Best Business Lunch Restaurants in East Village (10003)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Gramercy Tavern
A benchmark for modern American dining with uncommon hospitality polish.
Essential Picks
9.1
A long-running Union Square/Gramercy anchor that nails polished American cooking with seasonal depth. The tavern side delivers a power-lunch rhythm—warm service, zero wasted motion, and plates that feel both classic and current.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Roasted Duck with seasonal sides, Sticky Toffee Pudding
What makes it special: A benchmark for modern American dining with uncommon hospitality polish.
Notable Picks
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A high-energy East Village staple built for quick, satisfying lunches that still feel chef-driven. Broth-forward bowls and playful small plates make it ideal for a mid-day reset without slowing your schedule.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ramen, Ginger Scallion Noodles, Pork Buns
What makes it special: Iconic ramen-and-buns spot that defined modern East Village slurp culture.
8.6
A refined, approachable room for business lunches that need both comfort and polish. The Italian-leaning American menu and pro-level hospitality keep meetings moving while still feeling like a treat.
Must-Try Dishes:
19th Street Burger, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Yellowfin Tuna Burger
What makes it special: A long-running American standard with exemplary hospitality and market-driven classics.
#4
Baar Baar
8.3
Modern Indian cooking in a stylish, upbeat space that still works for mid-day dealmaking. Expect inventive small plates, strong lunch pacing, and a menu that rewards sharing across the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ghee roast chicken, Butter chicken kulcha, Gol gappa shooters
What makes it special: Big-flavor Indian small plates paired with standout cocktails.
#5
abcV
8.1
A serene plant-forward dining room where vegetable cooking gets fine-dining attention without feeling heavy. Great for a calm, health-minded business lunch that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Gluten-Free Almond Pancake, Mushroom & Tofu ‘Un-Fried Rice’
What makes it special: Jean-Georges’ vegetable-centric spot that makes greens feel luxurious.
#6
Sobaya
8.0
A dependable East Village soba house that delivers clean flavors and quick, workday-friendly service. The room is simple, but the handmade noodles and broths keep locals returning for lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade cold soba, Duck nanban soba, Soba-yu finish with dipping broth
What makes it special: Daily housemade soba backed by years of Michelin Bib praise.
Worthy Picks
#7
Penny
7.8
A newer seafood-leaning spot with a sharp, minimalist vibe and a menu that’s punchy at midday. It’s a great ‘smart pick’ lunch when you want something current and less obvious than the block’s classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters & clams platter, Char-grilled shrimp, Soft-serve miso dessert (seasonal)
What makes it special: Seafood-first American counter spot from a respected local team.