what to eat for lunch

What to Eat for Lunch: 5 Fantastic Ideas for Your Family

Figuring out what to feed yourself or family can be a daily, and sometimes frustrating, task. Especially if there are multiple picky eaters in your house. If you can’t figure out what to eat for lunch, Tony’s Pizza can help. Here are five fun lunch ideas to consider. Or, if you’re looking for a quicker option, drop by Tony’s Pizza for a delightful slice of pizza, sub, salad, stromboli, wings…whatever you desire! Don’t forget, we’ve got daily lunch specials too.

Go for an International Twist on Old Favorites

According to a recent survey, American’s favorite things to eat at mealtime include:

  1. Mashed potatoes
  2. French fries
  3. Hamburgers
  4. Grilled Cheese
  5. Fried Chicken

Likewise, other top favorites are sandwiches, chicken nuggets/tenders, and salads.

If you have family members who are creatures of habit, get creative! Try new twists on their favorites. Consider ways to make your lunch globally-inspired. Therefore, you can introduce new flavors and/or textures without reaching too far beyond your family’s comfort zone.

Here are a few examples:

  • Opt for teriyaki, jerk-style, or other unique international dipping sauces for chicken.
  • Add a bit of brown gravy and cheese curds to french fries and create the beloved Canadian dish poutine.
  • Make a grilled cheese or other type of sandwich using less traditional cheeses. Use Spanish Manchego, Dutch Gouda, English Cheddar, or another type of delicious melty cheese.

If you get creative and add in a few interesting ingredients, it encourages your family to try new things. Often, they’re less likely to turn up their noses at something completely unfamiliar when it’s fun.

Make a Meat, Fruit, and Vegetable Tray

For good reason, charcuterie boards are the thing to do. They’re flexible and encourage people to try a wide range of foods during a single meal. As a fun lunch option, make a version that your kids will love too.

Typically, a charcuterie board showcases upscale cured pork products. Moreover, many also include nuts, cheese, fruits, vegetables, crackers, spreads, and dipping sauces. On your lunchtime charcuterie board for the kids, add:

  • Rolled lunch meat and sliced cheese
  • Baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, broccoli, and other raw vegetables they enjoy
  • Crackers (Ritz, goldfish, saltines, or anything else in your pantry)
  • Peanut butter
  • Sliced applies, berries, orange slices, grapes, and other fresh fruits
  • Raisins
  • Pieces of bread or toast, cut into strips
  • Pretzels

Likewise, add any other snacky foods in your house as well. Experiment with a few more unusual options to encourage picky eaters to try new things. Give foods such as hummus, kiwi or other tropical fruits and pickles a chance to become beloved favorites.

Breakfast for Lunch with a Pancake or Waffle Bar

Let’s face it, mornings can become rushed, so it isn’t always possible to make pancakes or waffles. Make them for a fun lunch instead and include a toppings bar that kids (and – who are we kidding – adults too!) will love. Here are a few fun toppings to try on your pancakes or waffles:

  • Maple syrup of course (and try warming it a bit with some flavoring extract like vanilla for a fun twist)
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings or chips
  • Peanut butter
  • Candied bacon
  • Fresh berries or fruit syrup
  • Jam
  • Sprinkles
  • Sliced bananas
  • Apples stewed with some cinnamon (or use apple pie filling!)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Honey
  • Walnuts or pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Better yet, make your waffle/pancake bar a bit healthier with tasty tidbits like fresh fruit, nuts, and honey. Conversely, you can get indulgent for a special occasion and pull out those delightful candy toppings.

Grill Easy Quesadillas if You Need an Idea for What to Eat for Lunch

A fun lunch alternative to sandwiches and wraps are Quesadillas. Since they’re so easy to customize, you can please everyone. If you want to make tortillas at home, mix together 2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Kids love to help you knead the dough. Once their little hands knead it into a smooth consistency, let it rest for ten minutes. Then, divide it into 8 balls and roll into thin circles. Cook in a greased pan for a few minutes.

Naturally, you can also choose the easier route with a store-bought version as well. Either way, plop one tortilla in the pan and top with your desired fillings. This is a great way to use leftover ground beef, steak, pulled pork, or chicken. Then, top with your favorite cheeses and a second tortilla and grill for a few minutes on each side.

Drop by Tony’s Pizza for Lunch

Occasionally, even the best lunch ideas in the world just don’t sound satisfying. Especially, when a lot of work is involved. When you don’t know what to eat for lunch, bring yourself and the kids to Tony’s.  For lunch, you can choose from full pizzas and pizza by the slice to a wide range of Italian pasta entrees, hot and cold subs, and more. Truly, there’s a little something for everyone, even if pizza isn’t your thing.

If you’re too busy to come by, we also offer delivery via Slice, DoorDash and Uber Eats. Additionally, you can call us for a carry-out order. Be sure to join our rewards program to earn points with every visit!

FAQs About Tony’s Lunch Menu

We’re here to answer any questions you have about the Tony’s Pizza lunch menu. Here are a few FAQs to get you started:

Do you have options for special diets?

Yes! Our menu has gluten-free crust and a cauliflower crust option. We take allergies very seriously, so please tell a staff member if someone in your family has an allergy or sensitivity. Similarly, we also have carb-conscious options, including a wide variety of salads.

Can I order catering?

Pick up a party tray for your next work meeting, party, or event! Our team can also provide large quantities of pizza, calzones, strombolis, and other items including desserts. Be sure to provide 72-hours notice for catering.

What makes Tony’s different?

Our authentic family recipes bring traditional Italian food to North Carolina. With familial roots in Calabria, Italy, we grew up in Brooklyn before moving south. Read more about our journey here. We hope to see you at one of our locations for an Italian lunch soon!