Lunch near the MoMa?

I will be going to the MoMa this Saturday and was wondering if there was a nice place to have lunch nearby, I think the Modern may be a little too upscale as we will be going out for a nice dinner that night, but definitely looking for a nice relaxing place for lunch for 3 women. What is the other cafe like at the MoMa? Should we just do the Bar room at the Modern?

[jhggeyser]

The three-course prix fixe menu at Anthos is a great value, and it's only one block away. If you want a memorable lunch, consider going there.

[Lucia]

La Bonne Soupe, Menchanko-Tei, Burger Joint

[Gluttonous Prime]

If you're in the mood for soup dumplings, there's a Joe's Shanghai about a block away. On weekends, it doesn't get very crowded and is quite relaxing.

[jenkc]

There's a place called Pazza Notte on 6th Ave, around 56th St. Great pizzas, salads, and flatbreads.

[idia]

Funny! I too am going to MOMA on Saturday.
I intend to have lunch at La Bonne Soupe after deep sixing The Modern.
You don't need a reservation. Just walk in.
Enjoy MOMA.

[lamaranthe]

europacafe.com
Many locations and one close to MoMA. Breakfast for $5 or so, salads, pressate, etc. Busy place, good fresh food.

[financialdistrictresident]

Another possibility is eating somewhere in Little Brazil (46th between 5th and 6th), a short walk from 53rd.

Take a short walk to Chikubu on 44th b/t 5th and Madison for unbelievably good traditional Japanese. Many options are a bargain.

[kerokaeru]

Went there on Wednesday night, and it is no longer in business.

You could always do Terrace 5 in the MoMA where they offer table service. The food is a bit more upscale than Cafe 2.

Link: http://www.moma.org/visit_moma/restau...

The cafe at MoMa is a cafeteria with shared communal tables where one orders at the counter. Food is ok, but the room is very loud. The Bar Room would be a good option. Or, search on Menupages.com -- go to Advanced Search, and select W 50's.

These are all good and less upscale and less expensive than the Modern:

La Bonne Soupe
Maria Pia
Mangia e Bevi
Roberto Passon
Menchanko-tei
Chez Napolean

[cocolou]

La bonne soupe: See their menu on www.labonnesoupe.com
For $15-18 you get a very good lunch

I've had both lunch and dinner at the Bar Room at the Modern and definitely recommend it. The menu configuration (small, medium and large plates) enables you to have a large, expensive meal or something lighter and cheaper.

Good to know. Do you know if the menu is the same for both lunch and dinner? The menu on menupages looks more geared towards dinner.

the cafe at aquavit (not the dining room) is another option. $20 prix fixe 3-course menu... that will satisfy, but lite enough not to spoil dinner. will be in keeping with the design-y mood of the MoMA. easy reservations on opentable.com. if you're all up for scandinavian food...

[kathryn]

It's the same menu all day long.