1. Empellón
8.4
510 Madison Ave (at 53rd St.), New York, NY
Mexican Restaurant · Midtown East · 39 tips and reviews
Benjamin Dietrich: Fantastic atmosphere, formidable lunch menu, great cocktails.
Eater: Dishes to try include falafel tacos with hummus, Hokkaido sea urchin on toast, pastrami tacos with mustard seed salsa, and tempura fish with lime mayo. There’s guacamole and the seven salsas, too. Read more.
AmateurConcierge: The avocado dessert is actually a really tasty key lime pie with citrus ice
2. The Modern
8.3
9 W 53rd St, New York, NY
New American Restaurant · Midtown East · 197 tips and reviews
Gansevoort Hotel Group: Art and foodie/Danny Meyer lovers alike will love! For great deals try the $98 4 course dinner menu or the $55 3 course lunch menu. Don't leave without ordering a dessert from Pastry Chef Marc Aumont.
Gilt City: We love Chef Gabriel Kreuther's lunch menu, which highlights dishes like quail terrine with shaved fennel and liverwurst with pickled mushrooms.
Stina P.: a modern crowd for a modern place with a modern menu for a modern world that appreciates modern art. aka the best of Danny Meyer. i am in love with this restaurant.
3. Benoit Bistro
8.4
60 W 55th St (at 6th Ave), New York, NY
French Restaurant · Midtown East · 77 tips and reviews
Thiago Soares: The lunch menu has great options: to be very french, try the mussels with french fries! With a glass of shirah wine 😍
Emily K.: Do not skip these dessert: vanilla millefeuille, chocolate soufflé with pistachio ice cream (with crunchy pistachio bits), profiteroles with tableside chocolate sauce service.
Eater: The bar room is a cool place for after-work cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and on the weekends, Benoit serves one of the best brunches in Midtown (it includes a dessert buffet). [Eater 38 Member]
5. Herbs Thai Bistro
7.5
251 E 45th St, New York, NY
Thai Restaurant · Turtle Bay · 14 tips and reviews
Knut-Jørgen Rishaug: Lunch menu is awesome, but call in your order in advance of showing up if you want your food served quickly
Rewan Parti: Best for a quick meal. Have the lunch combo, drunken noodles and minced chicken are top items. They offer dumplings or spring rolls as lunch special.
Terence Beebe: Great food! Thai rice is spicy but so good. I would recommend. Staff is okay.
6. Aquavit
8.5
65 E 55th St (btw Madison and Park Ave), New York, NY
Scandinavian Restaurant · Midtown East · 106 tips and reviews
Jessica: Their prix fixe lunch menu is great!!!
Isa Sierra: Not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best meals I've had in NY. Ever. Try the chefs special menu. These 11 courses are an incredible journey through their seasonal dishes. Great wine.
The Food Sluts: Awesome, precisely prepared, exquisitely plated Scandinavian food. We loved the Nordic seafood with butter-poached lobster, seared diver scallops and Montauk squid ($40). Read more.
7. Tsushima
7.4
210 E 44th St (3rd Ave), New York, NY
Japanese Restaurant · Turtle Bay · 16 tips and reviews
Nancy Kang: The best melt-in-your-mouth kinda sushi I've had in a while. 1 blk from my office! I'll be back!! Lunch menu quite reasonable & good choices. 2 rolls (good variety to choose from), soup & salad $15.
Karen: If you're coming here for lunch and really want your money's worth (it can be pricey) - get the lunch combo ABC. SO DELICIOUS. Includes shrimp and veggie tempura! Excellent service, too.
Derek Yadgaroff: "Secret" side sake bar is a chill happy hour spot for enjoying $5 sake, shochu, or beer while dining on authentic Japanese tapas. Not a cheap place but worth it
8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
8.6
805 3rd Ave (btwn E 49th & E 50th St), New York, NY
Japanese Restaurant · Turtle Bay · 161 tips and reviews
Angie Jenie: Great lunch menu. I personally always order the personal menu special. Good choices of meat. For appetizers, I get the spicy calamari.
Jaemi H: Come during happy hour( sat& sun for lunch!). Great services. Beef tongue is amazing!!! And make sure to order green tea crepe for desert!!
Tony Xerri: This place is absurdly amazing. Go with a group and order their kobe beef combos for the best experience. Servers tip you on the best way to cook your meal and the Bibimbap is life altering.
9. Pazza Notte
8.0
1375 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · Midtown East · 141 tips and reviews
funky flavor: If you work in he neighborhood try their lunch menu, it is quick menu with s great price. The best in the Menu are the calamari and the chicken Milanese. Also try the paint if you are very hungry.
funky flavor: Try the weekdsy lunch menu, great calamari and chicken parm. Atmosphere is amazing and very lively.
Gail Amurao: The 2-for-1 martini special is awesome, favorites are blood orange, passion fruit, and French. Great vibe and atmosphere for having a drink and conversation with someone. Their food is solid too.
14. Empire Steak House
7.1
151 E 50th St (3rd & Lexington Ave), New York, NY
Steakhouse · Turtle Bay · 35 tips and reviews
Tom: Pretty pricey on the regular but worth the splurge if you want great steak. Their Restaurant Week lunch menu is one the best values. Service is always professional and warm.
Charlie: I was put off by my first waiter's attitude and unfamiliarity with wine! On a second visit, I really enjoyed the experience! The porterhouse for two is huge! And the Canadian bacon is delicious!
Hinter: Top3 best steaks i've ever had. Glass wine not so good