The Best Spots for Lunch in Midtown
When we’re not enjoying lunch at Parker and Quinn, we like to venture out and explore some of the other excellent lunch spots that Midtown has to offer. With no shortage of options, here are a few of our favorite restaurants to enjoy a quick bite at lunchtime.
Best Lunch Spots in New York City
The Kati Roll Company
The Kati Roll Company serves authentic Indian street food at very reasonable prices. The signature dish, The Kati Roll, is made of warm paratha (Indian flat bread) filled with a variety of meats marinated in a blend of Indian spices, as well as fresh vegetables and cheese. KRC’s also vegetarian friendly, and has a wide variety of filling options.
The Kati Roll Company: 49 West 39th St.; 212-730-4280
El Sabroso
Unassuming and tucked away in the loading dock of a building right here in the Garment District is El Sabroso, a tiny restaurant serving authentic Latin American food. A simple lunch counter, El Sabroso serves daily specials like stew chicken, roast pork, roast chicken, lamb, and more. The welcoming aura makes everyone feel like a local, and most meals only cost about $8! P.S. — Ask for the spicy sauce, you won’t regret it.
El Sabroso: 265 West 37th St.; 212-284-1114
The Morgan Café
In the contemporary atrium of the Morgan Library—one of our favorite spots in Midtown, period—you’ll find a swanky but inviting restaurant serving what we’d call Museum Fancy Food. It’s elegant and delicious, and in a beautiful setting. We recommend the High Tea if you miss the lunch hour’s salads, sandwiches and soups.
The Morgan Café: 225 Madison Ave.; 212-685-0008
La Bonne Soupe
If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a little café in Paris, this French-American bistro whips up everything from crepes to filet mignon. We recommend its namesake, the French onion soup. In the warmer months, enjoy dining out on the terrace overlooking the bustling streets of NYC.
La Bonne Soupe: 48 West 55th St.; 212-586-7650
Uncle Gussy’s
The line that regularly forms down the block should be enough indication that this isn’t just another food truck. Get in line for some of the best authentic Greek food that you can find not just in the neighborhood, but the entire city. Uncle Gussy’s serves the classic Gyro, plus pork souvlaki, chicken, veggie options, and more. Make sure to complement your order with the french fries.
Uncle Gussy’s: 345 Park Ave.; 929-600-1111
Don Antonio
If you come to New York City and don’t get some pizza, you’re missing out. For the best in Manhattan, head to Don Antonio. Formed by world-renowned pizza chefs Roberto Caporuscio and Antonio Starita, the restaurant’s wood-fired oven—made from volcanic soil and stone—bakes authentic Neapolitan pizza. And for those members of your party looking for something a bit lighter, Don Antonio has excellent salads as well.
Don Antonio: 309 W 50th St.; 646-719-1043
Momosan Ramen & Sake
Iron Chef star Masaharu Morimoto opened Momosan, his first ramen restaurant, in 2016. In the few years since, it’s become a neighborhood favorite. Morimoto’s secret to success? His broth, which strays from the typical “tonkotsu” method by incorporating chicken bones as well as pork, giving it a smooth consistency. While you’re there, try one of their six signature sake options; the perfect pairing for a delicious bowl of ramen.
Momosan Ramen and Sake: 342 Lexington Ave.; 646-201-5529
Alidoro
This Italian sandwich spot is rated by Zagat as the best in New York City, and for good reason. Boasting a long list of specialty Italian ingredients, fresh-baked bread, plus high-quality meats and cheeses, the sandwiches here are expertly crafted. You can build your own sandwich if you’d like, but we recommend trying one of their 40 specialized combinations. We love the Il Sole, with hot sopressata, fresh mozzarella, truffle cream, hot pepper jam and arugula.
Alidoro: 18 E 39th St.; 646-692-4330
Grand Central Station Dining Concourse
None of these options tickling your fancy? Choose from 20 different vendors—from Shake Shack to Magnolia Bakery—at Grand Central’s lower-level Dining Concourse. Not only are all of the options delicious, they’re also all local, so you’ll be getting an authentic New York meal at one of New York City’s most iconic destinations.
Grand Central Station Food Hall: 89 E 42nd St.; 212-340-2583
