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Best of Hayward

Authentic lunch spots

An authentic lunch spot that serves traditional recipes instead of the Americanized versions that strip away the character of the dish.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Wakamatsu image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Classic old school Japanese restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere and laid back vibe. Small space with just a few tables and a sushi bar, often busy but manageable with reservations. Known for affordable prices and authentic dishes served by a welcoming elderly couple, currently offering takeout only.

Mom and pop style serves authentic Japanese dishes in a cozy atmosphere. The food stays true to traditional flavors and preparation.

Lunch offers valuable and delicious options with sets like Kara-age and gyoza. Service runs only during lunch and dinner hours.

People are saying

"The chirashi bowl had plenty of fresh fish at a great price."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh and super delicious."

"I enjoyed the authentic Japanese cuisine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited capacity.

2

Wakamatsu is currently only open for takeout.

3

They offer a daily changing bento that may sell out.

02
The Sister's House image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, cozy Korean restaurant with an old country feel and soft Korean music in the background. Atmosphere stays authentic and unpretentious, creating a comfortable, homey vibe. Space is tight but clean, often busy with a local crowd and a dance floor adding unique energy.

Korean BBQ dishes deliver an authentic taste with genuinely delicious flavors. The overall vibe feels authentic and true to traditional Korean cuisine.

Lunch offers a generous portion of grilled chicken with rice at a great price. The special runs from 11AM to 2PM and draws repeat visits for its tasty food.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the bulgogi, was delicious and perfectly juicy."

"The Korean dishes here taste genuinely authentic and are delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is amazing and very satisfying."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available from 11AM to 2PM.

2

Expect delays if the restaurant is busy.

3

Parking is available, but the lot seems under construction.

03
The Gurkha Kitchen image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine with a momo station and indoor and outdoor seating including a patio. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with background music and videos that evoke Nepal. The place suits family nights and casual gatherings with friends.

Buffet and dishes like buff momo, Aalu Bodi Tama, and goat curry deliver strong authentic Nepali flavors. The food stays fresh, perfectly spiced, and true to traditional recipes.

Offers a vegetarian lunch combo that is filling and economical. Located near free public parking and Heritage Square, making it convenient for a late lunch.

People are saying

"The buffet here has amazing, authentic flavors."

"This Lunch Spot has the juiciest momos I've ever had."

"You have to try the momos; they're fresh, juicy, and packed with authentic Nepali flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buffet on weekends, which is popular among visitors.

2

Parking is free but may be in a shady area.

3

The restaurant is conveniently located near the BART station for easy access.

04
Caravan Restaurant & Grocery Store Afghan Market image 1

Combination of Afghan restaurant and grocery store creates a unique cultural hub. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, reminiscent of dining in Afghanistan. Offers fresh halal meats and authentic dishes like kabuli palaw and mantu, with reasonable prices.

Freshly prepared meals feature authentic Afghan flavors that feel homemade. The family kitchen serves dishes like flavorful kebabs and pilafs that resemble home-cooked meals.

Meals include four-piece Bolani servings priced around 14 dollars, suitable for sharing. Frequent visits on Mondays and Wednesdays show consistent availability for lunch options.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious, like a home-cooked meal."

"I found the food delicious at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Afghan dishes at reasonable prices.

2

Expect to pay around $14 for a meal of Bolani, good for two people.

3

The grocery store has a good selection of halal meats and fresh produce.

05
TTOBONGEE / KOREA HOUSE image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere with generous variety of banchan and authentic dishes like fried chicken and kalbi. Seating is clean and neat, creating a comfortable setting. The vibe is easygoing, welcoming diners like a family dinner.

Authentic Korean food features delicious fried chicken with various spice levels and consistent Korean BBQ. An authentic Korean server ensures ample food and drinks, enhancing the genuine experience.

Accordion short ribs come with banchan and japchae for lunch. The meal offers a delicious and satisfying experience.

People are saying

"I loved the fried chicken, it was so juicy and tender."

"I loved the authentic Korean food and delicious fried chicken."

"This Lunch Spot's Korean barbecue dishes were wiped out, especially the chicken."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

Expect a 20-25 minute wait time for the fried chicken.

3

Side dishes are included with your order, offering a variety of options.

06
Los Dos Hermanos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining room with new booths and tables creates an inviting setting. Music adds a homey vibe while air conditioning keeps the space comfortable. Easy parking and consistent table availability support a relaxed visit.

Mexican food here tastes authentic and delicious. The super burrito stands out as a true representation of traditional flavors.

Lunch options include generous specials priced between $10 and $12. Most other lunches run around $20, making it a flexible spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and seasoned perfectly."

"The birra tacos and al pastor tacos were delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great deal on tacos.

2

The buffet is available on weekends and may be all-you-can-eat.

