Interesting chow in Midtown

[NYCBaby]

I just got a temp job on 57th and Madison. I walk over from Columbus Circle. Any good recomendations for a quick breakfast and lunch spot for a foodie like myself? I am only a temp so the purse strings are a bit tight, but I could splurge once a week or so.

[D...DF]

Fresco On the Go (52nd btwn Madison and Park) might fit the bill. Decent lunch entrees for $10 or under. I like the meatballs, but I wouldn't go there everyday.

And yes, most definitely Burger Joint.

[NiKoLe1625]

Le Pain quotidienne is awesome! they have a little bit of everything for breakfast or lunch! Love the medditeranean platter! also the Brooklyn Diner on 56th is another great place for bfast or lunch!

[NYprof]

The Hallo Berlin sausage cart on 54th and 5th Ave is real German wurst. Yum. The lines get very long, so go early!

[mr_seabass]

Sorry - forgot to mention the burger joint at the Parker Meridian. Their cheeseburgers are, in my opinion, the best in the city (better than shake shack).

[nyufoodie]

great cheap burgers at the burger joint inside the le parker meridien hotel on west 57th bet 6th and 7th.

[mr_seabass]

For Japanese, I suggest Kiku on 55th between 5th and 6th. Their sushi is always wonderful and fresh. Their Nabe Yake Udon is really delicious.

For Indian, I suggest Sitar on 56th. It's nothing to look at, and the food is nothing special, but it's a great place for a quick buffet lunch which tastes good.

Chinese in Midtown is tough, although there is always Szechuan International on 2nd around 55th. It is fantastic.

[Lau]

katsu hama is great on 47th bet 5th and mad, very good curry katsu and tonkatsu

[gibbyrd]

I used to work in Midtown -- a culinary wasteland unless you're making seven figures or have a huge expense account. Three or four years ago, after combing Zagat's to see if there was anything interesting around, I stumbled on Pampano, a friendly and lovely place that serves excellently-prepared Mexican/Latin food with a gourmet twist (especially seafood). I've taken scores of people there -- from executives to secretaries to artists to lawyers -- and all loved the place. E. 49th between 2nd and 3rd.

[welle]

There is Le Pain Quotidien on 7th ave and 58th for your morning coffee on your way to work.

[David W]

Aquavit Cafe (55th Mad-Park) has a daily $24 prixe fixe- herring!

[NYCBaby]

Yeah! My boyfriend took me out there and it was amazing! 3 Aquavit lunches are good for the soul!

[NYCBaby]

Someone else likes that a lot too!

http://hotforhoundstooth.blogspot.com...

[zGustibus]

Fika Sweedish Espresso Bar is pretty cool. They've got some really good sandwiches and salads:

http://midtownlunch.com/blog/2006/09/18/fika-swedish-espresso-bar-2/

There's also a Turkish Buffet that I really like on 55th btw. Lex & 3rd. The food is average to decent- but it's all you can eat for $10

http://midtownlunch.com/blog/2006/10/...

Of course there's always Menchanko Tei (55th just east of 6th) or Men Kui Tei (56th just east of 6th) for awesome Ramen.

[chowNYC]

Sushiya on 56th between 5th and 6th is great, inexpensive sushi. They also have lunch specials (bento boxes) that are a good value.

[platypus]

i used to go to sushiya regularly (like once a week) but about a year ago the quality started to slip and finally i just gave up. how long have you been going? (as my friend said, it just wasn't giving her that special sushi feeling anymore.) i'm curious if it's gotten better again. i'm willing to give it another shot, but need some reassurance that it's really decent again.

my go to place now is a block away, just east of the (also good) Menkuitei on 56th bet 5th and 6th, same side of the street. they also have really good specials that change every day.

[platypus]

forgot to say that it's called Ise.