I met a couple friends recently for lunch at The National, Geoffrey Zakarian’s restaurant in the Benjamin Hotel on Lexington Avenue at 50th Street.

Two of us split one of their famous “ugly” burgers with pickled jalapeño, housemade pickles, Bibb lettuce. sliced tomatoes on a bun spread with their own special National sauce. There was  almost no room for the burger! This came with perfectly cooked and seasoned fries ($21). I’d go back for that anytime. We also shared a mixed green salad ($17) with julienne sliced sugar snap peas and Daikon radishes in an Asian inspired sesame lime dressing. Yummy.

Another friend had an appetizer portion of their pasta with mushrooms and kale ($18) topped with cheese shreds.

A great place — albeit a tad pricey — to stop for lunch when midtown.

The National
Turtle Bay
The Benjamin
557 Lexington Ave (at 50th St.)
New York, NY 10022
212) 715-2400
National Restaurant & Coffee Shop Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato