21 Best Lunch Spots in New York City Under $40 Per Person

I hope you have an appetite for a good deal because today we’re going to take a look at the best lunch spots in New York City under $40 per person.

It’s hard to find inexpensive food in New York City. It seems like everything is expensive, as the cost of living is higher than most places in the US. Even McDonald’s is several dollars more than in most places I’ve been. When you think about it, though, it’s not too terribly difficult to find something reasonably priced if you’re not picky and you like trying new things. I’ve been able to find hole-in-the-wall places that have cheap food all the time because I try to avoid overspending. I knew I hit jackpot where I found a place to get borscht and pierogies for under $7.

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale and food that feels quite classy, however, it becomes a lot more difficult to find a meal that won’t break the bank. Like if you’re trying to impress someone on a date, you probably don’t want to take them to Papaya Dog. You could also consider some of the romantic winter date ideas in New York City, just as a side note. Granted, lunch isn’t the most romantic option you could possibly think of, but it’s certainly the cheapest meal of the day if you consider the fact that brunch tends to be a little fancy.

In order to look for some great places to eat, we checked the internet for recommendations. We took a look at Business Insider, Telegraph UK, and Grub Street. We took all the lunch spots mentioned on all three websites and then ranked those restaurants based on which has the cheapest food. These are the places you’re likely to get quality food for a reasonable price.

Continue reading to find out the best lunch spots in New York City under $40 per person.

21. Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Lunch starts at $25

There’s more to Grand Central than just the trains. Under the station is an underground food hub with over 20 delis and places to eat. This oyster bar is just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re getting more bang for your buck.

20. Marlow & Sons

Lunch starts at $18

Marlow & Sons is a coffee shop by day and raw bar by night and it oozes with a classy appeal. The seasonal menus are an added touch.

19. Wilma Jean

Lunch starts at $17

For less than $20, you can enjoy food from this humble canteen cooked up by an Arkansas native.

18. Max

Lunch starts at $17

You can get pan-seared cod and pasta dishes for under $20 at this cozy spot in a friendly neighborhood.

17. JG Melon

Lunch starts at $16

This bar and burger joint has been popular since the 1970s, and you can enjoy a classic cheeseburger/Bloody Mary combo for less than $20.

16. Souvlaki GR

Lunch starts at $15

If you’re into Greek food, this is a great spot to check out. You can get pita, dips, kebabs, and fries for a reasonable price.

15. Pies N Thighs

Lunch starts at $ 14.25

The old school desks create a cool ambiance for you to enjoy your fried chicken in, and the pot pies are to die for.

14. Cocoron

Lunch starts at $12.98

Cocoron gets extra crowded during the colder months because of the popular soup options, so be sure to come in early if you want to enjoy a bowl (or two!).

13. Le Parker Meridien’s Burger Joint

Lunch starts at $12

$12 will go a long way at this burger joint. The posh location inside the luxurious Le Parker Meridien Hotel gives you a nice ambiance without hurting your wallet, which is why it’s one of the best lunch spots in New York City under $40 per person.

12. Lakruwana

Lunch starts at $11.95

The weekend buffet here is open until 10 p.m., so for about $12 you’ll get an unlimited amount of savory curry dishes among others.

11. Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant

Lunch starts at $11

The best thing about Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant is that it has several branches around New York. If you have a big appetite, you’ll love the $11 combination platter.

10. Tamashii Ramen

Lunch starts at $10.95

You might think it’s impossible to enjoy authentic Ramen in New York City for less than $20, but here you definitely can. This humble spot serves up a signature recipe that causes a huge lunch rush.

9. St. Grocer’s

Lunch starts at $10

For $10 you can enjoy the famous Italian combo sandwich. The sauces here will leave you wanting more every time.

8. Christina’s Polish Restaurant

Lunch starts at $10

For less than $10, you can enjoy traditional Polish food that’s delicious and fresh.

7. Mighty Quinn’s

Lunch starts at $9.95

If you’re a fan of Texas-style barbecue, you’ll fall in love at first bite at Mighty Quinn’s. Everything on the mouthwatering menu is less than $10.

6. Sao Mai

Lunch starts at $9

This spot is said to have the best pho in New York City. Apart from that, there’s delicious house banh mi and other popular Vietnamese dishes.

5. Dos Toros Taqueria

Lunch starts at $8

If you love Mexican food and you’re sick of Chipotle, get your burrito and quesadilla fix here for less than $8.

4. Brazil Aroma

Lunch starts at $7.99

The name itself says what to expect: delicious, savory Brazilian dishes. There’s a buffet with sausage, chicken, and skirt steaks. The relatively new restaurant already has a great following, as the long lunch lines suggest. And now, let’s see the number one on our list of best lunch spots in New York City under $40 per person.

3. Hamilton’s

Lunch starts at $7.50

This mini diner serves up everything from double decker burgers to milkshakes to classic salt and pepper fries. Fish and chips are also available here for only $12.

2. Don Pepe Tortas & Jugos

Lunch starts at $7

This is a bright and old school-style Mexican food joint where you can get 25 varieties of tortas, all under $8. The servings are huge, too.

1. Prosperity Dumpling

Lunch starts at $10 for 2 people

This humble spot usually has a long line of patrons during lunchtime, which is unsurprising considering you can get a huge serving of dumplings for only $10. They’re chewy and sweet and best paired with the $3 soup.

That concludes our list of the best lunch spots in New York City under $40 per person. If this worked up your appetite, maybe you’ll give one of these incredible options a try!