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Local picks in Costa Mesa

Soup lunch spots

A quick midday break centered around a steaming bowl of soup.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
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Korean restaurant offers authentic family-like atmosphere with a clean and welcoming interior. The place serves homemade-style banchan and top-tier tofu soups with generous portions. It stays unpretentious and feels like home, attracting those who appreciate genuine Korean flavors.

Several tofu soup options stand out, including mushroom and spicy beef varieties. The soups taste fresh and organic, avoiding the usual pre-packaged flavor, with the ginseng and radish soups also noted as delicious.

Lunch offers delicious dishes with a good special deal. The spot handles large groups on short notice during busy weekend hours.

People are saying

"I found the tofu soup here to be delicious and a must-try."

"The banchan at this lunch spot is the best in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult during busy hours due to shared lot with other restaurants.

2

The restaurant can accommodate large parties, making it suitable for group lunches.

3

The price at Myung Dong Tofu House & BBQ is reasonable for the amount of food.

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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.

Miso soup offers a flavorful and delicious taste with a satisfying texture. The dinner set includes an amazing soup that complements the meal well, sometimes featuring bold elements like the shrimp head.

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.

People are saying

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

"The miso soup here is so flavorful and delicious."

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.

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Small sushi bar with limited indoor seating offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that balances elegance and comfort. Fresh fish and premium sashimi stand out alongside affordable prices, attracting those seeking quality sushi without fuss.

Starts with tasty miso soup that has a rich, flavorful broth. Extra servings of miso soup are often provided.

Lunch offers a large variety of options with lunch specials that cost less than dinner. The atmosphere is quiet with few people around during lunchtime.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has really fresh and delicious fish."

"The soup here is outstanding and the service is great."

Good to know

1

SkyBay Sushi is closed from 3 to 5 PM daily.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

3

Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices.

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Small French steakhouse with cozy, intimate atmosphere and Parisian bistro decor. Indoor space is compact with tables close together, while outdoor seating offers a quieter option by a fountain. Bar area is lively and can be loud, contrasting with the generally warm and inviting vibe inside.

Onion soup features a rich, intense flavor achieved through a reduction technique without extra salt. It comes topped with a perfect blend of cheese and croutons, making it especially enjoyable.

Lunch arrives quickly and the atmosphere can vary from calm to noisy with groups. Making a reservation helps even when it is not busy. Enjoyable meals suit both family and friends gatherings.

People are saying

"The French onion soup here is so good and has a beautiful taste."

"The steak frites and steak and eggs were made to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get crowded.

2

Seating is limited; expect to sit at the bar if you arrive without a reservation.

3

Prices for entrees range from $30 to $50 per person.

05
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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.

Soups include miso soup, clam soup, and unique options like mochi in soup. Meals often come with soup as a side, complementing dishes like chicken karrage and king mackerel.

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.

People are saying

"The soup here is fresh and tastes amazing."

"This is my favorite authentic Japanese lunch spot."

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.

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Open-space seating in a food court with several Japanese eateries creates a communal atmosphere. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue offers authentic, smoky flavor with tender, juicy texture. The environment combines Showa-era Japanese street style with a cozy, lively vibe.

People are saying

"The beef tongue soup was delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot's charcoal grilled beef tongue is tender and smoky."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.

2

The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.

3

There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.

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Open kitchen design reveals chefs preparing authentic Aegean cuisine with visible care. Warm, cozy atmosphere combines with live music to create an inviting and peaceful dining experience. Regulars appreciate family-style hospitality and dishes that evoke traditional Turkish flavors.

Lentil soup stands out as a comforting start to meals with a delicious, rich flavor. It pairs well with meatballs and kebabs, making the soup experience hearty and satisfying.

Lunch offers flavorful dishes like the kefta plate and fire roasted eggplant that satisfy well without needing more.

People are saying

"I found the lentil soup to be super tasty and comforting."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is out of this world, with fresh, quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush hours.

3

The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.

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Small ramen restaurant offers authentic, flavorful ramen with options like black garlic and vegan miso. Casual, cozy space fills quickly and features unique decorations creating a laid-back vibe. Beer on tap complements the fast, no-fuss dining experience.

Chef crafts the soup base with care and concentration. Offers authentic Japanese ramen in various styles, including dipping soups served generously from the start.

Small size makes it easy to grab a quick lunch. Known for bowl of ramen served well for lunch or after work.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has richly flavorful ramen."

"I experienced the best ramen soup in Southern California."

Good to know

1

Kashiwa Ramen offers a student discount for OCC students.

2

One bowl costs about $20.

3

The number of tables is limited, so expect a wait on busy nights.

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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.

Soup features a tasty, not overly salty miso base. Udon noodles come chewy with crispy tempura fried shrimp in a warming broth.

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

People are saying

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

"The sushi rolls are creative and have a super rich taste."

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.

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Small, intimate space with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place draws a busy crowd often requiring a wait-list, reflecting its popularity. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba, it offers a genuine taste of Japanese hometown flavors.

Soup features a hot savory broth with thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked just right. Udon soups come with handmade noodles and options like katsu curry with fried pork cutlet or beef, often enhanced by a spicy sauce that adds depth beyond heat.

Lines form quickly during lunch, making it a busy spot. The lunch combo offers a smaller portion and costs nearly the same as ordering items separately.

People are saying

"The handmade udon soup has a delicious broth and great texture."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

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

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

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Large space with modern Chinese decor and plenty of seating creates an elegant atmosphere. Background music plays, sometimes loud, contributing to a lively but occasionally noisy environment. The setting suits date nights and casual dining with a mix of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine.

Soup dumplings come with thin wrappers and a sumptuous broth inside. Hot and sour soup offers a perfectly peppery kick, while noodle soups feature a very good broth.

Variety on the menu and quality of each dish make it a solid choice for lunch or brunch. Great Happy Hour options suit late lunch or early dinner times.

People are saying

"The XLB here are redefined with bold twists like truffle and tom yum."

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they have so many fun flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm with 40% off select items.

2

During happy hour, many dishes are 40% off with few menu restrictions.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

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