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Lunch and dinner spots in Chula Vista

You need dependable spots that serve quality food whether you are stopping in for lunch or settling in for dinner.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
KABOB SHACK - BROADWAY image 1
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Middle Eastern restaurant

Small, bright space with cool local artwork and lots of windows creates a casual, inviting vibe. Music plays a fun, lively role, complementing the sauce bar where guests serve themselves. Atmosphere feels like a modern deli or taco shop, blending quick service with a cozy, clean setting.

Lunch here offers great portions and a solid variety including burgers and kabobs. The spot draws regulars who appreciate its consistent quality for midday meals.

Casual and inviting atmosphere suits a relaxing dinner. The spot works well for both lunch and dinner with a friendly vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful for dinner."

"The lentil soup at this Lunch Spot is spicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices are very reasonable compared to similar restaurants.

2

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected for the price.

3

Dressings and hot sauces are available for an additional charge of $0.90 each.

02
New Mandarin Canton Chinese Restaurant image 1

Small space with minimal decor and a family atmosphere offers a chill vibe despite being consistently full. Seating is tight, creating a cozy but busy environment. The mall setting is clean and straightforward, supporting a casual dining experience.

Lunch portions come in large servings that can cover multiple meals. The lunch special includes flavorful fried rice and offers good value.

Large portions come with dinner orders, enough to cover multiple meals from one takeout. Family dinner options and salt pepper chicken wings are available for groups of three or more.

People are saying

"The salt and pepper chicken wings here are amazing."

"The dinner spots here have gigantic portions, you'll have leftovers!"

"This lunch spot has super tasty Chinese food."

Good to know

1

The dining room closes at 8:30 PM, not 9 PM.

2

There are no wait times for food orders.

3

The restaurant offers large portions for reasonable prices.

03
The Kebab Shop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a clean, spacious layout and a relaxed, fast casual atmosphere suited for families and friends. Soft jazz music creates a pleasant, vibey environment while a sauce bar adds a distinctive touch to the dining experience.

Quick lunches feature delicious kebabs that are both healthy and satisfying. The spot suits a fast lunch break with consistently good food.

Dinner offers healthy options and easy prep meals. It suits family dinners and quick pickups after busy days.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has amazing, fresh food."

"The service here for dinner spots is super friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on weekends.

2

The restaurant is very clean.

3

The location has lots of parking available.

04
Sushiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with a quiet atmosphere suitable for conversation. Interior shows signs of wear with old, poorly maintained decor. Menu features fresh, delicious sushi and a diverse selection including affordable teriyaki and special rolls.

Affordable and delicious lunch specials offer good portion sizes. The spot gets busy on weekday afternoons, and sushi to go can take longer than expected even after the lunch rush.

Dinner time often involves a small wait for a table. Expect some wait time during busy hours.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is delicious and always fresh."

"I highly recommend the chicken teriyaki plate."

"The dinner spots here offer delicious food with great choices."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a special menu.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for seating on Saturday evenings around 6:00 PM.

3

Parking is convenient after 7 PM on weekdays.

05
Tasty Mandarin image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small restaurant with authentic Chinese cuisine offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere suitable for groups up to four. The place stays packed on weekend dinners and serves generous portions of well-regarded dishes like salt and pepper chicken wings and chicken chow mein.

Lunch specials run Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and include Egg Drop Soup, an Egg Roll, and a main dish with rice. Portions come in a lunch size that offers a lot of food for the price.

Offers authentic Chinese home cooking in a casual setting. Portions are generous enough for a family of three at dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and the portions ginormous."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Lunch Spot portions were huge and generous."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm.

2

Happy hour menu is offered from 11 am to 3 pm.

3

The price for a certain plate is $17.99.

06
El Patio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful decor creates a casual Mexican vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. Music adds to the fun, lively energy while the space remains clean and newly remodeled.

Lunch service moves quickly even during a busy Saturday rush. Guests must stay together to be seated, and the meals suit the day well with a pleasant atmosphere.

Dinner feels like a family gathering with food that brings a sense of home cooking. The inviting aroma from outside draws people in for a comforting meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the shredded beef burrito with cheese sauce, is a must-try."

"I had the best Mexican breakfast, it was so filling."

"The dinner spots here have authentic, delicious Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially on holidays.

2

Parking is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for some vendors.

07
Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken image 1

Corner store setup inside a liquor shop creates a deli-style atmosphere without seating. Fried seafood and chicken stand out with crispy batter and fresh frying techniques. Prices lean toward the higher side, and the vibe is casual and straightforward near the sea.

Lunch specials cost around $10 and offer delicious meals with good variety. The specials provide solid value for a midday meal.

Fried fish dinners come with options like catfish and jumbo shrimp and can be customized with extra fries. Service includes attentive staff, and banana pudding is a common dessert choice.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"You've got to try the delicious lunch specials here."

"The dinner spots here have really good food."

Good to know

1

Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken is a take-out only restaurant with no dine-in options.

2

Debit and credit card transactions incur an extra 50 cents; cash is preferred.

3

The lunch meal costs around $10, which is considered affordable.

