For the Senior Edition of Guide to Greenwich, I visited three of the Class of 2026’s favorite lunch spots to determine which one earns the title of best senior lunch spot.  While trying some of the seniors’ favorite meals, I judged each location based on price, taste, atmosphere, and proximity to Sacred Heart Greenwich. 

Belle Fair Kitchen 

First, I headed to Belle Fair Kitchen, located just down King Street, making for a convenient and popular spot for seniors who need a quick and easy lunch in between classes.  Their menu offers a variety of food options including breakfast sandwiches, wraps, bagels, salads, burgers, quesadillas, chicken wings, and more.  Essentially, they have options for everyone.  They also provide a wide selection of beverages to choose from, such as coffee, energy drinks, and sodas.

I visited right after school, around 3:30 p.m., where there were a few other students grabbing a quick bite before sports practice.  However, the service was efficient and the employees greeted me as soon as I walked in.  The atmosphere is very casual and welcoming with a decent amount of seating for customers.  For $13.50, I ordered a grilled chicken Caesar wrap.  The wrap lacked Caesar dressing, making it dry and less flavorful.  However, the chicken was well cooked and the croutons gave the wrap a nice texture.  Overall, Belle Fair is a reliable and easy stop for seniors who need a quick bite to eat and I enjoyed the wrap. 

The Granola Bar

Next, I headed to The Granola Bar, located on Greenwich Avenue and approximately a 20-minute drive from the Sacred Heart campus, depending on traffic.  The Granola Bar serves fresh all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, toasts, parfaits, and desserts, making this spot a favorite among seniors looking for a delicious meal.  Despite the high-quality and upscale café items, The Granola Bar’s location is not ideal for some students, unlike Belle Fair, and parking on Greenwich Avenue during lunch hours is particularly difficult.

When I entered the café, I was greeted with the modern yet casual atmosphere filled with activity.  The space is open and welcoming, with lots of natural light and greenery that gives the spot an aesthetic and pleasing look.  I visited The Granola Bar on a Saturday afternoon at around 12:30 p.m., during peak lunch hour.  The space was very crowded, but there were still some available tables.  During my visit, I admired the variety of the menu, making it hard to choose what I wanted to eat.  I opted for something on the lighter side and ordered the Crunchy Elvis Parfait for $12.  The parfait is made with Greek yogurt, vanilla almond granola, almond butter, honey, and banana.  It is sweet, fresh, and delectable, despite the expensive price for standard parfait.  Although The Granola Bar’s Greenwich location is not ideal, the lively atmosphere and enjoyable food make it a perfect lunch spot.  

Cava

Cava, located on West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, is Mediterranean-style, offering a wide variety of bowls, including grain bowls and salad bowls.  In addition, Cava also offers pita wraps, desserts and several drink options.  Everything on the menu is versatile and customizable, providing a healthy and well-balanced lunch.  Similar to The Granola Bar, Cava is about a 20-minute drive from the Sacred Heart campus, making it impractical for some students.  I ordered my lunch online and picked it up in the store so it would be ready when I arrived.  Cava offers an array of delicious-looking dips, toppings, and proteins, so I was unsure of what to order.  I decided on the build-your-own grains bowl.  I chose brown rice for the base, grilled chicken for the protein, and broccoli as a topping for $13.25 with a complementary side of pita bread.  The meal was simple yet very satisfying. 

I visited Cava right after school, arriving around 3:45 p.m., and found parking immediately.  When I entered, the atmosphere was mellow with few people inside.  The design was clean and minimal, with a mix of small tables and larger ones, perfect to dine-in, time permitting.  It is worth noting that the space is likely busier during peak lunch hours compared to the time I visited during the late afternoon.  Ultimately, the fresh, high-quality, and hearty ingredients makes for a fulfilling and balanced meal that makes the trip to Cava worth it. 

Winner

After visiting three of the Class of 2026’s favorite lunch spots, I concluded that The Granola Bar was the best lunch spot.  Although the restaurant is not the closest option, The Granola Bar’s fresh breakfast menu, pleasing atmosphere, and vast menu make it the perfect place to grab lunch off-campus.  However, Belle Fair is a more time-efficient option for seniors on a tight schedule.