Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Garment District (10018)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ai Fiori
Michelin-recognized Riviera cuisine with Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program
Essential Picks
#1
Ai Fiori
9.1
Located within the Langham Hotel, this Michelin-recognized destination from Chef Michael White delivers refined French-Italian Riviera cuisine with impeccable execution. Handmade pastas and a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning list of over 1,000 selections elevate the experience, while the elegant dining room with Fifth Avenue views sets the stage for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sagne Pasta with Braised Rabbit, Hiramasa Crudo, Risotto ai Funghi
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Riviera cuisine with Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program
Notable Picks
8.9
A storied, wood-paneled Manhattan chophouse where the classics still land: expertly broiled steaks, the famous mutton chop, and a bar that feels built for lingering. Come for the old-school energy and big-cut steakhouse execution that holds up across decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Chop, Porterhouse for Two, Lobster Bisque
What makes it special: A historic chophouse anchored by the iconic mutton chop and prime steaks.
8.5
A chef-built burger shop that treats the basics seriously: seared patties, sturdy buns, and a lineup that rewards people who like their burgers a little engineered. It’s one of the more consistent crowd-pleasers in the area for a sit-down-but-fast burger meal, especially when you lean into their signature builds and fry program.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Masterpiece Burger, The Black Iron Burger, Truffle Cheese Fries
What makes it special: Signature burger builds with a fry game that holds up.
#4
Café China
8.4
A Midtown Sichuan anchor that works for business lunch because the kitchen can handle volume while keeping flavors sharp. Order with contrast—one chili-forward centerpiece, one numbing dish, and one calmer vegetable—so the table eats decisively and stays comfortable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan dan noodles, Tea-smoked duck, Pork dumplings in chili oil
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Sichuan cooking in a vintage Shanghai-styled townhouse near Bryant Park.
8.3
A Refinery Hotel mainstay that’s unusually useful for business lunch: booth-friendly layout, professional pacing, and crowd-pleasing American comfort done with enough polish for clients. It’s the kind of room where everyone can order what they want and still land on time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick Chicken, House-made Fresh Pasta, Branzino Fillet
What makes it special: A hotel-brasserie that delivers dependable New American classics all day.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A big, flexible room that functions as a casual business lunch hub: easy seating, reliable burgers and shareables, and service that can handle groups without drama. It’s not a culinary destination, but it’s a dependable “feed the team” option when logistics matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
District burger, Goat cheese croquettes, Lamb meatballs
What makes it special: A high-capacity, low-friction lunch room for teams.
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A classic Midtown diner that wins by doing the simple things fast: big portions, quick coffee refills, and a menu that can satisfy any coworker in minutes. It’s an easy “hidden in plain sight” business lunch when you need speed, predictability, and a low check.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pancake stack, Eggs Benedict, Bakery-case muffins
What makes it special: Classic diner breakfast plus a serious bakery case in the same room.