Where to Get Lunch In Noho

If you work in Noho, somewhere amidst the seas of students and performers at Washington Square Park, the dizzying crosspaths around Astor Place and Cooper Union, and the intersection of Bowery and Bleecker, you’re probably well aware of how many fast-casual chains are at your disposal. But this area has so much more to offer than the best-known, national names. And it just so happens to be where our own office is located. Below, we’ve got you covered for where to eat lunch on any given workday. It’s the least we could do considering your commute ending at the Second Avenue F stop.

Bar Primi (325 Bowery, $$)

If you’ve somehow scored an entire free hour and need to carbo-load before an afternoon of back-to-backs—or have some time to people-watch on a slower day—try this attractive yet approachable modern Italian restaurant with mountains of pasta and a few nice sidewalk tables. Bar Primi is our choice when you’re in the market for somewhere more upbeat than “dark downtown restaurant,” along with dinner-size portions of meatballs, carbonara, and branzino.

Our go-to order: Orecchiette and an espresso

Saigon Shack (114 MacDougal Street, $)

This cash-only spot will make you feel like you’re in old New York, and in turn, the NYU students will remind you that you are old. Perfect for a takeaway lunch or a quick sit-down with coworkers, this lively option offers Vietnamese staples like banh mi, pho, and vermicelli noodles. Not only are you in for a meal that’s bright, fast, cheap, and tasty, but count on some interesting goings-on around the storefront on MacDougal too.

Our go-to order: Shrimp summer rolls and Vietnamese iced coffee

Favela Cubana (543 LaGuardia Place, $)

Favela Cubana's Cuban Brazilian cuisine makes lunchtime feel like party time. For lunch, we recommend sitting outside; as the restaurant is slightly set back from Lafayette Street, it’s quieter than you’d expect. Sure you can take your food to go, but why not use your break to bask in the sun while eating a perfect Cubana sandwich plus soup for only $15?

Our go-to order: Half sandwich and cup of soup lunch special

Atla (372 Lafayette Street, $$$)

Atla feels like a laidback, undercover sit-down lunch… until you see the beautiful food and the bill. But hey, sometimes you really do need a $15 suadero taco. And if you’re going for an “I earned it this quarter” lunch, you might as well spend on food that’s this explosive and flavorful (imagine flaxseed chilaquiles and fresh peas and asparagus). Or, you know, figure out how to expense it. Keep this corner destination in mind, too, for any occasion when you want to impress—say, a potential partner or big-get mentor—but seem like you’re not trying.

Our go-to order: Ceviche verde and a cucumber agua fresca

The Smile (26 Bond Street, $$)

If you’ve ever wanted to dine inside an influencer’s Instagram story, The Smile is the spot to do it. Walk a few steps below street level on Bond Street and you’ll understand why the well-groomed regulars at The Smile are always taking photos of their food. With a seemingly simple, café-style menu (excellently executed salads, sandwiches, et al.) that knocks it out of the park, The Smile is perfect for a fairly efficient but still notable lunch. Bring the cool new hire to start off on the right foot.

Our go-to order: Manouri cheese and fig sandwich

Il Buco (47 Bond Street, $$$)

Strategizing where to bring an out-of-town client to lunch? Il Buco is an easy answer.  Understated, woody, and warm, the longtime neighborhood standout will deliver a lunch they’ll tell everyone back home about. Be prepared to linger for more than a true lunch hour, over at least a couple glasses of wine paired with their decadent Italian and Iberian-inspired classics. Tip: Don’t forget to start with some salumi, burrata, and seared Spanish octopus to share.

Our go-to order: Spaghetti with swordfish, snow peas, and Calabrian chili, plus an olive oil tasting

Los Tacos No. 1 (340 Lafayette Street, $)

If you’re looking for a chill midweek spot where you can find a good vegetarian option and guac’s included, check out Los Tacos No. 1. As the name implies, it's a quick and casual taco spot (with four other locations around the city) that's ideal for running in, grabbing a perfect taco, and eating on the move while thinking about your next meeting. Bonus: You’ll have time after to pop into Levain for a giant, warm-from-the-oven cookie, just a few steps away.

Our go-to order: Nopal taco con todo and an Agua de Jamaica

Still hungry? Check out our downtown lunch guide.