What is the best Eats restaurant in Midtown East?

Ess-a-Bagel is our top pick for Eats restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.8/10. High-volume, old-school New York bagel shop with classic hand-rolled bagels and lox.

Any insider tips for Ess-a-Bagel?

Skip the sandwich line if you just want bagels by the dozen and head straight to the back counter.

What should I order at Ess-a-Bagel?

Signature Favorite lox sandwich, everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, NYC BLTA.

When should I visit Ess-a-Bagel?

Early morning on weekdays to avoid the longest lines.

Who should go to Ess-a-Bagel?

Travelers and locals chasing classic NYC bagel brunch.

Any insider tips for Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown?

Platters are generous—splitting one with extra pita is an easy way to save.

What should I order at Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown?

Chicken shawarma platter, falafel platter, extra garlic and tahini sauces.

When should I visit Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown?

Arrive before noon or after 2pm to dodge the peak queue.

Who should go to Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown?

Hungry lunch crowds wanting big portions without the Midtown markup.

Any insider tips for Tina's Cuban Cuisine ?

The daily specials board often has the best value—scan it before you order from the line.

What should I order at Tina's Cuban Cuisine ?

Cuban sandwich, roast pork with rice and beans, baked chicken with green sauce.

When should I visit Tina's Cuban Cuisine ?

Beat the rush by going before noon or after 2pm.

Who should go to Tina's Cuban Cuisine ?

Hearty appetites that care more about flavor than decor.

Any insider tips for Mama’s Cupboard?

Look for the downstairs entrance off 53rd—seating is limited, so ordering ahead for pickup can save you a wait at peak lunch.

What should I order at Mama’s Cupboard?

Classic banh-mi, vermicelli bowl with your protein choice, kimchi-loaded fries.

When should I visit Mama’s Cupboard?

Weekday lunch or early dinner before the speakeasy vibe.

Who should go to Mama’s Cupboard?

Midtown workers craving inventive banh mi and casual Thai-Viet.

Any insider tips for LaVista Pizza ?

Check delivery apps for frequent discounts and combo deals.

What should I order at LaVista Pizza ?

Vodka slice, bruschetta hero, a vegan or gluten-free pie.

When should I visit LaVista Pizza ?

Late night or post-work when you need quick fuel.

Who should go to LaVista Pizza ?

Hungry locals needing fast, filling pizza on a budget.

Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Ess-a-Bagel

High-volume, old-school New York bagel shop with classic hand-rolled bagels and lox.

Notable Picks

#1 Ess-a-Bagel

8.8

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions

A Midtown East landmark since the 1970s, Ess-a-Bagel draws lines for oversized, hand-rolled New York–style bagels loaded with lox and house-made cream cheeses. Despite the crowds and brusque pace, quality stays remarkably high across thousands of daily orders.

Must-Try Dishes: Signature Favorite nova lox bagel sandwich, Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, NYC BLTA bagel sandwich

What makes it special: High-volume, old-school New York bagel shop with classic hand-rolled bagels and lox.

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#2 Omar's Mediterranean East Midtown

8.6

$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Healthy Haven Business Lunch Power Players Quick Bites Champions

Omar's turns a narrow 55th Street storefront into one of Midtown’s most reliable shawarma counters, with heaping platters of spit-roasted chicken, falafel, and grilled lamb. Lines move steadily, prices stay reasonable for the neighborhood, and portions easily stretch to two meals.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma platter with rice and salads, Falafel platter with hummus and tahini, Lamb Adana plate with pita and dips

What makes it special: High-volume shawarma shop known for juicy meat, strong sauces, and oversized platters.

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#3 Tina's Cuban Cuisine

8.3

$$ Sutton Place

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings

Tina’s anchors the workday lunch rush with steam-table Cuban staples—roast pork, baked chicken, yellow rice, and sweet plantains—served cafeteria-style. It’s loud, fast, and no-frills, but the portions and prices make it one of Midtown East’s most dependable hot-plate values.

Must-Try Dishes: Cuban sandwich with roast pork and ham, Roast pork with yellow rice, beans, and sweet plantains, Baked chicken platter with green sauce

What makes it special: Old-school Cuban cafeteria where Midtown office workers pile plates high for under $20.

View Full Review →

#4 Mama’s Cupboard

8.1

$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Basement-level Thai-Vietnamese kitchen in Midtown East focused on banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and snackable small plates. The menu skews fresh and bright, with Viet-style herbs layered over Thai-leaning salads and rice bowls, and a following from nearby office workers looking for something more interesting than standard fast casual.

Must-Try Dishes: Classic Banh-mi, Vermicelli Bowl, Kimchi-loaded Fries

What makes it special: A Vietnamese-led banh mi and bowl shop that turns into a late-night speakeasy-style jazz space after hours.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#5 LaVista Pizza

7.9

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

LaVista is a high-volume neighborhood slice shop known for generous portions, late hours, and a surprisingly broad menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. It’s more functional than pretty, but locals lean on it for quick, affordable slices and big heroes.

Must-Try Dishes: Vodka slice, Bruschetta hero, Vegan margherita slice

What makes it special: Dependable, budget-friendly slices with strong delivery and late-night hours.

View Full Review →