Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Salads for lunch in Escondido

A crisp, fresh salad is the only thing that sounds right for a midday break.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Old World Meat Company image 1
Old World Meat Company image 2
Old World Meat Company image 3
View all

Spacious restaurant with patio seating and a neat remodeled interior creates a laid-back, homey atmosphere. Family-owned vibe includes friendly owners who engage with guests, while TVs showing baseball add to the relaxed tone.

Fresh ingredients stand out in the salads here. The Greek salad offers a solid mix of flavors without disappointment.

Lunch here suits family outings and casual meals. The spot draws locals from nearby with its family-friendly vibe and steady lunch crowd.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the cevapi, is juicy and perfectly seasoned."

"The Lunch Spot's food is SO delicious and flavorful."

"The salads here are super chill and laid back."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

3

Prices are reasonable, with most dishes under $20.

02
Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine image 1

Small dining area with a mom & pop atmosphere creates a comfortable, casual vibe where regulars connect with familiar staff. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed feel. Known for flame rotisserie chicken and reasonably priced meals, it blends homey decor with a small town feel.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and generous portions. Greek options like the Athenian salad and Gyro Salad stand out for their flavor and quality.

Lunch features Greek cuisine with solid options for both casual meals and work events. The spot serves as a reliable choice for lunch or catering, offering a consistent experience.

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyro, is always on point."

"This lunch spot has delicious, well-prepared, and fresh food."

"The salads here are so fresh and excellent."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $13, making it affordable.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional fee.

3

Seating can be limited, so expect possible wait times during busy hours.

03
Elmisa Cafe Escondido image 1

Cozy cafe with clean, bright decor and covered outdoor seating creates a relaxing, quiet atmosphere ideal for studying or casual meetups. The vibe feels homey and welcoming, with a menu offering fresh, tasty breakfast sandwiches and options to go.

Salads come in varied options like urban veggie, healthy riser, and beet salad. They pair well with sandwiches and offer a fresh, tasty choice among paninis, soups, and bowls.

Offers a varied selection of breakfast and lunch dishes including salads and sandwiches. Serves food quickly with options to dine in or take out, suitable for casual meetups or group catering.

People are saying

"I loved the cafe's delicious sandwiches and paninis."

"This lunch spot has amazing paninis and fresh, healthy food."

"The salads here are fresh, healthy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Elmisa Cafe Escondido offers a variety of options suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

2

The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and aims to get customers in and out quickly.

3

There are indoor and outdoor seating options available.

04
Shakey's Pizza Parlor image 1
Pizza restaurant

Large dining area with plentiful seating and multiple TVs creates a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. An adjoining arcade room offers entertainment for kids and groups. The vibe is casual and nostalgic, suitable for gatherings of all sizes.

The salad bar offers two types of lettuce, spinach, and a wide range of fresh toppings and dressings. It comes with the lunch buffet and includes options like chicken prepared in two ways.

The lunch buffet offers all-you-can-eat pizza, salad bar, and hot foods like fried chicken, potatoes, and meatballs. The $15 deal runs from 11 to 2 and includes a variety of classics and fresh options.

People are saying

"This pizza is the best I've had in a long while."

"The salad bar has tons of fresh toppings and dressings."

"The lunch buffet had fresh pizza and crispy chicken."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat pizza buffet offers great value for money.

2

Expect limited availability of arcade games as many are often out of order.

3

There is ample parking available for guests.

05
West Coast Pizza Company image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with So Cal-themed decor and family-style seating creates a lively, game-friendly atmosphere filled with multiple TVs and a winnable arcade. Loud energy suits groups and sports fans more than quiet dates. Local beers and unique pizza options add to the casual vibe.

Salads here stand out for their super fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. The garden salad tastes great and looks visually appealing.

Good lunch deals appear on Tuesday and Wednesday, plus during lunch hour. Pizza slices offer a quick, convenient option for groups.

People are saying

"The pizza here is delicious and has a great crisp."

"The salads here are always super fresh."

"I thought the pizza at this Lunch Spot was great."

