Your Midtown East Lunch Break, Made Better with Fresh Pasta

Some days, lunch deserves more than another desk sandwich. At Cafe Luce in Midtown East, fresh homemade pasta, salads and Italian starters give you a reason to step away from your screen and enjoy your break. Find us at 235 East 53rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.

Choose the lunch you are in the mood for

Start with the sauce. Alla Vodka brings a creamy tomato flavor, Arrabbiata adds chili, and Bolognese is a hearty choice. Prefer something simpler? Explore Aglio e Olio or Tomato Basil. Choose from the pasta options on the current menu and ask our team if you would like help putting your order together.

If you are in the mood for salad, explore Caprese, Italian Salad or Tri Color Salad. Burrata and Bruschetta Pomodoro are other ways to start a meal. Check the Midtown East menu for the current selection, add-ons and prices.

Lunch with coworkers or a friend

Meeting someone for a midday catch-up? Choose your own pasta dishes and share a starter if you like. Our generous portions and Italian favorites let everyone build a meal around their appetite.

If you have a meeting to return to, tell the team about your schedule before ordering and ask what will work for the time you have. For a group, call ahead to discuss seating rather than assuming a table will be available.

Taking lunch back with you?

Use our Midtown East pickup page and select Midtown East. Check that your order confirmation shows 235 East 53rd Street before collecting your food. Cafe Luce also has a Hell’s Kitchen location, so choosing the right restaurant matters.

Read our Italian takeout guide for more help choosing the correct pickup location.

Different preferences at the same table

Explore our gluten-free and vegetarian choices and vegan options before you visit. Tell your server about dietary needs before ordering so the team can check the complete dish. Gluten-free pasta is available as a separate option and is not made fresh in-house.

Midtown East lunch questions

What time does Cafe Luce Midtown East open?

We open at 11 AM every day at 235 East 53rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues. Our daily hours are 11 AM–10:30 PM.

Can I reserve a table for a business lunch?

Reserve online through our Midtown East page or call 646-590-2777 to discuss seating. For groups of 10 or more, email cafelucenyc@gmail.com to plan your visit.

Is there a weekday happy hour?

Yes. Happy Hour at Midtown East runs Monday–Friday, 11 AM–5 PM, with beer, wine and wine-based spritzes. Check the Midtown East menu for the current selection and prices.

Plan your Midtown East lunch

Cafe Luce Midtown East is at 235 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022. Call 646-590-2777 with seating or menu questions, and visit our Midtown East page for hours and reservation options.

Reserve a table for lunch at Cafe Luce Midtown East. Bringing coworkers? Read our Midtown East group dining guide for seating, menu and booking questions to discuss with the team.

Planning a weekend visit instead? Explore our Midtown East brunch guide for frittatas, panini, eggs Benedict and French toast, served Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.