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Guide to Costa Mesa

Lunch spots for salmon

A midday salmon lunch that feels like a proper meal rather than a rushed break between meetings.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Eat's Sushi image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Lots of lunch options make it easy to find something for everyone. The menu suits groups, including kids, for a quick midday meal.

Salmon appears in several forms, including thick-cut sashimi and sushi with perfectly balanced rice vinegar. Rolls feature deep-fried salmon and avocado, topped with a refreshing sauce that complements the tender, plump fish.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi had an amazing truffle flavor."

"The sashimi at this Lunch Spot is impeccably fresh and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

02
Pokeworks image 1
Poke bar

Poke bar offers an open layout with comfortable seating and a small outdoor area. The atmosphere stays peaceful and cool with fun music and warm energy. Fresh ingredients and a wide variety define the food experience here.

Friendly service stands out during busy lunch hours, making the experience smoother. This spot fits well into a regular lunch rotation with a welcoming vibe and consistent quality.

Flame-cooked salmon comes with a charred exterior and a rich teriyaki glaze. The fish tastes fresh and natural, with charring that adds depth without overpowering.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's food is really good and fresh."

"The charred salmon teriyaki was a standout dish, flame-cooked and perfectly glazed."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the door.

2

The store is always very clean.

3

Expect a variety of options for customizing your poke bowl.

03
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 1

Indoor dining features loud, lively energy, while seating near the bar or outside offers a calm, relaxed vibe with abundant natural light and wooden furniture. The space blends modern, stylish design with a laid-back atmosphere that suits casual socializing or elegant dining.

Lunch offers fast service and a great vibe. The Lychee lemonade stands out as a popular drink choice.

Sweet & Sour Salmon stands out with a 4.5 rating and a balanced flavor. Salmon also appears in the Peruvian chopped salad, adding a fresh touch.

People are saying

"I thought the lemonade was pretty good."

"You have to try the garlic noodles with prawns at this Lunch Spot."

"The salmon here is extremely good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 2-5 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant can get very busy, especially during dinner service.

04
YUBUYA image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi spot with a calming atmosphere and homey vibe. Chef handcrafts each yubu carefully, offering seasoned tofu pockets filled with various options. Space fits about 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for takeout and intimate dining.

Lunch combos come with daily deals and reasonable prices. Specials include udon with options like unagi, creamy onion, seared salmon, and spicy shrimp, but portions may be light for some.

Salmon dishes show freshness with visible fat streaks indicating quality. Options include soy marinated, spicy salmon, and seared varieties, each offering distinct flavors and textures.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the yubus, is so flavorful and filling."

"The seared salmon and soy marinated salmon are favorites."

"The Lunch Spot here is so flavorful, I loved it."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo includes a free cup of miso with orders of three yubus or more.

2

YUBUYA offers a variety of yubu fillings, including vegan options.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

05
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Unassuming exterior leads to a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with calm, relaxed energy inside. Space offers both bar and table seating with fresh, high-quality sushi prepared by skilled chefs. Music plays softly, supporting quiet conversation and a welcoming vibe.

Lunch offers set meals like the chicken karrage lunch set with rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Prices stay reasonable and parking is plentiful for both lunch and dinner.

Salmon dishes include a crispy, smoky salmon skin hand roll packed with umami and fresh salmon nigiri. Rolls like the salmon roll and negi toro offer delicious, well-balanced flavors.

People are saying

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

"This is my favorite authentic Japanese lunch spot."

"The salmon nigiri here is so fresh, it brought me back to Japan."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.

3

Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.

06
Wafu of Japan image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, though it gets loud and crowded during busy times. Decor and presentation reflect thoughtful Japanese style, focusing on food quality over luxury.

Lunch features combo specials like 5 pieces of nigiri sushi paired with a spicy tuna roll. Both lunch and dinner times offer good lunch specials with solid variety.

Salmon dishes feature great quality and perfect cooking that melts like butter. Options include a Salmon quintet, charred salmon, seared salmon sushi, carpaccio, and king salmon sushi.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"The lunch spot had fresh, delicious sushi and creative rolls."

"The salmon here melts in your mouth like butter."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.

