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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Monte

Lunch spots

A lunch break that feels like a real pause in your day rather than just a quick refueling stop.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen image 1
Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen image 2
Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen image 3
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Chic juice shop serves fresh cold-pressed juices and savory wraps in a cozy, clean space. Lunch features flavorful dishes with quick prep and thoughtful service. Prices stay reasonable, making it a great spot to dine in or grab a healthy bite.

Lunch offers neatly prepared and flavorful dishes. Staff provide thoughtful service during difficult times.

People are saying

"I loved the healthy food; it was so flavorful and delicious."

"The soy chorizo bagel is amazing."

"This lunch spot's veggie pesto sandwich really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Andrea's offers fresh cold pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy food options.

2

The restaurant prepares orders quickly, usually within 2 minutes.

3

Prices at Andrea's are very reasonable and affordable.

02
SINGKAWANG CAFE image 1
Indonesian restaurant

Indonesian restaurant offers authentic flavors with generous portions and affordable prices. Lunch specials feature Singapore Laksa with rich broth and moderate spice, paired with complimentary pickled vegetable soup. Cozy atmosphere suits casual visits and working, plus a small grocery sells Southeast Asian snacks.

Lunch specials include Singapore Laksa with a rich broth and moderate spiciness. Complimentary pickled vegetable soup comes with discounted lunch orders.

People are saying

"The Indonesian and Thai food here tastes like home."

"The seafood here, like the calamari, is light and crispy."

"The complimentary soup at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every evening, making it a fun night out.

2

They accept card payments with a minimum of $10.

3

The cafe offers a good lunch special that is affordable.

03
Aloha Stacks image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a Hawaiian theme and mellow music offers a lively yet comfortable vibe. Quick, large lunch sandwiches make it perfect for a fast midday meal. Counter service keeps things casual despite the warm, airless interior.

Quick lunch sandwiches stand out here, making it a solid spot for a fast midday meal. The place feels like a hole-in-a-wall with a casual vibe suited for breakfast or lunch.

People are saying

"The ube pancakes are a vibrant and sweet must-try."

"I love the fried rice upgrade with my loco moco."

"I loved the ube waffles at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Aloha Stacks is only open until 2 PM.

2

You place your order at the counter, pay upfront, and receive a numbered tag.

3

The seating area is limited, and parking is also limited.

04
Apple Jack's Coffee Shop image 1

Diner-style spot with a cozy vibe and well-spaced tables offers affordable, all-day breakfast and lunch. Regulars enjoy daily specials blending American and Mexican flavors. Cash-only policy keeps things simple and clear.

Serving yummy breakfast and lunch food for decades, this spot offers daily specials alongside regular lunch options. It works well for both breakfast and lunch meals.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast food here was really delicious and homemade."

"This lunch spot has been serving yummy food for decades."

"This place is cash only, so watch out for the signs."

Good to know

1

Apple Jack's Coffee Shop only accepts cash payments, so bring cash.

2

The cafe offers breakfast all day, including American and Mexican options.

3

Prices at Apple Jack's Coffee Shop are very affordable.

05
Tai He Ju Dumplings House 泰禾居饺子馆 image 1

Spacious dining area offers quiet lunch hours with easy seating. Noise echoes in the warehouse-like space, but friendly service and complimentary egg drop soup brighten the experience. Prices stay affordable, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

Lunch hours show a quiet atmosphere with few people around. Seating is easy to find during this time.

People are saying

"These dumplings are piping hot and so delicious."

"I experienced authentic Chinese cuisine with bold flavors."

"The dumplings at this Lunch Spot are piping hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary egg and corn soup with meals.

2

Dumplings are made in-house, ensuring freshness and quality.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other options in the area.

06
The Garden Deli image 1
Sandwich shop

Cozy shop offers warm atmosphere and unique artwork. Sandwiches like Garden Feta are fresh and satisfying. Low counter and small seating create a community feel perfect for lunch.

Lunch features Garden Feta and other sandwiches that draw repeat visits. Sandwiches offer fresh, satisfying options making it a solid lunch spot choice.

People are saying

"I inhaled this sandwich; it was one of the best I've ever had."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is amazing and the staff are super friendly."

"I found this place to be an amazing hidden gem."

Good to know

1

The Garden Deli uses locally sourced ingredients and fresh products.

2

The shop maintains high hygiene standards with staff washing hands and using gloves.

3

The menu is small but offers a variety of deli-style sandwiches.

07
Chillin Thai Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space offers a quiet atmosphere with authentic Thai flavors and affordable lunch specials including pad thai and chicken curry. Seating features a worn sofa area, creating a casual, lived-in feel perfect for relaxed meals. Lunch combos come with rice, salad, and soup for great value.

