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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown

Lunch spots

A midday break from the grind deserves a proper meal to recharge.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 1
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 2
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 3
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Restaurant offers playful decor with llamas and a clean indoor and outdoor seating area. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a fast casual vibe. Crowd enjoys authentic Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and affordable prices.

Food offers fresh and delicious flavors with a healthy spin on Peruvian cuisine. Portions come generous and the dishes showcase amazing, flavorful combinations that appeal to all ages.

Offers a quick lunch option with a focus on healthy dishes. Popular for both lunch and early dinner in a downtown setting.

People are saying

"This food's lomo saltado is flavorful and tender."

"I thought the chicken burrito with spicy mayo was excellent."

"This Lunch Spot's food is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices for dishes range from $15 to $20, with some items considered overpriced.

2

Portion sizes are smaller than expected, especially for the $18 Lomo Saltado.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan-friendly options on the menu.

02
MENSHO TOKYO image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy dining venue with indoor and outdoor seating and minimalist Japanese design creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Music adds a quiet storm jazz vibe, making it a chill spot for solo dinners or casual gatherings. Space feels comfortable and refined, offering a more elevated ramen experience than typical shops.

Food here stands out for its amazing quality and outstanding taste. Every dish delivers delicious flavors that make dining a truly great experience.

Lunch offers a Toripaitan ramen and a W Chashu Ramen with wagyu. The menu differs from dinner and holds up well during midday.

People are saying

"I considered this the best ramen I ever had."

"I thought the food here was really nice and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $7 for the first hour and $1 for every 30 minutes afterward.

2

Expect long wait times during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a limited but affordable lunch menu.

03
esme image 1
Restaurant

Cozy space with minimalist design and intimate atmosphere offers a quiet setting for dining. The vibe blends stylish decor with a sense of community, featuring fresh, organic food and eclectic flavors. Lighting and music create a pleasant mood, making it suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Food features fresh ingredients and creative dishes with generous portions. Grilled leeks stand out as a notable dish.

Offers a quiet, intimate setting ideal for lunch. Serves a menu suited for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a consistent appeal for midday meals.

People are saying

"The dinner dishes here are beautiful and delicious."

"The food, especially the short rib, was incredible."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is insanely flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

The cafรฉ does not offer coffee to go, only dine-in service.

3

Expect larger protein portions than average for the price.

04
The Brothers Sushi Culver City image 1

Small sushi restaurant with intimate seating facing sushi chefs and a small bar at the entrance. Atmosphere is lowkey and authentic with low lighting and simple decor. Known for high-quality sushi and excellent sake, it offers a quiet, focused dining experience.

Food features super fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi, and a very good choice of rolls. Quality stays consistently high with tasty dishes and excellent service.

Lunch specials include a Lunch Sashimi set that stands out for its quality. The menu offers a variety of options that make for a great lunch experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is super fresh and mouthwatering."

"The Lunch Spot's fish is super fresh and high quality."

"The dry-aged sushi here is high-quality and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated in the Trader Joeโ€™s garage for customers.

2

Lunch meals are considerably less expensive than dinner options.

3

Expect to pay around $600 for five people, including tip.

05
CULVER&MAIN image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines chic modern design with a warm, inviting atmosphere that suits families and workers alike. Spacious interior and sunlit patio create a relaxed vibe, enhanced by dog-friendly outdoor seating. Energy stays steady with casual ordering and quality local espresso offerings.

Food here is consistently delicious and next-level. Coffee pairs well with the menu, and service supports a delightful dining experience.

Offers a casual lunch atmosphere with options suitable for a morning pick-me-up. Serves meals that fit well for breakfast, brunch, and lunch times.

People are saying

"The breakfast burrito is packed with flavor and perfectly loaded."

"The staff here is super friendly and attentive."

"The food here is incredible, especially the breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

This is not a full service spot; you stand in line to place your order.

2

Parking is available in the public parking lot behind the street.

3

There is a parking lot one street over that offers one hour of free parking.

06
IPPUDO Culver City image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers stylish decor with a spacious, clean layout and a loud, lively atmosphere. It welcomes dogs and serves rich, delicious broth with consistently tasty ramen. The place fills steadily and provides a cozy vibe despite the noise.

Ramen stands out with its delicious flavor and satisfying quality. Food consistently impresses with great taste and pairs well with attentive service.

Lunch features dragon tan tan noodles and other ramen dishes. Meals cost around $40 without a drink. Food quality fits a weekly lunch routine for some.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, has a rich and flavorful broth."

"William was my server and gave me excellent service."

"The ramen broth at this Lunch Spot is amazing."

Good to know

1

The menu is only accessible via QR code, with no physical menus available.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for a ramen bowl with extras.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

07
Arth Bar & Kitchen - Indian Restaurant in Culver City ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ image 1

Modern Indian restaurant blends lounge and sports bar vibe with heated outdoor patio and live performances. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for casual meals or special nights. Menu offers authentic dishes alongside innovative cocktails and vegetarian options.

Food features a modern twist on Indian cuisine with dishes that are consistently fresh and flavorful. The menu offers delicious and well-executed options that stand out in the LA area.

Lunch comes with garlic naan that pairs well with the meal. Portions of naan feel generous enough to eat more than the lunch special includes.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great, with creative and flavorful fusion dishes."

"The food here is so rich, authentic, and perfectly spiced."

"The garlic naan at this Lunch Spot is perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right across the street in the public parking space.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers during the afternoon.

