CookUnity: Chef-Crafted Meals for the Busy New Yorker

CookUnity Introduce

For the busy New Yorker, the challenge of eating well often comes down to a choice between cooking, which is time-consuming, and ordering takeout, which can quickly become repetitive and expensive. CookUnity has emerged as a game-changing solution, offering a perfect middle ground that provides the quality of restaurant food with the convenience of a meal service. While many might recognize it as a popular meal subscription and delivery service, its location in Manhattan also functions as a hub for local pickup, bridging the gap between a traditional restaurant and a modern, high-tech food platform. This isn't just about saving time; it's about elevating the everyday meal into a culinary experience. CookUnity's model is built on the idea that delicious, healthy food crafted by real chefs should be accessible to everyone, and for New Yorkers, it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual food routines.

The core of CookUnity's appeal is its commitment to variety and quality. Unlike many other prepared meal services that can feel repetitive, CookUnity's menu is vast and ever-changing, with dishes created by a collective of professional chefs. This means you can find everything from Beef Birria Quesadillas and Jamdown Jerk Chicken to Truffled Fettuccine Alfredo and Chana Masala. The meals arrive fresh, not frozen, and are designed to be heated up in minutes, making them perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a convenient breakfast. The feedback from local users speaks volumes: the food is delicious, the menu has an impressive variety, and the ease of preparation is a major win. For those who've grown tired of the same old options, CookUnity provides a diverse, chef-driven menu that makes eating at home feel like a new adventure every day.

CookUnity has a presence in New York City with a location at 36 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA. This address places it in the Gramercy neighborhood, right across the street from Baruch College. While CookUnity is primarily known for its delivery service, this physical location serves as a point for takeout and pickup, making it convenient for those in the immediate area. The location is easily accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers. For those using public transportation, the 6 subway line stops at 23rd Street, and the N, R, and W lines also have a stop at 28th Street, placing the hub within a short walking distance.

The convenience of being located near a major college and several business districts makes it a popular choice for quick and easy meals. For those who drive, the area offers various parking options, including paid street parking. However, its true value lies in its seamless delivery service, which brings the meals directly to your home or office, eliminating the need to travel to the location at all. This dual model of physical presence and extensive delivery network ensures that CookUnity's high-quality meals are available to a broad audience, whether they're picking up a meal on their way home or having a week's worth of food delivered straight to their doorstep.

CookUnity offers a range of services that cater to the modern, fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers, focusing on convenience and quality.

Delivery: The primary service, which brings fresh, chef-prepared meals directly to your door. This is a subscription-based service, but it offers flexibility to skip or pause deliveries.
Takeout: You can pick up meals from the physical location, which is a great option for people who live or work nearby and want a quick, delicious meal without the wait of a traditional restaurant.
Dine-in: While its main function is a delivery hub, the location at 36 Lexington Ave offers a space for a quick, casual dine-in experience, particularly for those on the go.
Subscription Service: The core of the business, offering weekly meal plans with a rotating menu of hundreds of dishes to choose from. This service allows you to customize your order based on dietary preferences and meal frequency.
On-Demand Delivery: In select areas of Manhattan, CookUnity also offers hot, ready-to-eat meals delivered in an hour or less, providing a great option for a spontaneous, high-quality meal.

CookUnity's popularity and strong reputation are built on several key features and highlights that set it apart from its competitors.

Chef-Crafted Meals: The meals are created and prepared by a collective of professional chefs, giving the food a restaurant-quality taste and sophistication that is often missing from other meal services.
Unmatched Variety: With a rotating menu that includes hundreds of meals from various cuisines, CookUnity offers a huge selection that prevents menu fatigue. This variety is a key reason why many people choose it over other services.
Fresh, Never-Frozen Food: The meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, which preserves the texture and flavor of the ingredients. This is a major highlight for customers who are looking for higher quality than a typical frozen meal.
Ease of Preparation: The meals are ready to eat in minutes, requiring no cooking or extensive cleanup. You simply heat and serve, which is ideal for busy individuals, families, and solo diners.
Dietary Customization: CookUnity offers a wide range of meals that cater to different dietary needs, including options for keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and low-carb diets.
High-Quality Ingredients: Customers praise the use of high-quality ingredients, from perfectly cooked salmon and chicken to fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. The attention to detail in the preparation is evident in every bite.

For more information about CookUnity or to place an order, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 36 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

As a restaurant and meal service, CookUnity doesn't have a public phone number for direct orders, but its service is easily accessible through its website and various food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub for on-demand orders.

