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Top picks in Temescal

Lunch spots

A lunch spot that respects your time without sacrificing the quality of the food.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated April 2026
01
Mesa Maguey image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with lively dance floor playing salsa and cumbia music creates an energetic vibe. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends funky decor and tasteful accents, offering comfort for both casual and special occasions. Tables accommodate couples and large groups, with a back room for events enhancing versatility.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like enchiladas and tlayuda showing great depth. Cocktails and happy hour selections are colorful and high quality, matching the excellent service and atmosphere.

Lunch offers exceptional tortas paired with a fresh side salad. Prices lean a bit high but the food stays delicious and filling.

People are saying

"These enchiladas verdes are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The mole at this lunch spot is rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with great deals on food and cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially for the back room.

3

Portions are designed for one person, so order extra if you're a big eater.

02
Daytrip Counter image 1
Restaurant

Bright yellow decor creates a happy, welcoming vibe with comfortable cushioned seats enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Music plays at a lively volume that blends into the background as the space fills. The setting features a fun, colorful aesthetic with a casual bar area overlooking kitchen activity.

Food comes out fast and hot with great quality and innovative flavors. Portions offer solid value for the price.

Full combos come with half or whole chicken, salad or bowl, side, and sauce. Portions are generous, enough to share or save for later. Booth seating is available for lunch.

People are saying

"I found the chicken in the salad to be flavorful and juicy."

"The food here is delicious, especially the flavorful, moist chicken."

"This lunch spot's rotisserie chicken and salads are delicious."

Good to know

1

The meal costs less than $18 per person when shared among three people.

2

Everything is customizable, including gluten-free options.

3

The restaurant offers both inside and street side dining options.

03
KungFu Mala 쿵푸마라 功夫麻辣 image 1

Modern hot pot restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with a casual, lively atmosphere enhanced by TVs playing mukbang and K-pop videos. Crowds gather for semi-casual dates and hangouts, enjoying a self-service bar and a variety of flavorful, spicy broths and fresh ingredients.

Food here is spicy and customizable, with options to adjust heat levels. Dishes taste fresh and delicious, showing clear attention to flavor and quality.

Calm atmosphere defines lunch hours with a mix of people on breaks. It serves as a casual spot for both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super tasty and delicious."

"You can build your own soup with tons of toppings and spice levels."

"You can fully customize your own hot pot lunch spot."

Good to know

1

There is a small parking lot available behind the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers build-your-own noodle or noodle soup bowls with Ala Carte grilled items.

3

Caution, it can get pricey if you load up your bowl.

04
K Banchan x Vons chicken image 1
Korean restaurant

Small shop with simple decor and homey vibe features wide selection of banchan and Korean dishes. Atmosphere stays low key with cozy seating and plants for sale. Popular for takeout and quick meals, especially fried chicken and gimbap.

Korean food here is delicious and unique with flavors different from other spots. Service includes a sweet grandma who takes time to make food look good, and the place works well for fast, healthy takeout with a small dining area.

Lunch boxes offer varied flavors and are consistently filling. Every item in the bento and lunch trays delivers quality and taste.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is addictively good."

"This is a great lunch spot with fantastic food."

"The banchan here is super delicious and classic Korean."

Good to know

1

It will be open to the public on Friday, 3/24/23.

2

Parking is readily available on site in the plaza.

3

The food takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

05
Gangnam Jajang image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers authentic K-Chinese cuisine in a steamy, crowded space with a friendly atmosphere. The vibe includes two music stations playing simultaneously, creating a lively but sometimes distracting background. Seating is limited, so arriving early is common during busy times.

Food features authentic Korean flavors with plentiful portions and well-priced dishes. Jajangmyeon sauce is delicious and noodles are perfectly cooked, alongside tasty jjam-ppong and K-Chinese cuisine.

Lunch draws a crowd, with waits for tables common during peak hours. The Gangnam Jajang stands out as a satisfying choice after a long night, and kids often call it their best lunch ever.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the jjampong, is great and reminiscent of Korea."

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's popcorn chicken is super crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for a table during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

The parking lot is tiny and probably big enough for ten cars.

3

Arriving early is recommended due to limited seating.

06
Yosi's Café image 1

Bright interior with French-inspired decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with natural sunlight and purposeful decorations. Calm, relaxed vibe suits both casual visits and work sessions, attracting a loyal, friendly crowd. Homemade desserts and Ethiopian dishes add a unique culinary touch to the cozy setting.

Food bursts with rich Ethiopian and Eritrean flavors prepared with care. Lunch and dinner menus feature delicious dishes paired with excellent coffee and attentive service.

Offers Eritrean food for lunch with a wide variety of options. Staff are friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The coffee here feels warm and welcoming."

"The food here is amazing, with quality ingredients."

"This lunch spot offers traditional Eritrean and East African dishes."

Good to know

1

Yosi's Café offers Eritrean and East African dishes, including breakfast and dinner staples.

2

The café is vegetarian friendly with substitutes available.

3

Everything at Yosi's Café is made in house, ensuring freshness.

07
Aman Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Modern interior hosts rotating art shows and progressive music, creating a warm, home-like vibe. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed with spacious seating and big windows. Menu features many vegetarian and vegan options, especially notable for its delicious roti dishes.

