Your FiDi Lunch Fix
Lunch in a cemetery from a truck is a lot more pleasant than it sounds + a lot of hospitality news
A quick introduction for those who are new here!! right on Franklin is where I share my favorite spots in NYC for any and every occasion. For over a year, lists of meaningful suggestions paired with detailed write ups are published in succinct, intentional lists of threes + a few extras for neighborhood guides. I only include places I have been to and truly love—anywhere I haven’t been, I will always specify. I take any and all requests if you need help with specific neighborhoods/occasions—just ask! All of my recs are saved on one consolidated Google Map, which is available for paid subscribers.
When I started my job just off Wall Street last April, I was unaccustomed to the rhythm of FiDi—the lunchtime rush of navy vests and khakis, the Wall Street tourists, and the endless lines for $15+ salads in compostable bowls. Once dominated by bankers during the week and a ghost town come the weekend, FiDi is developing a new persona. Creative agencies fill its offices, old banks have become luxury apartments, and a department store with a line around the block has attracted…everyone.
It has been a fun expedition to figure out FiDi’s ins and outs, but not without challenge. In-office lunches almost always feel gloomy. I aspire to bring my lunch most days, sometimes a thought-through grain bowl, sometimes a poorly-chopped greek salad, sometimes random ingredients I will figure out how to put together mid-day. In a pinch, though, I have uncovered a lot of great lunch spots to satisfy any of my cravings, moods, time constraints, desire to be outside, etc. FiDi has also gotten a real facelift that last few months with new locations of expanding NYC favorites, so that helps.
A really good deal
Squire’s Diner - Located on the most disconcerting corner of FiDi, Squire’s really doesn’t look like much. It is, however, the perfect stop for 2 eggs over easy or a baked potato if you are wanting a sub $10 lunch. Quick, easy, delicious classic diner. Vibes (or lack thereof) are immaculate.
Mikado Sushi - This bento set was $32 and, while more than I would ever spend on a usual Tuesday lunch, was enormous and very good.
Banh Mi Cart - Suddenly my favorite lunch involves a $9 truck sandwich I can eat in the cemetery next to my office (one of few green spaces in FiDi). Less than $10 for a foot long squishy baguette with jalapeños, a generous amount of pickled veg and mayo, and seasoned tofu. Hell yeah.
Omars Mediterranean Cuisine - Everything about Omar’s is perfect, especially the three containers of sauces and baklava they stuff in your bag without you needing to ask. They put grape leaves in their greek salad, the hummus is to die for, and a falafel platter will run you $15 for more than a meal’s-worth.
Pisillo Italian Panini - Spending $20 on a sandwich at Pisillo gets you a sub the length of your forearm, weighing 20 lbs, and that will easily feed you for two meals. Bonus points for their hot peppers being REALLY hot and serving on a sesame-seed roll or semolina bread.
Sorta lunch, sorta breakfast
Healthy Green Juice Bar - This place is the size of a pinky finger but they are: A.) SO NICE, and B.) have reasonably priced smoothies, which are hard to come by these days. Fresh fruits and veggies are blended/juiced in front of your eyes. No pre-frozen nonsense. I love their work.
Apollo Bagels - I am sure you have heard that Apollo opened in FiDi…please enjoy the artwork below from the OG Apollo bagels at Leo in Williamsburg. Looking forward to ruining my wallet with $15 tomato bagels xoxo
Ess-a-Bagel - Inflation hit Ess-a-bagel real hard, I guess. It’s $9 for a bagel with cream cheese now? Still solid, and directly next door to my office so +10 points for convenience.
A special treat
WSA - Flavors cafe is empty on the weekends and has a fridge stocked with prepared food from Happier Grocery. The vendor changes from time to time, rotating through katsu sandwiches, poke bowls, etc. but is currently running with smoothies, sushi, and the best chia pudding I have ever had… plus pistachio milk is only an extra 50 cents AND the big leather chairs are so comfortable.
Eataly - I am obsessed with getting prepared sauteed broccoli rabe, a white bean dip, and a piece of foccaccia and calling it lunch. Maybe also a $7 piece of fruit for fun. EATALY LUNCH IS RESERVED FOR A REALLY BAD DAY. I can’t afford this regularly.
Sant Ambroeus - I need a Principessa cake once a quarter, and I honestly love the Brookfield Place location. It sort of gives mall Cheesecake Factory, luxurious food court vibes?
A few others
Best Sicily Bottega - True hole in the wall with enormous arancini, fresh pasta, and focaccia sandwiches. There are 4 seats, so don’t expect a leisurely seated meal. Best to go with others and share a dish or two, and grab a couple biscotti for the road.
Dim Sum Palace - HUGE fan of the sweet egg yolk bun, and dumplings for lunch are usually a good idea.
Where do you get your lunches?? Where else do we need work week lunch recs?
I want to go to Delmonico’s… can someone take me?
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