For the discerning New Yorker, what makes CookUnity a truly excellent choice? The answer lies in its unique position as a hybrid of a gourmet restaurant and a highly convenient, prepared-meal service. It solves a real problem: how to eat delicious, healthy, and varied meals without the constant effort of cooking or the financial strain of daily restaurant visits. The key reason to choose CookUnity is the quality of the food itself. The meals taste "delicious" and "chef-crafted," with a level of flavor and sophistication that sets it apart from competitors. The use of high-quality ingredients and strong, eco-friendly packaging further enhances the experience, making it a sustainable and satisfying choice.

The wide variety of the menu is another major selling point. For a city that prides itself on its culinary diversity, CookUnity offers a rotating selection of meals that prevents boredom and caters to a global palate. Whether you’re craving Caribbean jerk chicken, a hearty Italian pasta, or a fresh, light salad, you can find it on their menu. The convenience of fresh, heat-and-eat meals is invaluable for a busy lifestyle, making it a perfect solution for professionals, students, and anyone who wants to eat well on their own terms. Ultimately, CookUnity is worth choosing because it provides the experience of having a personal chef at a fraction of the cost, making high-quality, delicious food an effortless part of your daily life in New York City.

CookUnity Food & drink

Entrees
Ancho Roasted Chicken Thighs $9.49
Savor smoky ancho-roasted chicken with nutty pumpkin seed mole and yellow rice. Amazing flavors in minutes, crafted by Chef Anthony Nichols!
Beef Birria Quesadillas $9.49
Chef Santiago Lopez brings his hometown favorite to life with rich beef birria, slow-braised and tucked into cheesy quesadillas with Oaxaca and mozzarella. Served with the savory braising broth, creamy avocado sauce, and crisp red cabbage slaw, this dish is bold, comforting, and unforgettable.
Chana Masala & Coconut Rice $9.49
A delicious chickpea curry with coconut rice and veggies, by Chef Lena Elkousy.
Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo $10.49
Slow-braised ground beef dish simmered with raisins, olives, capers, and warm spices. Served with fluffy rice, black beans, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime—every bite is sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Chicken Shawarma & Couscous $9.49
Middle Eastern shawarma chicken with couscous, pickled cabbage, and a tangy aioli, brought to you by Chef Einat Admony!
Chicken Spaghetti Pad See Ew $10.49
Stir fried spaghetti noodles with special sauce, eggs, broccoli and marinated chicken.
Truffled Fettuccine Alfredo With Grilled Chicken $9.49
Herb-grilled chicken over al dente fettuccine tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with white truffle oil.
Forest Mushroom 'Bolognese' With Rigatoni $9.59
Feasting in the forest realm, brought to life with a medley of mushrooms, drenched in velvety wine-cream sauce and melded with rich cheese-swathed rigatoni. Crafted by Chefs Larry and Marc Forgione.
Jamdown Jerk Chicken $9.49
This Caribbean-inspired dish starts with Chef Aarthi Sampath's addictive Jerk spice marinade. Then, the marinated chicken thighs are grilled over an open fire then served with a side roasted plantains and kidney bean rice.
Shrimp Coconut Curry $10.99
South Indian shrimp curry with coconut and rice, crafted from a family favorite by Chef Aarthi Sampath.
Spicy Shrimp Noodles $10.99
Spicy linguine noodles with shrimp in a Thai-style sauce by Chef Hong Thaimee.
Thinly Sliced Ribeye Yaki Udon $11.99
Udon noodles tossed in a deeply savory sauce and stir-fried alongside marinated beef ribeye. Green cabbage and shishito peppers add some fresh and crunchy goodness to the mix
Pork Dumplings With Junzi Dipping Sauce $10.49
Pork & Chives Chinese style dumplings serve with Junzi Kitchen's homemade sauce.
Haitian Vegetable Stew (Legume) $9.49
Chef Vanessa channels her Haitian heritage with this hearty and flavorful vegan dish, packed with a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, chayote squash, Japanese eggplant, cabbage, carrots, spinach, and red bell pepper.
Baked Swai Taco Bowl $12.59
Fish taco bowl loaded with juicy baked swai, nutty brown rice, black beans, corn and greens. Topped with cheddar cheese.

