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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Riverside

Italian lunch spots

A midday break feels complete with a plate of pasta or a slice of pizza.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cardelli's Italian Deli image 1
Cardelli's Italian Deli image 2
Cardelli's Italian Deli image 3
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Small Italian deli with cozy booths and authentic Italian music creates a family-oriented, mom-and-pop vibe. Sandwiches feature fresh bread and Boar's Head meats, drawing a crowd that appreciates quality and tradition. The atmosphere feels inviting and familiar, encouraging repeat visits.

Cannolis stand out as a highlight, noted for their quality and flavor. The menu includes a hot Italian sausage sandwich and flavorful pasta, alongside potato and pasta salads that are well made.

Early visits avoid the long wait. Offers a quick and satisfying lunch experience. Frequent choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best I've had."

"These Italian sandwiches are delicious, especially the hot Italian sausage."

"This lunch spot has the best subs with a perfect ratio of meats and cheeses."

Good to know

1

They close earlier than the stated 3 PM, sometimes 30 to 45 minutes before that.

2

I suggest calling ahead if planning to arrive later.

3

The prices at Cardelli's Italian Deli are reasonable.

02
2 Brother's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Open kitchen with a giant turning pizza oven creates a modern and clean setting. Big screen TVs show muted games and music videos, while an outdoor dog-friendly patio offers relaxed seating. The vibe is inviting and lively, blending family-friendly energy with craft beer and quality pizza.

Pasta dishes stay moist and full of flavor even after two nights in the fridge. The Legacy pie combines pesto, signature pizza sauce, and alfredo sauce for a unique taste. Sandwiches like the Italian and pastrami come alongside antipasta salad and wings.

Lunch specials run Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM, starting at $11.99 and include a drink. The Italian lunch special comes with homemade chips, and a sub lunch special is also available.

People are saying

"Josh and Dorothy make the pizza experience so friendly and enjoyable."

"The staff here makes you feel so welcome and at home."

"The pizza here is great for a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday between 11 AM and 2 PM.

2

They charge $1.99 for each topping and $4.00 extra for vegan cheese.

3

The restaurant is clean and family-friendly.

03
D'Caesaro Pizza & Italian image 1

Cozy, traditional pizza parlor with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and quiet vibe. Space feels cramped and outdated but welcoming. Known for authentic, delicious pizza and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Lasagna stands out with layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. Pizza and pasta dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce come with garlic bread and satisfy both kids and adults.

Lunch specials run every day with options like the Turkey Sub and Pizza. The spot suits both casual family meals and quick lunch breaks.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was great and delicious."

"I thought their sandwiches were tasty and very flavorful."

"This Italian food is simply the best pizza."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available every day for under $10.

2

The restaurant is self-serve; order at the counter and serve your own drinks.

3

Expect large portions at reasonable prices.

04
Papa Joe's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Local pizza spot offers homemade pizza with arcade games and multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and lively, especially during karaoke. Walls display sports memorabilia, creating a hometown vibe.

Pizza, wings, and pasta stand out with consistent deliciousness. Chicken Parmesan and manicotti add solid Italian flavors, complemented by sides like mozzarella sticks and potato wedges.

Lunch features a pizza special with unbeatable prices. The lunch specials offer good value and solid flavor.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a chewy dough and perfectly stringy cheese."

"The service here is so friendly and accommodating."

"The Italian food here is amazing, and the staff is so friendly."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Saturday night starting at 7 pm.

2

The dining area and restrooms are kept very clean.

3

Expect busy parking, especially during weekend evenings.

05
The Outpost image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with tastefully modern design and a chic, inviting atmosphere blends rustic charm with modern comfort. The vibe is relaxing and family friendly, featuring fresh desserts and a focus on exceptional pizza. Noise level can be lively, matching the energetic yet cozy setting.

The menu features a burrata plate with some of the most delicious tomatoes and a Chicken Parmesan sandwich that is flavorful. Desserts include a carrot cake tiramisu and pineapple passionfruit panna cotta, both well executed.

Menu offers a small selection focused on lunch and light dinners. Sometimes the spot is closed for lunch, so availability can vary.

People are saying

"I found the Caesar salad amazing."

"I loved the wood-fired Italian food, especially the tasty pizza crust."

"The pizza here is amazing, especially the dough."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend brunch hours.

06
RiverCrust Deli image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with intimate seating and a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Clean interior with a TV for casual dining and a vibe that feels like being among friends. Limited seating makes it a cozy spot for a relaxed lunch.

Cheese curds come with hot honey and cilantro aioli. Pesto is made from scratch and shines on the small chicken and spinach pizza. Breadsticks are plain without garlic flavor.

Quiet inside with a TV that keeps conversations easy during lunch. Offers healthy food and pastrami pizza or Philly cheese steaks that work well for company lunches or celebrations.

People are saying

"This Philly Cheesesteak had high-quality meat and was dripping with juices."

"The pizza crust at this lunch spot is amazing, with the right amount of crisp."

"I loved their good pizza and breadsticks."

Good to know

1

There is very little in-house seating at RiverCrust Deli.

2

Limited seating could be an issue when they are busy.

3

It takes about 15 to 30 minutes to prepare the food.

07
Dapper Dine & Lounge image 1

Restaurant offers an intimate setting with live jazz performances and an open kitchen. Atmosphere ranges from festive and joyful to loud, especially in the lounge area. Decor features green and gold accents with a beautifully remodeled interior and outdoor patio seating.

Chipotle chicken pasta stands out with its spicy, delicious sauce. The linguine pescatore offers great flavor and satisfies well.

