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Alhambra's best

Authentic lunch spots

You want a midday meal that does not cut corners on tradition. You are looking for an authentic experience even when you only have an hour to spare.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area combines modern design with clean, bright surroundings and cozy booths. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, echoing authentic Hunan street vibes with carefully curated music. Cuisine offers authentic spicy flavors with standout dishes like free-range chicken and pickled fish.

Spicy Hunan cuisine delivers authentic hometown flavors with generous portions. The dishes capture Hengyang stir-fry taste and maintain a strong, genuine flavor profile.

Lunch specials come with a super good price. The spot offers a wonderful lunch experience focused on value.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so flavorful and perfect with rice."

"I found the Hunan cuisine here to be very authentic."

"I came here for the Lunch Spot's super good price."

Good to know

1

Parking is very convenient for visitors.

2

The restaurant uses imported ingredients from Hunan for authentic flavors.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for money.

02
Hengry image 1
Chinese restaurant

Restaurant combines Guizhou cuisine with a modern art style and mid-century modern seating. Atmosphere feels welcoming and chill with curated pop artwork and colorful sofas. Ordering happens via tablet at the table, and a large private room accommodates groups.

Dishes deliver authentic Guizhou flavors with strong, rich tastes. Sour soup fish stands out as a true hometown recipe. Staff guide you to genuine, traditional options.

Plenty of seating and no wait make it easy to grab lunch. Ordering multiple dishes suits group meals or special occasions like Father's Day.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"I found the food to be authentic local Guizhou cuisine."

"This Lunch Spot's stir fried beef is delicious with ginger and chili."

Good to know

1

At noon, they serve beef noodles and spicy chicken noodles.

2

At night, they mainly serve Guizhou snacks.

3

Parking is easy due to the small structure behind the restaurant.

03
Bangkok Soul image 1
Thai restaurant

Modern, trendy Thai restaurant with a lively atmosphere and neon sign sets a welcoming tone. Spacious layout features few Thai decor elements, creating a clean and comfortable space. Popular spot known for affordable lunch deals and quick service.

Khao Kha Moo tastes just like in Thailand with rich, authentic flavors. Fried rice carries a strong wok aroma that adds to its genuine feel.

Lunch specials offer great value with a set including a drink, soup, and side. The space feels clean and modern, making it suitable for casual lunches with generous options.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is flavorful and authentic, especially the Pad Thai."

"The lunch special here is great and affordable."

"The Khao Kha Moo is super authentic, just like in Thailand."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes Thai Tea, rice, soup, sides, and a main dish for $15.95.

2

Parking is easy as the restaurant is located in the same plaza as Smart & Final.

3

There was no wait, parking was a breeze, and we were seated immediately.

04
Aloha Food Factory image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small, classic Hawaiian eatery with a cozy, hole-in-the-wall feel and laid-back vibe. Outdoor patio offers dog-friendly seating and space for larger groups. Atmosphere blends authentic island decor and mellow music, creating a family-oriented, beach shack ambiance.

Food offers authentic Hawaiian flavors with a tasty and genuine profile. Every dish stays true to traditional recipes and ingredients.

Orders with five items come out in about 15 minutes even during the lunch rush. The menu offers a variety of entrees including both breakfast and lunch plates.

People are saying

"These macadamia nut pancakes are thick, fluffy, and have a chewy consistency."

"The food here is authentic and ono grindz."

"This lunch spot's food is excellent and reminds me of home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

3

Parking is plentiful, but better lighting is needed.

05
Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎 image 1

Restaurant recreates 1980s Shanghai street food vibe with neon signs and vintage decor. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and cozy, lively but not noisy, inviting relaxed conversation. Fresh dumplings made on-site add to authentic experience.

Dishes deliver authentic Shanghainese flavor with home-style comfort and traditional tastes. Items like pan-fried buns, tofu pudding, and 上海辣醬油 capture genuine Shanghai street food and casual cuisine.

Lunch offers a comforting, flavorful experience with dishes like noodles that satisfy. The spot welcomes families and serves consistently good meals throughout the day.

People are saying

"These fried dumplings are the best I've ever had, with soup inside."

"I found the food here to be super authentic Shanghainese."

