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Downtown Riverside's best

Lunch and date spots

You want a lunch spot that is nice enough to bring a date but relaxed enough for a midday meal.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee image 1
Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee image 2
Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee image 3
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Spacious restaurant decorated with murals and cultural paintings offers a warm, family-friendly vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Outdoor patio provides space for hookah services and casual seating. Foosball table adds a touch of entertainment while dining.

Lunch offers very good prices and generous portions that often leave enough leftovers for the next day. The spot serves well for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites with a solid Yemeni menu.

Warm hospitality from Chef Hagar and Cesar creates a welcoming vibe for couples. The authentic Mandi chicken with rich sauces stands out as a favorite dish for date nights.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"This is a great spot for date nights, the food is so flavorful and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's food is full of flavor and super fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses organic ingredients and extra virgin olive oil.

2

Expect a clean and well-kept dining environment.

3

The restaurant grills with real coal for added flavor.

02
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant blends modern and cozy elements with chill sushi bar vibes and festive patio feeling indoors from big windows and sunlight. Atmosphere ranges from undisturbed and relaxing to fun, vibrant, and energetic during busy hours. Music varies from classic plays to old school reggaeton, enhancing the welcoming mood.

Offers fast lunch options with a focus on custom poke bowls and sushi. Consistently reliable for a quick, satisfying midday meal.

Suitable for first dates and date nights, the spot offers a relaxed vibe with sushi and cocktails. It also works well for celebrating with friends.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best I have ever had."

"This lunch spot has phenomenal rolls and amazing poke bowls."

"The sushi and cocktails here are amazing, perfectly crafted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day every day with drinks priced at $7.

2

A special happy hour menu is available throughout the day.

3

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes during peak hours.

03
Vegan Vatoz Casa De’ Tacos image 1

Food truck serves all vegan Mexican cuisine with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables in parking lot with music playing, creating an inviting and authentic vibe. Popular for flavorful vegan proteins and unique vegan tacos and burritos.

Lunch here draws a crowd, often requiring a 15-minute wait during peak hours. The menu focuses on vegan tacos that deliver a great lunch experience.

Burritos here come in large sizes, often shared between two people. Options like the California Burrito with Asada and various tacos offer variety for a casual date meal.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing vegan tacos and burritos."

"The food here is seriously amazing, especially the burritos."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer specials throughout the week that make some items more affordable on specific days.

2

Tacos with vegan egg are excluded from the $2 taco Tuesdays offer.

3

The restaurant's hours change daily, so check before visiting.

04
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

Lunch menu satisfies most people here. The spot feels cozy and servers provide friendly service during lunch.

Frequent celebrations mark this spot as a solid choice for date nights and special occasions. It offers a mix of great music and food that fits both intimate and group gatherings.

People are saying

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

"The food and drinks here are delicious and cooked perfectly."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious tacos and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

05
Beignet Spot Flagship Store image 1

Small, quaint family restaurant with large glass window showcasing fresh beignet preparation. Atmosphere is quiet and calm with jazz music creating a cozy, friendly vibe. Seating is limited, emphasizing an intimate and inviting experience.

Fresh, hot beignets and fried jerk chicken sandwiches stand out for lunch. The spot serves solid options for both breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Plenty of seating fits a date or quick meeting comfortably. Coffee and beignets create a casual, relaxed vibe for conversation.

People are saying

"These beignets are hot, fresh, and fluffy."

"These beignets are so fresh, warm, and fluffy."

"The beignets at this Lunch Spot are fluffy, warm, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The card payment machine often malfunctions, so bring cash just in case.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for breakfast for four, including tip.

3

The place has plenty of seating, but some tables may be sticky.

06
Arcade Downtown image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers stylish modern design with all-hard-surfaces creating an echoing atmosphere. It maintains a calm vibe on weekday middays but can be busy with loud music at other times. The space feels like a cozy European café with outdoor seating available.

Housemade cavatelli stands out on the lunch menu. The spot offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying a meal or coffee with a book.

Two couples arrive together, showing it suits group dates. The menu features sparkling matcha and a burger that gets good feedback. Options like not avocado toast add variety for different tastes.

People are saying

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

"The coffee and drinks here are amazing for Date Spots."

"The veggie sandwich at this lunch spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Arcade Downtown doesn't accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

They serve breakfast and lunch all day, making it a versatile dining option.

3

Parking can be tough, so plan to arrive early.

07
El Pollo Taco Peruvian Cuisine image 1

Bright, clean space with modern decor and a colorful, peaceful vibe. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and casual, with self-seating and a gelato bar adding to the relaxed setting. Music choice leans toward American 80s, which contrasts with the Peruvian theme.

Lunch features a pollo saltado special with chicken, sautéed onions, thick cut French fries, and white rice. Service is attentive and food quality is consistent for both lunch and dinner.

Dinner here features tasty beef dishes like Lomo Saltado and other flavorful options such as Tallarín Verde. The setting suits a relaxed evening after a long day.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very tasty and flavorful."

"The Tallarín Verde is delicious and a favorite dish."

"This lunch spot's Lomo Saltado and Tallarin Verde are delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early during peak hours.

2

The restaurant does not sell alcohol, so plan accordingly.

3

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu.

08
Fuego Hibachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor space combines cherry blossoms and wooden accents with lively, loud music creating an energetic atmosphere. Seating includes both inside and outside options with interactive chef bar adding entertainment. The vibe feels more like a club than a typical restaurant.

Lunch offers a wide variety of items with great specials. The hibachi shrimp and vegetables come at a reasonable price and the place stays clean and well staffed during lunch hours.

Hibachi plates with steak, chicken, and seafood offer a solid meal for couples. The menu includes California rolls and options like salmon, with attentive service that sometimes limits availability early in the day.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"This lunch spot has delicious sushi and teriyaki dishes."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A 3% surcharge is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

Expect an 18% large party fee, even for small groups.

09
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant offers an open outdoor area with a large patio and outside bar featuring live music and a massive drink selection. Atmosphere is fun and inviting, with heaters and misters making it comfortable year-round. Vintage gas pumps and car-shaped topiary add unique charm to the setting.

Lunch offers tasty and filling meals that satisfy well. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable go-to spot for midday meals.

Popular choices include the carne asada taco plate and enchiladas. Nachos also stand out as a shared favorite. Meals typically cost around forty dollars for two.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"You'll love the tasty tacos and carne asada plate here."

"I found the lunch spot food to be delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

10
Estrella Taqueria Lounge image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant blends traditional and modern decor with an upscale Tulum vibe and intimate, family-style seating. Atmosphere features loud live music that energizes the space but can make conversation difficult. Tables are close together, and dancing happens between them rather than on a dance floor.

Lunch features pork red sauce enchiladas and other solid Mexican dishes. The spot suits work lunches well, offering a good vibe for colleagues to gather.

Offers a versatile setting suitable for first dates, family outings, or casual brunches. Fits well for a special night or any night with friends or loved ones.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and delicious."

"The food here is amazing, crafted with care and passion."

"The food here is excellent for a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until closing with great prices on drinks.

2

Karaoke takes place every Thursday from 7 to 11 PM.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Tuesday nights.

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