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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Camino Real

Lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that understands the value of your limited time.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 1
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 2
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 3
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Cozy spot with robot servers offers seafood tofu soup combos perfect for lunch. Generous portions and refillable sides keep meals filling and affordable. Warm vibe suits groups and business lunches despite close tables.

Lunch combos come with seafood tofu soup and refillable side dishes. Portions feel very filling and prices stay reasonable, fitting for groups or business lunches.

People are saying

"I thought the soft tofu soup here was the best in Orange County."

"The seafood tofu soup here is yummy and comes out piping hot."

"The tofu in the Lunch Spot soup had heat but very little flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of spice levels for the soups.

02
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with aged decor and a lively crowd. Lunch serves huge portions like shrimp tempura and teriyaki salmon at good prices. Sushi bar offers fresh fish and limited seating, perfect for family dinners.

Lunch offers huge portions at reasonable prices with options like shrimp tempura, teriyaki salmon, and udon combos. Bento-style meals and lunch specials provide variety in a busy setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and tasty."

"This lunch spot has great lunch combos and bento boxes."

"I found the food to be very authentic Japanese."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be easily made at Taiko Japanese Restaurant.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price at Taiko.

3

Prices for bento and sushi bowls range from $16 to $25.

03
Annapoorna Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy space with about 10 tables creates an intimate vibe. Lunch buffet offers great value and excellent selection. Friendly, efficient service adds to the quaint ambience. Outdoor seating under trees provides a quiet spot.

Lunch features a buffet that offers great value and an excellent selection. The deal stands out for its price and quality.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be delicious and affordable."

"I thought the Indian lunch buffet had plenty of delicious options."

"The lunch buffet here is an unmatched deal with plenty of options."

Good to know

1

Lunch is served from 11:00am to 2:30pm for $17.95.

2

The buffet is open from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

3

Parking is available right in front and on the side of the restaurant.

04
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Walnut) image 1

Casual Korean spot offers a cozy atmosphere with attentive service and K-pop tunes. Lunch features a set menu like Galbi Tofu soup at about $28. Quieter than other branches, it suits diners seeking a calm setting.

Lunch includes a set menu with options like Galbi Tofu soup. Prices run around $28 per person.

People are saying

"I found the soft tofu soup here to be great and tasty."

"The seafood broth was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

"This lunch spot's food, especially the sides, was delicious and authentic Korean."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 7:30 PM, especially on weekends.

2

Paying cash grants a 6% discount at this restaurant.

3

Lunch prices average around $28 per person, which may be considered high.

05
Kingchops Irvine 金園排骨 image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Natural decor and Jay Chou's music create a chill vibe like Taiwan. Lunch offers a takeout lunch box with rich sides, perfect for a quick meal but may affect mood. Generous portions and affordable prices make it popular with families seeking authentic flavors.

Lunch here offers a takeout lunch box with rich side dishes. It suits a quick work lunch but can affect your mood.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese-style fried pork chop food is a must-try."

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

"The Lunch Spot food was pretty tasty, especially the popcorn chicken."

Good to know

1

On Tuesday, they had a special menu.

2

Kingchops offered a buy one get one milk tea promotion.

3

They only accept credit cards, no cash.

06
Yu's Garden image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Bright, modern decor sets a welcoming tone with authentic Taiwanese feel and warm hospitality. Small plates like sweet potato porridge and spicy beef shine in a menu that favors cost-effective takeout. Arrive early for the 3-dish lunch special to avoid sold-out favorites.

Popular dishes can sell out later, so visiting during or before peak lunch hours helps. The 3-dish lunch special offers good value and the price applies for takeout all day and dine-in at lunch.

People are saying

"Their congee and homestyle small plates are comforting Chinese food."

"I always get the three-dish takeout combo for a great value."

"This lunch spot offers a great value with its three-dish combo."

Good to know

1

Carry-out orders are cheaper, costing less than $15 for three selections.

2

Credit card usage incurs a $0.80 fee.

3

The restaurant is located in a plaza with plenty of free parking.

07
Bafang Dumpling image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Bright, modern space offers authentic Taiwanese dumplings and beef noodle soup with customizable sauces. Popular for quick takeout and suits those unsure about lunch choices. Limited seating and parking make avoiding rush hours wise.

Popular for takeout and quick meals, this spot suits those unsure about what to eat. Avoid lunch and dinner rush hours due to limited parking and seating.

People are saying

"I found the potstickers here to be amazing and tasty."

"The Taiwanese food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot to be decent."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very difficult to find during weekends.

2

The restaurant is small, making seating limited during peak hours.

3

Prices for dumplings are around $1 each, making them affordable.

08
A&J Restaurant image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant buzzes with loud conversations and tight seating. Lunch offers inexpensive Xiao long bao and pan fried beef buns, perfect for quick or relaxed meals. Dark hardwood and calligraphy add a cozy yet bustling vibe for groups.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with inexpensive options like Xiao long bao and pan fried beef buns. Portions satisfy hunger without being too large, and the atmosphere suits both quick and relaxed meals.

People are saying

"I found the beef noodle soup to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved dipping the scallion pancakes in the wonton sauce."

"This lunch spot's food is so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking in the plaza is often crowded and difficult to find.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

You need to show up with your entire party to get a table.

09
Zhangliang Malatang Irvine(张亮麻辣烫 尔湾店) image 1

Mandarin spot shines with self-serve sauce bar and authentic spicy hot pot. Cozy vibe with nostalgic Taiwanese music sets it apart. Quick service and large portions make it perfect for a business lunch.

Offers quick service suitable for a business lunch with portions large enough to cover both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I loved having complete control over my food choices from so many ingredients."

"I found the malatang here to be really authentic."

"This is a great lunch spot for a fast meal."

Good to know

1

Zhangliang Malatang Irvine opens until 2 AM.

2

The restaurant offers a self-serve style for meal customization.

3

Expect a variety of soup bases to choose from.

10
Tokyo Central Irvine image 1
Japanese grocery store

Massive Japanese grocery store buzzes with bustling festive atmosphere and crowded aisles. Prepackaged meals offer reasonable cost and enough for next-day lunch, but hot dishes sell out fast. Outdoor seating near sushi spot provides a quiet place to eat.

Prepackaged food offers a reasonable cost and enough quantity to prepare lunch for the next day. Hot dishes run out quickly after the lunch rush, so availability can be limited.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a great food court with lots of ready-to-eat options."

"The staff here is super kind and always cracks jokes."

"This Lunch Spot replenishes popular items and discounts leftovers to prevent waste."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely challenging, with tight spaces and high demand.

2

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours and grand opening days.

3

Hot food selections may be limited, with some items frequently empty.

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El Camino Real, Irvine

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