With its vast array of restaurants, finding the best lunch spots in NYC can be a challenge. There’s a reason why the city is known for being a foodie haven – no matter what kind of food you’re craving, you can find it here. Traditional, modern, fusion, it’s all waiting for you in New York.
At 19 Cleveland, lunch is always a special occasion. Lunch is an opportunity to catch your breath in the fast-paced hustle of the Big Apple. It’s a chance to refuel and refocus, to relax and refresh before the afternoon gets going. Whether grabbing something to-go or meeting up with friends, a good lunch can turn your whole day around. Our Mediterranean cuisine makes for the perfect lunch menu, filling without making you feel weighed down for the rest of the day. There’s a reason that 19 Cleveland is known as a stand-out New York lunch spot.
New York’s Lunch Scene: Always Fresh & Exciting
The “desk lunch” might be a common enough sight in the Financial District and Midtown, but for many New Yorkers, lunchtime is sacrosanct. It’s a chance to step off the hustle culture hamster wheel and take some time for yourself. The lunch hour is the one time in the work day that is – or at least should be – yours to use as you see fit.
Lunch in NYC can feel like a constantly changing kaleidoscope of choice. The city is famous for culinary diversity, leading the pack when it comes to foodie trends. It doesn’t just stay up to date with what’s hot – New York’s chefs are at the cutting edge. Just about every cuisine can be found here, which makes it the perfect place for cultural exchanges, innovation, and mouth-watering excellence.
Lingering Over a Healthy Lunch
America’s work culture tends towards cutting the lunch break short to get back to work sooner, but there’s a growing desire to push back against this expectation. It’s been proven time and again that it’s a lot healthier to eat your food slowly and mindfully rather than gulping down whatever’s closest. Even before you’ve picked your restaurant, you’re already making a healthier choice by giving your lunch the time and enjoyment it deserves.
Now that the time has come to choose your cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Mediterranean. Not only is it bursting with color and flavor, but it’s also one of the healthiest diets in the world. It highlights lean proteins, like our Safta’s Chicken Schnitzel, and plenty of vegetables. In fact, our menu is extremely vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, so everyone can feel welcome around the table. As one of the best lunch spots in NYC, we pride ourselves on always using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Favorite NYC Lunch Picks for Locals & Visitors Alike
For your next lunch in NYC, do yourself a favor and pick one of the most enduringly popular classics from our menu. From the schnitzel to our avocado toast, there are so many options that you’re sure to find something to suit your mood. Visitor or local, you’re sure to want to come back and try them all.
Feeling hungry? A burger will really hit the spot. We don’t think we’re exaggerating when we say the 19 Hamburger is one of the best in New York. This American classic has been given our 19 Cleveland twist with our delicious Awesome Sauce, not to mention the delicious truffle fries. For something that feels a little more Mediterranean, there’s our Spicy Falafel Burger. Falafel is one of our specialties, and putting it in a brioche bun just takes it up a notch!
International Flavors at the Best Lunch Spots in NYC
One of the benefits of having lunch in NYC is the opportunity to sample food from around the world. Every neighborhood opens the door to some new culinary adventures. Head to Little Italy for authentic Italian food or Koreatown for some delicious Korean cuisine. For Spanish food and tapas, visit East Harlem or try a steakhouse in the Meatpacking District.
Other cuisines aren’t as tied to a specific location, of course, and can be found scattered throughout the city. Mediterranean food has recently become more popular, with restaurants popping up everywhere. Make sure that you do your research before choosing a lunch spot to try – with so much variety, you have the luxury of finding the best example of each cuisine to experience.
Distinctive Dishes You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
At 19 Cleveland, you’ll find an authentic Mediterranean food experience with a contemporary twist. This regional cuisine has a rich history rooted in vibrant flavors and the sheer love of sharing food. The diet has been lauded time and again for its centering of heart-healthy fats, leafy greens, and a medley of healthy vegetables.
Always fresh, always flavorful, our menu is sure to impress whenever you visit. Dive into our four flavors of hummus – our traditional House Hummus, Masabaha (with whole chickpeas), Rotisserie Chicken, and Crispy Garlic & Tomato – and then treat yourself to our take on the popular street food: the Sabich Sandwich.
No matter what you choose, it’s sure to make it a lunch to remember. Reserve a table for the full 19 Cleveland lunch experience, order online for pick-up, or get the Mediterranean delights delivered right to your door.