Flatiron – Off the beaten track

Working in Flatiron can be incredibly hectic – coined the Silicon Valley of NYC, the start-up culture makes for harried employees dashing about trying to find a bite to eat before someone finds out they’re missing. For someone who values a few minutes of peace in the middle of the day to refocus, I’ve made it my mission to find a few gems off the beaten track of the usual rush.

1. Mira Sushi
46 W 22nd St  New York, NY 10010

A quiet spot on 22nd street, walking into Mira Sushi at lunch hour is a nice reprieve from the craziness of 6th Avenue. An extensive menu, they have quite a few lunch deals that won’t break the bank, but will fill you up enough to take on your afternoon meetings. I’m personally a huge fan of their bibimbap and the spicy tuna pizza. Their inventive take on signature dishes make lunch time a little more exciting during the week.

2. The Cellar at Beecher’s
900 Broadway  New York, NY 10003

While this place is out of control during happy hour, lunch time finds it curiously empty. A delightful spot for a hot bowl of tomato soup and a gourmet grilled cheese with figs, the quiet makes it ideal for a working lunch, or a secret treat in the middle of the day. Upstairs, an extensive cheese and treat market gives you an excuse to grab a mid-afternoon pick-me-up on your way back to the office.

3. Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine
28 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Flatiron is FULL of every chain restaurant you could possibly imagine. Chop’t is next to Subway which is next to Pret a Manger and Hale and Hearty. In the midst of sameness, Sophie’s shines like a beacon of taste. Known for their hefty, authentic Cuban sandwiches, Sophie’s no fuss food will fill you up and make you happy you skipped the same ol’ panini at Panera. Try the roast pork sandwich with fried sweet plantains and get extra green sauce. You won’t regret it.

4. Laut

15 E 17th Street, New York NY 10003

Solid Malaysian food can be hard to find in the city – and Laut doesn’t do a great job of bringing attention to just how good it is. Its menu can be quite confusing as an onslaught of pan-Asian cuisine is thrown your way – but ignore it all and stick with the Malaysian specialties. I usually opt for the curry laksa, a spicy coconut noodle soup that perfect for a cool fall day. If you have a bit of extra time to sit down and enjoy your meal, immerse yourself in the complex flavors of Laut.