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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Fullerton's best

Authentic lunch spots

A lunch spot that serves the real thing rather than a watered-down version for the masses.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Okazya Kitchen image 1
Okazya Kitchen image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers homey hole in the wall vibe with quaint and peaceful atmosphere. Locals frequent for authentic teriyaki and homemade curry, served in generous portions with sauces and spices available. The space feels warm and nostalgic, reflecting decades of family ownership.

Chicken carries a very authentic flavor unlike typical fast food. Short grain rice, togarashi chili flakes, ginger, chili oil, and chashu pork use authentic Japanese ingredients. Food tastes homemade and authentic.

Quick lunches feature a lunch special with standout Chashu pork. Frequent visits show it suits a busy lunch hour well.

People are saying

"This lunch spot tastes and smells the same as I remember from when I was a kid."

"I thought their in-house teriyaki sauce was the best I had tried."

"The food here tastes homemade and authentic, unlike most places."

Good to know

1

Expect large portions that are filling and great for hungry diners.

2

Daily specials offer good deals for those looking to save.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $14 per person.

02
Mamma Mia image 1
Italian restaurant

Modern Italian restaurant with spacious layout and a modern/industrial look featuring brick walls and high ceilings. Atmosphere balances warmth and romance despite some coldness from minimal decor. Offers live music and multiple seating options including a large patio and private rooms.

Dishes deliver authentic Italian taste with rich flavor and generous portions. The food stays true to traditional recipes and offers a genuine experience.

Lunch includes a 10-inch pizza and build-your-own pasta Alfredo options. The spot stays quiet during lunch, even on Saturdays.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The pasta Alfredo at this Lunch Spot is super creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted appetizers.

2

The restaurant hosts a wine tasting event with dinner on select weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for special events like bridal showers.

03
Kaori Sushi かおり寿司 image 1

Small sushi restaurant with Osaka-themed decor and an authentic Japanese feel creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo sushi bars. The space is dark and crowded, often busy with a wait, attracting those who appreciate traditional style and quality sushi.

Atmosphere feels very authentic Japanese with preserved original Japanese decoration throughout. The place has a genuine izakaya vibe recommended by Michelin.

Lunch features bento boxes that stand out for their quality. Himokawa Udon pairs well with sushi for a light, refreshing meal.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"It's a cozy place with authentic Japanese decor all over."

"This Lunch Spot's bento boxes, especially the sashimi, are fantastic."

Good to know

1

The wait can build quickly, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Sake prices in the restaurant are significantly higher than online listings.

3

Expect a wait time of about 5 minutes on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

04
Huntington Ramen & Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers cramped seating with privacy booths featuring curtains and call buttons at each table for service. Atmosphere feels authentic Japanese with warm lighting and subtle Japanese music. Patio welcomes dogs with a special bento box, adding a unique touch.

Japanese ownership and operation ensure authentic flavors throughout the menu. Vegan sushi rolls and ramen deliver a from scratch feel with authentic taste.

Lunch features buy one get one deals on ramen and sushi rolls, plus $2 12oz Sapporos. These specials make it a solid spot for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The vegan ramen and sushi here are authentic and satisfying."

"The vegan ramen and sushi here are so authentic and satisfying."

"This Lunch Spot is surprisingly good, with amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

The Lunch Deal offers buy 1 get 1 50% off for ramen and $2 12oz Sapporos.

2

Lunch specials may include 50% off a second ramen or sushi after ordering one.

3

New specials are posted weekly, providing fresh options to try.

05
WADAYA - Fullerton image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers a cozy casual setting with a quiet atmosphere and modern, clean interior. Tables sit close but maintain comfort, creating an inviting space for enjoying brothless ramen and vegan options. A coin machine adds a playful touch to the relaxed vibe.

Mazemen and takoyaki stand out as flavorful and authentic dishes. The place is Japanese-owned, which adds to its authenticity.

Offers a quick lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves meals that work well for a solo meal or a simple lunch with others.

People are saying

"The vegetarian ramen here is amazing, I wanted it for every meal."

"I found authentic mazemen with savory, complex flavors and chewy noodles."

"This lunch spot is a party for your mouth, leaving taste buds thanking you."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large lot behind the restaurant.

2

Happy Hour offers great deals on select days of the week.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy 50% off wine during Happy Hour.

06
Casa Rosita's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with homey feel and tasteful decor creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a quiet dining option. Family-run vibe shows in the warm, inviting energy throughout.

Offers authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.

Tacos from the lunch menu come with authentic Mexican flavor and are available even early in the morning. The spot serves wonderful lunch options that make it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the lunch spot to have authentic Mexican flavor."

Good to know

1

First-timers should be aware that they need to order at the front desk before seating.

2

Parking during lunchtime is limited, so arrive early.

3

Casa Rosita's is located 2-3 minutes off both the 91 and 5 freeways.