Food here is healthy, flavorful, and offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Portions come generous, and the menu leans on Malaysian and Southeast Asian comfort dishes.

Lunch features garlic noodles with chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Portions suit sharing with one of each dish. Meals come across as satisfying and delicious.

People are saying

"The roti here is perfectly crispy outside and soft inside."

"The roti food is perfectly crispy and chewy."

"This lunch spot has delicious noodles with perfect texture."

Good to know

1

Aman Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Expect to pay around 20 dollars per meal.

3

The cafe is only open until 3:30 PM.

08
Marigold Indian Eats image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant with a utilitarian interior and peaceful atmosphere offers authentic Punjabi dishes and excellent vegan options. The space feels homey and comforting but leans casual rather than fancy. Takeout is popular, with piping hot portions and fluffy naan standing out.

Food features homemade taste and fresh flavors with consistently excellent quality. Prices stay reasonable while delivering great value and service.

Lunch specials come with great value and are ready right on time for pickup. This spot works well for lunch takeout with reliable timing and good deals.

People are saying

"The owner's kindness made the Indian food experience extra special."

"The garlic naan here is flavorful and fluffy."

"The lunch special here is such a great deal."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great value for a filling meal.

2

Parking spots are available right out front of the restaurant.

3

The portions are generous, perfect for sharing or leftovers.

09
Moo Bong Ri image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern, clean interior with comfortable seating and warm lighting creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. K-pop music and videos add a vibrant vibe that encourages conversation. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a relaxed spot for casual dining.

Food features authentic Korean flavors with huge portions and quick service. Dishes consistently deliver rich, mouthwatering taste and high quality.

Swift service keeps wait times short during lunch hours, even on weekends. Meals include large ribs in soup and cost around $25, offering solid value.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and tasty ox tail soup with brisket."

"The food here is amazing and really fresh."

"This Lunch Spot has huge portions, you'll leave full."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is small, which can lead to crowded conditions.

10
Daol Tofu & Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Cozy and casual Korean restaurant with a quiet atmosphere, especially early in the evening. Offers extensive menu options and impressive portion sizes, featuring standout banchan and tofu soup. Neighborhood spot feels genuine and unpretentious, often uncrowded during early dining hours.

Food features authentic Korean flavors with perfect seasoning that is not too salty. Dishes use simple, good ingredients and taste just as good for takeout as dining in.

Lunch features quick delivery and generous portions with leftovers. The tofu soup and bim bim bap lunch specials stand out for flavor and satisfaction.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is authentic and delicious, especially the tofu soup."

"The food here is delicious and surprisingly spicy."

"This lunch spot's tofu soup special is delicious and spicy."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant opens for dinner at 5 PM and is closed for lunch.

3

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during busy dinner hours.

11
Bird & Buffalo image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with rustic Southeast Asian vibes and an open kitchen concept creates an intimate atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making it lively when full, while music leans toward R&B and Soul. The setting feels like stepping into Chiang Mai, offering a unique Thai dining experience.

Food tastes fresh and fantastic with many unique items on the menu. Portions can be generous, sometimes with extras when certain ingredients run out.

Lunch offers plenty of parking and seating. Options include a lunch special with catfish and chicken curry and a Gai Gra Prao rice bowl.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and skillfully cooked."

"The Roti and stewed beef curry is a must-order."

"This Lunch Spot is so flavorful and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot shared with a neighboring business.

2

Street parking is also available nearby, but can be limited.

3

The restaurant offers a specialized menu during Oakland Restaurant Week.

12
Kansai image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious sushi restaurant with a lively, fun atmosphere and Japanese-themed decor. The place often feels busy and noisy, filled with energy from the crowd. Known for fresh sushi and large portions, it draws those seeking a vibrant dining experience.

Food here features great sushi and a mix of raw and cooked dishes, catering to different preferences. Portions come generous and prices stay reasonable, especially during happy hour.

Lunch offers great value with specials like the bento box and lunch combos that are filling and well-priced. Sushi options feature prominently, making it a solid spot for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be consistently delicious and fresh."

"I found the food here to be delicious and well priced."

"The lunch bento box special is a great value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sundays with most dishes discounted about $5.

2

Happy hour drinks are reasonably priced until 6 PM on weekdays.

3

Parking can be scarce, so plan to arrive early during dinner hours.

13
Brenda's Oakland image 1

Cozy indoor space and spacious outdoor patio with radiant heaters create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music plays loudly, contributing to an upbeat energy that suits brunch, lunch, or dinner. Seating can feel tight, but the overall vibe stays positive and lively.

Food here feels like a warm hug with indulgent soul-food dishes that echo southern roots. The menu offers delicious, amazing flavors paired with good service and a positive vibe.

Lunch features Fried Oyster Po' Boy and Gumbo. The atmosphere suits brunch, lunch, or dinner.

People are saying

"You have to try the warm, golden-fried apple beignets."

"The food here is really good and lives up to the reputation."

"The fried oyster po' boy and cheddar cheese grits are delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features three or four different meat options for tacos.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

Street parking is the only option available nearby.

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Temescal, Oakland

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