Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Lunch spots in Downtown Berkeley

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

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 1
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 2
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 3
View all
Sushi restaurant

Grab-and-go sushi spot offers fresh fish and affordable prices in a tidy, small space. Quick service makes it perfect for a fast lunch or casual sushi cravings. Cozy window tables add a lively yet simple vibe for quick pickups.

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 takeout sushi here has such fresh, quality fish."

"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.

02
Cholita Linda image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers a relaxed family-style dining with a huge open layout perfect for lunch or early dinner. The charming, welcoming vibe and clean, comfortable atmosphere make it ideal for casual meals and midday meetups.

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 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.

03
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 1

Enjoy authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine in a calm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful Nepali decor. Lunch features a Nepali Thali served beyond typical hours, offering great value and flavorful dishes in a clean, inviting space.

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.

04
Original Pollo image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot serves large portions with a varied menu including grilled chicken and chicken kabob. Quiet, homey vibe suits early risers and budget diners. Classic lunch and breakfast dishes taste delicious and feel old school.

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.

05
Saigon Express image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese spot offers quick service and classic pho for lunch. Tofu banh mi at $7.25 is a filling choice. Clean, affordable, and great for college crowds and friends.

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."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is really friendly and nice."

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.

06
Anjaโ€™s image 1
Lunch restaurant

Cozy restaurant with a quiet rose garden patio offers a calm, inviting vibe. Lunch features seasonal salad and coffee, perfect for a relaxed break. Charming spot blends German influences with local ingredients for a warm urban haven.

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."

"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.

07
84 Viet image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy space with six big TVs and a coffee bar. Banh mi shines as a perfect lunch choice for casual meals. Friendly, family-oriented vibe makes it great for relaxed visits.

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.

08
Udupi Palace image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic South Indian flavors with standout dosa and sambar. Quiet, friendly vibe suits family dinners well. Lunch is reliable and straightforward, making it a steady midday choice with good value and generous portions.

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."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so tasty and delicious."

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.

09
Rojbas Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Cozy Mediterranean spot shines with authentic flavors and friendly hospitality. Quick, casual meals offer great nutrients and good value. Sunny storefront and homey vibe make it perfect for a relaxed lunch.

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."

"I considered Rojbas Mediterranean Grill one of the best kebab restaurants."

"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.

10
Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen image 1

Louisiana-themed decor with New Orleans artifacts sets a homey vibe. Lunch offers gumbo and fried chicken in a quiet spot perfect for solo meals. Live jazz and zydeco music add to the laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating for families.

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."

"I would come back just for the heavenly jambalaya."

"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.

11
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Casual dining with cafeteria-style seating and a self-service condiment island makes lunch quick and easy. Authentic udon from imported wheat offers a tasty, customizable toppings bar experience. Expect a fast service but lines during peak hours.

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."

"The udon noodles are perfectly chewy and freshly made."

"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.

12
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks in a modern sushi boat setting with a playful vibe. Lunch offers quick seating and includes noodles and sushi for a solid midday meal. Interactive screens and prizes create a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for young adults.

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 sushi at this Lunch Spot is so fresh, it melts like butter."

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.

13
MIXT Salads image 1
Salad shop

Salad shop offers a spacious, clean space with a calm atmosphere. Salads are fresh and healthy with varied options and tasty dressings. Prices are on the higher side, making it a premium lunch spot for health-conscious diners.

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.

14
Easterly-Berkeley image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, airy space with bright lighting and sophisticated decor welcomes crowds for authentic Hunan cuisine served cafeteria-style. Lunch offers savory egg cutlet and braised pork ribs, but portions are small, so order multiple dishes. Perfect for big group dinners in a clean, elegant setting.

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 their unique specialty dishes like coconut chicken."

"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.

15
Zhangliang Malatang image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, clean space with self-serve sauce table and vegetarian soups offers rich, spicy broths and well-prepared proteins. Affordable meals under $15 create a comfortable lunch spot perfect for casual dining and study sessions.

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.

16
Alborz Restaurant Berkeley image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian restaurant serves koobideh kebabs in a warm atmosphere with traditional music. Lunch offers a Mediterranean twist on Hawaiian plates near campus, with smaller portions priced like dinner. Setting feels classy yet cozy.

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."

"The koobideh at this Lunch Spot is addicting and super flavorful."

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.

Discover more

Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley

Area guide
Loading Map...