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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Berkeley

Lunch spots

A midday break is the only chance to step away and enjoy a proper meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 1
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 2
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Restaurant offers authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine in a calm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful decor rooted in Nepali heritage. The vibe is quiet and inviting, encouraging diners to savor their meals in a clean, comfortable setting. It stands out for its flavorful dishes and good value at reasonable prices.

Authentic Nepali and Indian flavors blend perfectly with dishes that are never too salty, greasy, or spicy. The food tastes just like home with a wonderful balance that stands out in the East Bay Area.

Nepali Thali is available and served even outside typical lunch hours. Lunch options include authentic Nepali and Indian dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and comforting, just like home."

"The Nepali food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

"The chicken momos and samosas here are tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait for food, typically around 15-20 minutes.

2

Complimentary chai is offered with meals, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

02
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.

Food offers excellent quality and generous portions for around $15. Eating here feels like a clandestine ritual whether in daylight or sunset.

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

People are saying

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

"The Papito sandwich's sweet and savory flavors are amazing."

"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.

03
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 1
Sushi restaurant

Grab-and-go sushi spot with a lively atmosphere and cozy window tables. Fish quality is fresh and high, offering affordable prices that stand out in the area. Small space feels tidy and simple, catering mostly to quick pickups rather than dine-in.

Offers a solid variety of premade foods, including sushi and poke bowls. Food stays fresh and good quality even when pre-packed, with generous portions like the sushi special featuring tuna, salmon rolls, and sashimi.

Quick service suits a grab and go lunch or casual sushi cravings. Most people stop in during their lunch hour for a fast bite.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The sushi here is so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

This spot is NOT a dine-in restaurant; it's designed for pick-up and go.

2

The prices at Sun Sun Sushi Shop are affordable, with many options under $10.

3

You can request any dish on the menu to be made fresh if it's not in the fridge.

04
Anjaโ€™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.

Food features traditional German recipes made with fresh California ingredients. Dishes come out well cooked and homemade, including delicious cakes and filling meals.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"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.

05
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy Mediterranean restaurant with sunny storefront and comfortable seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, enhanced by friendly hospitality and pleasant background music. Known for authentic, fresh flavors and generous complimentary items like tea.

Fresh ingredients create incredible Mediterranean flavors with perfect texture. Mixed grill dishes impress groups with excellent variety and consistent quality.

Offers Mediterranean dishes that provide great nutrients for a busy day. Serves quick, casual meals with good value for money.

People are saying

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"This lunch spot has fresh, flavorful food that won't leave you feeling heavy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary tea at the end of the meal.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Portion sizes are large, comparable to typical American servings.

06
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.

Food comes out freshly prepared and delicious with homestyle flavors. Meals arrive quickly for both breakfast and lunch.

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

People are saying

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

"The breakfast here is super nice, the owner's so friendly."

"The chicken kabob here is delicious."

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.

07
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.

Vietnamese cuisine features prominently with Pho standing out. Food arrives fresh and fast, offering large portions at reasonable prices with a focus on healthy, high-quality ingredients.

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.

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 thought the Vietnamese food here was super good."

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.

08
Easterly-Berkeley image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, airy space with bright lighting and sophisticated decor creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Crowds gather eagerly, especially for authentic Hunan cuisine served cafeteria-style. The environment feels clean and elegant, making it suitable for big group dinners.

Food features authentic Hunan cuisine with rich flavors and a notable spicy kick. Dishes come out quickly and consistently deliver a delicious experience.

Lunch includes dishes like savory egg cutlet with gravy and braised pork ribs with green-headed mushrooms. Portions come on the smaller side, often needing more than one dish to fill up.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic Hunan and Szechwan food here."

"The Lunch Spot's egg cutlet is refreshing and fragrant."

Good to know

1

There are parking spaces available in front of the restaurant.

2

The dishes are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

09
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style seating with a self-service condiment island creates a casual, efficient dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, though sometimes loud and spacious. Many enjoy the customizable toppings bar and authentic udon made from imported Japanese wheat.

Food comes out hot and fresh with consistent quality matching or exceeding other locations. Dishes taste delicious and satisfying every time.

Close proximity to work makes it a popular choice for a quick lunch. Expect a fast service but be ready for a line during peak hours.

People are saying

"The katsu curry rice was a favorite, with tender meat and crispy coating."

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

"It's a good lunch spot for a quick, cheap meal."

Good to know

1

Customers need to pay before sitting down, which allows everyone to pay separately.

2

The place has wheelchair access and is easy to maneuver inside for those with mobility difficulties.

3

Parking can be difficult because it's mostly street parking nearby.

10
84 Viet image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy and open space with six big television screens and a coffee bar. Atmosphere feels friendly and family-oriented, with a relaxed vibe especially when uncrowded. Seating encourages a sense of community, balancing modern simplicity with comfort.