Lunch specials come with a main course, rice, salad, and soup. Options like pad thai, orange chicken, and chicken curry offer tasty and affordable choices.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious, especially the curry dishes."

"I love their Tom Yum seafood soup."

"The lunch special here is tasty and a great value."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes a main course, rice, salad, and soup.

2

The special lunch menu has many options and is offered at a good price.

3

The buy 1 get 1 deal is available for takeout.

08
WOW Cow Korean BBQ & Seafood Boil image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining with built-in table vents keeps air fresh while enjoying all-you-can-eat lunch and a $20 happy hour. Lively vibe shines with karaoke and live music amid bright neon decor. Weekday lunches have no wait, making it easy to drop in.

Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat option and a happy hour special priced around $20. No wait times appear common during weekday lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The Korean Bbq staff was super attentive and mindful of allergies."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious meat options, especially the beef tongue."

Good to know

1

They currently offer a happy hour promotion where all-you-can-eat costs $20.

2

Expect no wait times during early dinner hours on weekends.

3

The AYCE includes a salad bar and a variety of meats.

09
Pollo Mania image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Rotisserie chicken shines with moist, flavorful meat and distinctive sauces like chimichurri. Quiet atmosphere suits casual family dining and company meals. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid lunch spot with large portions.

Frequent orders show it serves reliable lunch options that satisfy groups well. It works as a solid choice for company meals and casual family dining.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and juicy."

"This lunch spot has the best Peruvian rotisserie chicken in town."

"The chicken in these tortillas was so tasty and juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect cleanliness issues as some tables may not be properly maintained.

2

Prices are reasonable, with a two whole chicken combo feeding 5-6 adults.

3

The menu is limited to chicken dishes, lacking traditional Peruvian variety.

10
Mariscos La Palma image 1

Enjoy a tasty buffet at lunch with generous portions and low prices. Relax on the back patio or dance on the nice dance floor while Mexican music plays. Large groups fit well in the banquet room, all in a calm, chill atmosphere.

Lunch features a tasty buffet that stays well stocked throughout the meal.

People are saying

"The shrimp and fish tacos here are really good."

"The buffet here is really delicious and tasty."

"The lunch buffet here was tasty and kept full."

Good to know

1

Prices are cheaper than most places for generous portions.

2

Karaoke happens on Thursday nights.

3

Paint night events cost $40 per person.

11
Tito's Market image 1
Sandwich shop

Family-run shop serves Argentine empanadas and milanesa sandwiches with fresh, flaky pastries. Casual, friendly spot perfect for tasty lunch meals. Busy but welcoming atmosphere makes ordering ahead smart.

Lunch features tasty empanadas suitable for midday meals. The spot offers a casual setting for a simple lunch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and good."

"I thought their empanadas were the best in town."

"The empanadas at this Lunch Spot are too good."

Good to know

1

You have to order the large party sandwich in advance.

2

Recommended online ordering helps avoid long wait times.

3

The parking lot can fill up depending on the day and time.

12
Pho Vit 115 image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Duck-focused Vietnamese spot shines with tender duck dishes and clear, savory broths. Quick service and light options like duck salad make it ideal for lunch. Beautiful, non-traditional decor creates a pleasant dining atmosphere that fills up fast at dinner.

Quick service stands out during lunch hours. The menu features duck salad and porridge for a light, quality Vietnamese lunch. Weekday lunch times are usually quiet.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the duck, is so flavorful and fresh."

"You have to try the duck salad; it's perfectly herbaceous and fresh."

"The duck and chicken dishes here make for a perfect lunch spot."

Good to know

1

They don’t accept cash on Saturdays and Sundays.

2

Expect a queue if arriving around 11:30 am.

3

Parking can be challenging; patience may be needed.

13
Happy Together 喜薈 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small dim sum spot with open kitchen and tablecloths offers a lively yet less crowded vibe. Paper order sheets speed up service, making it a modern lunch spot with family-friendly prices perfect for gatherings.

Decent lunch prices make it a practical choice. The spot hosts family lunches, like the CNY gathering at Happy Together 喜薈.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is really authentic and delicious."

"The dim sum here is superb, especially the rice noodle rolls."

"This lunch spot's food is super delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

During weekends, there can be a wait, especially if arriving during peak hours.

2

Reservations require cash only.

3

The place tends to fill up rapidly, so securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended for larger groups.

14
Shakey's Pizza Parlor image 1
Pizza restaurant

Large, clean pizza spot offers a hot buffet with fresh slices and friendly staff who customize orders. Cozy atmosphere blends with a fun arcade section featuring air hockey and basketball. Nostalgic vibe makes it a great place for a relaxed lunch.

Buffet lunch offers a hot, fresh pizza selection that gets replaced quickly during busy hours. Staff customize pizzas and provide friendly service that makes meals feel special.

People are saying

"The Pizza here is awesome, and the service is even better."