"You have to try the crab XLB and pan-fried baos."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the restaurant in a large four-floor garage.

2

Orders must be placed using a QR code; no Wi-Fi is available.

3

Credit cards are not accepted for amounts under $10.

06
Chef G on 4th Thai Street Food image 1

Small space with about 8 tables creates a cozy, homey atmosphere where conversations flow easily. Energy stays pleasant and casual, fitting for couples or small groups. Offers authentic Thai flavors with a modern, clean setting.

Food features authentic Thai flavors with classic dishes that are simple and tasty. Service adapts well to different taste preferences.

Lunch specials offer good value and great prices. Staff provide helpful service even near closing time.

People are saying

"The curry here has bold, amazing flavor."

"This lunch spot's boat noodles have a rich and flavorful broth."

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant and on the street.

2

Expect long wait times, especially around noon.

3

The portion sizes are small relative to the price.

07
Delhi Belly - Indian Restaurant in Alhambra | Los Angeles image 1

Space blends traditional Indian decor with modern elegance in a cozy, vibrant setting filled with the aroma of authentic spices. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, suitable for intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Staff are friendly and attentive, enhancing the inviting vibe.

Fragrant, layered spices create a truly authentic Indian taste. Dishes like lamb biryani and butter chicken showcase rich flavors and in-house ground spices.

Lunch here includes a house lunch special served on a silver tray with a fountain drink. The butter curry lunch set comes nicely prepared and the place stays open between lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic."

"The food's authentic Indian flavors are rich and fragrant."

"This Lunch Spot's butter chicken is delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many vegetarian options on the menu.

2

The portion sizes are generous, especially for the Butter Chicken Bliss set.

3

Expect to pay over $16 for a meal after taxes and fees.

08
Mahan Indian Restaurant Alhambra | Best Indian Food | Best Indian Curry | Lunch - Dinner Special image 1

Spacious interior with natural sunlight and nice decor creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Music adds a fun vibe while the environment remains clean and friendly. The place suits families and couples seeking an authentic Indian dining experience.

Curry offers flavorful and authentic tastes true to Indian cuisine. The setting feels homely and genuine for an Indian restaurant.

Lunch features a buffet with a great selection during lunch hours, though the buffet has been discontinued. Lunch specials come served in to-go containers for dine-in.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and full of flavor."

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

During the weekend champagne brunch, you get a drink included, such as champagne or lassi.

2

The buffet cost ten dollars, which is quite cheap.

3

During lunch hours, they offer a buffet with a great selection.

09
MJ Valley Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cramped interior fills with noise and crowds, creating a lively but unrefined atmosphere. Popular spot draws many for authentic dishes and economical lunch specials served with rice and soup. Seating includes large tables suited for groups, though parking is limited and drink options are minimal.

Offers authentic Cantonese food with dishes like preserved veggie and pork belly using 南乳 (red bean curd). The pork belly is tender and melts in your mouth.

Lunch specials come with soup and unlimited white rice and offer large portions at an affordable price. Over 100 dishes are available under $13, making it easy to try a variety of options.

People are saying

"The lunch specials here are a great deal with lots of options."

"Parking is tight and often crowded during peak hours."

"The Cantonese food here is as authentic as it gets."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, often requiring street parking during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials range from $9.99 to $11.99 and include rice and soup.

3

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes during busy hours.

10
U2 Cafe & BBQ 港式西餐/庸記燒臘 image 1

Space feels open with a contemporary Hong Kong-style decor and U2-themed accents. Atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, suitable for families and friends despite nearby daycare noise. Menu offers authentic Cantonese BBQ with large portions and a variety of dishes, making it a local favorite.

Food serves authentic HK style flavors with a delicious taste. Dishes reflect genuine Chinese cuisine traditions.

Lunch specials cost around $11 to $13 and come with options to add a drink for $2.25. Coffee and teas offer free refills, making it a solid spot for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The Cafe's server Fanny was so attentive and friendly."

"The service at this lunch spot is fantastic and friendly."

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic HK style."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM every day, including weekends.

2

They have a great selection of happy hour items.

3

There was ample parking and seating options.

