Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in El Cerrito

Lunch spots

A midday break away from the desk is essential for getting through the rest of the afternoon.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Nori Roll image 1
Nori Roll image 2
Nori Roll image 3
View all
Sushi restaurant

Small takeout sushi shop offers fresh, high-quality sushi at great prices. Lunch combos provide quick, affordable meals around $20. Atmosphere is efficient and unassuming, perfect for fast service and value.

Lunch combos offer great value with a solid mix of items. Meals come in around $20 including tax and tip, making it a quick and affordable option.

People are saying

"The takeout sushi here is top-notch, with really fresh, delicious fish."

"You have to try the salmon collars; they're a great value."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Nori Roll is primarily a takeout restaurant with a small dine-in table.

2

There was no seating available at Nori Roll.

3

The restaurant is incredibly popular in the evenings during dinner time.

02
Guru Curry House (El Cerrito) image 1

Space blends minimalist elegance with Tibetan decor and Dalai Lama photos. Lunch features chicken curries with aloo naan and basmati rice. Quiet weekdays and spacious seating create a calm, cozy spot for peaceful dining.

Chicken curries come with aloo naan and basmati rice for lunch. The spot stays quiet on weekdays with few tables occupied.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really great and flavorful."

"I found parking easy to find and available."

"This Lunch Spot's curries are super spicy and nicely hot."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with an open floor plan.

3

Complimentary self-serve chai is available for guests.

03
Bánh Mì Ba Lẹ image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese sandwich shop offers fresh bread and shredded meats for quick, affordable meals. Pre-packed lunches like Viet BBQ Chicken and Fried Egg Roll come with separate veggies to keep bread crisp. Cash-only and limited parking make for a straightforward, to-go experience.

Pre-packed lunches in the fridge offer convenient options like Viet BBQ Chicken, Fried Egg Roll, and rice noodles. Veggie contents come separately to keep bread from getting soggy for next-day meals.

People are saying

"You can get a full-size sandwich for only six dollars."

"The Vietnamese food here is great for the price."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are packed with meat and hearty."

Good to know

1

Bánh Mì Ba Lẹ is cash only, so bring cash before ordering.

2

The shop does not offer dine-in service; it's to-go only.

3

Sandwiches cost around $6.50, making them very affordable.

04
Brasil Bistro image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Small Brazilian restaurant offers authentic homemade cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with photos of Brazil on the walls. Lunch features tasty, affordable options like breaded chicken with tropeiro, perfect for a quick, friendly meal. Recently remodeled space adds to the comfort.

Lunch offers very reasonable prices with tasty options like breaded chicken with tropeiro. It suits those wanting authentic Brazilian daily lunch at a friendly price, including quick grab-and-go choices.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be authentic Brazilian and delicious."

"Mariana served us with a smile and was very attentive at lunch."

05
Little Hong Kong image 1
Chinese restaurant

Old-fashioned Chinese restaurant offers a cozy, homey feel with a sunlit dining room perfect for lunch. Lunch specials feature generous portions and a standout egg drop soup. Locals fill the casual space, enjoying authentic Cantonese flavors in a relaxed setting.

Lunch specials come with generous portions and include a standout egg drop soup. The spot fills with locals and natural sunlight during lunch, and the specials run until later hours than usual.

People are saying

"The Cantonese Chinese food here is amazing, especially the Peking duck."

"I found the salt and pepper ribs to be really good."

"You have to try the lunch specials; they are so generous."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special menu for Chinese New Year celebrations.

2

Lunch specials are available on weekends, providing good value.

3

Parking is easy to find for quick pickup orders.

06
Yammy Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy spot with a quiet atmosphere and fresh sushi rolls featuring unique sauces. Lunch specials include healthy options with soup, salad, and rice. Owner-run staff keep the place clean and comfortable even when busy.

Lunch offers a healthy sushi option with a lunch special that includes soup, salad, and rice. Several visits confirm it as an acceptable choice when other options are limited.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be tasty and of great quality."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was quick and friendly."

Good to know

1

Yammy Sushi offers a sizable menu that includes rolls, bowls, and salads.

2

The lunch special includes soup, salad, and rice for a great deal.

3

Prices at Yammy Sushi are reasonable compared to other sushi places.

07
Pakaoma Thai-Lao Diner image 1

Cozy dining room with old-school Lao and Thai music creates a warm vibe. Lunch features generous portions and great service, perfect for casual meals or date nights. Sound dampening keeps noise low, making it ideal for groups.

Lunch offers great service and generous portions that can last for multiple meals. The spot suits both casual lunches and date nights.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious, like mom's homemade cooking."

"The pumpkin curry was super flavorful and rich."

"The Lunch Spot food was delicious and gorgeously presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

The restaurant has gluten-free options available, including gluten-free soy sauce.

3

Prices are affordable, with a regular serving of yellow curry costing $19.50.

08
Masa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with flavorful tamales and generous tacos. Outdoor seating feels genuine and homey, perfect on sunny days. Lunch is quick, with burritos served in under 10 minutes, though service can vary during busy times.

Lunch orders get served in under 10 minutes for a single entrée. Burritos stand out as a popular choice. Service varies between online, kiosk, and face-to-face, with occasional staff shortages during lunch.

People are saying

"These tamales are tender and so good."

"The Baja shrimp tacos from the Drive Thru are excellent."

"You've gotta try the burritos; they're packed with meat."

Good to know

1

The tamales cost only $3.

2

There are plenty of parking spaces available.

3

Masa charges a 3% fee for credit card payments.

09
Tashi Delek Cuisine image 1
Nepalese restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Nepali flavors and a warm vibe. Lunch offers Jhol momo and butter chicken, though quality varies. Known for standout grilled fish and generous portions, perfect for casual group meals.

Lunch features Jhol momo, butter chicken, and lamb curry. Food quality varies, with some dishes rated excellent and others less so.

People are saying

"These Date Spots have delicious, well-flavored veggie dishes and thalis."

"I had an excellent lamb curry or tasty momo for lunch."

"The Butter Chicken curry was so good, I'd recommend it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes for all dishes.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere suitable for families and friends.

3

The restaurant is known for its authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine.

10
Sushi Matsu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot shines with live jazz on weekends and a small bar for chef views. Lunch offers rainbow roll and hand rolls, but takeout quality varies. Atmosphere stays calm and welcoming, perfect for fresh sushi lovers.

Warm food options include a rainbow roll and a salmon skin hand roll. Takeout lunch bento boxes are available but quality can vary, with some orders showing signs of a bad cook.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, well-balanced, and beautifully prepared."

"The Sushi here is amazing, and the staff are so friendly."

"This lunch spot has really fresh, good quality sushi."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available most of the week after 5 p.m.

2

Prices for sushi rolls range from $12 to $14.

3

The total bill for five rolls and one nigiri is around $80.

Discover more

El Cerrito, California

Area guide
Loading Map...