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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Berkeley

Sandwich lunch spots

A sandwich that actually fills you up for lunch without requiring a sit-down commitment.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 1
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 2
Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen image 3
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Garden patio with lush greenery and waterfalls creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly terrace with space heaters. Music and mimosas add to a lively, relaxed brunch experience.

Lunch offers a family-friendly atmosphere with dishes that appeal to all ages. The menu features comfort food that satisfies during midday meals.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with tasty, well-crafted fillings. The Birria sandwich and steak sandwich offer rich, satisfying flavors that make sandwiches a highlight here.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the chicken and waffles benedict."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tasted so good and fresh."

"The Oskie Sandwich had excellent flavor and top-tier components."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to secure a seat.

3

You pay at the counter and are seated while waiting for your food.

02
Califa's Greens image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright space with earthy decor and colorful, tasteful decorations creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Energy feels warm and welcoming, with kind and helpful people contributing to a great vibe. The setting stands out as a small, beautiful gem known for its friendly ambiance.

Offers healthy lunch options that fit well for a quick meal during work hours. Popular among those seeking a fresh and convenient spot for midday meals.

Sandwiches feature subtle and perfect flavors across veggie, chicken, and steak options. The Cuban sandwich and roasted pork sandwiches stand out, with sides like plantains and salads complementing the meals.

People are saying

"Their salads are so fresh and flavorful, I'll be back."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, fresh food, especially the kale salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for homemade tamales, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of healthy options, including vegan dishes.

3

Expect a mix of Central American cuisine, including burritos and plantains.

03
FAVA image 1
Lunch restaurant

Casual lunch spot with small cafe tables for people-watching and a simple setting. Atmosphere feels inviting with good vibes and a sense of care for staff. Known for fresh, sophisticated falafel and seasonal menus featuring top-quality ingredients.

Lunch offers very fresh and delicious dishes that make it a perfect spot to return to.

Falafel sandwiches come with herby, fresh ingredients on homemade flatbread or pita wraps. The spicy chicken sandwich delivers real heat and flavor, while the braised lamb sandwich features tender meat with yogurt and fresh herbs in a lavash-like wrap.

People are saying

"This is the best lunch spot in Berkeley."

"You have to try the tahini chocolate chip cookie; it's the best I've ever had."

"I found the falafel sandwich to be excellent and fresh."

Good to know

1

FAVA is open for lunch only, operating just 4 hours a day.

2

Seating is limited with only a few curbside tables available.

3

The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients.

04
Original Pollo image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a homey vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Offers large portions and a varied menu featuring grilled chicken and classic dishes. Quiet setting near public transit, welcoming for early risers and budget-conscious diners.

Offers a classic lunch and breakfast menu with dishes like chicken kabob. Food tastes delicious and fits an old school vibe.

Breakfast sandwiches come out made exactly as requested with consistent quality. The chicken kabob sandwich offers a solid alternative with good flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The chicken kabob here is delicious."

"I loved their breakfast sandwich and home fries."

Good to know

1

Original Pollo offers breakfast all day, catering to early risers and late brunchers.

2

The restaurant is conveniently located near the Downtown Berkeley BART station.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals typically ranging from $14 to $16.

05
UQBAR Mediterranean Cafe image 1

Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with comfy chairs and local artwork decorating clean, spacious interiors. Outdoor courtyard provides a garden patio setting for casual meetups. Space feels inviting for reading, working, or casual dining with a calm, friendly vibe.

Lunch features a great breakfast sandwich that stands out. Options suit both breakfast and lunch preferences well.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with perfectly toasted ciabatta and moist, tasty lamb in the lamb sandwich. Veggie options come with fresh toppings, and the breakfast sandwich pairs well with great coffee.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the shakshuka, is very good."

"I loved the muffins and coffee at this Lunch Spot."

"I got a 10/10 breakfast sandwich and drip coffee."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a thoughtfully curated menu accommodating many food allergies.

2

Breakfast is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The cafe is dog-friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor seating area.

06
Cholita Linda image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers a relaxed family-style dining with a charming, welcoming vibe and beautiful, cute decor. The atmosphere stays clean and comfortable, making it a nice spot to sit down and chill. The space suits casual meals with a huge, open layout ideal for lunch or early dinner.

Huge space suits lunch or early dinner well. It works as a solid spot to meet for midday meals.

The Papito sandwich stands out with its filling size and savory taste. Sweet potato and yucca fries pair well, making the sandwiches enough for a medium meal shared with a side.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were delicious and light."

"The Papito sandwich is savory, sweet, and perfectly cooked."

"The Papito sandwich is a filling lunch spot with savory and sweet flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect food to arrive within 10-15 minutes during non-peak hours.

2

Prices for sandwiches are very reasonable, typically around $15.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

07
Anja’s image 1
Lunch restaurant

Small restaurant offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with garden patio seating surrounded by a quiet rose garden. The vibe is calm and inviting, blending German influences with local ingredients. Guests find it a warm haven amid a busy urban area, ideal for relaxed breakfast and lunch.

Lunch offers a seasonal salad and a quiet spot to enjoy coffee and dessert. The atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, good for a break with a book.

Fish sandwiches stand out with options like rockfish and smoked salmon served open-faced. Sandwiches come on homemade bread and include choices like a golden brown, well-seasoned schnitzel.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating felt like a magical garden oasis."

"I loved the homemade bread on my sandwich."

"This lunch spot is a welcoming haven, perfect for escaping the world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The menu features German-inspired dishes made with local California ingredients.

3

Expect generous portions, especially for the sandwiches and desserts.

