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Best of Irvine

Lunch salad spots

You need a lunch spot that prioritizes fresh salads. It is the standard for a midday meal that keeps you fueled without the heavy aftermath.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Small, cozy restaurant with outdoor seating under red umbrellas creates a laid-back, old-fashioned cafe vibe. Atmosphere feels inviting and fun, resembling a homey spot where food quality matters. Sandwiches stand out as some of the best, with fresh ingredients and generous portions.

Salads come in huge portions and feature very fresh ingredients. They stand out for their generous size and crispness.

Offers sandwiches suitable for both breakfast and lunch. Convenient for quick lunch pickups near workplaces.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches at this lunch spot were the best I had ever eaten."

"I had the best, freshest, and biggest salad ever."

Good to know

1

Parking is very fast and easy.

2

Calling ahead or ordering online is recommended if in a hurry.

3

They offer gluten and dairy-free options.

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Japanese restaurant in a business park offers extensive menu with large portions including vegetarian and seafood options. Atmosphere is chill and family friendly with outdoor seating available. Food balances health and flavor, featuring fresh sushi and tender meats.

Sashimi salads come with generous portions of fresh fish and make a filling lunch. Side salads are fresh and light, often served with dressed greens and cabbage.

Lunch offers a sashimi salad that fills without weighing down. This spot serves as a reliable go-to for midday meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has delicious sushi and Katsu."

"The salad here is so fresh and light."

Good to know

1

Yasai offers a variety of healthy options including bowls, sushi, and salads.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value for money.

3

Yasai provides vegetarian and seafood options for diverse diets.

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Courtyard with shared outdoor seating offers a relaxed dining space. Menu focuses on healthy options with standout items like BBQ chicken salad and chicken wild rice soup. Lunch hours bring a busy atmosphere with ample seating inside and out.

BBQ chicken salad features fresh ingredients and good BBQ sauce. Salads generally come with soups and sandwiches, offering a decent variety.

Busy during lunch, the spot offers good value meals with friendly service even in a rush.

People are saying

"I loved the BBQ chicken salad; it's delicious and fresh."

"Vinny remembered my order from the day before; it made my experience special."

Good to know

1

Croutons offers a variety of healthy options on the menu.

2

Expect busy lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant features shared outdoor seating for guests.

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Spacious Chinese restaurant with clean, modern decor and an open kitchen showcasing hand-pulled noodles. Bright and inviting atmosphere pairs with thoughtful amenities like iPad ordering and noodle-cutting scissors. Music adds to a casual, welcoming vibe suitable for relaxed meals.

Salads here stand out with crisp, refreshing textures and lightly spicy flavors. Options like the eggplant salad and marinated cucumber salad offer good portions and serve as great palate cleansers.

Lunch offers a $21 special with two cold appetizers and soup. The menu features Chinese noodles that attract regulars.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's hand-pulled noodles have amazing flavor and texture."

"This cucumber salad is so crisp and refreshing."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is $21 and includes two cold appetizers and soup.

2

Cross-contamination risks exist for those with egg allergies.

3

Parking can be difficult in the area.

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Bright, spacious interior with whimsical decor and cozy seating creates an enchanting, Parisian café vibe. Atmosphere is lively and sometimes loud, with guests often chatting energetically. Offers pet-friendly outdoor seating and semi-self-service ordering through kiosks.

Salads feature kale prominently, often paired with black rice and fruit. Options include a kale and fruit salad served with black rice and a kale salad alongside beef steak or chicken plates.

Cozy and whimsical setting suits a relaxed lunch. The Miso Salmon offers rich flavor and perfect cooking, while the popcorn chicken with umami sauce stands out. Lunch specials include 4 seasons tea for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The salmon at this lunch spot is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The kale salad here is really good with chicken."

Good to know

1

To celebrate the grand opening on 4/29, they offer a limited free mini snow cake and free Sangaria, along with live music from 7 pm to 9 pm.

2

There was plenty of free parking available.

3

The establishment is pet friendly and offers pet friendly entrees.

06
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Mediterranean restaurant offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere with outdoor seating and a fountain enhancing the relaxing vibe. The environment feels sophisticated and clean, creating a comfortable space for healthy and hearty meals. Staff energy contributes to an uplifting and chill experience.