07
Takumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers cozy, authentic decor with a relaxed, quiet atmosphere and fresh, excellent sushi. Seating mostly suits small groups, with an open, clean kitchen visible. Outdoor patio seating provides a sunny, comfortable option with heaters available.

Late lunch options include a lunch special that offers good value for sushi. The menu focuses on fresh, straightforward choices suited for a quick meal.

Salmon dishes feature fresh nigiri, thick-cut tempura, and a tender collar with balanced fattiness. Rolls combine salmon with other seafood like tuna and shrimp, maintaining solid quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the buttery tuna nigiri."

"This Lunch Spot's sushi is fresh and flavorful."

"The teriyaki salmon plate is a better idea."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8-9:30 pm with $3 large sake.

2

Reservations are accepted, but it's best to arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during busy hours.

08
chobop - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Sushi restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh, high-quality fish and perfect fish-to-rice ratio. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting with balanced background music. Kitchen is hidden from view, focusing attention on unique sushi presentation.

Offers bento lunches with great value including teriyaki, udon, karaage, donkatsu, sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Provides special lunch prices and classic menu options around $30.

Salmon Belly stands out with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The aburi salmon belly appetizer offers a torched flavor that pairs well with the fresh salmon bowls available here.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the nigiri."

"This lunch spot's bento boxes offer great value and variety."

"The salmon belly appetizer melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $35 for regular dinner all-you-can-eat and $55 for sashimi all-you-can-eat.

2

A free parking lot is available for customers.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of five or more.

09
Koyi Sushi AYCE - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Small, cozy sushi restaurant offers affordable all-you-can-eat options with fresh, high-quality fish. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual with no loud music, creating a comfortable dining experience. Seating includes a traditional sushi bar and small tables, often crowded but intimate.

All you can eat lunch offers good food quality and flavorful dishes with attentive service. Lunch specials and happy hour deals provide value for weekday visits.

Salmon shines in rolls like the Mango Salmon special with a balanced sweet sauce and the baked salmon roll that avoids overpowering sweetness. Dishes use very little rice, making them close to sashimi, and the Lemon Pepper Salmon stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The Bottomless sushi options had a wide variety of fresh fish."

"This lunch spot offers great value with its all-you-can-eat sushi."

"The Mango Salmon roll is a top favorite here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 12 PM to 4 PM at $24.95 per person.

2

The happy hour special includes all-you-can-eat rolls only, not the entire menu.

3

This month, buy 1 get 1 free sake or beer is available during happy hour.

10
Boil & Bake image 1
Bagel shop

Open kitchen reveals staff at work behind cute decor. Outdoor patio offers airy seating ideal for dogs and sunny days. Loud music and nearby airport noise create a high-energy, noisy atmosphere that challenges conversation.

Lunch features bagel sandwiches and fresh orange juice. The spot fills up around midday, making it a lively place for a casual meal.

Salmon comes fresh cured in house with a herbaceous blend of dill, capers, and thinly shaved red onion. It pairs well with juicy heirloom tomato and smooth cream cheese on an open face bagel.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were amazing, truly excellent."

"The salmon bagel was delicious, with fresh salmon and dill."

"The bagels here are delicious and inventive."

Good to know

1

Seasonal specials are available only for a day or two, so visit quickly.

2

Expect to wait at least half an hour during peak hours due to popularity.

3

Bagels sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

11
IKEA Costa Mesa image 1
Furniture store

Maze of showrooms creates an adventurous shopping experience with spacious, well-decorated rooms that appeal to families and teenagers. Family-friendly amenities include a kids area, childcare service, and activities like cookie decorating. A lively food court offers popular Swedish meatballs and a bright dining area with ample seating.

Lunch costs stay under $20 for two, making it affordable. The food court offers a chance to enjoy a warm meal while shopping. Almond cookies are available at checkout as a snack option.

Salmon appears as a smoked salmon salad and a salmon fillet on the menu. The salmon dishes come alongside options like meatballs and various sides.

People are saying

"This furniture store is surprisingly fun and playful, like a giant maze."

"It's a fun, productive outing with the kids."

"I enjoyed the salmon fillet."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, IKEA offers 50% off meals at their restaurant.

2

On Wednesdays, they offer Buy 1 Adult Entree, get 2 kids meals free.

3

Members receive free coffee at the cafรฉ from Monday through Friday.

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