Lunch offers top quality service and a fantastic experience. Meals come with consistent enjoyment during weekday and weekend hours.

People are saying

"The food here tasted amazing and was perfectly cooked."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the Cajun pasta."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is hot, fresh, and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are available on their website and OpenTable.

2

The restaurant offers steak specials on Monday and Tuesday.

3

Parking is easy and dedicated, which is rare in downtown.

08
Antoneโ€™s Italian Eatery image 1

Old house setting with rustic wooden tables and warm lighting creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Atmosphere blends east coast and mafia influences, making it feel like a welcoming home. Space adapts well for groups, with casual energy and lively gatherings.

Menu offers a wide range of Italian dishes with homemade lasagna and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches like The Mafia and My Cousin Vinny come with large portions and sides like pasta salad. Desserts include tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone, plus a good selection of Italian wines.

Offers a quick bite or a sit-down lunch option. Serves Italian cuisine suitable for midday meals.

People are saying

"The bread for the sandwiches is amazing and fresh."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and sandwiches, tasted amazing."

"The staff here makes you feel like family during lunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Parking is available in the back, but can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant often hosts wine tastings and cooking classes for guests.

09
Viano's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers a calm atmosphere with clean, cozy seating and TVs for watching games or fights. It draws a crowd looking for fair prices and large portions featuring pizza with a notably great crust and fresh ingredients.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza stands out with rich flavors. Breadsticks come in a large portion and taste fantastic. Lasagna meets expectations with solid layers. The meatball sub balances marinara sauce and crunchy bread well.

Offers a nice Italian pizzeria vibe with options to unwind during lunch. Serves pizza and beer suitable for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be amazing."

"The meatballs sub was gone and devoured in seconds."

"The Italian food's meatball sub had perfectly cooked meatballs and crunchy bread."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

3

Order ahead for quicker service and to avoid long waits.

10
Flat Top Bar and Grill image 1

Outdoor seating offers comfortable shaded areas with fans and heaters, creating a pleasant environment. Live bands provide energetic music, though volume can be intense. Interior design impresses with a beautiful, clean space that balances high-top and regular tables.

Seafood shines with lobster pasta and shrimp fettuccine standing out. Pasta dishes pair well with options like tequila and shrimp and sea bass.

Offers a quick and satisfying lunch option with great food. Suitable for business lunches and casual family meals.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has amazing food that's worth every penny."

"The lobster pasta here is to die for."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

3

Live Latin music event occurs every Tuesday evening.

11
Red Lobster image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with a spacious interior that feels relaxing and inviting. The menu features all-you-can-eat shrimp and cheddar bay biscuits, with cocktails that tend to be on the weaker side. The place suits family dinners and date nights with its calm energy and clean setting.

Alfredo sauce stands out as exceptionally good, especially in the Cajun chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The shrimp linguine is fresh and delicious, with a strong presence on the menu.

Lunch features quality appetizers and meals that impress consistently. Group lunches work well here with a family-friendly atmosphere and space for gatherings.

People are saying

"Tammy's hospitality made our food experience memorable."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is phenomenal; ask for Tammy!"

"The shrimp linguine here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and finger foods during the week.

2

Expect limited menu options; some items may not be available.

3

Bring a cake for celebrations; they will light candles and sing.

12
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers spacious seating with many small TVs showing the same program, creating a loud atmosphere that can be challenging for conversation. Frequent busy environment with quick service and generous portions. Bar area draws attention for watching sports and enjoying margaritas.

Cajun pasta stands out with its bold flavors. Fried mozzarella and chicken Alfredo add tasty options to the Italian menu.

Ordering online and quick pickup make lunch convenient. The menu leans toward dinner-style dishes with fewer unique lunch options. Food arrives hot and wait times stay reasonable even during busy periods.

People are saying

"I thought the food was exactly what it needed to be."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta."

"I had an excellent lunch here; the food was good."

Good to know

1

The parking lot has plenty of parking available.

2

Online ordering is easy and food is ready on time.

3

Expect a 10-minute wait for larger parties during busy times.

13
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Warm and cozy setting with soft low lighting creates a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The atmosphere ranges from quiet to loud, depending on the time. Strong, flavorful cocktails and consistently good steaks stand out among menu options.

Mozzarella sticks have a crispy outside and melty inside. Pasta dishes include a four cheese mac and cheese and chicken penne, with the pasta being just okay and some chicken left uneaten.

Lunch specials come at very affordable prices with a focus on hearty options. The Riblet's plate stands out as a solid choice among the offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

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

"The Italian food here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3-6 pm and 9 pm to closing.

2

Half off appetizers during happy hour from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and 9 to close.

3

The all-you-can-eat deal is $15.99.

14
Slice House by Tony Gemignani image 1

Outdoor patio with shaded seating dominates the space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Small indoor area includes bar-style seating but most guests gather outside. Pizza slices offer New York-style crispiness with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Pasta stands out with an amazing taste similar to Spaghetti-So, though it takes longer than expected to arrive and may require a reminder. The pistachio cannoli is not overly sweet, and the breadstick with marinara sauce offers a solid side option.

One slice offers a perfect lunch portion. The pizza finishes easily, making it a solid go-to lunch spot for a quick meal.

People are saying

"The pizza here is great, and the service is stellar."

"This Lunch Spot pizza is delicious and beautifully presented."

"I loved the Italian Food; Sierra was so sweet and charismatic."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited to small tables, so more than 3 people might require takeout.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant often runs out of pizza close to closing time.

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Riverside, California

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