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My guide · updated September 2026

Best restaurants in the Financial District, 2026.

I spent three years working near Wall Street, which meant eating lunch in the Financial District five days a week. I tried everything from the sad desk salad to the $47 steak on someone else’s tab.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · 11 places I went to · 0 reader questions answered
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The list, in my order

10 I’d go back to and 1 only if it suits you. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.

1

Los Tacos No. 1

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
Los Tacos No. 1

The Financial District outpost of Xi’an Famous Foods is a lifesaver when you need something bold and filling. Their spicy cumin lamb hand-pulled noodles pack serious heat and the portions are generous enough that you won’t need that 3pm snack run.

Los Tacos No. 1 makes the best tacos in the city and the neighborhood is lucky to have an outpost. The simple menu pays homage to authentic Mexican street food. All tacos are wrapped in homemade tortillas (choose between flour and corn) and topped with onion, cilantro, salsa and guacamole.

My favorite taco is the adobada (marinated pork), an order of 2-3 tacos typically tides me over until dinner. The guacamole and chips is a. If you’re looking for cheap eats in the Financial District, Los Tacos gets my vote.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
2

Nish Nush

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
Nish Nush
  • Costless than $12
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Nish Nush is one of those places that looks unassuming from the outside but absolutely delivers on flavor. Their falafel is shatteringly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the shawarma platter with their house-made hummus is the kind of lunch that makes you forget you’re eating at your desk.

Serving vegetarian cuisine exclusively, Nish Nush is a casual Mediterranean restaurant ideal for a quick lunch at a reasonable price. At less than $12 a pop, the falafel sandwiches have no business being this good. Better still, they’re massive and I usually end up with leftovers.

My favorite dish is a toss up between the deluxe falafel sandwich (falafel, hummus, israeli salad, white. And red cabbage, pickles, eggplant, tahini and tirishi) and the massive falafel trio platter (falafel, hummus, Israeli salad, olives and pickles). Both are excellent, you can tell the folks running the joint take great pride in the quality of the food.

Good to knowThe Tribeca location looks more presentable than the Financial District outpost. When I first visited the FiDi restaurant I was a little put off by the shop’s tired appearance, but the food was so good I overlook it. Don’t sleep on this joint.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
3

Xi’an Famous Foods

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
Xi’an Famous Foods
  • Costless than $15
  • Address8 Liberty Pl, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Xi’an Famous Foods is named after the easternmost city in China (the last stop on the Silk Road). The restaurant dishes out traditional Xi’an street foods like hand-pulled noodles and large dumplings swimming in glorious spicy-sour sauce.

Full of fiery spices and aromatic seasonings, the menu doesn’t pander to amateur palates (the motto says it all “not spicy = not as good”). Surprisingly, most dishes are less than $15, earning this no-frills establishment a spot on our list of the best cheap eats in the Financial District.

My husband I visit Xi’an’s often and our order is almost always the same, spicy hot-oil seared hand-ripped noodles and spicy & sour lamb dumplings. This restaurant is a personal favorite, I’m not saying I’m on a first-name basis with the staff, but they’re on my Christmas card list.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
4

P.J. Clarke’s

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
P.J. Clarke’s

Coined the “Cadillac of Hamburgers” by Nat King Cole, P.J. Clarke’s dishes out some of the best burgers in NYC (averaging 400 burgers a day). There are four burgers on the menu, but the one that takes the cake is the signature Cadillac.

Crafted from freshly ground beef, cooked to perfection and topped with double-smoked country bacon, American cheese, lettuce, onions & tomato. This simply burger earns P.J. Clarke’s a spot on my list of the best lunch restaurants in the Financial District.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
5

Da Claudio

RestaurantFinancial District2 min from the subway
Only if
  • Subway2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z to Fulton St, 2 min
  • Address21 Ann St, New York, NY
  • Health gradeA, city inspection
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

If you’re trying to figure out where to eat in the Financial District with a large group of coworkers, Da Caludio delivers.

Emphasizing seasonal market-driven produce and fine Italian imports, the restaurant serves comforting Italian classics like rigatoni all’amatrician (all pastas and sauces are homemade) and pollo alla Milanese.

Beyond the cuisine, the ambiance is perfect for sophisticated business lunches and romantic evenings on the town. The modern design gives the restaurant a polished vibe and the service couldn’t be better.

Unpopular opinion. Hot take. This one of those NYC food experiences that tourists overlook but locals swear by.

Only if, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
6

The Malt House

RestaurantFinancial District2 min from the subway
Worth it
The Malt House
  • Subway2, 3 to Wall St, 2 min
  • Address9 Maiden Ln, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

The Malt House is known for a put together selection of 250 American whiskies and impressive lineup of drafts. Inviting and polished, this my top recommendation when people ask where to grab lunch in the Financial District with coworkers. Salads, tacos, burgers and tartar, the menu is replete with step up pub fare.