08
Summer Kitchen +bakeshop image 1

Narrow shopfront with cozy, bright interior creates a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for casual dining. Mix of local students and longtime residents gives a relaxed, friendly vibe. Focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients supports a health-conscious, sustainable experience.

Lunch offers a variety of light options like a veggie sandwich and pizza. The menu includes lunch entrees and baked goods suitable for sharing or solo meals.

Egg salad sandwiches stand out with a creamy, rich texture. Roast beef, fried chicken, and roasted veggie sandwiches offer bold flavors and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was some of the best I ever had."

"I loved the pizza here; it's worth trying."

"I thought the egg salad sandwich was possibly the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot a block away, as well as free and paid street parking.

2

The seating inside and outside is limited, but the inside is clean and decent.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

09
Mezzo image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers spacious seating with cozy patio and large picture windows overlooking the street. Atmosphere carries a warm Californian energy with great music and comfortable temperature control. Connected bar and outdoor patio create a lively spot for casual dining and drinks.

Wide selection of fresh food includes sandwiches, salads, and soups. Lunch portions come large and affordable, all served with fast service during rush hours.

Sandwiches come generously stacked with fresh ingredients on fresh bread and are very filling. The half sandwich with salad combo offers more than enough food for a large appetite.

People are saying

"The salads here are huge, you'll need to share."

"You'll need to be hungry for this sandwich; the portions are huge."

"This Lunch Spot has huge portions, perfect for splitting."

Good to know

1

Parking garage on Durant offers the first hour free, just a block away.

2

Expect long lines during lunch; arrive before 11:30 AM to avoid waits.

3

Mezzo offers large portions for under $16, including sandwiches and salads.

10
Saigon Express image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on quick service and classic dishes like pho and banh mi. Atmosphere suits college crowds, offering affordable prices and vegetarian options. Food features well-marinated meats and crusty bread, with a clean, well-maintained setting.

Quick, filling lunches come with the tofu bahn mi priced at $7.25. Service stays excellent, making it a solid spot to bring friends or coworkers for lunch.

Sandwiches use French-style bread with low sugar, making them suitable for diabetes. Options allow customization by adding items from other sandwiches, though portion sizes can vary.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is the best I've ever tasted."

"The banh mi here is light and tasty with well-marinated meat."

"I found the sandwich to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including pho and banh mi.

2

Vegetarian options are available, which is uncommon for Vietnamese restaurants.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many dishes under $10.

11
Zut! On Fourth image 1
Californian restaurant

Californian restaurant offers patio seating with jazz music and a retractable roof that blends indoor and outdoor dining. Atmosphere balances cozy charm with lively energy, suitable for special occasions without feeling formal. Popular spot features world-class views and a well-lit street setting.

Elegant and quiet atmosphere suits lunch meetings well. Patio seating adds a nice touch, and the menu includes several salad options for lunch.

Crab sandwiches come with a good portion of crab and fresh salad leaves, often paired with avocado on toasted sourdough. Other options include a satisfying BLTA and a very good chicken sandwich.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully prepared."

"The Lunch Spot's salmon salad was fantastic and tasty."

"I loved the crab sandwich with avocado on toasted sourdough."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy lunch hours.

2

Expect to pay around $75 for brunch for two, including meals and coffee.

3

Parking is generally easy on weekdays, but can be challenging on weekends.

12
Berkeley Bowl West image 1

Supermarket offers narrow aisles that often feel crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends. It features an enormous bulk section, a large deli and hot food area, and a notable mushroom selection unmatched in the region. The atmosphere balances a farmer’s market aesthetic with a busy, energetic vibe.

Great hot bar options make for a quick lunch. Taco bowls without tortillas cost less than $4. The lunch area gets busy at times. Many pick up deli items to enjoy a picnic elsewhere.

Freshly made sandwiches come in a variety of styles, including vegan deli options and fruit sandwiches with large grapes. Pre-made sandwiches sit ready in a cold case alongside sushi, pizza, and soups.

People are saying

"I found it to be the best grocery store."

"I found the best gourmet cheeses and artisanal bread for my sandwich."

"It's a great lunch spot with good prepared meal options."

Good to know

1

Parking at Berkeley Bowl West can be difficult.

2

Expect to find unique items here that you can't find anywhere else locally.

3

The store is known for its extensive variety of fresh produce.

13
Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen image 1

Louisiana-themed decor with New Orleans artifacts and wooden interior creates a homey, authentic vibe. Live jazz and zydeco music plays at a comfortable volume, supporting a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating and family-friendly touches add to the welcoming environment.

Lunch features gumbo and fried chicken as main dishes with beignets and coffee for dessert. The spot offers a quiet atmosphere suitable for enjoying a late meal alone.

Chicken sandwiches stand out with large portions and solid taste. The Po Boy and muffuletta sandwiches come highly recommended for their flavor and presentation.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the fried chicken, is amazing and moist."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is so crispy and delicious."

"I found this chicken sandwich to be the best in portion and taste."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect long wait times during brunch hours on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; allow extra time to find a spot.

14
Cafe Réveille image 1

Spacious cafe with large open windows and an open patio featuring bistro tables and umbrellas creates a bright, airy setting. Atmosphere feels relaxing and social, attracting a creative, youthful crowd without being overwhelming. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, especially for casual hangouts and brunch.

Breakfast sandwiches come with the works, offering a big and filling meal. They taste fresh and savory, often paired with shakshuka for extra flavor.

People are saying

"The Cafe's coffee is smooth, creamy, and consistently good."

"The coffee at this Lunch Spot is always smooth and well balanced."

"The breakfast sandwich with the works was fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both inside and outside seating.

2

There was free parking available at Cafe Réveille.

3

They accept only credit cards for payment.

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