Milu

This Gramercy spot opened in October 2020, serving bowls and platters that follow the usual formula for fast-casual food: one protein, some vegetables, and at least one form of carbohydrates. The difference here is that Milu serves Chinese-inspired dishes like Yunnan brisket with chili garlic mint sauce, and Sichuan-spiced cauliflower, plus some delicious and plump wontons. The ingredients themselves are given noticeably more care than whatever happens at your normal lunch grab-and-go place. For instance, the rice underneath your salmon will actually taste like it was steamed properly. And the delicate, ginger-scallion poached salmon won’t haunt you for the next couple afternoon meetings. Even still, nothing on the menu (not even the Mandarin duck) costs more than $15.