George Perrier's gut-busting dinner menu is much easier to digest—both physically and financially—when downsized a few courses for a stellar midday meal. Ringing in at $54 per person, many of the best dishes (like the must-order crab cake) are offered on the four-course menu, which includes a drive-by from the legendary dessert cart.

Sick of lunch-truck souvlaki? There's not a single priced-by-the-pound fish that even comes close in cost to Estia's three-course prix fixe lunch menu. For $18.95, the selections stay the same day-to-day but there are enough options to visit up to three times a week if you're really craving some Greek goodness.

This restaurant hardly needs a gimmick to fill tables during lunch. Still, even the savviest foodies can't help feeling a little impressed with the $18 bento box lunch. A Japanese dining staple, the traditional black lacquer box features three shrunken portions from the regular a la carte lunch menu, chosen by the chef each day. Here's hoping the tea-smoked spare ribs are served the day you decide to go.

For the price of a glass of pinot noir, you can take advantage of the weekday Lunch Express inside this sleek Italian eatery. The three-course meal includes salad, your choice of three entrees (typically a rotating selection of chicken, veal and pasta dishes) and dessert—all for $9.95. Take your co-workers and you'll score instant popularity points; bring your boss and you'll be known as the office cheapskate.

Forget about the fact that this Restaurant Row favorite has racked up national awards. The Chinese principle of too many choices is even upheld at this fine-dining spot. Eight entrees are offered on the three-course lunch menu for $24.95. Choose from soup or salad, dim sum, the main course and dessert.