US News

LUXE LUNCHES OUT AND CHEAP EATS IN

The watercress salad days are over at Delmonico’s – a favorite Financial District haunt for almost 200 years – as shallow-pocketed suits are forgoing filet mignon in favor of a cheap lunch at the pizza joint around the corner.

“We’ve definitely felt it in the past few months,” said Denis Turcinovic, a partner in the sleek Beaver Street eatery where a bottle of wine can cost up to $800.

The bulk of Delmonico’s business is now on weekends, Turcinovic said yesterday, surveying a lunchtime crowd of about 75, half the usual size.

But less than 100 yards away, at the decidedly less luxurious Underground Pizza – where two slices and a soda cost $5.75 – owner Ben Davi says he can barely keep up with demand .

“Business is strong,” said Davi. “There’s a lot more guys in suits coming in. A lot more catering orders from investment places.”

Zagat Survey publisher Tim Zagat said a recent survey of more than 30,000 New Yorkers found that 38 percent reported choosing cheaper eats due to the economic downturn.

In addition, 21 percent said they’ve skipped dessert or appetizers to save cash, and 19 percent said they laid off the booze for the same reason, Zagat said.