Midday Escapes: Where to Lunch & Linger on the Upper West Side

If you're wandering through Manhattan's Upper West Side in search of a delectable midday bite, you're in for a treat. This neighborhood, renowned for its leafy streets, pre-war appeal, and cultural institutions such as Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History, is also a haven for those seeking the best lunch on the Upper West Side.

From cozy cafes with sidewalk seating to bustling bistros with gourmet menus, the UWS invites you to linger a little longer over lunch. Whether you're taking a break from exploring Central Park or escaping the daily grind for a well-deserved pause, here’s where you’ll find the best food on the Upper West Side.

Café Luxembourg

A neighborhood classic with Parisian flair, Café Luxembourg is situated just a 9-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel. It’s where locals and celebrities alike come to enjoy leisurely lunches and attentive service. 

Settle in with a crisp glass of white wine and order the signature Luxembourg Burger or Croque Monsieur, both carefully crafted and ideal for a satisfying yet stylish lunch. The zinc bar, tiled floors, and red banquettes complete the timeless ambiance; this is New York sophistication at its best.

Barney Greengrass

No list of Upper West Side lunches would be complete without this renowned Jewish deli. A true institution since 1908, Barney Greengrass is famous for smoked fish, particularly sturgeon and nova, with a bagel or rye bread and all the traditional fixings. 

Although casual and unassuming, the food here is legendary and some of the best on the Upper West Side. Grab a seat in the small dining room and enjoy a nostalgic, no-frills escape into old New York, located just a 6-minute rideshare from the Wallace Hotel.

Salumeria Rosi

Tucked along Amsterdam Avenue, just a 6-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel, Salumeria Rosi is a gem of an Italian eatery offering charcuterie-focused plates and modern takes on traditional fare. Their lunch menu features small plates, paninis, and rich pastas made with care. 

The sleek, European-style interior and outdoor tables make it a great place to linger over an espresso and a conversation. If you're in the mood for a lighter lunch with gourmet flair, this is the spot.

Daily Provisions – West Side

A beloved all-day café, Daily Provisions is a local go-to for elevated casual eats located a 5-minute stroll from the Wallace Hotel. While their breakfast sandwiches and crullers get a lot of love, the lunchtime sandwiches, especially the Roasted Turkey with Dijon and the irresistible Chicken Milanese, are equally worth a visit. 

Grab a seat at the cozy counter or take your order to nearby Riverside Park for an impromptu picnic. Simple, thoughtful food that hits the spot.

Jacob’s Pickles

Southern comfort food meets New York cool at Jacob’s Pickles, a neighborhood favorite that draws in both tourists and locals. It’s located a 4-minute rideshare from the Wallace Hotel. 

Fried chicken, biscuits, and pickles reign supreme here, served in generous portions perfect for a long, lazy lunch. Their outdoor seating is prime for people-watching, and the laid-back, buzzy vibe makes it easy to lose track of time. Come hungry and leave satisfied.

Mermaid Inn – UWS

Seafood lovers rejoice, The Mermaid Inn serves up a casual yet elevated coastal vibe just a 7-minute walk from The Wallace. Their lunch menu includes lobster rolls, fish tacos, and a killer clam chowder. 

The bright nautical decor and relaxed service make this a perfect spot for an unhurried lunch with East Coast flavor. Don’t forget to end with their complimentary chocolate pudding.

Mille-Feuille Bakery Café

When you want something light and sweet with your lunch, head to Mille-Feuille, a French bakery just off Broadway, only a 2-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel. 

In addition to flaky croissants and delicate pastries, they offer quiches, savory tarts, and sandwiches that make for an elegant, quick lunch. Grab a window seat and savor a coffee while watching the neighborhood stroll by.

Leyla

For something a bit different, try Leyla, a chic Turkish restaurant that serves fresh Mediterranean dishes with modern flair. Their lunch menu includes small plates like hummus, lamb kebabs, and vibrant salads. 

With a soothing interior and verdant outdoor patio, it’s an oasis just 8 minutes on foot from the Wallace Hotel. If you’re craving bright flavors and clean eats, this spot delivers.

French Roast

Another French-inspired favorite, French Roast offers classic bistro fare with a New York twist that’s only a 4-minute rideshare from the Wallace Hotel. Think onion soup gratinée, croque madame, and salads made with care. 

The all-day café ambiance makes it perfect for everything from a casual solo lunch with your laptop to a midday meet-up with friends. The vintage interior and sidewalk tables evoke Paris without leaving the city.

Take Your Time and Take It All In

Midday in Manhattan doesn’t have to mean rushing through a sandwich or grabbing something to go. On the Upper West Side, lunch is a chance to pause, people-watch, and savor. 

Whether you’re craving deli nostalgia, modern Mediterranean, or a long lunch under the sun, you’ll find the best lunch on the Upper West Side just steps from The Wallace Hotel.

Make your midday escape even more special by staying at The Wallace Hotel, where refined design and unmatched comfort meet in the heart of the Upper West Side. From here, you're always just minutes away from the best food on the Upper West Side.