08
Pho Hiep & Grill image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers big, bustling space with artistic decor featuring paintings and distinctive lighting. Atmosphere blends cozy and lively vibes with good music playing consistently. Crowds gather regularly, with quick service and ample parking available.

Lunch features Bahn mi and Bao sandwich options. Meals suit casual Sunday gatherings with friends.

Dinner includes a Bahn mi plate served with soup and chicken salad, making for a filling meal. Drinks like Taro Milk with Boba offer a sweet, non-alcoholic option with less caffeine.

People are saying

"The pho here is always good and tasty."

"The dinner spots here have great flavor and large portions."

"The pho at this Lunch Spot is so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect about 10 minutes wait time during busy hours.

2

There is a big free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.

3

Their happy hour specials offer great deals.

09
Isushi - All You Can Eat image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a clean, modern, and relaxed environment with loud but adjustable music. The atmosphere feels cozy and comfortable, attracting those who appreciate all-you-can-eat sushi with a wide variety of fresh and creative options.

Offers an all you can eat sushi option that fits well for a casual lunch or a spontaneous date. The setting suits both relaxed meals and simple lunch dates with a partner.

Dinner time seating happens immediately with only a few groups around. Service can slow down during peak dinner time, but staff remain helpful throughout the all-you-can-eat experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is unbelievably fresh and tasty."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat sushi deal they offered."

"This Lunch Spot's all-you-can-eat sushi is unbelievably fresh and crafted with care."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is a great value with a wide variety of sushi.

2

Reservations can be made online for a smoother dining experience.

3

There is plenty of parking available, making access easy.

10
Denny's Restaurant image 1

Curved booths shape the seating area, creating a vintage atmosphere with a clean and welcoming environment. Music plays softly, supporting a quiet and peaceful vibe ideal for relaxed dining. The place accommodates pets and offers late-night dining options with a variety of food choices.

Food stays good and affordable during lunch hours. Service includes kind waitstaff who make the experience pleasant. Seating accommodates late lunch visits comfortably.

Open 24 hours, it serves medium rare T-bone steak and other dinner options late at night. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed dinner after hours.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and properly cooked."

"Our server Jen made our dinner feel like an intergalactic experience."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was amazing and the staff were so sweet."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Denny's Restaurant on Tuesdays.

2

Denny's Restaurant allows pets in the outdoor seating area.

3

The restaurant operates 24 hours a day.

11
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Chula Vista image 1

Cozy, old school pizzeria with a rustic look and dim lighting creates a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Tables sit close together, enhancing the mom and pop shop feel. Games for kids add to the welcoming environment.

Lunch offers a family-friendly atmosphere with options suitable for all ages. It serves as a reliable spot for a casual weekday meal or a special occasion like Mother's Day.

Dinner offers large pepperoni pizzas and other pies with an attentive host. It suits family meals and handles weekend crowds without wait times.

People are saying

"The pizza here is delicious and satisfying."

"Isaac's attentive service makes this Lunch Spot so enjoyable."

"I enjoyed the pizza at this dinner spot; it was above average."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a large, free parking lot available for customers.

2

Takeout orders can be placed online or by phone to save time.

3

Expect no small pizzas available after 4pm.

12
Okama Ramen and Grill image 1
Ramen restaurant

Compact ramen restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with patio seating that welcomes dogs and features sports on TV. The vibe is fun and inviting, attracting those who enjoy authentic Japanese flavors in a casual setting.

Lunch specials include hibachi dishes like salmon and shrimp served with fried rice. Arriving before 4:00 pm is important since that's the cutoff for these options.

Waiting times occur during dinner hours, but seating accommodates parties of five without issue.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here has phenomenal, rich flavors."

"The ramen at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

"I thought the dinner spots here were delicious and did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and free, making it easy to visit.

2

The restaurant has a self-seating policy; find a table upon arrival.

3

Prices increase after 4:00 pm, but portion sizes remain generous.

13
Sura BBQ & SHABU image 1

Restaurant offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with self-serve meat bars and adjustable exhaust fans at each grill to minimize smoke. Atmosphere feels modern and lively, suitable for casual meals and group gatherings despite tables being close together. Efficient ventilation and a soft-serve ice cream machine add to the dining experience.

Lunch features an all you can eat special split between a warm buffet with curry, fried rice, and orange chicken, and a cold buffet with kimchi and meats. The Kbbq lunch special offers a solid variety and satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high-quality."

"I loved the Kbbq lunch special here."

"The Dinner Spots had a good selection of tasty meats."

Good to know

1

Ice cream is served after 4:00 PM.

2

Lunch service is expected to start soon.

3

Parking is limited due to nearby residential units.

14
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Nightclub converted into a restaurant features vibrant Mexican-style calavera murals and blacklight menu effects. Loud music creates a lively day party atmosphere but limits conversation and dancing. Outdoor patio offers a quieter spot away from the colorful, music-video-lined interior.

Taco Tuesdays stand out as a lunch highlight. The spot offers an attentive service with staff sharing happy hour menus and lunch specials, all in a setting suited for work lunches.

