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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Oakland

Salad lunch spots

You need a lunch that actually fuels your afternoon without weighing you down.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated April 2026
01
Bocanova image 1
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Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and walls of windows showcases local art and a courtyard garden. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music creating a cozy vibe. Full espresso and cocktail bars offer top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas, while the patio provides a warm urban outdoor setting.

Shrimp Louie and Mexican Caesar with grilled chicken stand out for their freshness and flavor. Mango and avocado salads add a fruity twist to the mix.

Offers a special experience during lunch with thoughtful chef involvement. Serves as a solid choice for date, brunch, or lunch occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious."

"The mango and avocado salad was delicious."

"The Lunch Spot food here is great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $2 oysters.

2

Valet parking is available at the Marriott across the street.

3

Bocanova has outdoor seating that is dog-friendly and equipped with heaters.

02
Rio California image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Outdoor patio with flowing water sounds and historic house setting creates a peaceful, garden-like atmosphere. The vibe is calm and relaxing, attracting those seeking a quiet meal near downtown. Spacious seating surrounded by trees offers a unique, boutique cafe feel in an urban area.

Salads come with most dishes and feature a tasty dressing. They serve salads alongside options like jerk chicken and fish with rice.

Offers a rare lunch experience in an urban setting. Serves as a great option for a midday meal in the neighborhood.

People are saying

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

"I loved their juicy jerk chicken salad."

"I craved the jerk chicken at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Rio California is closed on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of choices on the menu.

3

Portions are generous, enough for two moderately hungry people.

03
Rose Garden Uptown image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space blends modern Instagram aesthetics with traditional woven trays on walls, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and intimate, with hard wooden chairs and casual seating. The menu focuses on authentic Lao and Thai dishes with generous portions and many vegan options.

Papaya salad stands out with fermented crab and fish sauce giving it authentic Lao flavors. Other salads include a fresh Yum Salad Lao and a sweet corn salad with peanuts and mild chili, offering healthy and light options.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's curry flavors were on point."

"The Lao papaya salad had all the right flavors."

Good to know

1

During their first month (August 2024), they offer a 20% discount.

2

There is ample parking available nearby.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options.

04
Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery image 1

Spacious cafe with vibrant decor and a chill, calm vibe suitable for meetings or remote work. Seating includes comfortable sofas, plenty of outlets, and outdoor tables under umbrellas. Unique features include a sci-fi vending machine and a menu with distinctive sandwiches and pastries.

Salads come in large portions with options like a delicious kale salad and a perfectly crunchy Oak Caesar Salad. The menu mixes up usual choices with items like a tasty, filling BBQ chicken salad.

Fresh, delicious meals and amazing baked goods make lunch here stand out. The hot pastrami sandwich offers a satisfying option, and the calm vibe during lunch hours creates a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich was a perfect lunch after a stressful day."

"This is a nice remote working place and a great lunch spot."

"I found the salads here to be tasty and large."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located inside an office building on the ground floor and is accessible via street parking.

2

The parking situation is not good.

3

Drinks and pastries are reasonably priced, especially compared to a $10 Starbucks matcha latte.

05
Cafรฉ Gabriela image 1

Sandwiches feature fantastic bread and bold flavors like pulled pork adobo and vegan options with cranberries and almonds. The atmosphere is casual with limited dine-in space and a COVID-style walk-up window. Lunch draws a mix of people seeking affordable, filling meals downtown.

Salads come fresh with a sweet vinaigrette that pairs well with sandwiches. The half salad option offers a light, tasty side that complements the caprese salad and other sandwich combos.

Boxed lunches offer a filling meal option downtown. Sandwiches stand out as a great grab-and-go choice for lunch.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be insanely good."

"I loved the tasty soppressata sandwich with a side of caprese."

"The half sandwich and salad combo is a great deal."

Good to know

1

The 1/2 sandwich and salad combo is a great value at $12.

2

Vegan sandwich options are available upon request.

3

The cafรฉ has a walk-up window for ordering.

06
Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen image 1

Open, modern space with natural light and fresh flowers on every table creates a bright, inviting setting. Live DJ spins neo-soul and old school music, adding a lively, fun atmosphere especially during brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a patio lounge with a bar, blending casual comfort with stylish vibes.

Massive salads stand out here, especially the Collard Green salad which draws repeat visits. The beet salad also offers a solid, flavorful option.

Lunch features chicken sandwich and wings that get shared around. The food comes out absolutely delicious.

People are saying

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

"The Collard Green salad is worth coming back for."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

Good to know

1

Every 4th Sunday, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet for $45.

2

The restaurant does not take reservations, so expect a short wait.

3

Street parking is available around the museum and in a nearby garage.

07
Battambang image 1
Cambodian restaurant

Cozy and small with warm, welcoming atmosphere and family-run energy. Lighting is dim and decor feels dated, creating an intimate but simple setting. The place draws those seeking authentic Cambodian flavors in a quiet, unpretentious environment.

Shredded cabbage chicken salad stands out with its fresh crunch and savory chicken. Papaya salad appears regularly, offering a spicy tang that pairs well with other dishes.

Lunch features an eggplant special with a smoky flavor from open flame smoking. The owner offers extra spicy sauce samples made for her own meals. Saturdays can be quiet with the whole place empty.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and tastes like home."

"I can't wait to be back for their delicious salad."

"The owner's energy and vibe made this Lunch Spot experience so enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Finding parking during dinner time is difficult due to 2-hour street parking limits.

2

The prices are reasonable for the area, making it a good value.

3

You can get endless tea for only $1.

08
Sakura Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar image 1

Sushi restaurant offers a warm, inviting ambiance with a traditional Japanese vibe and seating for both small and large groups. The atmosphere feels cozy yet modern, suitable for casual or group dining. Many sake options complement the fresh, high-quality sushi served here.

The cucumber salad stands out with its Szechuan flavors. The seaweed salad tastes a bit sweet. Salads often come as part of lunch sets or bento boxes with rice and soup.

Lunch features a 3-Item Bento Box with choices like beef teriyaki, spicy salmon roll, and chicken katsu. Each set includes soup and salad for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"The lunch spot's bento box comes with rice, salad, and miso soup."

"The cucumber salad here is excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM with food and drink specials.

2

Parking is validated at the restaurant for customers.

3

The restaurant offers a unique menu combining Japanese and Szechuan cuisines.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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