Salads feature fresh ingredients that taste like they were just picked. The peach salad stands out as a delicious option.

Busy crowds gather around lunchtime. Salmon plates and other meals suit workday lunches and casual family outings. Frequent visits happen after class or with coworkers.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh salads here, especially the peach one."

"This lunch spot has super good and fresh food."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free most weeknights.

2

The restaurant is very clean.

3

Ordering through the app is easy.

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Mediterranean restaurant offers a spacious patio with heated outdoor seating and an open, clean interior resembling a museum. The atmosphere feels fun and inviting, with friendly staff creating a cozy, festive vibe. It attracts diners looking for a comfortable spot near entertainment venues.

Salads come with fresh ingredients like apple, walnut, peach, and chicken. Options include the apple-walnut salad with shrimp and the house salad with pita, often served alongside rice and yogurt dressing.

Casual spot with a focus on Mediterranean flavors offers a pita lunch special that suits a light meal. The setting works well for a relaxed midday break.

People are saying

"Anthony was so helpful navigating the menu for our first time."

"This lunch spot has delicious, healthy Mediterranean cuisine."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free from Sunday to Thursday all summer long.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly.

3

The space is clean and family-friendly.

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Shabu-shabu restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh ingredients and a DIY sauce bar for personalized flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating create a family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult during loud gatherings.

Freshness stands out with impressively fresh vegetables at the salad bar. Quality meats complement the selection, making the salad bar a notable feature.

Lunch offers affordable prices, with meals just over $50 for two. The place stays quiet on Saturdays, and you can order the dinner special during lunch by paying a bit more. Stackers come with both lunch and dinner and are always delicious.

People are saying

"This lunch spot offers a great all-you-can-eat hot pot experience."

"The salad bar's vegetables were impressively fresh."

Good to know

1

Dpot offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $35 per person.

2

Lunch prices are around $50 for two people, including tax.

3

The restaurant is closed every Sunday.

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Spacious shabu-shabu restaurant with self-serve ingredient and sauce bars and clean, well-organized cooking stations. Atmosphere balances family-friendly and bustling energy with comfortable noise levels and room to move. Offers varied broth and meat selections alongside sides and desserts, creating a lively yet inviting dining experience.

A wide variety of vegetables and side dishes fill the salad bar, creating a sensory overload of options. The potato salad and fried rice stand out among the choices.

People are saying

"The salad bar here has so many fresh options and hot food too."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $35.99 per person on weekends.

2

Reservations require the entire party to be present.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early around 4:30 PM.

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Small restaurant with an industrial look and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that can get loud and crowded during peak times. Seating is comfortable and well arranged, supporting a buzzing energy. The vibe feels casual and self-serve, attracting a steady flow of diners.

Cabbage salad comes as a fresh side with meals. Salmon sashimi salad offers a light, flavorful option among the dishes.

Lunch offers delicious Japanese dishes with a focus on familiar flavors. The menu features options like Hako Katsu, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The pork katsu is crispy, juicy, and not greasy at all."

"This lunch spot's katsu is crispy, juicy, and tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 15 to 40-minute wait during peak hours, particularly on Fridays.

3

Be cautious of peanuts in the sauce; call ahead for allergy accommodations.

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Small space with crammed tables and a busy sushi bar creates a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Authentic Japanese decor and family-oriented vibe make it feel like dining in Japan. Popular spot known for fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, especially during lunch specials.

Lunch offers a $20 to $24 special where you pick five items from sushi, hand rolls, and cut rolls. The high quality sushi makes it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the lunch special; it always fills me up."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The $20 lunch special is a popular choice and offers great value.

3

Expect a wait during dinner hours; arriving early is advised.

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Robot servers deliver meats with a playful touch, adding fun technology to a modern, clean dining space. Each diner has an individual induction cooker, creating a calm, authentic Japanese atmosphere. The open kitchen and upscale decor enhance the experience, making it suitable for casual meals and quiet conversations.

Variety stands out with seafood, vegetables, and appetizers at the salad bar. The buffet adds sides like takoyaki, gyoza, seaweed salad, oranges, and fried rice.

Lunch offers a weekday special price around $25 to $26, including Fridays. Food comes fresh with good quality at a reasonable price for about thirty dollars per person.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's all-you-can-eat hot pot has amazing meat selections."

