hello, yes I KNOW the words cafeteria and gourmet shouldn't be in the same sentence, but I was hoping someone could help me out. I'm looking for a cafeteria-style restaurant that has something beyond a dried up cheese sandwich - maybe some nice salads, soups, sandwiches, etc. I have heard about City Bakery south of Midtown, but is there anything in the Midtown area - Mid East or West - doesn't matter!

Tuscan Square on 51st between 5th & 6th is a nice, Italian restaurant upstairs and a self-serve market downstairs. It's a little pricey, but they have delicious salad bar, pizzas, panini, hot food, etc. There are long, communal tables for dining. It should fit the bill.

Citarella has opened a Citarella to-go & restaurant on the corner of 6th Ave and 49th Street. The to-go area has a few window seats. They serve hot & cold foods, sandwiches, sushi, soups, etc. Also there are a ton of eating options in the concourse underneath Rock Ctr.

Lisa and Irene, Thank you! I really appreciate your suggestions and these both sound very appropriate for what I'm looking for.

Say Kim, did you know that someone named marguerite (or maggie) posted the same question as you, nearly verbatim? At any rate there are some responses to the marguerite post, including my own for the same Citarella To Go that Irene recommends. It's way further down or you can do a search.