"I hosted my daughter's birthday party in the little private area."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

The buffet starts promptly at 10:30am.

2

The lunch buffet costs $13 per person.

3

Expect limited arcade game functionality during your visit.

15
Cetana Mon Myanmar Restaurant image 1

Intimate space with family-run warmth offers an authentic Burmese vibe. Lunch seating fits groups of five, serving traditional dishes all day. Burmese specialty foods attract mainly Burmese diners, creating a genuine ethnic atmosphere.

Seating accommodates groups of five comfortably during lunch. The spot serves both lunch and dinner with consistent availability.

People are saying

"The fried bean sprout and shrimp had a nice crunch."

"I loved the flavorful and authentic Burmese food here."

"The Lunch Spot's tea leaf salad has interesting textures and is very aromatic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small strip mall, but spaces can be tight.

2

The restaurant gets busy during dinner rush hours, so plan to arrive early.

3

Prices are fair and affordable for the portion sizes offered.

16
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Old fast food joint with affordable prices and a date-night vibe. Perfect for casual lunch with friends and a relaxed atmosphere. Clean and secure feel despite some hygiene concerns.

Offers a casual spot for lunch with friends and a relaxed vibe to hang out while eating.

People are saying

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

"The employees here are always very nice."

"The drive-thru staff are always professional and friendly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is generally clean and secure.

2

The super star combo is affordable and a popular choice.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for night owls.

17
Mr Chopsticks Seafood & BBQ image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant buzzes with a lively atmosphere and draws local families. Lunch specials offer large portions at great value, around $11 to $15.70. Interior feels cramped but focuses on food quality over decor, making it a popular spot needing reservations.

Lunch specials offer large portions at an affordable price around $11 to $15.70. The food tastes very good and provides great value compared to other spots.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The seafood here is delicious and comes in huge portions."

"The Lunch Spot here has delicious food with generous portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine, especially after 6 pm.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours like weekends and holidays.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider using nearby street parking.

18
CURRY TIME image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, family-owned Indian spot offers authentic fast-service with large portions at great prices. Cozy, casual vibe with friendly faces makes it perfect for lunch. Enjoy quick takeout or relaxed dining with Indian music setting the mood.

Friendly faces greet diners during lunch, creating a welcoming vibe. The spot suits both casual dine-in and quick takeout for Indian food.

People are saying

"I experienced the best Indian food I've ever had."

"The garlic naan here is soft, fresh, and perfectly crispy."

"This Indian Lunch Spot has the most delicious naan."

Good to know

1

Curry Time accepts EBT payments.

2

A bowl with one item costs $11.99 without naan.

3

A two-item combo costs $13.99.

19
Daikokuya El Monte image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen spot shines with authentic Japanese decor and a homey atmosphere. Lunch specials offer large portions and quick service, perfect for a midday break. Bright lighting and lively music add an energetic vibe that shifts to calm during quiet times.

Lunch offers a fantastic special with large portions and a side of your choice. The combo deals provide great value and flavor, with options like ramen and sushi in a quiet weekday setting.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is savory, deep, and comforting."

"It's great because there's plenty of parking available."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is rich and delicious."

Good to know

1

Daikokuya El Monte charges a 'large party fee' for a group of five.

2

The restaurant has parking available in the back.

3

The lunch special includes a large portion with a side of choice.

20
Annia's Kitchen image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small planes land near a cozy restaurant with outdoor patio seating and mountain views. Food is consistently great, making it a solid lunch spot. The family-friendly vibe and chance to watch planes create a relaxing atmosphere.

Offers a good selection of meals for both breakfast and lunch. Food quality is consistently great, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is great and tasty."

"The outdoor seating is great for watching planes land and take off."

"This lunch spot has great breakfast and lunch choices."

Good to know

1

Annia's Kitchen closes daily at 2:00 PM.

2

There is free parking available at Annia's Kitchen.

3

Expect to wait for a table on weekends; arrive before 9 AM to minimize wait times.

21
China Great Buffet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Buffet-style restaurant offers authentic Chinese dishes and a Mongolian table for grilling. Lunch features fresh, tasty dishes at an affordable price. Calm, relaxing atmosphere with private booths ensures a pleasant meal.

Fresh, moist, and tasty dishes stand out during lunch. The atmosphere stays calm and relaxing despite a busy lunch hour. Pricing is quite affordable at $16.99 per person on weekdays.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and a great value."

"The buffet has amazing variety and the food is fresh."

"This lunch spot has a great variety of fresh, tasty dishes."

Good to know

1

The buffet enforces a strict two-hour dining limit, which is not clearly advertised.

2

Lunch costs $16.99 per person on weekdays, with a current price of $19.99.

3

Payment is required before starting to eat at the buffet.

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El Monte, California

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