Dinner features 99 cent tacos on Tuesdays and a lively atmosphere for celebrations like birthdays.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked well."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and attentive."

"I heard the Sunday brunch is excellent."

Good to know

1

An 18% service fee is automatically added to all bills.

2

Taco Tuesday features a condiment bar and free aguas frescas refills.

3

Happy hour runs from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays.

15
Denny's image 1
Restaurant

Classic diner with vintage style and cozy booths offers a bright, clean setting. Atmosphere ranges from friendly and inviting to occasionally disrupted by loud music. Open 24 hours, it serves good value breakfast with notable pancakes and omelets.

Lunch offers hearty meals with options like grand slams and various specials. Service includes attentive staff, though some sections may be closed during lunch hours.

Offers specials on grand slams and various dinners. Serves delicious meals suitable for family dinners and celebrations.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, juicy burgers and rich milkshakes."

"The service at these dinner spots was excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Denny's on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

2

Friday nights are particularly busy, expect longer wait times.

3

The wait time for food can be long during peak hours.

16
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Smaller restaurant with lots of windows and a cozy, casual atmosphere that feels personal and lively in the evenings. A small bar stays accessible without dominating the space. The vibe suits quick lunches or relaxed nights out with a family-friendly energy.

Offers quick lunch options with good service. Suitable for both casual meals and late lunch or dinner.

Spanish Style Chicken Dinner offers a flavorful and satisfying option. Service quality varies, with some servers enhancing the dinner experience while others fall short.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and cooked to perfection."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and friendly staff."

"The food and service at these dinner spots were excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 6pm to 8pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is ample in the shopping center, making it easy to access.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

17
Buffet House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, bright dining area offers spacious seating and a hibachi grill station for made-to-order dishes. Atmosphere feels friendly and relaxed despite occasional crowding and loud music. Buffet includes self-serve soda and ice cream machines enhancing the casual vibe.

Lunch offers self-seating and a buffet priced at $17.95 for adults and $1.50 per year for kids up to 11. Early lunch hours start around 11:20am on weekdays.

Dinner offers a better experience than lunch with a wide selection available. Prices stay high even when some items like coconut shrimp are not served.

People are saying

"The buffet has so many great, well-seasoned options."

"The lunch spot has a good selection of fresh food."

"The dinner spots here have fresh and delicious Asian BBQ and soups."

Good to know

1

I paid $20 per person for the all-you-can-eat buffet.

2

The prices for lunch are $17.95 for adults and $1.50 per year for children up to age 11.

3

The buffet offers a good variety of food choices.

18
Black Angus Steakhouse image 1

Rustic wooden interior creates a country-themed and cozy atmosphere with a calm, friendly vibe. Live music adds to the welcoming environment, making it suitable for small family gatherings. The place maintains an old-school steakhouse feel with a quiet and peaceful setting.

Lunch offers a feast for 2 that feels like a solid deal. The America's Most Wanted Burger features an 8oz Certified Angus Beef patty with a panko-fried American cheese patty, fresh veggies, and BA Burger Sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

Dinner features prime rib, lobster tails, and tomahawk steak options. Meals come in combos and deals for two, offering good value and solid pricing.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the bread, was dangerously good."

"The dinner spots here are amazing, especially the tender filet mignon."

"The lunch feast for 2 was a great deal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs during the games with discounted drinks.

2

Weekday happy hour offers cheap beer until 6pm.

3

Reservations can be made easily through Open Table.

19
Garbatella Italiano image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers live music that creates an elegant and inviting atmosphere suitable for families and romantic nights. Interior features include beautiful murals and gardens, with a bar area enhancing the space. The vibe balances comfort and sophistication, making it feel special without being overwhelming.

Quick service allows for a fast lunch experience with options to take dessert to go. Lunch offerings are consistently great for a midday meal.

Dinner here feels quiet and relaxed most of the time. Service by Carlos stands out, making occasions like Anniversary and Valentine's Day dinners more enjoyable.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and pizza, tastes homemade and authentic."

"Carlos made our dinner experience so enjoyable."

"Carlos made our lunch spot experience amazing and effortless."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a daily happy hour with affordable options.

2

Live music occurs on Friday nights starting at 7:00 PM.

3

Parking is free and readily available near the restaurant.

20
Treo Kitchen + Bar image 1
Californian restaurant

Massive restaurant with stunning ocean views from every table and a gorgeous patio creates a bright, airy setting filled with natural light. Atmosphere ranges from relaxing to lively, with occasional noise from families and outdoor wind. Seating is comfortable and well organized, accommodating large groups easily.

Lunch includes a chopped kale salad and a burger with potatoes and fries. Prices reach around $42 for these meals. Service starts slow with about a 10-minute wait before being acknowledged.

People are saying

"The breakfast buffet here is amazing with so many options."

"The breakfast buffet here is so good, I plan to return repeatedly."

"I thought the chopped kale salad was absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect busy breakfast hours, especially near the omelette station.

3

The restaurant accepts only credit cards for payment.

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Chula Vista, California

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