But it’s the American Tavern Burger that takes center stage (cheddar, bacon, onion jam, garlic aioli, lettuce and pickles served on brioche bun). If you’re letting your hair down, opt for the showstopping El Capitan burger instead (two prime dry aged 4oz patties, smoked bacon bites, cheese, charred red onions, garlic aioli).

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
7

O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub

RestaurantFinancial District3 min from the subway
Worth it
O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub
  • Subway4, 5 to Wall St, 3 min
  • Address120 Cedar St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Dating back to 1983, O’Hara’s is an essential local hangout that became a haven for Ground Zero workers during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Every inch adorned with first responder patches, the pub was severely damaged during the wreckage of 9/11 and took more than a year to rebuild.

Not surprisingly, O’Hara’s is treated reverence to this day, especially by first responders. But don’t make the mistake of. The pub swells with chipper locals during lunch and the Irish stew and shepherd’s pie are largely to thank.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
8

Kuu Ramen

RestaurantFinancial District5 min from the subway
Worth it
  • SubwayM to Seneca Av, 5 min
  • Address20 John St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

If we’re going off name along, it’s easy to assume Kuu serves ramen exclusively, but that’s not the case. Kuu is a Japanese restaurant dolling out curry, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), dumplings, rice bowls and ramen.

Tiny but mighty, authentic Japanese cuisine coupled with swift service makes this one of the best lunch restaurants in the Financial District. Come winter, the place bulges with stalwart locals during the lunch hour, everyone eager to get their hands on piping-hot curries and ramen, textbook dishes for rainy days.

I’m a big fan of the Kuu chili ramen (spicy ground chicken, kakuni pork, marinated egg) and pork katsu curry rice (10-hour beef-based curry with hand-breaded pork loin over rice and pickled ginger).

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
9

Manhatta

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
Manhatta
  • Address28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

They say you can only have two, good views, good quality, or good prices, but at Manhatta you can have it all. Located on the 60th floor at 28 Liberty Street, the panoramic views are unparalleled, matched only by impeccable service and stunning modern American cuisine.

Which is precisely why Manhatta is one of the best restaurants in the Financial District for a date you’re keen to impress. A splurge-worthy experience, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Justin Bogle of Le Coucou renown, the youngest American chef to earn two Michelin stars (at the age of 28).

No detail overlooked, Manhatta’s inspired menu keeps the focus on modern American cuisine heightened by seasonal ingredients. Luxury takes center stage, with ?step up twists breathing new life into time-tested dishes. The chef’s dry-aged duck with pistachio, fava bean, candied black olive, strawberry is a dish I can’t get out of my mind month’s later.

My adviceIf scoring a reservation proves tricky, you can still enjoy the ambiance by hitting the bar an hour before the restaurant opens. It’s a savvy way to soak in the views with knock-out cocktails before grabbing dinner elsewhere.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
10

Crown Shy

RestaurantFinancial District
Worth it
  • Address70 Pine Street Ground Floor, New York
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Chefs James Kent (veteran of Eleven Madison Park) and Jeff Katz (of Del Posto fame) bring innovation to the dinning table at Crown Shy, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Financial District. Soaring ceilings, colossal windows and an open kitchen concept immerses the senses fully.

Billed as new American cuisine executed with European technique, the menu spans the gamut. From weighty roasted short rib and tender quail to delicate striped bass and pillowy ricotta gnocchi, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Don’t sleep on the desserts. The outcome of Pastry Chef Renata Ameni’s (who spent half a decade at Eleven Madison Park) skilled mind, the nuanced dessert menu is half the draw. Ameni’s baklava cheesecake (with strawberries and pistachio) is stunning.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
11

Temple Court

RestaurantFinancial District4 min from the subway
Worth it
Temple Court
  • Subway6, E, F to Lexington Av/53 St, 4 min
  • Address5 Beekman St, New York, NY
  • Health gradeC, city inspection
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Temple Court at the Beekman Hotel is the epitome of elegance. The imposing architecture with stunning stained glass windows and chandeliers ensures this fine-dining restaurant is fit for special occasions.

Run by eight-time James Beard Award-winning chef Tom Colicchio (celebrity judge on Top Chef ), the kitchen moves like clockwork, promising a memorable food experience tailored around step up American cuisine.

Flirt with some appetizers like the Spanish octopus and goat cheese agnolotti before committing to an entree. I’m a fan of Colicchio’s roasted. But you know the drill, excellence is top of mind, everything on the menu is bound to impress.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
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