Oyamel in NYC
Photograph: Nitzan Keynan
Photograph: Nitzan Keynan

Cheap eats: The best NYC Restaurant Week deals under $30

We are here to eat and save.

Morgan Carter
Advertising

If you don't know already, the summer edition of NYC Restaurant Week is well underway. But if you follow us, you are probably well aware, as we can't stop talking about it. And how could we not? Over 600 restaurants across our five boroughs are inviting us to the table over seriously discounted deals that don't tip over $60, on offer morning, noon and night. We've already thumbed through our best picks across all five boroughs as well as rattled off a handful of Michelin-rated restaurants that we think are worth the visit, especially at a more affordable price point.

But, speaking of affordable, if you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, we hear you. Close to 300 restaurants are doling out deals around the $30 mark, making it easy to bop around from place to place with monies relatively intact. Hungry? Eat and save at these cheap NYC Restaurant Week deals. 

RECOMMENDED: The 20 best cheap eats in NYC

Cheapest NYC Restaurant Week Deals

Mission Ceviche

What was once a modest stall in Gansevoort Market has now become the beacon for Peruvian cuisine in the city. Of course, we are talking about Mission Ceviche. Last year, chef José Luis Chávez opened another ode to Nikkei-style cuisine, making a splash in Union Square last July.

Our prix fixe pick: With all the coin you saved, you could add on the Pisco Sour Tasting for an additional $35. 

Expect to pay: $30 lunch

Nami Nori

Three alums of the Michelin-starred Masa decided they wanted to continue to do sushi, sans the hundreds-of-dollars price point. It seems they have done exactly that, charming us with temaki counters in the West Village and Williamsburg. Their small but mighty hand rolls have clearly made an impact, as the team received a Bib Gourmand rank from the Michelin Guide all their own.

Our prix fixe pick: The Summer Restaurant Week set, only available at the Williamsburg location, includes spicy tomato tempura flake, tuna poke, red crab California, salmon serrano and cucumber black sesame. 

Expect to pay: $30 lunch, only on offer Mon–Fri from noon–2:30pm

Advertising

Hutong

Inside a glammed-up Art-Deco hall, Hutong sets the stage for showstopping numbers, the tableside Flaming Peking Duck being the flashiest. But literal flames aside, there's plenty here that is sure to light your fire, with lobster dumplings and pillowy bao buns stuffed with shiitakes and truffles.

Our prix fixe pick: Out of the five apps on offer, we like the King Prawn with leeks, jade hearts and cilantro salad. 

Expect to pay: $30 lunch

  • Mexican
  • Prospect Heights
  • Recommended

There are many things we like about Alta Calidad. Perhaps its the Queso Fundido with a blend of Chihuahua and halloumi cheeses that defines the cheese pull genre. Or maybe its the tacos, running the gamut of carne asada to the shrimp with flecks of the peanut salsa matcha. Or maybe, just maybe, it is a little bit of everything that makes this Prospect Heights eatery feel so special.

Our prix fixe pick: Three words: Chicharron Crusted Shrimp.

Expect to pay: $30 lunch

Advertising
  • Greenpoint
  • Recommended

Our best Thai restaurant in NYC for 2025, Kru is notable for its "vibrant revitalization to 100-year-old Thai recipes," thanks to husband-and-wife Chefs Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap. Expect a meal that is unapologetic when it comes to spice and flavor.

Our prix fixe pick: The weekend-only special includes the Crispy Mushroom Satay Sandwich. So, keep your Sunday open, yes?

Expect to pay: $30 Sunday lunch

  • Midtown West

If you've yet to visit José Andrés' Oyamel in Washington, D.C., save yourself the train fare—the chef just saved you a trip with a second location now open in NYC. Housed inside the massive 15,000-square-foot space—just a few steps away from his all-day dining destination, Mercado Little Spain—the Hudson Yard restaurant mirrors a colorful Mexican mercado matched with cuisine from the region. 

Our prix fixe pick: Opt for the Aguachile de Sandia y Tomate that uses diced watermelon, habanero oil and tomatoes of the moment (aka seasonal).

Expect to pay: $30 lunch, only on offer Mon–Fri 11am–4pm

Advertising
  • French
  • Boerum Hill
  • price 2 of 4

An equally appropriate backdrop for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, French Louie demonstrates quiet style and easy elegance. It’s low-key lively inside, with a peaceful backyard beyond, good cocktails throughout and lovely menu items like escargots, steak tartare, duck and roasted chicken. 

Our prix fixe pick: Opt for a French classic by ordering the Moules Normande with cider, leeks, mustard and crème fraîche.

Expect to pay: $30 lunch

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

There’s a reason why Harlem's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is perpetually packed with neighborhood families, leather-clad bikers and everyone in between: it is one of the finest smokehouses in the city.

Our prix fixe pick: The lunchtime deal still includes a make-your-own combo plate. So fill it well with your choice of St. Louis Ribs, a quarter chicken and Prime Brisket, plus your choice of two sides.

Expect to pay: $30 lunch; Daily noon–4pm

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising