In a city brimming with Wall Street brokers, media power players and politicians, lunch is just another excuse for a business meeting, and in Manhattan, we do power lunches a little differently. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated spot, the hottest restaurant or a good classic, here are five haute power lunches to try.
Au Cheval
The nation’s beloved burger destination, Au Cheval, made its New York debut in Tribeca and has since attracted a crowd waiting to wrap their hands around its world-class burgers. The popular eatery makes for a great spot to pow-wow over the business, while sharing a laugh or two over juicy burgers. Sink your teeth into a classic double cheeseburger and pair it with French fries, or try something different. The general Jane’s honey-fried chicken with spicy red chili flake, sesame seed and cilantro is a unique way to add a little spice to your power lunch. To reserve a table visit resy.
L’Avenue at Saks
L’Avenue at Saks has already become a favorite for the fashion set and A-list alike, with Gigi Hadid, Katy Perry, Wes Gordon and others amongst its clientele. Now, the Parisian outpost just announced it will be serving lunch, and what better place to talk business than in one of the stunning dining spaces, from 1945 French Art Deco to après-ski style interiors. As for the lunch menu, it reads four pages and includes sea bass tartar, ceviche, escargot, duck foie gras, shrimp dim sum, spicy lobster pasta and so much more. To reserve a table call (212) 940-4099.
Bāng Bar
This to-go restaurant is built around flatbread and vertical spits of roasted meats. “Bāng,” which means bread in Korean, is the hero of Bāng Bar situated on the third floor of the Shops at Columbus Circle. As a favorite among career-driven individuals in the area, the restaurant helmed by David Chang serves office bowls filled with rice, pickles, cabbage and your choice of spicy pork, chicken or spicy eggplant. Apart from daily lunch specials, opt-in for “The U,” which is hand-pulled bāng, griddled, filled and rolled into a u-shape. Choose from spicy pork, yakitori chicken or spicy eggplant.
Bar Boulud
Even if you frequent Bar Boulud, there is always something new to try and this spring, share the new charcuterie board from Chef Charcuterie Arthur Dehaine with fellow business associates. A large board starts at $40 and includes cold specialties; pâté grand-mère, Fromage de tête, foie gras terrine—to name a few, hors d’ oeuvres, condiments and mustards. Pair with a glass of wine and you’ll have a perfect French power lunch for when meeting rooms are passé. Three-course prix fixe menus start at $34/per person and two-course menus start at $27/per person. To reserve a table call 212.595.0303.
Misi
Lunch over handmade pasta from James Beard Award-winning chef Missy Robbins. Her second Italian restaurant and bar, Misi, in Williamsburg has an adventurous menu, with ten handcrafted pasta dishes, including fettuccini with buffalo butter, corzetti with sungold cherry tomatoes, sheep’s milk ricotta occhi and more. A small grove of ficus trees planted in the center of the room brings the outside in, while the black leather banquettes and hues of gray and white create a warm and convivial atmosphere. Choose to dine in the main dining room or opt-in for one of 35 seats surrounding the open kitchen, which invites guests to interact and peer into the workspace. To reserve a table call 347.566.3262.