Good to know

1

Thirsty Thursday offers $5 pints of hazy IPA.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for pizza during busy hours.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, especially for families.

06
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 1

Hawaiian restaurant offers a family-oriented atmosphere with excellent wall art and great music. The space stays spotlessly clean and welcomes guests with a friendly vibe. Regulars enjoy tender grilled chicken paired with a unique, flavorful teriyaki sauce.

Fresh salad comes with meals but is nothing special and sometimes included even when not requested. Meals combine rice, fresh salad, and protein for a balanced option.

Lunch service handles the rush smoothly and stays fast even when packed. Catering options get praise for their lunch selection.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and healthy."

"I found the teriyaki sauce to be out of this world."

"The grilled chicken and steak in the salad are cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The Escondido location only accepts card payments.

2

The restaurant is always clean.

3

Portion sizes are generally good.

07
Dumplings N More image 1

Small dining area with an open kitchen showcases handmade dumplings and authentic Chinese dishes. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming but can be cold due to strong air conditioning. Popular spot with generous portions and a clean, well-designed space.

Smashed English cucumbers come with a light sauce that keeps the salad fresh and simple. The wood ear mushroom salad adds a different texture and flavor to the mix.

Lunch here includes dumplings available for takeout. The spot stays fairly busy even just after lunch on a Holiday Monday afternoon.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is amazing and authentic."

"The dumplings here have thin wrappers and are full of flavorful filling."

"I ordered dumplings for lunch; they were authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is small, so expect potential wait times during busy hours.

2

White rice and fortune cookies are not included with meals.

3

Prices are decent, and portions are large, suitable for sharing.

08
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers clean, comfortable interior with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere stays relaxed and pleasant with nice background music enhancing the dining experience. Service focuses on quick, nutritious meals with good value and quality.

Salads feature grilled shrimp paired with avocado or Greek ingredients like feta and pickled red onion. Dressings balance well with fresh components, and crunchy toppings add texture.

Offers healthy fish options ideal for a simple lunch. Staff provide personalized suggestions and attentive service. Suitable for both business and family lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh, healthy, and tasty."

"This lunch spot offers healthy, tasty food at great prices."

"The shrimp and avocado Caesar salad was very good."

Good to know

1

$3.50 tacos on Tuesdays are a sweet deal.

2

Parking is extensive and easy to find.

3

Prices range from $13 to $18 for main dishes.

09
J & M's Family Restaurant image 1
Family restaurant

Diner-style setting with a 50's feel and cozy vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels family-friendly and attracts an older crowd, offering a calm and pleasant environment. Large portions and affordable prices complement the clean, homey interior.

Salads include a large taco salad with plenty of sliced guacamole and a fresh spinach salad. House-made salad dressings add extra flavor.

Casual ambiance suits a relaxed lunch. Meals offer consistent quality across breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on family-friendly dining and comfort food.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and fairly priced."

"I enjoyed the fresh spinach salad."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is fast and attentive."

Good to know

1

J & M's Family Restaurant offers a 10% military discount.

2

The restaurant is large enough that wait times are minimal.

3

The prices at J & M's Family Restaurant are affordable with daily deals.

10
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with drive-through service and plenty of indoor seating offers a clean and well-maintained environment. The atmosphere suits families and quick meals, with a medium-sized parking lot that fills up during dinner. Food focuses on fresh grilled chicken dishes that are flavorful and well-prepared.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like sweet corn and chicken. The crema dressing pairs well with the sweet corn chicken salad bowl. Options include a double chicken chopped salad and a cobb salad combo.

Great service stands out during the lunch rush hour. Food suits both lunch and dinner, making it a guiltless go-to spot.

People are saying

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

"The service at this lunch spot is great and attentive."

"I believed their chicken salad was the best."

Good to know

1

The parking lot out front is medium-sized and can get busy during dinner time.

2

I paid under $6 for the meal.

3

There is plenty of seating indoors and a few seats outside.

Discover more

Escondido, California

Area guide
Loading Map...