Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan (10019)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Le Bernardin
Three‑Michelin‑star seafood temple led by Chef Eric Ripert.
Essential Picks
#1
Le Bernardin
9.3
A seafood‑focused French institution where pristine fish and shellfish are prepared with surgical precision and a global sensibility — consistently one of NYC’s most acclaimed dining spots. Locals and travelers trust it for special occasions, power lunches and refined dinners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature yellowfin tuna with foie gras on baguette, Grilled scallops, Roasted peanut brittle with chocolate custard
What makes it special: Three‑Michelin‑star seafood temple led by Chef Eric Ripert.
Notable Picks
#2
The Modern
8.9
Two-Michelin-star contemporary cooking inside MoMA with a serene garden backdrop that keeps lunches calm and focused. The bar room offers a faster a-la-carte route, while the dining room leans more formal. Ideal for high-stakes meetings when you want elegance without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Tasting Menu (varies), Duck à la Presse (when available), Chocolate Dessert with Citrus Gel
What makes it special: Michelin‑starred seasonal menus inside a museum‑adjacent modern dining space.
8.7
A lively Art‑Nouveau–style brasserie blending French steakhouse traditions with bistro‑style energy; hearty cuts, rich sauces and classic dishes make it a go‑to for pre‑theater dinners or celebratory nights. Its large dining room, mezzanine and raw‑bar give it flexibility for everything from cocktails to a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak‑frites (prime cut), French onion soup, Duck à l’Orange
What makes it special: Paris‑style brasserie and steakhouse in grand Art Nouveau setting.
#4
Marea
8.6
An elegant Central Park South dining room known for seafood-driven Italian cooking and a steady power-lunch crowd. The crudo and house pastas are the move when you want something luxurious but not heavy. Service is sharp without being stiff, perfect for client flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, Crudo tasting, Gnocchetti with lobster
What makes it special: Seafood-driven Italian mastery in a Michelin setting.
#5
Per Se
8.5
Thomas Keller’s three-star temple overlooking Columbus Circle offers one of the city’s most controlled fine-dining lunches. The tasting menu is long but impeccably paced, making it a statement choice for top-tier client entertaining. Every detail reads ‘deal-closing’ luxury.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nine‑course tasting menu, Vegetarian tasting menu option, Wine‑paired dessert course
What makes it special: Meticulous multi‑course tasting menu with park views and stellar service.
#6
Toloache
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A lively but polished Mexican spot with a strong Midtown lunch rhythm and a guacamole-and-ceviche bar that keeps things moving. The cooking is bright, modern, and crowd-pleasing, which makes ordering for a table easy. Great for “let’s talk business but keep it fun” lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole Trio, Tuna Tiradito, Enchiladas Borrachas
What makes it special: High-volume, high-spirit Mexican dining with bookable private rooms.