Desserts
Viral Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Double Chocolate Cookie $7.00
Chef Aarthi Sampath's irresistible treat combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio kunafa with the gooey delight of double chocolate. Each bite offers a perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, melty centers, creating a taste sensation like no other. Elevate your dessert experience and taste the magic!
Creamy Kahlua Tiramisu $7.00
Chef John DeLucie's classic Italian dessert that consists of layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur, then topped with a light and creamy mascarpone cheese mixture. Tiramisu is served chilled and makes for a perfect after-dinner treat or a special occasion dessert.
Miso-Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies $6.00
Chef Aarthi Sampath's cookies blend miso and brown butter for a unique, irresistible flavor. Gooey chocolate chips and nutty undertones in every bite. (2 Cookies)
Coconut Matcha Chia Pudding $8.00
Delicately crafted with premium matcha powder, this creamy pudding boasts a vibrant green hue and a subtle earthy taste, complemented by the delightful texture of chia seeds
Banana Oatmeal Choc-Chip Cookies $8.00
Made with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies balance feel-good ingredients with a touch of indulgence.

Breakfast
Greek-Yogurt Parfait & Triple Berry Compote With Pumpkin Seed Granola $8.00
Unleashing a trifecta of berry bliss, Livy's All Day Cafe's Greek-yogurt parfait melds into a symphony of sweet, tart, and crunchy delight!
Mexican-Style Steak & Eggs $11.99
Chef Santiago Lopez's take on a classic, protein-packed breakfast. His version of Steak and Eggs brings together seasoned flank steak and eggs, served along with Mexican home fries and sautéed spinach.
Mango Coconut Overnight Oats $8.00
Hearty old-fashioned oats are swirled with fresh mango puree and rich coconut milk lightly sweetened with honey then soaked overnight until deliciously creamy. Topped with blackberries, toasted shredded coconut and sliced almonds.
Cinnamon-Apple Greek Yogurt Parfait $8.00
Creamy honey-flavored Greek yogurt is layered with Chef Jose's signature saucy apples that have been braised with Mexican cinnamon (canela). A sprinkling of crunchy flax and pumpkin seed granola on top provides the perfect textural contrast to this fall-inspired parfait.

Save for Later
COLD Ancho Roasted Chicken Thighs $8.49
Savor smoky ancho-roasted chicken with nutty pumpkin seed mole and yellow rice. Amazing flavors in minutes, crafted by Chef Anthony Nichols! This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Beef Birria Quesadillas With Avocado Sauce & Cabbage Salad $8.49
Chef Santiago Lopez brings his hometown favorite to life with rich beef birria, slow-braised and tucked into cheesy quesadillas with Oaxaca and mozzarella. Served with the savory braising broth, creamy avocado sauce, and crisp red cabbage slaw, this dish is bold, comforting, and unforgettable. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Chana Masala & Coconut Rice $8.49
A delicious chickpea curry with coconut rice and veggies, by Chef Lena Elkousy. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Chicken Picatta With Linguine $8.49
A classic take on Chicken Picatta by Chef James Grody, this plate features zingy and tangy capers in a white wine sauce-drenched chicken breast. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Chicken Shawarma & Couscous $8.49
Middle Eastern shawarma chicken with couscous, pickled cabbage, and a tangy aioli, brought to you by Chef Einat Admony! This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Forest Mushroom 'Bolognese' With Rigatoni $8.49
Feasting in the forest realm, brought to life with a medley of mushrooms drenched in velvety wine-cream sauce and melded with rich cheese-swathed rigatoni. Crafted by Chefs Larry and Marc Forgione. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Jamdown Jerk Chicken $8.49
This Caribbean-inspired dish starts with Chef Aarthi Sampath's addictive Jerk spice marinade. Then, the marinated chicken thighs are grilled over an open fire then served with a side roasted plantains and kidney bean rice. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Lamb Ossobuco Over Saffron Mashed Potatoes $10.99
Chef Santiago Lopez pairs lamb shank with creamy saffron-infused mashed potatoes. Served alongside roasted broccolini and an herby gremolata. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Mexican-Style Steak & Eggs $10.99
Chef Santiago Lopez's take on a classic, protein-packed breakfast. His version of Steak and Eggs brings together seasoned flank steak and eggs, served along with Mexican home fries and sautéed spinach. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Red Wine Short Ribs $10.99
Tender short ribs with a maple sweet potato mash, served along Brussels sprouts with bacon. It is one of Chef Larry and Marc Forgione's best-selling dishes from their famed New York restaurant, An American Place. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Shrimp Coconut Curry $9.49
South Indian shrimp curry with coconut and rice, crafted from a family favorite by Chef Aarthi Sampath. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Spicy Shrimp Noodles $9.49
Spicy linguine noodles with shrimp in a Thai-style sauce by Chef Hong Thaimee. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Sunday Rigatoni Pasta $8.49
Hearty rigatoni pasta with traditional Sunday sauce, consisting of meatballs and Italian sausage. Crafted by Chef John DeLucie. This meal is cold and will need to be heated up at your own convenience. Scan the QR code on the meal sleeve for easy reheating instructions!
COLD Truffled Fettuccine Alfredo With Grilled Chicken $8.49
Herb-grilled chicken over al dente fettuccine tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with white truffle oil.
COLD Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo $9.49
Slow-braised ground beef dish simmered with raisins, olives, capers, and warm spices. Served with fluffy rice, black beans, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime—every bite is sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Combo Meals
Dinner Experience $15.99
Entree + Dessert + Drink
Party Meals $80.00
Order 10 meals and save!

