Restaurant Suggestions for and from our visitors

This blog is for those visiting World Cares Center and eager to explore the culinary delights around our office in the Fashion District. Please add to the list and include new restaurants you have tried and if you would suggest them or suggest avoiding them. We are always looking for budget friendly options.

Here are some good places to start:

Here’s a curated, hyper-local list within ~5 blocks of 520 8th Avenue (Midtown / Penn Station area) focused specifically on lunch spots + pastry/bakery options, grouped by your requested price ranges. I’ve prioritized places actually in that immediate radius and commonly used for lunch.

🥪 1. $5.00–$15.00 (Quick, affordable lunch & grab-and-go)

Gregorys Coffee – coffee, sandwiches, pastries in the 520 8th Ave Building
Soma Salads – fast healthy bowls/salads in the 520 8th Ave Building
Chef Yu – Chinese takeout lunch specials, Lisa’s go to! in the 520 8th Ave Building
The Lobby Bagel Shop in the 520 8th Ave Building
Vanilla Gorilla Cafe – casual café sandwiches
7th Street Burger – smash burgers, fries
NY Pizza Suprema – classic NYC slices
Oakberry Acai – acai bowls / light lunch

Pastry / bakery options in this range:
Angelina Bakery – croissants, donuts, quick sandwiches
Cafe D’Avignon – French-style pastries

*This category is dominated by grab-and-go lunches, slices, delis, and bakery cafés—perfect for quick workday meals.

🥗 2. $15.00–$25.00 (Mid-range casual lunch)

Azuki Sushi – sushi lunch sets in the 520 8th Ave Building
Watami Sushi – reliable sushi lunch specials
Reichenbach Hall – German beer hall food (hearty lunch)
Papi Pasta & Pizza – pasta, pizza combos
Dainobu Gourmet Deli – Japanese deli lunch boxes

Bakery / café lunch crossover:
Carlo’s Bakery – pastries + light savory items

This range gives you sit-down casual meals, sushi specials, and more filling café lunches.

🍽️ 3. $25.00+ (Sit-down lunch / higher-end casual)

Daniela Trattoria – Italian, pasta & entrees
Carnegie Diner Cafe – large portions, classic NYC diner
Guantanamera NYC – Cuban sit-down dining
Playwright Celtic Pub – pub lunch with full menu
Schnipper’s – upgraded fast casual (can hit $25 with combos)

These are more relaxed sit-down lunches—good for meetings or when you’re not rushing.

🧭 Quick Takeaways

Closest + most convenient: Gregorys Coffee, Soma Salads, Chef Yu (literally in the building)

Best pastry cluster: Angelina Bakery + Cafe D’Avignon within 2–3 blocks

Best lunch density: 36th–40th Streets along 8th Ave (heavy concentration of options)
Best sit-down zone: 37th–45th Streets for fuller-service meals

Additional options: explore all the restaurant and pastry shops with in Penn Station, new and old.

Please share your best lunch spots!