Syracuse, NY boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse range of lunch options to satisfy every palate. From classic American fare to international flavors, finding the perfect midday meal is easy in this upstate New York city. This guide highlights 33 of the best lunch restaurants in Syracuse, categorized for your convenience. We've considered factors like menu variety, quality of ingredients, customer reviews, and overall dining experience to compile this comprehensive list. Finding the perfect lunch spot in Syracuse just got easier!
Quick Bites & Casual Eats: Grab-and-Go Goodness
This section focuses on restaurants perfect for a quick, delicious, and affordable lunch.
Sandwiches & Salads
- Pastabilities: Known for its creative pasta dishes, Pastabilities also offers delicious sandwiches and fresh salads. Their Italian sub is a local favorite.
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: While famous for their BBQ, Dinosaur also provides excellent sandwich options for a casual lunch. Their pulled pork is a must-try.
- Empire Brewing Company: Enjoy a hearty sandwich paired with a craft beer at this Syracuse staple. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh ingredients.
- The Original Saltine Warrior: This popular spot is renowned for its unique and flavorful sandwiches, offering a variety of creative combinations.
- Substation: Classic sub shop with a modern twist; offering fresh bread, high-quality meats, and an extensive menu.
Pizza & More
- Apizza: A Syracuse institution, Apizza offers classic New York-style pizza by the slice or pie. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Stella's: Another Syracuse pizza favorite, Stella's is known for its consistently delicious pies and friendly atmosphere.
- Dominick's: A family-owned pizzeria serving up traditional Italian-American favorites including pizza, calzones, and pasta dishes.
Upscale Casual & Fine Dining Lunch Options
These restaurants offer a more refined dining experience, perfect for a special occasion or a leisurely lunch.
American Cuisine
- The Marriott Syracuse Downtown: Their restaurant offers an elegant setting and a sophisticated menu featuring seasonal American cuisine.
- Francesca's on the Green: Enjoy a refined American lunch in a beautiful setting overlooking a golf course.
- Chandler's Restaurant: Located in the Hotel Syracuse, Chandler's provides an upscale casual dining experience with refined dishes.
International Flavors
- Ahluwalia's Indian Restaurant: Authentic Indian cuisine in a comfortable setting. Their lunch buffet is a great value.
- Salt City Market: This vibrant food hall offers a diverse range of culinary options from around the world, including various lunch choices.
- Takumi Japanese Restaurant: Fresh sushi and other Japanese specialties make this a great choice for a unique lunch.
- Maxwell's Restaurant: Their diverse menu features dishes from around the globe, offering a wide variety of lunch selections.
Cafes & Bakeries: Sweet Treats & Coffee Breaks
These spots are ideal for a lighter lunch or a relaxing coffee break.
- Dunkin': A classic choice for coffee, donuts, and quick breakfast/lunch options.
- Starbucks: Another familiar option for coffee, pastries, and light lunch items.
- Green Planet Coffee: Local roaster with delicious coffee and a variety of light lunch options including sandwiches and salads.
- Cafe Kubal: A charming cafe offering delicious coffee, pastries, and light lunch items in a cozy atmosphere.
- Cakes by Erin: Delightful cupcakes and other baked goods, perfect for a sweet treat with coffee.
Unique & Thematic Lunch Spots
These restaurants stand out with their unique concepts and atmospheres.
- The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (mentioned above, but deserves a second mention in this category): Their unique BBQ style and lively atmosphere make it a destination for lunch.
- Wegmans: While primarily a grocery store, Wegmans offers an extensive prepared foods section with many delicious lunch options.
- Beak & Skillet: A popular gastropub offering creative food, a wide selection of beers, and a lively setting.
- Swiftwater Kitchen & Bar: An upscale spot that offers carefully curated, chef driven options.
Ethnic Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
This section highlights restaurants offering diverse and authentic ethnic cuisines.
- Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub: Enjoy traditional Irish fare in a lively pub atmosphere.
- El Mezcal: Authentic Mexican dishes with vibrant flavors.
- Taste of Sicily: Enjoy homemade pasta and other Sicilian specialties.
- Golden Chopsticks: Popular for its authentic Chinese dishes.
- Red Rooster: Features a variety of American and Southern comfort food.
Budget-Friendly Choices: Delicious & Affordable
These are options for those looking for a tasty lunch without breaking the bank.
- S&S Lunch: A classic Syracuse lunch spot known for its delicious sandwiches and affordable prices.
- John's Pizzeria: Simple and delicious pizzas at an affordable price.
- Falafel King: Tasty and affordable falafel and Middle Eastern fare.
- Various Food Trucks: Check local listings for daily food truck locations offering a variety of diverse cuisines at reasonable prices.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your Syracuse lunch adventures. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm hours, menus, and availability, especially during peak lunch times. Enjoy exploring the diverse culinary scene of Syracuse!
