When lunch period starts, our hunger starts. As the school year goes on, we sadly get tired of our favorite food spots and we are always searching for new places to eat. From the classic cheese pizza slice to a complex seafood poke bowl, here are my top picks of where to dine next! 

1. Underground Pizza (3 Hanover Street)

Based on the countless number of times I’ve eaten at Underground Pizza, their grandma and margarita slices are by far my favorites. Their pizzas are in and out of the oven in less than two minutes and it is usually not too busy. Their seating area is pretty spacious and the workers are very friendly. 

Rating: 9/10 

2. Adrienne’s Pizzabar (54 Stone Street) 

Adrienne’s Pizzabar offers many kinds of different meals. Salads, soups, sandwiches, and, of course, pizza are all on the menu. They also provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. They also offer outside seating arrangements and are located on Stone Street (the oldest street in NYC) making it a cool place to visit as well.  

Rating: 10/10

3. Pranzo (44 Water Street) 

Pranzo has a good array of foods from sandwiches to salads and, obviously, pizza. They also specialize in lunch meals, so it is definitely a good place to get fast and delicious food during the lunch period. 

Favorites from Pranzo: Tomato Basil Pizza 

Caesar Salad 

Rating: 8/10

4. Leo’s Bagels (3 Hanover Street) 

Leo’s Bagels is a great go-to place. They offer different kinds of bagels ranging from plain to raisin. They also provide a good assortment of hot beverages like cappuccinos and espressos. A downside would be that it is a very popular lunch spot, so be aware of the long lines and the limited space to eat.  

Favorites from Leo’s Bagels: Hazelnut coffee

Pumpernickel bread

Rating: 10/10

5. Kome Waza (40 Water Street) (Temporarily Closed) 

Kome Waza is definitely one of my favorite poke bowl spots. When they were open before the pandemic, there was a wide range of toppings for your poke bowl and the staff were very friendly. It usually was not too busy, making it easy to get your food in a reasonable amount of time. Sadly, they are temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but when they open in the near future, this place is a must-try!

Favorite from Kome Waza (when it was open): White Soy Avocado Cream Bowl

Rating: 10/10

6. Le Pain Quotidien (85 Broad Street) 

This is a great spot if you want a quiet place to eat. Their bakery items are fresh and their seating area is very spacious, including an outdoor area. Their location is also right across the street from Millennium making it an extremely convenient spot.

Favorites from Le Pain Quotidien: Chai Latte

Mixed Berry Tart

Rating: 10/10

7. Gregory’s Coffee (80 Broad Street)

Gregory’s Coffee is amazing if you want a nutritious breakfast in the morning, or even during lunchtime. Their coffee is their main staple and they offer many dairy substitutes for vegans. They also have a good variety of desserts, as well as breakfast items like avocado toast. 

Favorites from Gregory’s Coffee: Cappuccino

Parfait 

Rating: 9/10

8. Essen (100 Broad Street) 

Essen is a great place to eat if you are picky and indecisive. They offer different foods like sushi, wraps, pizza, sandwiches, noodles, salads, and more. Their seating area is downstairs, and it’s great if you just want to hang out as well.

Favorites from Essen: Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Wrap

Rating: 8/10

9. Insomnia Cookies (76 Pearl Street) 

Insomnia Cookies is a great spot to go if you have just finished your lunch and want something sweet. They have different flavors of cookies and they even have Valentine’s cookie pack that you can customize to eat with friends. Their store is rather small though, and there is no seating area. 

Favorites from Insomnia Cookies: Classic with M&M’S

Double Chocolate Chunk

Rating: 7/10