Feeling hungry but the Commons just isn’t going to hit today? And who has the time to trek all the way down Freret or Maple Street for Val’s or Fresco’s — not me. Luckily, there’s Lunch, the not-so-hidden sandwich shop tucked conveniently next to The Boot.
Since it opened last semester, I’ve passed by Lunch countless times, peeking through the windows as I walked by The Boot, always curious but never stepping inside. When I finally did, I had one of the best sandwiches of my life. That first bite immediately warranted a second visit — and ultimately, this review.
The brainchild of the mother-son duo, Lisa and Jack Greenleaf, Lunch offers the Tulane University community a menu full of gourmet creations. Every sandwich is served on fresh house-baked schiacciata bread, generously bedazzled with flaky salt that adds the perfect amount of crunch and flavor. With 10 sandwiches to choose from, there’s something for every palate. But with only two meatless options, it may not be the most vegetarian-friendly. You can either order a half or a whole sandwich, but be warned — the portions are no joke. A whole sandwich can easily feed two.
The sandwiches
The Portofino, which costs $11 for a half, is my personal favorite. It’s a perfectly salty masterpiece featuring breaded eggplant and a ridiculously tasty lemon ricotta cream. I’m not usually a tomato person, but the heirloom tomatoes here are revolutionary: fresh, juicy and perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the cheese.
The Capri is another standout, but make sure to get it hot. This sandwich is the definition of comfort food when served warm. Melted mozzarella, toasted bread and layers of pistachio pesto and olive oil make it so rich that it makes it impossible to ever lose the “freshman fifteen.”
Although it’s a bit heavier, the Pisa is also great. It comes with your choice of chicken or eggplant cutlets, both smothered in a rich red pesto. Another fan favorite is the Roma, which is loaded with prosciutto, pesto and roasted red peppers. I usually skip red peppers, but even with them, this sandwich does the trick. I’ll admit I was a little hesitant to try the Toscano — a mix of rosemary bacon, pear, roast turkey and praline butter — but it danced across the sweet-savory line beautifully. The Firenze offers something light and refreshing. With a lemon chicken cutlet, spicy broccoli rabe and parmesan reggiano, it’s ideal for a midday bite that won’t leave you sluggish.
Although I wasn’t able to sample the whole menu, the sandwiches I did try left me confident that the rest would also leave me smiling like a little kid.
Sweet treats, extras
Of course, no great meal is complete without dessert. After unbuttoning your jeans post-sandwich, you’ll want a sweet treat — and Lunch delivers. My personal recommendation is the chocolate chip cookie, which is perfectly chewy with just the right amount of flaky sea salt on top. If you’re craving something creamier, the tiramisu is another hit, and conveniently easy to eat on the go between classes.
And if you’re not in the mood for a Boot drink, Lunch offers an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages and chips to round out your meal.
The verdict
Lunch is everything you want in a campus-adjacent restaurant: convenient, high-quality and refreshingly unfussy. With its freshly baked bread, thoughtfully composed sandwiches and desserts, it’s more than a place to eat — it’s a spot you’ll look forward to returning to. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before class or recovering from a long night at The Boot, Lunch hits the sweet and savory spot every single time. Your wallet may not thank you if you go every day but it’s absolutely a must-try spot. So if you’re hungry, go get some Lunch!
Dining and Cooking