Six Upper East Side Tables for a Weeknight Dinner

Panineria

Mon – Sun, 09:00 – 21:00

4.8 (526)

322 E 81st St

A cozy East 81st spot serving Italian panini on fresh ciabatta plus customizable pasta. It works for a fast, inexpensive lunch or dinner. Open daily, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Pricing is inexpensive.

Marwin Thai Restaurant

Mon – Sun, 11:30 – 22:00

4.8 (428)

1132 1st Ave

A snug First Avenue room turning out sharp Thai classics, from pad see ew to crispy pork pad thai. It suits a reliable weeknight dinner. Open daily to 10:00 PM. Pricing is mid-priced.

Grill Point

Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:00 – 23:00; Fri, 10:00 – 16:00

4.5 (609)

1215 Lexington Avenue

A casual Lexington Avenue kosher spot plating hefty shawarma and customizable falafel with homemade sides. It fits a quick, filling plate. Open to 11:00 PM most days, closed Saturday. Pricing is mid-priced.

Thai @ Lex

Mon – Fri, 11:30 – 16:00, 17:00 – 22:00; Sat, 12:00 – 16:00, 17:00 – 22:00; Sun, 12:00 – 21:00

4.3 (713)

1244 Lexington Avenue

A Lexington Avenue local favorite known for drunken noodles and value lunch specials. It works for an easy midday break. Lunch runs 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Pricing is mid-priced.

Bella Blu

Mon – Sat, 12:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 22:30

4.4 (506)

967 Lexington Avenue

A snug Lexington Avenue room serving upscale Italian classics, pizza, and wine to a loyal crowd. It suits a later, unhurried dinner. Open daily to midnight. Pricing is upscale.

Paola's

Mon – Fri, 17:00 – 22:00; Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 22:00

4.5 (418)

1302 Madison Avenue

A Carnegie Hill room plating handmade pastas and Roman classics for neighborhood regulars. It fits a warm, dressed-up dinner. Dinner runs nightly, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Pricing is upscale.