Where to Grab Lunch
As more people are returning to work in-office for a few days a week, restaurants are seeing a rise in midday activity. Whether looking for fine dining for a business lunch or a casual sit-down meal, restaurants in the Flatiron District are back and pleased to offer several options.
Here is a round-up of some lunch spots you can’t miss.
BLACKBARN Restaurant, 19 East 26th Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues, (212)-265-5959
BLACKBARN features a farm-to-table menu that can cater to a variety of settings and is now open for lunch Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. The lunch menu offers a variety of starters, mains, and desserts. To begin, try the Charred Corn and Kale Salad. For a main, choose from pasta, like the Fresh Tagliolini, fish such as the Seared Branzino Filet, or the notable Black Barn burger, among other options. Save room for dessert and indulge in the Rum Butterscotch Bread Pudding.
Bombay Sandwich Co., 48 West 27th Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (646)-781-9756
Bombay Sandwich Co. serves health-conscious Indian food focusing on flavorful vegetarian and vegan options. From 11 am daily, you can choose and savor from a variety of sandwiches & wraps, salads, and bowls seasoned with hand-roasted and ground Ayurvedic spices filled with vitamins and minerals. Enjoy a Paneer Tikka Burger or a Turmeric Tofu Wrap with a side of Chana Masala or a Quinoa & Avocado Salad. Order a classic to drink like a Vegan Mango Lassi or try an Iced Cardamom Coffee.
Hill Country Barbecue, 30 West 26th Street, Between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (212)-255-4544
Hill Country Barbecue offers Texas-style BBQ in the heart of NYC. Starting at 12 pm Wednesday – Friday, enjoy classics like their Fried Chicken or Pulled Pork Sandwiches paired with a hot side of Longhorn Cheddar Mac & Cheese. Guests looking for larger portions can also choose from Barbecue Platters and Pitmaster Specials. End your meal with a sweet Banana Pudding.
Honeybrains, 34 West 22nd Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (917)-472-7682
Honeybrains creates nutritious and delicious options, along with fresh-pressed juices to keep you energized and feeling good. For lunch try a brain bowl like Daily Catch with Atlantic salmon and seasoned sweet potatoes. If salads are your go-to, order the Forever Green filled with kale, spinach, watermelon radish, and more. Additional offerings include sandwiches and toasts like the Chicken Schnitzel or the Avocado Crush.
II Fiorista, 17 West 26th Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (646)-490-8240
Il Fiorista just welcomed the neighborhood back for lunch. Now from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Tuesday-Friday you can enjoy a Mediterranean inspired menu amidst a flower-filled interior. Highlights include the Fenugreek Flatbread with marinated labneh, the Sicilian Eggplant with sweet pepper and mint, and the Red Leaf Salad with summer squash and sunflower. Pair your meal with flower-inspired cocktails such as Alpine Spritz or Welcome to Paradise. Don’t forget dessert and try the Black Cardamom Semifreddo.
Mexicue, 225 Fifth Avenue, Between Fifth and Madison Avenues, (646)-922-7289
Mexicue fuses Mexican cuisine with American barbecue to bring the best mashup of flavors. Starting at 11 am daily you can enjoy lunch. From Shareable Starters like the Seasonal Guacamole to the Jamburrito with chicken & chorizo Mexican jambalaya, every dish is filled with bold flavors. Mexicue’s menu also features Small Bowls such as the BBQ Pork Rice Bowl and an exciting lineup of Tacos like Nashville Hot Chicken and Burnt Ends Brisket.
Milu, 333 Park Avenue South, Between East 24th and 25th Streets, (212)-377-6403
Milu offers a regional Chinese menu with traditional dishes in a modern setting. Serving lunch from 11 am onwards, try the Sichuan Spiced Cauliflower or Mandarin Duck Bowl served with white rice or mixed grains. Pair a bowl with a side of Watercress Cilantro Salad or Broccoli & Mushroom Wontons. If you have a large dining party, choose Family Style meal options for 2 or 4-5 people. For dessert, try the Milk Tea Soft Serve.
Mista Oh, 41 West 24th Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (646)-559-8858
Mista Oh presents popular Korean dishes in a family-owned establishment. Beginning at 11 am, choose from an assortment of appetizers like Bulgogi Kimchi fries or Seafood Pancake before enjoying Korean BBQ with Galbi or a rice-based dish like Dolsot Bibimbap. The menu also includes 4 Lunch Box options, Soups such as Doenjang Jigae, and traditional Galibijim.
NuLeaf, 23 West 23rd Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (917)-388-3566
NuLeaf brings plant positive eats with bowls, salads, and handhelds using locally-sourced ingredients. With a 100% plant-based menu that is also earth-friendly, you can feel good about your food, and know that it’s environmentally conscious. Stop in for lunch and try the Chorizo Fiesta Bowl with blackbird seitan chorizo, the NuLeaf Burger with a beyond patty, or the Superfood Salad. Pair with a Green Power Smoothie. For dessert have a Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Shake.
Summer Salt, 30 East 23rd Street, Between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue South, (212)-209-0648
Summer Salt offers burritos, tacos, and bowls influenced by Southern California and Baja cuisine and is open at 11 am daily. Try the Pollo Asado burrito and choose between California Style with French fries inside or Mission Style with rice and beans inside. Also, enjoy some tacos like the Seared Adobo Fish or Shrimp seasoned with lime and chile on corn tortillas.
Taïm, 64 West 22nd Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (212)-966-7364
Taïm offers tasty Mediterranean fare, with a menu that includes Falafel, Fresh-Baked Pita, Eggplant Sabich, and more. Starting at 11 am daily, you can order a pita or bowl, choose from several mains like Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower Shwarma, and pick toppings and sauces like pickled onions, seasoned chickpeas, and amba (tangy mango chutney). Pair your lunch with Taïm’s Famous Fries and Fresh Ginger Mint Lemonade.
Tappo Thin Crust, 49 West 24th Street, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (212)-807-9200
Tappo Thin Crust serves extra-thin crust pizza, classic Italian sub-sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Enjoy weekday lunch specials from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm and the full menu. To start enjoy a small plate of Bruschetta with grilled ciabatta bread or a Tre Colori salad. From the lunch special options try a Personal Pizza with a Specialty Salad, a Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, or Rigatoni in Bolognese Sauce.
wagamama, 210 Fifth Avenue, Between West 25th and 26th Streets, (212)-920-6233
wagamama features contemporary Japanese cuisine with lunch beginning at 11 am daily. The lunch menu has shareables like Tuna Tataki, Korean Barbecue Beef + Red Onion Bao, and Steamed Pork Gyoza. For a main dish, try Chicken Katsu Curry or Duck Donburi. There are also several ramen options from Chili Shrimp + Kimchi to Short Rib Beef. Order a pressed juice with fresh fruits and veggies or a hot tea to complement your meal.
Zucker’s Bagels, 40 East 23rd Street, Between Broadway and Park Avenue South, (212)-228-5100
Zucker’s Bagels serves handmade kettle-boiled bagels you can enjoy with numerous spreads along with deli classics, coffee, and more. For lunch, try a signature sandwich such as The Flatiron with everything seeded salmon, scallion cream cheese, and avocado on your choice of bagel, wrap, or artisan bread. Head to the deli for a Tuna or Egg Salad Sandwich and pair with a cup of Vegetarian Lentil Soup.