3

Brunch on weekends costs $25.99.

07
Khao Hom image 1
Thai restaurant

Restaurant combines modern decor with Thai cultural elements in a bright, spacious setting. Atmosphere grows loud and echo-y as it fills, making conversation difficult. Space suits both intimate dinners and group gatherings, with dog-friendly policy.

Food offers authentic Thai flavors that are fresh and flavorful. The setting blends an authentic feel with a modern concept.

Lunch offers a variety of dishes that are consistently delicious. Meals come together for a pleasant dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Pad Thai and chicken."

"The lunch here is delicious and the service is attentive."

"I found authentic Thai food that was flavorful and fresh."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot close by, but street parking can be hard.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

A party of five automatically receives a 20% gratuity after tax.

08
A. Romo’s Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with a large outdoor patio decorated with colorful Mexican art and crafts creates a private, quiet atmosphere. Comfortable seating includes a covered back patio that feels like a peaceful retreat from busy surroundings. The vibe blends a San Francisco backyard feel with authentic Mexican touches.

Authentic Mexican breakfast cooks outside while delicious desserts and good coffee complement the vibe. Music and decor add to the genuine feel.

Offers a wide variety of lunch options alongside breakfast and brunch choices. Service and food quality stay consistent, with notable cappuccino and plans to explore the drip coffee and lunch menu.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is a cozy, charming patio with a relaxed vibe."

"This is a great lunch spot with a wide variety of options."

"The decor and music felt so authentic, like my abuelita's patio."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side of the building, but it is limited.

2

The restaurant and bathroom are clean.

3

Both drinks are served in traditional tazas de barro for a unique experience.

09
Lalo’s Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright red building houses a small, family-run Mexican restaurant with a clean interior and a welcoming, homey vibe. Friendly energy and mellow atmosphere make it a chill spot where authentic, highly praised tacos and burritos are served fresh. Unique sauces and personal service stand out amid reasonable prices and a few tables.

Food offers real Mexican flavors with dishes that taste authentic and flavorful. Menu includes a mix of traditional Mexican and some Americanized options.

Breakfast burritos come in a very big size, enough to cover both breakfast and lunch. Lunch availability varies, so sometimes it requires visiting a different location.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"I found the tacos to be awesome, especially the birria."

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

2

Lalo’s Taqueria closes at 10pm daily.

3

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

10
KABUL EXPRESS KABOB image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Afghan food with fresh, flavorful dishes like kabobs and wraps. Atmosphere feels inviting and clean, with a kid-friendly environment. Food preparation takes time, emphasizing quality over speed.

Food offers authentic Halal Afghani flavors with fresh ingredients. Dishes like chicken soup and Aash deliver a rich, comforting taste true to Afghan cuisine.

Lunch features a spicy, flavorful beef wrap with a generous portion. Wraps serve as a solid midday meal option.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"I found the Afghan food here to be the best and most authentic."

"The lunch wrap here is tasty and a good size for the price."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time as food is made fresh to order.

2

Prices are reasonable, with generous portion sizes.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly and offers a welcoming atmosphere.

11
Red Chili | Thai & Vietnamese - Hayward image 1

Shabby chic decor creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere with lofi music setting a relaxing tone. The space feels small and dark but maintains a classy vibe that suits casual hangouts and family meetups. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, making it a friendly spot for plant-based diets.

Food offers brilliant authentic flavors from Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. Dishes taste fresh and flavorful with a classy, authentic vibe at affordable prices.

Lunch offers good value with specials like the Tofu Green Curry that come with vegan-friendly soup, salad, and rice. Weekday deals make it a solid spot for a quick meal or casual meet-up.

People are saying

"The Thai food, especially the curries, is flavorful with lots of veggies."

"I found the Thai and Vietnamese food here to be authentic and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot has great vegan options, like the egg rolls."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot at the back of the restaurant.

2

Payment is made upfront, and to-go containers are provided at that time.

3

Lunch deals are available during the week, providing good value.

12
Sushi Ichimoto image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with dim lighting and a low-key vibe offers private rooms featuring traditional Japanese seating. Atmosphere feels calming and friendly, though music volume can be high. Known for authentic sushi with fresh fish and reasonable prices.

Japanese dishes like Beef Sukiyaki Don and Gyudon deliver an authentic taste. The place offers a pleasant atmosphere with an appealing party room for a genuine Japanese experience.

Lunch features delicious bento boxes and consistent quality across visits. Service varies but remains friendly and attentive during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the authentic Japanese dishes and experience here."

"This lunch spot has the best, freshest sushi I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Sushi Ichimoto is open on Christmas night until 9 pm.

2

A predefined tip of 18% is added when checking out.

3

You can obtain a Groupon coupon online for discounts.

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Hayward, California

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