11
Chonitos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with modern cocina style and outdoor patio offers a quiet atmosphere with live music and multiple TVs. The space feels cozy but somewhat tight, with seating options in both dining and bar areas. The vibe includes a mix of relaxed dining and sports viewing.

Mexican dishes here have authentic flavor with homemade traditional recipes. The Chile Relleno stands out as truly authentic and fresh.

Lunch features a buffet with good variety offering casual dining and solid value. The buffet stands out as a quick and satisfying option during the day.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food was outstanding and flavorful."

"The lunch buffet here has amazing variety and fresh food."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available from 11 AM to 2 PM Monday through Friday.

2

Happy hour runs from 8 PM to close with discounted drinks.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

12
Sunday Bistro image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Spacious, bright setting with down-to-earth vibe and casual, bustling atmosphere. Frequented by locals, it offers authentic Hong Kong-style comfort with free rice and drink refills enhancing the experience. Outdoor seating is available but often smoky from nearby cigarette smokers.

Dishes serve authentic Hong Kong flavor with classic Cantonese taste. The eggplant clay pot with beef short ribs comes piping hot with rice, showcasing simple and genuine flavors.

Lunch here features a varied menu with multiple dishes available. Meals typically cost around $40 for three dishes, making it a reasonable choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I liked the western steak at this Hong Kong-style restaurant."

"I found the Hong Kong-style food here to be simple, authentic, and delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tasted great and had nice-sized portions."

Good to know

1

Prices are very affordable, averaging around $10 per person.

2

The restaurant offers huge portions, perfect for sharing family-style.

3

There is plenty of parking available in the large plaza.

13
Henry's Cuisine image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright interior with classic Chinese design and glass dividers creates an energetic, lively atmosphere. Crowded and loud, it suits groups who enjoy a bustling environment. Large parking lot supports family gatherings and big parties.

Food features authentic Cantonese flavors with dishes like sweet and sour pork and Xingzhou fried rice noodles that stand out for their genuine taste. Ingredients stay fresh and true to traditional Chinese cuisine.

Lunch offers generous portions often enough for leftovers. Arriving before 5 pm lets you choose from both the affordable lunch menu and the pricier dinner options.

People are saying

"The food here has super tender, flavorful beef brisket in generous portions."

"I loved the authentic Cantonese food here."

"This Lunch Spot's beef was tender and portions were large."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get very busy.

2

Some dishes need to be ordered at least one day in advance.

3

A 12% mandatory tip is added to the bill.

14
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern, elegant interior with huge windows and boutique hotel feel creates a spacious dining environment. Lively and bustling atmosphere fills the room with authentic Chinese flavors and soft piano music in the background. Private rooms accommodate small parties, adding a versatile touch to the setting.

Authentic Jiangzhe cuisine shines through with generous portions and authentic flavors. The menu offers a huge variety of affordable dishes that stay true to traditional Chinese food.

Lunch specials offer good prices and Michelin quality dishes. The menu has a varied selection but some items are not available during lunch hours.

People are saying

"These dumplings are juicy and flavorful."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"The lunch specials here have great prices."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the lot and curbside.

2

Lunch specials offer great value with prices under $10.

3

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Chinese dishes.

15
The Bay Cafe image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Typical Hong Kong style restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall feel and functional interior including an outside waiting area. Atmosphere turns loud when full, attracting many elder Chinese patrons familiar with the place. Known for very affordable prices and generous portions, it offers quick, decent-quality Chinese food with some standout dishes.

Lunch specials run until 6 pm, offering authentic Hong Kong flavors like crystal cold cut chicken and szechuan eggplant. The menu blends authentic Chinese local food with typical American dishes for a casual dining experience.

Lunch specials run all day until 6 pm, offering good value and lighter tastes compared to typical Cantonese options. The deals provide authentic Hong Kong flavors at convenient prices and times.

People are saying

"I found the Hong Kong-style food here to be authentic and affordable."

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong cuisine here."

"The lunch spot prices are so reasonable, you get a good portion for the price."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available until 6 pm, perfect for a quick bite.

2

Prices for dishes can be as low as $6.

3

Paying by cash gives an extra 15% discount.

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