicious and felt freshly made."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

2

Lunch specials are available and offer good value for money.

3

Prices are on the higher side but considered reasonable for the quality.

02
Hudson House image 1
American restaurant

Elegant dining space offers gorgeous booths and comfortable seating for privacy. Attentive service shines during lunch, creating a friendly atmosphere for small groups. Classic tunes like Frank Sinatra add a relaxed vibe perfect for intimate occasions.

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

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.

03
K-Town Poke image 1
Poke bar

Open, well-lit space with a chill atmosphere and K-pop music sets a bright mood. Fresh, generously portioned poke and Korean bowls offer diverse sauces and options beyond seafood. Perfect for a satisfying lunch and a pleasant midday break.

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

People are saying

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

"I thought the poke here was the best I'd ever had."

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

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.

04
Kasra Persian Grill image 1
Persian restaurant

Contemporary design and retro-modern art create a stylish, museum-like setting. Lunch features consistently excellent dishes perfect for a midday meal. Spacious layout and beautiful chandeliers make it ideal for groups and private gatherings.

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 service here is so attentive and genuinely welcoming."

"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.

05
Picnic Box Lunches image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop shines with fresh sandwiches and a small-town charm interior. It draws a steady crowd during weekday lunches, making it a busy lunch spot. Perfect for families and quick, flavorful meals in a casual setting.

Fresh sandwiches and baked goods make for a healthy choice at lunch. The spot has a charming, smalltown-esque atmosphere and stays busy during weekday lunch hours, showing it draws many regulars.

People are saying

"This lunch spot is a great place for a fresh sandwich."

"I'd visit again just for the delicious bread and desserts."

"The cookies here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Picnic Box Lunches is a self-serve place.

2

Expect busy lunch hours on weekdays due to regular customers.

3

It's a convenient spot for picking up sandwich boxes before traveling.

06
Hu's Cooking image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant blends vibrant atmosphere with cozy, cramped seating perfect for families. Lunch specials offer great variety and generous portions at $13. Food comes fast, ideal for a quick break before returning to work.

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 crispy fish and spicy fish bites were really good."

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.

07
Goode Company Armadillo Palace image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Rustic dรฉcor with Texas memorabilia sets a Southern tone. Enjoy barbecue plates and Frito pie for a quiet weekday lunch. Evenings come alive with live country music on a spacious patio, blending relaxed dining with vibrant entertainment.

Barbecue plates and Frito pie stand out as lunch choices. The spot stays quiet during weekday lunch hours, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed meal.

People are saying

"The pork rib chop food is super tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

"I found great live music here on the weekends."

"The pork ribs and brisket at this Lunch Spot are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available at the venue.

2

Reservations are not necessary due to ample seating.

3

The venue hosts private events and concerts regularly.

08
Duck n Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese spot shines with modern chic design and a warm vibe. Lunch features generous bento boxes with tender pork and fresh crunch. Upbeat music and visible kitchen action create a lively yet cozy setting.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Wagyu Beef Bao Buns were hearty and delicious."

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

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
Pasha Turkish Restaurant image 1
Turkish restaurant

Classic Turkish style creates a cozy, elegant atmosphere perfect for quiet dinners. Lunch features authentic dishes like creamy baba ganoush with rich eggplant flavor. Small outdoor seating and an upstairs lounge add intimate charm to the rustic vibe.

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

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be authentic Turkish cuisine."

"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.

10
Salento Bistrot image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant blends intimate atmosphere with live jazz music on a chic patio that welcomes dogs. Lunch offers a chill vibe perfect for families and friends, featuring a paella special that delivers great value. Outdoor seating invites people watching while dining.

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."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're flaky, buttery, and stuffed full."

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.

11
Ar-Haan image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dining area creates an intimate setting perfect for lunch with friends or family. Warm, cozy vibe with authentic Thai decor and ambient music makes it welcoming. Fresh, flavorful dishes shine as a key feature for a relaxed, casual meal.

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."

"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.

12
Japanese Ramen Gachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with stylish wooden booths offers an intimate vibe. Known for authentic ramen, perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch near Medcenter. Dim lighting and a chill playlist create a clean and cute atmosphere.

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."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and relaxing."

"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.

13
Croissant-Brioche image 1

European-style bakery offers cozy seating and a Parisian cafรฉ vibe that feels relaxed and stimulating. Light lunches feature great bread paired with excellent coffee, perfect for solo or casual meals. Warm, timeless elegance shines through original artwork and eclectic decor.

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."

"It's a cozy spot that feels like a little corner of France."

"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.

14
Tamashi Ramen Sushi- Holcombe Rice Village image 1

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and close tables creates an intimate vibe. Lunch combos offer good value and variety, perfect for quick meals. Authentic feel shines through visible sushi preparation and lowkey atmosphere.

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

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be delicious."

"It's a small, cozy place with a warm, intimate atmosphere."

"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.

15
Sushi by Hidden image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate setting with colorful art and a speakeasy vibe. Lunch features an express omakase of 12 fresh nigiri pieces served in 30 minutes. Enjoy creative sushi prepared right before you 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.

People are saying

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

"The staff here makes the Japanese food experience feel personal and immersive."

"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.

16
El Meson image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere with freshly made sangria and tortilla Espaรฑola for late lunch. Cozy, family-friendly setting suits casual visits and romantic vibe perfect for date nights.

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

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.

17
Burger King image 1
Restaurant

Large dining room offers spacious seating and a drive-through. Lunch features double cheeseburgers and fries with fresh flavors. Atmosphere is mostly relaxing but can be disrupted by nearby homeless presence.

Lunch offers great quality food with options like double cheeseburgers and fries. Service can take around 30 minutes for orders during busy times.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot and fresh."

"The fast food service here is so efficient and friendly."

"I found the lunch here to be perfect and of great quality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is generally clean and comfortable for dining.

2

Expect a total wait time of about 6 minutes from ordering to receiving your food.

3

There may be homeless individuals outside, which could affect your visit.

18
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar image 1

Open space blends modern Asian design with indoor and outdoor seating, creating a lively vibe. Lunch offers a two step special with popular sandwiches, perfect for a quick, tasty meal. Live music energizes the atmosphere, making it great for groups and families.

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.

People are saying

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

"The American food, especially the burger with brisket jam, is so tasty."

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

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.

19
Torchy's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with big patio and lively staff creating an upbeat vibe. Lunch suits families with attentive service but can be slow. Margaritas and tacos are must-tries for a casual, fun meal.

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."

"I thought the queso was the best I've ever had."

"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.

20
Cooking Girl image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small restaurant with a modern Asian feel offers a clean, spacious atmosphere perfect for casual dining. Lunch shines with cumin lamb, a popular and tasty choice. Sichuan dishes like spicy boiled beef deliver bold flavors that stand out.

Cumin Lamb stands out as a popular lunch choice. Lunch menu items consistently come out delicious, making it a solid spot for a tasty midday meal.

People are saying

"The spicy shrimp and boiled spicy fish were awesome."

"I found the Szechuan food here to be the best."

"This lunch spot's food is always delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are typically not needed for dining.

2

The restaurant accommodates large groups, including parties of 11.

3

Parking is available outside, but it can be inconvenient.

21
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston image 1

Four connected buildings offer bright lighting and interactive family zones alongside classic and modern art. Lunch options include a cafe with reasonable prices and a snack bar serving pizza and gelato. Underground tunnels link themed exhibitions, making exploration easy and fun.

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.

People are saying

"The museums' couture exhibits were absolutely amazing."

"The art here is beautifully curated and incredibly diverse."

"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.

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University Place, Houston

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