3

The restaurant is open late on Friday evenings.

08
S & W Country Diner image 1

Classic diner space with a retro look and country theme offers a vintage vibe and eclectic decor. Seating includes booths and outdoor options, creating a quaint and charming atmosphere. Cash-only policy stands out as a practical detail to note.

Food arrives quickly with friendly service. Portions offer great value and the dishes taste delicious and wonderful.

Classic American diner serves a great breakfast and lunch menu with delicious lunch sandwiches. It suits a leisurely longer lunch or a work-from-home weekday meal.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be perfectly prepared and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and very well prepared."

"I could eat the turkey club sandwich every day."

Good to know

1

S & W Country Diner only accepts cash payments.

2

Bring cash as the diner does not accept debit or credit cards.

3

Parking is available on the left side of Waseka street.

09
Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Argentinian bakery and cafe offers warm, homey atmosphere with communal tables and dog-friendly outdoor patio. Soft music plays while patrons watch soccer on TV, creating a casual Buenos Aires vibe. The space features nice plants and Argentine decor, blending Latin American flavors with traditional baking.

Food tastes immaculate and first-class with delicious coffee. Offers great deals alongside consistently solid dishes.

Empanadas serve as a quick and reliable lunch option here. They stand out as a frequent choice for a simple midday meal.

People are saying

"The bakery items here are amazing and delicious."

"I found the empanadas here to be the best I had ever tasted."

"These empanadas are a delicious lunch spot favorite."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with $3.50 empanadas and beer.

2

Parking is free on Sundays, but can be limited during farmers market days.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like tango shows.

10
Ugo image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers al fresco seating with live guitar music on weekends, creating a lively and casual atmosphere. The space feels like a European cafe in a busy city center, ideal for people watching and unwinding. Indoor bar seating contrasts with the patio, providing a different vibe that suits a lounge setting at night.

Food features authentic Italian pizza and dishes that are consistently delicious and reasonably priced. The menu offers great taste with a friendly atmosphere.

Food, service, and atmosphere create a fitting setting for special lunches. The cappuccino stands out, crafted by a bartender who works during lunch hours. Outdoor dining is less recommended for lunch.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, is delicious."

"I found the food here delicious and tasty."

"This is a great Lunch Spot for Neapolitan style pizza."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made easily through Resy, but expect outdoor seating.

2

Street parking is challenging; use the nearby Culver City parking structure.

3

Happy Hour offers excellent prices on drinks and appetizers.

11
Velvet Lounge image 1

Indoor bar and outdoor patio offer chill spots with live jazz performances creating a beautiful, elegant atmosphere. Outdoor garden area invites relaxation with birds singing overhead and a gentle breeze. Music volume varies, sometimes making conversation difficult during performances.

Incredible food pairs with excellent service for a memorable meal. Outdoor dining adds a sophisticated, personalized touch to the experience.

Outdoor seating includes a couch for lunch. The lunch menu offers very few options.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here is so relaxing in the sunshine and breeze."

"The food, especially the croquets, is delicious and scrumptious."

"You have to try the croquets; they're delicious deep-fried potato balls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances happen every Wednesday evening, starting at 8pm.

3

High tea is a prepaid event with no refunds; adjustments require a phone call.

12
Sake House by Hikari image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a large outdoor patio with comfortable seating and a traditional izakaya vibe. Atmosphere balances cozy, quiet dining with an active crowd. Sushi stands out as fresh and delicious, especially on the patio.

Food offers excellent quality and generous portions for the price. Sushi stands out as a delicious option with consistently great taste.

Lunch specials come with generous portions and include happy hour deals. The price around $25 feels high for the value offered.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, and the service is super fast."

"I enjoyed the great food and vibes here."

"You get so much food for your money at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Lunch specials provide generous portions at reasonable prices.

3

Reverse happy hour is available late night with discounted drinks.

13
Sweet Wheat image 1

Spacious bakery with classic French design and an inviting outdoor patio featuring authentic tables and chairs. Warm, high-end atmosphere blends coziness with friendliness, making it suitable for meet-ups and work. Known for beautifully presented pastries and a vibe reminiscent of a French cafรฉ.

Delicious food stands out here, with quiche being a notable highlight. Pastries also complement the amazing food selection and ambience.

Lunch offers a great vibe and a spot for a long meal or quick coffee. It gets busier around lunch hours but remains a solid choice for midday dining.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are phenomenal, made with real food."

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The sandwiches at this Lunch Spot taste like France."

Good to know

1

Sweet Wheat opens at 6:30am, perfect for early meetings.

2

The bakery offers a buy 3 get 1 free promotion on pastries.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

14
Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken image 1

Small space with cramped seating and warm wood tones creates a homey atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers shaded seating for a quieter experience. Classic soul music and the aroma of fried chicken add to the inviting vibe.

Food features well seasoned and real Southern dishes with generous portions. The menu offers variety beyond typical soul food, and packaging uses a unique pick up style.

Quick service handles the lunch rush smoothly. The spicy chicken strip lunch special pairs well with French fries, making it a solid midday choice. Surprise bags add a fun twist during lunch hours.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken here was good and crispy."

"The food here is fresh and crispy, especially the chicken."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is amazing, flavorful, and juicy."

Good to know

1

There is free parking for the first hour in the multilevel lot around the corner.

2

Parking is available in a pay garage behind the restaurant.

3

Delivery services are offered for convenience.

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