My Favorite NYC Midtown Lunch Spots

Fortunately, for my own sanity, I do not work in Midtown Manhattan full time. I do have a weekly client meeting there just after lunch, so I often grab a bit to eat on my way because there’s a plethora of amazing restaurants and food trucks to choose from. If you are looking for a great midtown lunch spot, check out some of my favorites!

Fast Food

Shake Shack, Multiple Locations  

Shake Shack has become a NY staple and is quickly spreading around the world! I usually alternate between the chicken shack and the classic shack burger. If I’m looking to splurge I’ll add on the cheese fries or one of their seasonal milkshakes! You can also grab a beer or wine at shake shack, as well as treats for your pup!

Maoz Falafel & Grill, Multiple Locations 

This quick moving falafel grill is ready for the influx of hungry Manhattanites and tourists each lunchtime. In organized fashion guests line up, choose a base (pita pocket, rice bowl, hummus bowl, or salad), a protein, and then walk by the salad bar to top off their creation with their favorite toppings. I love to grab this healthy lunch option and head over to Bryant Park to eat it in this beautiful outdoor setting. I usually choose the rice bowl with chicken shawarma!

Wok to Walk, Multiple Locations

This fast food Asian restaurant with locations in midtown let’s you create your own customized dish. First, you choose a base of noodles or rice. Next, you choose your protein. Finally, you choose your sauce and any additional toppings you would like to add. The restaurant has a few seats or you can easily take your creation to go and eat it in the park or office.

Chop’t, Multiple Locations

Chop’t allows you to order one of their staple salads, seasonal specials, or create your own masterpiece. There’s a Chop’t location on the North side of Bryant Park making it easy to grab your salad and head to the park to enjoy on a nice day.

Food Stands & Trucks

There’s an abundance of food stands and trucks in Midtown Manhattan. These Midtown lunch spots are some of my favorites. Some are staples, while new options come in seasonally. Throughout the summer you’ll find some on the front side of the NYPL and others down Broadway. I’m excited for the Bryant Park Winter Village to re-open in October 2017, hoping to see the return of a few of my favorites! At most of these spots you can quickly grab a $10 lunch and take it to the park or back to the office.

Urbanspace NYC: Broadway Bites

Urbanspace is home to a variety of small food markets throughout the city. You can check out their website to find one near you. Bex Waffles is one of many food stands located at the Urbanspace Garment District.  Here you will find a number of food stands set up on Broadway offering affordable and delicious food options from small businesses. You’ll find tacos, burgers, desserts, and more. Definitely worth a wander if you’re feeling hungry in midtown. You’ll find a number of vendors set up on Broadway at 40th & 41st streets. It’s open until the end of October 2017.

Bryant Park French Market

Wednesdays and Fridays, 8am to 3pm, April to October

I’ve stopped by the french market a few times to pick up juices and pastries. They offer a large variety of foods! This lemonade was far too large for consumption by one person and cost $7! It was delicious though. I opted for the strawberry lemonade which came with bits of fresh strawberry inside.

Restaurants

The Blue Bell Cafe, 293 Third Avenue (between 22nd & 23rd Streets)

Like many New Yorkers, I also work on the weekends. I chose this cute little cafe to meet a friend for Sunday brunch in between clients one day. Pictured below you can see the delicious crab cakes benedict and her Norwegian Salmon salad. Delicious food in a central location!

Il Punto Ristorante, 507 9th Avenue (Corner of 38th Street)

This great Italian restaurant is located just a few blocks from Port Authority and Times Square. It’s the perfect place to meet friends coming in from out of town who might be seeing the sites or a broadway show. If you make the trip to Il Punto, be sure to try the calamari. It is delicious.

Please note this restaurant is only offering dinner service as of January 2021.

If you find yourself looking for a midtown lunch spot, you now have several options! Let me know if you have favorites I should add to the list.