NoHo, a charming neighborhood nestled between NoLIta and the East Village, boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Finding the perfect lunch spot amidst the plethora of options can be overwhelming. This guide highlights 15 of the best lunch restaurants in NoHo, NYC, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Whether you crave a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this list has something for everyone. We'll explore various cuisines, price points, and atmospheres to help you make the perfect choice for your next NoHo lunch adventure.
Quick & Casual Lunch Spots in NoHo
1. Prince Street Pizza: A NoHo institution for classic New York pizza.
Prince Street Pizza is a NoHo staple. Their legendary, thin-crust pies are a perfect quick and satisfying lunch. Expect a line, especially during peak hours, but the wait is worth it. The simple menu focuses on what they do best: pizza. They also offer slices, making it ideal for a grab-and-go lunch.
- Price: $-$$
- Cuisine: Classic New York Pizza
- Vibe: Casual, bustling
2. Rubirosa: Another NoHo pizza powerhouse with a slightly upscale feel.
While similar to Prince Street Pizza in its pizza prowess, Rubirosa offers a slightly more refined dining experience. Their coal-fired pizzas are known for their crispy crust and flavorful toppings. The ambiance is a bit more upscale, making it a suitable option for a slightly more polished casual lunch.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Coal-Fired Pizza
- Vibe: Casual-Upscale, lively
3. La Esquina: Authentic Mexican tacos and a vibrant atmosphere.
For a taste of Mexico in the heart of NoHo, La Esquina is a must-try. Their tacos are incredibly flavorful and authentic, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch. The restaurant's ambiance is lively and vibrant, adding to the overall dining experience. They also offer a full bar, perfect for a midday margarita.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Vibe: Lively, vibrant
Upscale Lunch Options in NoHo
4. Via Carota: Charming Italian restaurant for a sophisticated lunch.
Via Carota is a beloved NoHo institution known for its rustic-chic ambiance and delicious Italian fare. While slightly pricier, their lunch menu offers a refined experience with excellent pasta dishes, salads, and antipasti. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Charming, sophisticated
5. Carbone: Classic Italian-American fine dining (reservations essential).
Carbone is a legendary Italian-American restaurant that needs no introduction. Their lunch menu is equally impressive, offering a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience. Expect classic dishes prepared with impeccable attention to detail. Reservations are absolutely essential, often booked weeks in advance.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Vibe: Luxurious, classic
6. Emilio's Ballato: Another iconic Italian spot for an elegant lunch.
Emilio's Ballato is another fantastic choice for an elegant and memorable lunch. They're known for their delicious pasta dishes, and the overall ambiance is classic and sophisticated. Like Carbone, reservations are a must.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Elegant, classic
Diverse Culinary Experiences in NoHo
7. Má Pêche: Upscale seafood with stunning views (if you sit by the window!).
Má Pêche offers a sophisticated seafood-focused menu in a stylish setting. Their lunch menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, along with creative cocktails. If you manage to snag a window seat, you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Vibe: Stylish, sophisticated
8. Jack's Wife Freda: Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.
Jack's Wife Freda is a popular spot for its vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Their menu features a variety of flavorful shared plates, perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends. The ambiance is cozy and inviting.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Vibe: Cozy, inviting
9. DeStefano's Steak House: A classic steakhouse experience in NoHo.
If you're craving a classic steakhouse lunch, DeStefano's is an excellent choice. They offer high-quality cuts of meat, along with all the traditional steakhouse sides. The ambiance is classic and sophisticated.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Vibe: Classic, sophisticated
Cafés & Bakeries for a Lighter Lunch
10. Abraço Espresso: A perfect spot for coffee and pastries.
Abraço Espresso is a NoHo favorite for its excellent coffee and delicious pastries. It's the perfect spot for a quick and light lunch, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Coffee, Pastries
- Vibe: Cozy, casual
11. Dominique Ansel Bakery: Famous for the Cronut (and much more!).
Dominique Ansel Bakery is world-renowned for its Cronut, but they offer a wide variety of other delicious pastries and baked goods. It's a great spot for a sweet treat or a light lunch. Be prepared for lines.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Pastries, Baked Goods
- Vibe: Bustling, trendy
Hidden Gems & Unique Finds
12. Lilia: Highly acclaimed pasta dishes (reservations highly recommended).
Lilia is known for its exceptional pasta dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience every time. Reservations are highly recommended, often booked weeks or months in advance.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian (Pasta Focused)
- Vibe: Chic, intimate
13. Parm: Classic Italian-American comfort food.
Parm serves up classic Italian-American dishes in a casual and inviting setting. Their menu is simple but delicious, offering all the favorites, like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and hero sandwiches.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Vibe: Casual, comfortable
14. Sadelle's: A popular spot for bagels and other Jewish-American fare.
Sadelle's is a popular spot for its delicious bagels, smoked fish, and other Jewish-American classics. It's a great option for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Jewish-American
- Vibe: Lively, bustling
15. Balthazar: A grand brasserie with a lively atmosphere.
Balthazar is a classic New York brasserie offering a wide variety of French-inspired dishes. It's a great option for a luxurious and memorable lunch. Expect a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: French Brasserie
- Vibe: Grand, lively
This list provides a comprehensive overview of some of the best lunch restaurants in NoHo, NYC. Remember to check websites for menus, hours, and reservation policies before your visit. Enjoy your culinary adventure in this vibrant neighborhood!