"The meat quality in the salad was high, especially the beef."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch special is $25 on weekdays, including Fridays.

2

Dinner prices are $33.99 on weekends for all-you-can-eat.

3

Parking is available in an underground structure, but can be hard to find after 6pm.

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Narrow space with tight seating and hard surfaces creates a loud, fast-paced atmosphere. Mostly younger crowd fills the small room, making it unsuitable for quiet or intimate dining. Unique decor includes minimalist design with wood accents and a vertical garden.

Freshness stands out with the poke and salad offering crisp, clean flavors. The Cucumber Crab Salad serves as a refreshing starter, paired with a side salad dressed lightly and topped with shaved white garnish. Warm seaweed adds a chewy texture that contrasts well with the cold elements.

Seating happens quickly before and after the lunch rush, with only a short wait during peak times. The spot offers a filling lunch that works well for quick meals or late lunches.

People are saying

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

"The tonkotsu ramen broth was savory and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult during peak hours; consider arriving early.

3

A 16% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

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Outdoor patio and indoor seating create a comfortable dining space with a lively atmosphere and friendly bilingual staff. Music plays loudly inside, while outdoor areas offer a quiet, relaxing vibe with a nice view. Decor blends fast food style with beautiful touches for a unique setting.

Fresh, tasty salad comes as a side with both beef and chicken doner dishes. The crew makes their own salad concoction that pairs well with rice and meat on a plastic plate.

Lunch features Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with great variety. Staff like Olga help make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The salad here is delicious, especially with the beef or chicken doner."

"I loved the Turkish street fries with chicken for lunch."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of halal dishes for those who require it.

2

Parking is ample and available in the strip mall where the restaurant is located.

3

Portion sizes may be smaller compared to other similar restaurants.

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Trendy sushi restaurant with modern decor and an exhibition-style kitchen behind glass. Atmosphere stays quiet and intimate with spacious table arrangements that avoid crowding. Sushi and sashimi come fresh and well-regarded, complemented by a fantastic sake selection.

Teishoku lunch specials offer good value with side dishes and no wait on weekday openings. The food is very good for the price and draws regular visits at lunchtime.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot offers great deals and good value."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is advised due to busy hours, especially by 6:30 pm.

2

Lunch specials are available daily until 4pm, with deals around $25.

3

Omakase 10 pieces are priced at $50, offering a premium experience.

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Soul food restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with warm lighting and wood accents that create a cozy, inviting space. Clean, shaded outdoor seating adds a peaceful vibe. Music plays softly, enhancing the relaxed, welcoming mood.

Shrimp salad stands out with its freshness and flavor. Chicken salad also offers a solid, satisfying option.

Warm lighting and inviting atmosphere create a cozy setting for lunch. Quick bites are available, making it suitable for casual meals.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and reasonably priced."

"I became hooked on the shrimp salad."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served until 2pm on weekends.

2

Parking is easy to find in the Northwest parking structure.

3

Prices range from mid $20s for small portions.

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Restaurant offers a chic, modern design with soft peachy pink colors and velvet seating creating a cozy, social club vibe. Space includes communal dining, booths, high tops, and outdoor tables filled with natural light. Atmosphere is busy and lively, often loud with a hip energy.

Salads come with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken breast, and crunchy toppings. Pickled red onions add a tangy touch, and side options include zesty salad and creamy mac salad.

Offers a bougie brunch vibe with options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Serves as a cool spot to enjoy meals with friends.

People are saying

"The breakfast burrito at this lunch spot is amazing and brimming with goodness."

"The vibe here is super unique and aesthetically pleasing."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times around 10:00 am on weekends.

2

Parking is available in a large strip mall with plenty of free spots.

3

The breakfast menu is available until 2pm.

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European-style bistro with classic decor and a spacious seating area offers a comfortable and quiet atmosphere that feels homey and family-oriented. The vibe suits casual brunch or lunch with a relaxed pace and minimal noise from young crowds.

Casual business lunches and dinners fit well here with a relaxing ambiance. Menu selections cover breakfast and lunch with excellent options for family and friends.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant closes at 9pm, so arrive early to avoid rushing.

3

Prices are reasonable, with most dishes under $20.

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