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Lunchtime salads in La Mesa

A lunch break that feels like a real pause in your day instead of a rushed meal eaten over a keyboard.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 2
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 3
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Restaurant offers loud, lively atmosphere with many TVs showing live sports, creating a friendly, energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the space feels clean and welcoming after recent remodeling. Known for excellent smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also features a wide selection of local draft beers.

Salads come with well-dressed greens like the Chicken Caesar and crunchy kale salad. Lunch specials often include a side salad paired with pizza or other dishes.

Affordable lunch specials include options like a slider plate and a pepperoni special. Some deals combine Detroit style pizza, salad, and a beer for about $18-19.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection with lots to choose from."

"The Caesar salad was surprisingly good, not drenched in dressing."

"The smash burger here is juicy and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 bites available.

2

The happy hour includes options like Brussels sprouts, sliders, and pizza slices.

3

Parking is available onsite but can be limited.

02
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a cozy neighborhood feel and family-friendly dining. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often lively and sometimes noisy. Features include a covered outdoor patio with dense greenery and a large wall mural depicting Italy.

Salads feature well-chilled Romaine in Caesar salads and a house-made balsamic dressing in Caprese salads. The roasted pear salad stands out as excellent and pairs well with Italian dishes.

Lunch features chicken marsala and other rich dishes. Frequent visits highlight its appeal as a decadent lunch spot.

People are saying

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

"I thought the roasted pear salad was excellent."

"You have to come hungry for this amazing Lunch Spot food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

Happy hour drinks are available before 6pm with $5 wine options.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

03
Ney Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with beautiful interior decor and spacious seating creates a relaxed atmosphere that can get lively when full. Live music and a mix of pop and hip-hop tunes add an exotic, fun vibe. The place suits both small and large groups comfortably.

Salads feature fresh produce with perfectly balanced flavors and generous slices of feta cheese. The Greek and Middle Eastern salads stand out for their well-seasoned and vibrant taste.

Lunch features a variety of Iraqi-inspired dishes served even during late hours. The setting suits small celebrations with a quiet atmosphere when few people are around.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the lamb kabobs and fattoush, is amazing."

"I thought the Greek Salad was gorgeous and my favorite."

"The lunch here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Thursday offers a 3-course menu for $25.

3

They charge extra fees for card payments, so bring cash.

04
Gus's Subs & Pizza Place image 1

Old school diner atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and an easy-going patio offering pleasant outdoor dining and gorgeous street views. The vibe is local and chill, attracting those who appreciate classic breakfast and hearty sandwiches in a small, unassuming space.

Salads include a Greek salad and a gyro salad with iceberg lettuce. Some salads show browning on the bottom of the lettuce.

Offers dine-in and takeout options for lunch. Serves a variety of meals suitable for breakfast and lunch hours.

People are saying

"I discovered Gus's has great breakfast options, even though the name doesn't suggest it."

"This lunch spot has excellent food and lots of choices."

"I considered their Greek salad one of my favorite."

Good to know

1

The credit card machine doesn't always work, so bring cash as a backup.

2

Gus's serves large portions, often too big to finish in one sitting.

3

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

05
Frank's Pizza Joint image 1

Restaurant offers family-oriented atmosphere with warm, welcoming vibe and rat pack music playing softly. Booths and bar area create a comfortable setting that feels like a classic New York pizza joint. Space stays generally quiet unless busy, encouraging guests to linger.

Salads come with brown lettuce and include options like an antipasto salad and an excellent Greek salad. Meals often pair pizza with a fresh side salad and a large drink.

Lunch specials offer great deals and solid value. Options focus on satisfying portions without fuss.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"I enjoyed the antipasto salad."

"This Lunch Spot has the best pizza in the area."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

Cash payments receive a discount, so bring cash for savings.

3

Pizza orders typically take 15-20 minutes to prepare.