Delicious food stands out with authentic Vietnamese flavors. Dishes come nicely prepared and plated.

Banh mi stands out as a delicious and perfect lunch choice. The spot suits casual meals with friends or family visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and a great price."

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

"The banh mi here is delicious and perfect for lunch."

Good to know

1

84 Viet is open till midnight, with last call for food at 1 am.

2

They allow a few people to order to go before 12:30 am.

3

The restaurant uses a QR code ordering system at each table.

11
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.

Food features authentic Louisiana flavors with fish and crawfish flown in daily. Dishes deliver Southern comfort with consistent quality and good value.

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.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are outstanding, especially the chocolate cayenne cake."

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

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.

12
Zhangliang Malatang image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright and clean space offers a self-serve sauce table with fresh options and vegetarian soups. Atmosphere feels comfortable and fun, suitable for casual meals and study sessions. Food features rich, spicy broths and well-prepared proteins, creating a satisfying experience.

Food here is fresh, flavorful, and fully customizable. It tastes like authentic Chinese cuisine and maintains consistent quality across visits.

Clean environment creates a comfortable spot for lunch and study. Meals often cost well under $15, fitting smaller appetites with affordable portions and a quiet atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has fresh ingredients and good value."

"I found the malatang here to be authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is self-serve, allowing you to customize your meal.

2

Prices are based on weight, so be mindful of your selections.

3

There are several vegetarian and vegan options available.

13
Udupi Palace image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy setting with a quiet and friendly atmosphere suits family dinners well. Vegetarian dishes feature authentic South Indian flavors with standout items like dosa and sambar. Pricing offers good value for generous portions, distinguishing it from larger, more commercial places.

Food features amazing vegetarian dishes like Dosa and Curries made with fresh ingredients. Portions offer great value with tasty, affordable Indian cuisine.

Lunch offers a straightforward experience with consistent availability. The spot serves meals reliably during midday hours, making it a steady choice for a quick meal or casual dining.

People are saying

"The Indian food dosas here are giant and not greasy."

"I loved the flavorful vegetarian South Indian dishes here."

"I found the food here to be really tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can be hard to find.

2

Expect large portion sizes for a reasonable price.

3

The restaurant is pure vegetarian with many options.

14
Alborz Restaurant Berkeley image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian restaurant offers a clean atmosphere with traditional music playing during meals. The vibe is warm and inviting, emphasizing authentic culinary traditions through dishes like koobideh kebabs and Faloodeh. Portions vary, and the setting balances classy with cozy elements.

Persian dishes come with good portions of rice and deliver really tasty flavors. The food offers great value for the price and impresses those who appreciate authentic Iranian cuisine.

Lunch offers a Mediterranean twist on a Hawaiian plate lunch with smaller portions priced like dinner. Meals come without salad and sit near a campus area.

People are saying

"I found the kebabs here to be tender and flavorful."

"I enjoyed a delicious dinner here."

"You should definitely try the kebabs; they're so tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of halal and vegetarian options.

3

Prices have increased recently, so check the menu before visiting.

15
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks in a modernized sushi boat setting with a playful vibe. The atmosphere feels casual and fun, appealing especially to young adults with interactive screens and prizes. The space combines Japanese tourist themes with a clean, tech-driven dining experience.

Multiple conveyor belts deliver fresh sushi plates, while a robot brings drinks. Food costs about $4 per plate and tastes better than other locations, offering a novel and affordable dining experience.

Lunch hours have no wait lines on weekdays, making it easy to get seated quickly. The menu includes noodles alongside sushi, offering a solid midday meal option.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi experience here is really fun."

"The ordering process here is really unique and fun."

"The food on the conveyor belt was a fun novelty."

Good to know

1

Using the mobile phone app makes ordering easy for groups.

2

There is no wait line for weekday lunches, making it a good time to visit.

3

Parking in downtown Berkeley can be challenging, especially before 6pm.

16
MIXT Salads image 1
Salad shop

Salad shop offers a spacious, clean, and modern environment with a pleasant atmosphere. Salads are fresh and healthy with varied options and flavorful dressings. The place stays quiet even during busy times, creating a calm dining experience.

Food here is consistently healthy and yummy with good quality ingredients. Meals feel fresh and satisfying without being heavy.

Salads stand out with their healthier options compared to other lunch spots. Prices lean toward the higher side, making it a premium choice for lunch.

People are saying

"I thought their salads were always delicious and filling."

"I thought the food here was good and healthy."

"I thought the salads at this Lunch Spot were delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay between $11 and $17 for a salad, including protein.

2

Reservations are not accepted; walk-ins are welcome.

3

You must check your takeout order in-store to ensure it has the main ingredient.

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