Beverages
Bottled Water $2.99
Coca Cola $3.83
Detox Green Glow (16 Fl Oz) $4.99
Revitalize your body with a crisp, green fusion of watermelon, apple, spinach, and lemon, plus dandelion for a powerful, natural detox.
Detox Wave Shot (2 Fl Oz) $3.99
Featuring blue spirulina, coconut water, lime, and ginger, this refreshing shot will flush out toxins while re-energizing your body.
Diet Coke $3.83
Immunity Shot (2 Fl Oz) $3.99
Keep your defenses strong with this quick and tasty immune boost, featuring a delicious blend of strawberry, ginger, lemon, and a hint of agave.
Olipop Orange Squeeze $3.83
Good ‘ole citrus goodness with a hint of nostalgia.
Olipop Root Beer $3.83
A modern take on the classic root beer.
Radiant Revival Shot (2 Fl Oz) $3.99
Recharge in a single shot with a zesty, fiery fusion of orange, pineapple, turmeric, and cayenne.
S. Pellegrino $2.99
Spicy Citrus Punch (16 Fl Oz) $4.99
Get ready to turn up the heat! This daring blend of pineapple, ghost pepper, and turmeric is your fiery go-to for a metabolism boost.
Vitality Boost (16 Fl Oz) $4.99
Jumpstart your senses! This powerhouse blend awakens your taste buds while delivering a burst of vitamins and antioxidants for lasting energy.

Must Try Meals
Beef Birria Quesadillas $9.49
Chef Santiago Lopez brings his hometown favorite to life with rich beef birria, slow-braised and tucked into cheesy quesadillas with Oaxaca and mozzarella. Served with the savory braising broth, creamy avocado sauce, and crisp red cabbage slaw, this dish is bold, comforting, and unforgettable.

CookUnity Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Atmosphere
Casual

Payments
Credit cards

CookUnity Photos

CookUnity Location

CookUnity

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

36 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

CookUnity Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 4 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

short: good alternative to Factor75 offering more menu variety optionslong: I got tired of Factor75 very quickly. Everything tastes the same and not much menu variety. I have been looking for an alternative. Interestingly enough, the way I learned about these services was by seeing the boxes delivered to where I live. I saw plenty of Factor75 boxes, and that's why it was my first choice. The second popular one by a long distance seems to be CookUnity. I bumped into a barber at a coffee shop carrying a CookUnity bag, and he told me he stopped ordering Factor75 for the same reason, and he really likes it. I had forgotten CookUnity has a location on Lexington across the street from Baruch College because when I first walked by it, I had no idea what it was. It just seemed like a ghost kitchen. Anyway, this weekend, I picked up a chicken salad and a chicken meal, which was supposed to be my breakfast and lunch at work today, but I forgot to pack them. Therefore, it'll be my dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. If I don't return to complain about it, then that means it's good. Update: it's delicious. The garlic herb butter dressing really made the salad.
January 17 · WHITE LION
My Mother and I have rated most meals good to excellent. I love the ease of preparation, the use of strong paper vessels instead of black plastic others use, and the customer service. They are so responsive and helpful. The trial discount makes it well worth trying. Otherwise, it can get a little pricey. But we'll worth it when my budget allows. And, you get a huge discount for each referral you make that signs up. I'm quite happy with Cook Unity.
April 10 · Lynette
Great BOGO deals. Free cookie :)
January 21 · Stephanie Kithcart
March 01 · Joy Chen