Best Lunch Spots on the Upper West Side Bleecker May 26, 2015 American, Featured, Food Types, french, Gluten Free Options, Healthy, Mediterranean, Neighborhoods, Upper West Side, Vegetarian Warm weather has finally found itself to NYC which means its time to start venturing out come lunch time. So, if you happen to be either working on the Upper West Side or somehow just ended up there, here are some of the best lunch spots on the Upper West Side we suggest you check out! Josie’s West Restaurant Set in a fun, almost diner-like setting, Josie’s West Restaurant in NYC’s Upper West Side offers an eclectic mix of New American, vegetarian/vegan, and health-conscious cuisine. Louis Lanza, chef-owner of both the Upper West Side and Murray Hill locations, created his restaurant and the menu with the goal of answering people’s questions about where their food really comes from. Therefore, you will find a very detailed menu sitting next to the unbleached brown paper napkins and Multi-Pure filtered drinking water on the table. The menu offers a unique balance of salads, seafood, natural poultry, burgers, and organic sides. Some of the most popular dishes include the Steamed Organic Belgian Potato & Broccoli Dumplings, the Grilled Tuna with wasabi glaze and the All Veggie Meatloaf. All appetizers and main dishes can be made dairy free. At a great price for organic food, Josie’s restaurant on the Upper West Side is a nice lunch spot for those looking for something different. The upbeat and friendly wait staff add to the already positive vibes of Josie’s. Good Enough to Eat Good Enough to Eat was started by Carrie Levin in 1981 founded on her desire to create and serve “good, old-fashioned American food”. Although most famously known for their weekend brunch, those who are looking to experience the tasty comfort food of Good Enough to Eat might be better off coming in for lunch during the week to skip the crazy wait lines the weekends tend to bring. Weather permitting, the outdoor seating is small but cute, surrounded by a white picket fence. The indoor section is homey and farmhouse-like. Some of Good Enough to Eat’s most popular orders include the Mac ‘n’ Cheese, the Avocado and Cheddar Sandwich baked on freshly baked bread, and the house Veggie Burger made with grains, barley, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and sautéed vegetables in a pita pocket with mustard vinaigrette. If you’re on the Upper West Side and feel like trying out what locals deem a “neighborhood gem”, Good Enough to Eat is certainly a good enough place to do so. Nice Matin on the Upper West Side Like Good Enough to Eat, Nice Matin is typically favored for brunch. This shouldn’t stop you from trying out their regular lunch as well, however. This French-Mediterranean bistro, on the Upper West Side, serves fresh food at a fairly reasonable price. In addition to their regular menu filled with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and full entrees, Nice Matin also offers a Prixe Fixe Lunch. For $29.50 for three courses or $23.50 for two courses, customers are given a selection from a small list of starters, entrees, and desserts. Some of their most well-known lunch choices include the Shakshuka Nicoise, the Grilled Herb Marinated Chicken and the Short Rib Ravioli. They have an extensive gluten free menu as well. Although the inside has elegant décor and a large bar area, the outdoor seating might be a better option for those looking to escape the brutally loud acoustics the indoor tiles create. For more information on Nice Matin on the Upper West Side check out their website. Bustan Meaning “garden” or “orchard” in Hebrew and Arabic, Bustan showcases a unique approach to multicultural cuisine in a nature-inspired atmosphere. Many of their famous dishes make use of the taboon oven, a clay oven popular in the Middle East to make bread. Bustan’s menu features a great balance of small plates, salads, flatbreads, shakshoukas, sandwiches, hummus bowls, and full entrees. There is also a Lunch Prix Fixe Menu for $25, which includes one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. Using incredibly fresh ingredients, the creamy hummus, smoked eggplant and spiced lamb are among top crowd favorites. The tender braised beef cheeks served with fresh flatbread from the taboon is also rightfully popular. Colorful walls and unique light structures create a fun and festive dining environment. Serving delicious and high quality Mediterranean cuisine with flair and excellent service, Bustan adds much value to the Upper West Side culinary scene.