07
El Camino Real image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines street-style and sit-down dining across a large space with authentic Mexican roots. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively and vibrant during busy times, with a welcoming vibe. Known for best nachos and solid authentic dishes, it draws crowds especially for takeout.

Food features fresh ingredients and bold flavors that capture authentic Mexican cuisine. Portions come at reasonable prices and remind of a good food truck burrito from Los Angeles.

Lunch rush creates a busy atmosphere with a bumping crowd on weekends. Staff stay helpful and friendly even when it gets crowded, and the lunch options remain consistently good.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos here are delicious and so good."

"I found the Mexican food here to be fresh and authentic."

"The food at this lunch spot is excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch rush hours due to popularity.

2

Takeout is a great option for a quick bite of authentic Mexican food.

3

Prices are reasonable and affordable for the amount of food served.

08
Manon image 1
Thai restaurant

Simple, modern space with chic furniture and upbeat jazz music creates a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. The vibe stays quiet and welcoming, suitable for casual dinners or nights out. An extra room with a curtain offers space for private gatherings.

Dishes showcase authentic Thai flavors with traditional recipes. Chef Oudy brings a passionate and detailed approach, making the food accessible for both locals and foreigners.

Lunch features a special menu with options worth trying. Sweet Mango Sticky Rice stands out as a notable dessert choice.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and exceptionally fresh."

"I found the authentic Thai flavors to be bold and true to Bangkok."

"This Lunch Spot's flavorful Thai food is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant offers a limited-time 4-region experience featuring dishes from different parts of Thailand.

3

Lunch specials start at $15.95, but portion sizes may be smaller than expected.

09
Mo Ran Gak Restaurant Korean BBQ | Fullerton 모란각 플러턴 image 1

Brightly lit interior combines clean, contemporary decor with Korean-style rooms for groups, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Space feels comfortable and inviting even when crowded, with a layout that supports social dining. Service includes a call button for convenience.

Authentic Korean BBQ and cold noodles stand out with real flavors. The restaurant feels genuine, with mostly Korean diners and authentic staff creating a true Korean dining experience.

Lively atmosphere keeps the place buzzing well past the lunch rush. Arriving early helps secure a spot by writing your name down before opening.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has top-tier, fresh, well-marinated meats."

"The authentic Korean BBQ meat here is top-tier and perfectly marinated."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is outstanding and makes the experience excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect over an hour wait on weekends due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Arrive before 6 PM to avoid long wait times for dinner.

3

Free parking is available in the shared parking lot.

10
Matiki Island BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Bright interior with tiki decor and authentic Hawaiian vibe fills the space, often carrying the smell of barbecue. Atmosphere stays chill and casual, attracting a mix of locals including college students. Large seating area supports a lively yet relaxed dining experience.

Authentic Hawaiian vibes fill the space with homey decor and staff. The menu features Island BBQ classics like Potato-Mac and sticky steak rice.

Big Kahuna and #1 meals offer generous portions that often last into the next day. It serves as a decent lunch spot with filling options.

People are saying

"These beef ribs are huge and fall-off-the-bone delicious."

"I thought the Hawaiian BBQ here was the best I ever tried."

"The Sam's Plate Big Long Beef Ribs combo is worth it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 pm.

2

There was plenty of parking available.

3

Expect large portion sizes for most dishes.

11
Tacos Los Cholos Fullerton image 1

Small, crowded space with community seating and a self-serve salsa bar offering unlimited toppings. Loud music creates an intense atmosphere that feels like a nightclub. Regulars enjoy award-winning tacos and a lively, energetic vibe.

Tacos feature tender, juicy meat with authentic seasoning sauce and fresh, vibrant toppings. The flavors come across as rich and true to traditional recipes.

Quick service stands out even during busy lunch hours. Food holds up well when reheated, making it a solid choice for next-day meals. The spot generates workplace excitement when ordering in.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the carne asada burrito; it was very good."

"This Lunch Spot's adobada pizza was amazing."

"I found the tacos here to be super authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounts but can get very busy.

2

Expect long wait times on Taco Tuesday due to high demand.

3

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

12
Bundoo Khan image 1
Halal restaurant

Spacious restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a casual self-service style. Atmosphere blends authentic Pakistani music and decor, creating a home country feel. Crowds and noise levels rise, especially during busy times, with a lively, bustling energy.

Flavors match authentic Karachi-style BBQ with unique spice profiles. The taste reflects traditional Pakistani BBQ closely.

Lunch here feels like a trip back to Karachi with authentic flavors. The bihari boti stands out as a favorite among lunch companions.

People are saying

"The Pakistani food here is bursting with authentic flavors."

"I found the authentic Pakistani BBQ flavors here to be amazing."

"The bihari boti at this Lunch Spot is grilled and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served on weekends from 9am to 11am.

2

Expect higher prices for smaller portion sizes.

3

The restaurant is self-service, which may affect your dining experience.

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