Wall Street's Lunchtime Preferences: Top 5 New York Eateries

Many finance professionals on Wall Street usually grab what’s jokingly called a ‘slop bowl’ for their lunch, which typically is an $18 mix of veggies, chicken, and rice from quick-service joints like Chipotle or Sweetgreen.

However, when the mood strikes for something more sophisticated—or when dining with clients and colleagues—these professionals sometimes choose more upscale venues. Here’s a brief look at a few of these favored lunch stops in New York City, ranging from upscale to simple deli fare.

Dante West Village: A Cozy Italian-American Retreat

Located at 551 Hudson St, this Italian-American restaurant offers meals in the $50 to $100 range. Among the enticing options, the woodfired trout is worth a try. Although the space is snug, patrons like Ivana Delevska from Spear Invest rave about its delightful food and beverages.

Café Hestia: A Budget-Friendly Variety Spot

At 80 Maiden Ln, Café Hestia presents a diverse menu that blends American and Asian flavors with prices between $10 and $20. Popular for its affordable and assorted offerings, it's a favorite pick for Nyla Legemah from the London Stock Exchange Group, who particularly enjoys their Asian-style Philly cheesesteak.

Champs Deli: Classic American with a Twist

Situated at 30 Broad St near Exchange Place, Champs Deli is well-known for its American cuisine, priced between $10 and $20. Among the must-tries is the basil pesto grilled chicken sandwich. Kearney Ferguson from NYSE particularly recommends their honey turkey sandwich, especially the #25 variant without onions.

Altro Paradiso: Italian Delights with a Vibrant Atmosphere

Found at 234 Spring St, Altro Paradiso provides an Italian dining experience in the $50 to $100 budget range. Known for its boisterous yet enjoyable ambiance, Chase Doyen from the London Stock Exchange Group praises their impeccable service and advises trying the classic Cacio E Pepe, although the malfatti is also highlighted.

Fraunces Tavern: A Historic American Tavern

Located at 54 Pearl St, Fraunces Tavern serves American dishes with a historical twist, ranging from $40 to $60. A favorite due to its rich history—legend has it that George Washington was a regular here—a sales executive at S&P Global singles out the Scotch egg as a noteworthy dish.

This selection reflects just a fraction of New York's vast culinary landscape, merely showcasing a few beloved options where Wall Street professionals choose to indulge during their lunch breaks.