You just landed a major client, and you can rock a pantsuit like nobody’s business. All that’s left? Somewhere to talk shop. That’s where we’ve got you covered. Here, our favorite restaurants for power lunches—whether you’re in the market for a discreet bite or somewhere to see and be seen. Oh yeah, and they all take reservations (that’s a promise).
The 11 Best NYC Restaurants for a Power Lunch
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Published Apr 4, 2018
The Modern
Bar Room At The Modern
Grab a quick bite prepared by renowned chef Abram Bissell at the hip, buttoned-down younger sister to The Modern restaurant. The sophisticated café has an à la carte menu that changes seasonally with tasty morsels like black truffle cavatelli or green asparagus with polenta and a poached egg.
9 W. 53rd St. (between Fifth and Sixth Aves.); 212-333-1220 or themodernnyc.com
Momofuku Nishi
Momofuku Nishi
Compared with all the other Momofuku establishments, it’s pretty easy to walk into the quiet Chelsea location sans reservation (although you can totally make one). Don’t miss the sticky fried pork chop sandwich (made from pounded pork chop brined in kimchi and buttermilk) or its take on the Impossible Burger (served with special sauce and plenty of fries).
232 Eighth Ave. (between W. 21st and 22nd sts.); 646-518-1919 or nishi.momofuku.com
Augustine
Augustine
Perfect for when you need somewhere classy and speedy in Fidi, this spacious, ornate Keith McNally restaurant in the Beekman Hotel features impeccably cooked French classics like duck confit salad, steak frites and chicken paillard.
5 Beekman St. (at Theatre Alley); 212-375-0010 or augustineny.com
Gabriel Kreuther
Gabriel Kreuther
When price isn’t an object (read: you’re the client), this over-the-top French white-tablecloth joint is just the place you should visit for a luxurious, multi-course tasting menu experience. Plus, if it’s an occasion for vino, it’s got an unbeatable list of Burgundies.
41 W. 42nd St. (at Sixth Ave.); 212-257-5826 or gknyc.com
Sakagura
Sakagura
Let’s face it: It’s hard to find somewhere fab near Grand Central. This gem, hidden in the basement of an office building, has some of the best izakaya-style Japanese food we’ve encountered in the city. While it’s hard to snag a table at dinner, lunch is the ideal time to visit for an off-the-radar meal.
211 E. 43rd St., B1 (at Third Ave.); 212-953-7253 or sakagura.com
Indian Accent
Indian Accent
Yep, you’ve come to do business, but why not have an interesting culinary experience while you’re at it? This experimental Indian menu has fun, playful options like sweet pickle ribs or phulka served with pulled jackfruit. In nicer weather you can station up in the tables and chairs outside.
123 W. 56th St. (between Sixth and Seventh aves.); 212-842-8070 or indianaccent.com
Upland
Upland
There’s nothing not to love about this California-inspired new American food at its finest. Save this eatery, with its open kitchen and bustling central bar, for when you need a hip, energetic vibe. And promise us that you won’t skip the bucatini cacio e pepe.
345 Park Ave. S. (at E. 26th St.); 212-686-1006 or uplandnyc.com
ABCV/Facebook
Abcv
Designers, editors and filmmakers, listen up: The veggie-centric offshoot of ABC Kitchen is pretty much the perfect downtown place for a creative power lunch. Whether you’re looking for elegant veggie sharing plates (think avocado lettuce cups), a cozy grain bowl or a tartine, every option is light but satisfying (and, for what it’s worth, decidedly photogenic).
38 E. 19th St. (at Broadway); 212-475-5829 or abchome.com/dine/abcv/
The National
The National Bar And Dining Rooms
Location is everything when it comes to this polished, fairly priced bistro—it’s a briefcase’s throw from dozens of midtown hotels (and is actually inside The Benjamin), should you be entertaining out-of-town clients. The chicken BLT and the Zakarian burger are great choices every single time.
557 Lexington Ave (at E. 50th St.); 212-715-2400 or thenationalnyc.com
Bar Boulud
Bar Boulud
Designed to look like a wine cellar, the cavernous restaurant is filled with little booths well suited to conversation. Yes, you’ll see old brasserie standbys like French onion soup and steak frites, but what really shines here is the house-made charcuterie (there’s an entire menu dedicated to it).
1900 Broadway (at W. 64th St.); 212-595-0303 or barboulud.com/nyc
TripAdvisor
Oceana
A calming haven in the center of Times Square, this old-school watering hole is designed to meet all of your needs, whether you’re looking to grab a turkey burger in 30 minutes flat or enjoy a three-hour banquet, complete with a whole lobster and a raw seafood tower.
120 W. 49th St. (between Sixth and Seventh Aves.); 212-759-5941 or oceanarestaurant.com
