I'm planning a reunion for eight ladies. We're all from New York, but most of us left many years ago. In a separate post I will note the itinerary I'm planning and ask for a critique. In the meantime, I need to find an interesting lunch place for us near Columbus Circle that is not expensive. We'll also most likely stop into Magnolia Bakery for a treat. Thanks. Diane

Bouchon Bakery (in the Time-Warner Center) has a cafe, which is a nice place for lunch, but they also sell excellent sandwiches at the bakery counter. For me, that's an infnitely better place for a delicious pastry than Magnolia, which, frankly, I dislike. But the cafe isn't going to be under $20 and would require a reservation for 8 people. For something cheaper, you might just stop into Whole Foods and grab something there. They have excellent prepared foods; it's in the basement of the Time-Warner Centr.

Magnolia is further north, at 69th Street, and I don't really know the area around Lincoln Center very well. Bar Boulud is a great spot, but again it's not cheap and would require a reservation.

If you like Indian food, Sapphire in Broadway and 61st is worth a look. We've been there for dinner and enjoyed it. Although not mentioned on their website, I understand they offer a Lunch Buffet, you might want to call for details. The room is very nicely decorated in traditional Indian style.

How about the new Épicerie Boulud at 64th and Broadway. http://www.danielnyc.com/epicerie.html

Not sure what you call not expensive but Asiate, in the Mandarin Oriental hotel on the 35th floor of the Time Warner buildings offers a $24 2 course lunch during the week that's great value. I wouldn't call it casual but you don't have to dress up. The views are great and it's a memorable place.

Rosa Mexicana has a location on 63 st. which is a fun spot for a group. The upstairs dining room is sunny and cheery.

Telepan is another good place in that area with a prix fixe lunch during the week. http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/telepan/

Another nice place that isn't too expensive is Josephinas.

There are better bargains than the lunch at Nougatine.

If you want real bargains, the pizza place next to Magnolia is Rigolleto's. I go there often because some of their slices have whole wheat crusts. It is very busy and it is often busy with the stroller set but the pizza is great. It is a much better value than the cupcakes next door.

Warren (Adu), please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you meant to say, "There are few better bargains than the lunch at Nougatine."

I agree: three courses for $28, not including beverages, tax and tip.

Thanks for your replies. I'm making headway in the itinerary. I think the ladies will have sticker shock at NYC restaurant prices. Lunch for more than $20 is not what they are expecting (lol). Diane

You are correct Burt, I omitted the word few or no.

Diane, your ladyfriends need to adjust their sights. Regardless of where you eat, don't forget to add almost 9% sales tax and a 15 to 20% tip (on the total before tax) to the bill.

There is always Gray's Papaya.

There are plenty of places to have lunch for under $20 per person, In fact, I think restaurant prices in NYC can be less than in many cities or suburbs because of the competition and because neighborhood places are open all day (no 12-2 only for lunch then reopen at 5 for dinner) I think people here were trying to help you find more unique special places to eat, but there are dozens of serviceable places for less $20 (not counting alcoholic drinks). Not much on Broadway from Columbus Circle up to about 67th, and then you're better off walking up Columbus.
Le Pain Quotidien between Broadway and Central Park West at 65th(?) bakery, salads soup
Jalapeno , inexpensive Mexican food.
Nanoosh, Broadway near 69th, hummus and other middleeastern food

If you can go past 70th st. Columbus and Amsterdam avenue both have even more places that would fit your budget. Nothing that would necessarily be worth a special trip, but inexpensive places where local people happily eat every day.

It all depends on what you're looking for, You may want to have some special meals, but depending on how long you'll be in NYC, don't feel like every meal has to be momentous and expensive