Where to Book Lunch for Tour Groups in Downtown NYC
If you are bringing a group downtown, there’s no need to pack the main events into a half-day itinerary. Work with our restaurants on fixed lunch menus and extend your half day into (at least!) a full day in Lower Manhattan.
The following spots are great for group or FIT lunch plans. Each restaurant is marked as good for groups, student groups and FIT.
For personalized connections with any of these Downtown spots, contact Jessica Drucker, Director of Tourism + Hospitality [email protected] .
Sit-down
Adrienne’s Pizza Bar (Groups, Students)
Gourmet, rectangular pizza and other Italian specialties perfect for sharing. The menu offers a variety of casual Italian dishes, including the house specialty — grandma-style pizza. Groups can eat inside or outside at picnic tables on popular Stone Street.
Keste (Groups, Students)
Local pizza-shop feel with traditional NYC brick-oven pizzas, with toppings ranging from classic red sauce and cheese to truffles, meats and even pistachios. Plenty of inside seating for groups.
Da Claudio (Groups)
Local Italian spot Da Claudio has a great cocktail list, small plates to share and a full-service dining menu featuring locally-sourced and imported ingredients. Their fresh homemade pasta is a highlight, though they have gluten-free and whole wheat alternatives as well. Plenty of inside space for groups.
Eataly NYC Downtown (Groups, Students)
Eataly has several in-house restaurants, including La Pizza & La Pasta (best group choice), Osteria Della Pace and Vino e Grano, where diners can sample an array of regional Italian dishes. Plenty of space for groups large and small. Eataly can give individual cards with $10, $20 or more, so individuals can eat their own food, rather than sit-down dining.
Mezcali (Groups)
This Cali-Mex spot features a mix of classic burritos, tacos and quesadillas, in addition to an extensive and creative cocktail list. Space for groups inside.
The Malt House (Groups)
American tavern with craft beers, wine and cocktails. Based on locally-sourced ingredients, the menu includes “buttermilk bites,” “chicken lollipops,” tempura pickles and cheddar, gruyere and parmesan mac’n’cheese. Space for groups inside.
PJ Clarke’s (Groups)
Located in three spots around Manhattan, the Battery Park City spot boasts indoor and outdoor group spaces with Hudson River views and classic American steakhouse fare. Good for groups inside and outside.
Route 66 Smokehouse (Groups)
The classic All-American Route 66 Smokehouse serves up delicious BBQ made sweeter by an impressive all-American whiskey list and a 20-tap lineup of American craft beers. An upstairs space available for upstairs groups, and outdoor groups on popular Stone Street.
Sauce & Barrel (Groups, Students)
Artisanal pizza and Italian-American dishes and popular neighborhood bar with plenty of space inside and out for groups.
Seamore’s (Groups)
This Instagrammable seafood spot serves up 100% sustainable, locally-sourced fish and seafood at accessible prices. Menu items include poke, mussels, fish tacos, po’-boy inspired sandwiches, fish and beef burgers and simple seared fish dishes paired with daily sides and a selection of delicious salads. Large enough for indoor and outdoor groups.
Stone Street Tavern (Groups)
Located on popular cobblestoned Stone Street, this Tavern serves American fare in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Small groups inside and larger groups outside on popular Stone Street.
Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant (Groups)
Set in a former bank vault in the heart of the Financial District, Trinity Place offers guests a true Wall Street feel while dining next to 35-ton vault doors dating back to 1904. With a variety of updated American and continental favorites, this establishment is a draw for both tourists and locals.
Fraunces Tavern (Groups, Students)
Dine where George Washington himself addressed his troops for the final time after the War of Independence, a true piece of American history with an adjacent Museum. Fraunces Tavern features Irish-American food with a signature Porterhouse steak, chops and seafood. Very adept at large and small groups, great for students and history tours.
Westville (Groups)
This popular local NYC chain of healthy but delicious food offers fresh classics like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more in a vibrant space. Beers, wines and lattes are also on the menu. Space indoors for groups.
Ohara’s (Groups)
Pub-style American restaurant with TVs tuned to the latest sports event, serving up spicy chicken wings, a cheesesteak hero, a soup of the day, juicy burgers and more. Good for groups.
Stout NYC (Groups)
Stout Alehouse is a favorite among office workers in search of happy hour drinks and bar-friendly bites, plus they’ve got bottomless brunch on the weekends. Good for groups indoors.
White Horse Tavern (Upstairs Event Space + Historic Business)
This cozy bar on a Lower Manhattan sidestreet is a standby for locals, offering up a diverse draft list and a kitchen that quickly turns out bar food for the crowds. Good for groups.
Harry’s Italian (Gold Street)
A classic Downtown favorite with the after-work crowd, the original Harry’s Italian on Gold Street specializes in brick-oven pizzas. There’s also an outpost on Murray Street with a diverse wine list and popular happy hour. Good for groups.
Luxury:
Wall Street Grill (FIT, Groups)
Fully certified Kosher restaurant with a selection of prime steaks, sustainable fish and crafted cocktails, this is the perfect spot for FIT and luxury groups.
Liberty Bistro (FIT, Groups)
A modern brasserie serving up French cuisine and cocktails on the waterfront. Its ample patio seating treats diners to amazing sunset views on the Hudson year-round. Great for groups to sit outdoors and watch boats up and down the river.
The Fulton (FIT, Groups)
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brought his signature haute cuisine to The Seaport, serving up fresh seafood dishes like warm octopus and mozzarella, salmon soaked in brown butter and yellowfin tuna tartare in an upscale, yet inviting space. Great for luxury FIT and group visitors.
Malibu Farm (FIT, Groups)
Farm-to-table Southern Californian fare on the NYC waterfront at the exciting Pier 17. Diners will find dishes on both the all-day and brunch menus are largely driven by whole grains, veggies and fruits. Great for FIT and luxury group travelers.
MarkJoseph (FIT, Groups)
This bustling steakhouse is heaven for carnivores, who come to devour huge steaks, grilled to perfection and accompanied by all the quintessential side dishes. Great for FIT and luxury group travelers.
Manhatta (FIT, Groups)
A celebrity-chef driven. open-plan restaurant on the top floor of a 60-story building in the heart of Downtown, Manhatta offers creative cocktails, a strong menu and even better views. Best for FIT clients or small groups
The Capital Grille (FIT, Groups)
Located a block from the New York Stock Exchange in the historic Equitable Building, the Capital Grille offers a continental menu and extensive wine list. In addition to hosting power lunches and dinners, it caters to a post-work crowd for drinks and bar fare. Perfect for luxury FIT and groups.
A little something for everyone
For groups who want to eat but no fixed meal is included, these areas have something for everyone.
This historic cobblestone alleyway was the first paved street in Manhattan back in its Dutch colonial days. Now, the block is home to vibrant local restaurants and bars, each with outdoor picnic tables that sprawl across the cobblestones.
Brookfield Place’s upscale food court features fast-casual concepts from 14 of the best chef-driven eateries in the city, with high-end versions of everything from sushi to bagels to salads available. Diners can eat at communal tables inside or enjoy their meals on the patio, which has views of the New York Harbor.
Tin Building by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
The Seaport’s soon-to-open Tin Building is a high-end food hall reimagined by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, with restaurants and a central market.
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