You’re probably looking for a great place to have a business lunch in New York City, but you don’t know where to start.
Maybe, you’ve heard good things about Balthazar, Le Bernardin, and Scarpetta, but you’re not sure they’re the right fit for you.
If so, then check out our list of the 10 best business lunch restaurants in New York City! From classics like Balthazar and Le Bernardin to new hotspots like Estiatorio Milos and The Grill, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale French restaurant or something more casual, here’s something unique for you.
Let’s explore these restaurants in New York City and find the perfect spot for you.
10 Best Business Lunch Restaurants in New York City
1. The Grill
The Grill is one of New York’s best restaurants for lunch, offering a variety of specialty dishes that are sure to please every palate.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty steak sandwich or a light and healthy salad, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger at The Grill.
And if you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure to try their famous “lobster roll” – a lobster tail served on a bed of lettuce and topped with tomatoes, onions, and a special sauce.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it at The Grill. So come on down and enjoy a delicious lunch today!
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2. Keens Steakhouse
Keens Steakhouse is a New York institution, having been founded in 1885. The restaurant is best known for its aged steaks, which are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of delicious sauces.
Keens also offers a wide range of other menu items, including seafood, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Whatever you order, you’re sure to enjoy a meal at Keens Steakhouse.
One of the things that make Keens Steakhouse so unique is its welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a cozy, old-fashioned feel, and the staff is always happy to chat with guests and make recommendations.
Keens provides an engaging dining experience for individuals as well as groups.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience, be sure to try Keens’ legendary mutton chop. This massive chop is served with mashed potatoes and onions, and it’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
It’s no wonder that the mutton chop has been one of Keens’ most popular dishes for over 130 years!
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3. Peter Luger Steak House
Peter Luger Steak House specializes in steaks and seafood. The steakhouse has been in business since 1887 and is one of the oldest steakhouses in the United States. The restaurant is known for its dry-aged steaks, which are aged for 28 days.
The restaurant also serves other meats, such as lamb, chicken, and pork. Peter Luger Steak House has three locations, two in New York City and one in Long Island.
The steakhouse also offers a catering service. Specialty dishes at Peter Luger Steak House include the porterhouse for two, which is a 44-ounce steak that is dry-aged for 28 days; the filet mignon, which is an 8-ounce steak that is dry-aged for 21 days; and the lobster Newburg, which is lobster sauteed in butter with cream, sherry, and eggs.
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4. Delmonico’s
Delmonico’s is one of the best lunch spots in New York. They have a great variety of food, and the quality is always top-notch.
One of their specialties is their chicken parmigiana sandwich, which comes with a side of pasta. It’s a great meal for both kids and adults, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.
Another one of their specialties is their pumpkin ravioli, which is a must-try if you’re a fan of pumpkin spice.
The ravioli is cooked to perfection, and the sauce is absolutely divine. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.
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5. The Smith
There are a lot of great places to eat lunch in New York City, but one of them is The Smith. They have a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and quiches.
Their big specialty, however, is their hot dogs. These are some of the best hot dogs in the city, and they come in various flavors. The Smith also has a great selection of beers, and their bartenders are always happy to make recommendations.
In addition to their regular menu, the Smiths also offers a daily special. This is usually a soup or salad, but it can also be something like a quiche or a hot dog. The Smith is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a great lunch spot in NYC.
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6. Balthazar
Balthazar is a popular New York City restaurant specializing in French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its excellent lunch menu, which features classic dishes such as Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine.
Balthazar also offers a wide selection of wine and champagne, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch with friends.
In addition to its excellent food, Balthazar is also famous for its stunning interior design, which features an intricate stained glass ceiling and beautiful chandeliers.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends, Balthazar is sure to please.
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7. Carbone
Carbone is known for its fantastic lunch specials, including some of the city’s best pasta dishes. The carbonara is one of the most popular dishes at Carbone, and it features pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese.
The dish is served with a side of bread, making it the perfect meal for any pasta lover. Another great dish at Carbone is the chicken parmigiana, which is a classic Italian dish made with chicken, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
The chicken parmigiana is served with a side of spaghetti, making it a hearty and filling meal. If you’re looking for an excellent Italian meal, be sure to check out Carbone Restaurant.
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8. The Spotted Pig
The Spotted Pig is one of the best restaurants in New York for lunch. The restaurant is known for its specialties, which include a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The Spotted Pig also offers a variety of other lunch options, such as soups, pasta, and pizzas. The restaurant is located in the heart of New York City and is open for lunch from Monday to Friday.
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9. Momofuku Ssäm Bar
Momofuku Ssäm Bar is a restaurant in New York City that offers a unique twist on traditional Korean cuisine.
The menu features a variety of ssäm, or wraps, that are perfect for a quick and easy lunch. The most popular ssäm is the kimchi ssäm, which is made with fermented kimchi, rice, and daikon radish.
Other popular choices include the bulgogi ssäm, made with grilled beef, and the gochujang ssäm, made with a spicy red pepper paste.
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10. Le Bernardin
If you’re looking for an amazing lunch spot in New York, Le Bernardin is definitely worth checking out.
This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its fantastic seafood, and they have an impressive array of options on its lunch menu.
Highlights include the bluefin tuna tartare, seared scallops with curried cauliflower, and lobster risotto.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, you can’t go wrong with the three-course prix fixe menu.
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Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a great business lunch spot in New York City, any of these ten restaurants will do the trick. They all offer delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere that will make your meeting or interview go smoothly. You can explore the best restaurants in New York by clicking here if you are interested in seeing what’s nearby.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
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Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram