Best Business Lunch Power Players Restaurants in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Anassa Taverna
Lively, two-story taverna with crowd-pleasing mezze and fresh fish flown in daily.
Notable Picks
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Across from Bloomingdale’s, Anassa Taverna is a bi-level Greek taverna built for groups, with a marble bar, high ceilings, and a menu that leans into fried zucchini chips, fresh calamari, and charcoal-grilled lavraki. Its heavy review volume and consistent ratings point to reliable food and a flexible room that works for everything from shopping breaks to social dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Anassa Chips (paper-thin fried zucchini and eggplant), Fresh Calamari (pan-fried or grilled), Lavraki (grilled Mediterranean branzino with lemon and capers)
What makes it special: Lively, two-story taverna with crowd-pleasing mezze and fresh fish flown in daily.
8.2
A long‑standing Upper East Side sushi institution blending traditional technique with playful toppings and sauces; known for vibrant nigiri and inventive combinations. Its reputation among NYC sushi lovers endures despite its higher price point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Gari Roll, Butter Salmon Nigiri, Tomato‑topped Salmon
What makes it special: Playful, signature nigiri with chef’s creative twists
Worthy Picks
7.6
A calm, museum-adjacent café that’s ideal when the priority is a quieter lunch conversation and a clean reset in the middle of the day. Expect a lighter menu and a more composed pace than typical neighborhood lunch spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal soup, Salad plate, Pastry with coffee
What makes it special: A quieter café setting that supports real conversation at lunch.