Figuring out what to make for family meals can be frustrating, especially if there are multiple picky eaters in your house. If you’re stuck on what to eat for lunch, Mario’s Pizza can help. Here are five fun lunch ideas to consider, or for the easiest option, stop by our authentic Italian restaurant for a full menu of pizza, subs, wings, and more, including daily lunch specials.

Try an International Twist on an Old Favorite

According to one survey, some of American’s favorite things to eat at mealtime include:

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

Other top lunch favorites include sandwiches, chicken nuggets/tenders, and salads.

If your family members tend to be creatures of habit, you can get creative by trying a new twist on one of their favorites. Think about how you can make your lunch globally-inspired to introduce a few new flavors or textures without going too far out of their comfort zone.

Here are some examples:

• Try teriyaki, jerk-style, or other unique international dipping sauces for your chicken.
• Add some brown gravy and cheese curds to your French fries to create the beloved Canadian dish poutine
• Create a grilled cheese or other type of sandwich using something other than slices of American and provolone. Try Spanish Manchego, Dutch Gouda, English Cheddar, or another type of delicious melty cheese.

Get creative by adding in a few interesting ingredients to encourage your family to try new things, without making them turn up their noses at something completely unfamiliar.

Create a Meat, Fruit, and Vegetable Tray Kids Will Love

Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and for good reason. People love the flexibility to try a wide range of foods during a single meal. There’s no reason you can’t make a version that your kids will love too, as a fun lunch option.

Traditionally, a charcuterie board shows off upscale cured pork products, and many also include nuts, cheese, fruits, vegetables, crackers, spreads, and dipping sauces. For your lunchtime charcuterie board with the kids, you can 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

You can add any other snacky foods in your house as well. Don’t forget to add in a few more unusual options to encourage picky eaters to try new things. You could include foods such as hummus, kiwi or other tropical fruits, pickles, and more.

Have Breakfast for Lunch with a Pancake or Waffle Bar

Sometimes your mornings can be very rushed, so it isn’t possible to make pancakes or waffles. You can make them for a fun lunch instead, with 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

You can make your waffle/pancake bar slightly healthier with options like fresh fruit, nuts, and honey, or you can get indulgent for a special occasion with candy toppings.

Whip Up Some Easy Quesadillas if You Need an Idea for What to Eat for Lunch

Quesadillas are a fun lunch alternative to sandwiches and wraps. They are extremely easy to customize so you can please everyone. You can even make tortillas at home by mixing together 2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Little hands will love to help you knead the dough into a smooth consistency, and after it rests for ten minutes, divide into 8 balls and roll into thin circles. Cook in a greased pan for a few minutes and viola: homemade tortillas.

Of course, you can also choose the easier route with a store-bought version as well. Either way, top one tortilla 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.

Stop by Mario’s Pizza for Lunch

Sometimes, even the best lunch ideas in the world just don’t sound good in the moment. When you don’t know what to eat for lunch, bring the whole gang to Mario’s. Our lunch menu includes full pizzas and pizza by the slice, a wide range of Italian pasta entrees, hot and cold subs, and more. There’s a little something for everyone, even if you don’t want pizza for lunch.

If your day is especially busy, we also offer delivery via Slice, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Additionally, you can call us for a carry-out order. Don’t forget to join our rewards program to earn points with every visit!

FAQs About Mario’s Lunch Menu

We’d love to answer any questions you have about the Mario’s Pizza lunch menu. Here are a few FAQs to get you started:

Do you have options for special diets?

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

Can I order catering?

We have a variety of party trays available to make your next work meeting, party, or event delicious! Our team can also provide large quantities of pizza, calzones, strombolis, and other foods. Please provide 72 hours notice for catering.

What makes Mario’s different?

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