06
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli image 1

Small, quaint restaurant with a homey, rustic vibe and fresh flowers adding charm. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed, with pet-friendly outdoor seating that invites enjoying fresh air. The place feels like a cozy local spot where conversations flow easily.

Large portions of fresh salad come with spring mix, candied walnuts, cranberries, feta, and cherry tomatoes. Spinach salad stands out as a notably fresh option.

Fresh, homemade food defines the lunch offerings here, with a variety of options that consistently satisfy. The atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a solid choice for a lunch spot with fresh muffins and reliable office catering.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and a huge hit."

"This lunch spot's food tasted amazing and homemade."

"The salads here are large, fresh, and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2 pm.

2

Parking is tight with limited spaces, but street parking is available.

3

Prices range from $15-$17 for an omelette.

07
The Grill at Vine Ripe image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with large patio and covered semi-outdoor tables offers a friendly, inviting atmosphere with plenty of space. Connected to a fresh market, it serves generous portions and features affordable specials that attract a diverse crowd.

Salads feature fresh cucumber and options like the Salmon Greek salad. They come alongside dishes like shawarma and chicken tikka wraps.

Affordable meals come in generous portions suitable for lunch and leftovers. Quick service fits well for a fast lunch stop.

People are saying

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

"The chicken in the salad was moist and perfectly cooked."

"The beef shawarma wrap at this Lunch Spot tasted fresh and was well prepared."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers specials from Monday to Thursday.

2

Prices are very fair, especially with weekly specials.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often enough for multiple meals.

08
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits image 1

Bar and grill with multiple outdoor seating areas including a fire pit and an open kitchen visible from the main dining room. Atmosphere is loud and lively, buzzing with sports on numerous TVs and constant conversation. Back patio offers a quieter space suitable for families and pets.

The Wedge Salad features a strong bacon blue cheese flavor and comes with extra bleu cheese quickly upon request. It pairs well with sandwiches and fries, matching quality found at high-end spots.

Weekday lunch specials run Monday to Friday, featuring a $14 cheeseburger combo with a side and drink. Outdoor seating allows for people watching while enjoying a decently priced meal.

People are saying

"The burgers here are so delicious and juicy."

"This lunch spot's burgers and sandwiches were tasty and delicious."

"I loved their wedge salad, especially the bacon blue cheese."

Good to know

1

They stop serving food before 8:40 PM on Fridays, despite being open until 9 PM.

2

Parking at Johnny B's is limited and can be challenging.

3

They offer a $14 weekday lunch special that includes a cheeseburger, a side, and a drink.

09
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a festive atmosphere features loud music and sports on TV with sound down. Seating options vary for small and large groups, including private areas. The vibe can shift from quiet to lively depending on crowd size and room acoustics.

Grilled chicken avocado and chicken taco salads stand out with fresh ingredients. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, and the Mexican Caesar Salad offers a delicious twist.

Lunch features unlimited soup and salad with specials that appeal to families. The spot offers a casual setting suitable for group meals.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"The Lunch Spot staff are attentive and kind."

"I had the taco salad and it was very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour Specials are available in the bar area, including booths in the upper part of the restaurant.

2

The Sunday buffet brunch runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm with bottomless mimosas.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

10
Aromi Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with heartwarming decor featuring flowers, mirrors, and art creates an inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio and a private dining room offer versatile seating options. The vibe feels authentically Italian with a vibrant, beautiful interior that enhances the dining experience.

Caesar salad offers a tasty flavor and comes with a notable happy hour price drop from $12 to $5. It pairs well with dishes like Ragรบ de la Nonna and pasta with pistachio sauce.

Lunch here offers a chance to avoid crowds, especially on busy days like Father's Day. The spot suits those near SDSU or attending events, serving solid Italian dishes for lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is top-shelf, like in Little Italy."

"The mushroom soup and pasta at this Lunch Spot were incredibly tasty."

"The Caesar salad was tasty and enough to split."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM Sunday through Thursday.

2

Happy hour cocktails are $7.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events.

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La Mesa, California

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