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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Riverside

Lunch spots

A lunch spot that respects your time without making you feel like you are being rushed out the door.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 1
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 2
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 3
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Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with custom poke bowls perfect for quick lunches. Cozy yet modern vibe shifts from relaxing to energetic as crowds grow. Big windows bring a festive patio feel inside, while music blends classic and old school reggaeton.

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

People are saying

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

"I found the poke here to be really fresh and delicious."

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

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.

02
Mariscos Morena Mia image 1

Food truck serves fresh seafood with bold flavors like aguachiles and shrimp empanadas. Quick service makes it ideal for a busy lunch hour. Lively vibe draws fans of top Mexican seafood.

Lunch here centers on quick ordering and consistent quality. Meals arrive promptly, fitting well within a busy lunch hour.

People are saying

"I thought the shrimp empanadas were delicious and my favorite."

"I found the seafood here to be delicious and freshly fried."

"This lunch spot has delicious food, especially the fresh aguachiles."

Good to know

1

Food is prepared fresh daily and made by hand.

2

Everything is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect to pay around $19.54 for a dozen shrimp.

03
Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee image 1

Spacious restaurant with cultural murals offers a warm, family-friendly vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Lunch features generous portions at very good prices, perfect for leftovers. Outdoor patio with hookah services and a foosball table add fun to 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.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the baklava for dessert; it's excellent."

"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.

04
Arcade Downtown image 1
Restaurant

Stylish modern design creates an echoing yet calm vibe on weekday middays. Housemade cavatelli shines as a lunch favorite in a cozy European cafรฉ setting. Outdoor seating adds charm for a relaxed meal or coffee break.

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

People are saying

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

"The cheeseburger and fries here are so flavorful."

"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.

05
Vegan Vatoz Casa Deโ€™ Tacos image 1

Food truck offers bold vegan flavors with fresh ingredients and creative Mexican dishes. Outdoor picnic tables and lively music create an authentic vibe. Popular lunch spot with vegan tacos that often draw a crowd and short waits.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the vegetarian food here to be absolutely delicious."

"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.

06
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy lunch menu with friendly service. Dark, lively interior features two dance floors and a central bar. Colored lighting and Mexican art create a vibrant atmosphere that feels family-friendly yet trendy.

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

People are saying

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

"Our server Eddie kept checking in and made sure we had everything."

"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.

07
Beignet Spot Flagship Store image 1

Small, quaint spot offers fresh beignets and jerk chicken sandwiches perfect for lunch. Large glass window shows beignet prep, adding charm. Quiet, calm vibe with jazz music creates a cozy, friendly feel.

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

People are saying

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

"The Chicken Sandwich here is amazing, with genuinely friendly and welcoming service."

"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.

08
El Pollo Taco Peruvian Cuisine image 1

Bright, clean space with modern decor and a family-friendly vibe. Lunch offers a pollo saltado special with tender chicken and thick fries. Attentive service and a casual gelato bar make it a relaxed spot with an 80s American music backdrop.

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

People are saying

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

"The ceviche here is delicious, fresh, and extra spicy."

"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.

09
M Tacos Mexican food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open patio with shaded seating offers a casual vibe. Lunch draws long lines and quick service amid lively crowds. Menu shines with birria and chicken tacos full of bold flavor, all set to blaring country music.

Lunch hour brings long lines and a packed dining room with many single diners occupying four-seat tables. Service moves quickly despite the rush, but wait times can reach 30 minutes for some items.

People are saying

"The lunch spot gets crazy busy during lunch hour."

"This Mexican food is so good, I ate the whole burrito."

"The outdoor seating here has a nice patio area."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service ends at 11 am.

2

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

3

The restaurant is located right across the street from the courthouse.

10
Fuego Hibachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor space blends cherry blossoms and wood with loud music for an energetic atmosphere. Lunch features hibachi shrimp and veggies at good prices, with clean, well-staffed service. Seating includes inside, outside, and an interactive chef bar for fun.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"Jackie and Michelle's service made me feel like family."

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

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.

11
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant shines as a lunch spot with tasty, filling meals. Its large patio and outside bar offer a fun vibe with live music. Unique vintage gas pumps add charm, making it inviting year-round with heaters and misters.

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

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating has a fun, funky decor with old gas pumps."

"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.

12
Mr. Taco Main St. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space buzzes with live mariachi music and a lively crowd focused on socializing. Authentic Mexican dishes and rich micheladas shine at lunch with music kept low for a comfortable meal. Cozy patio offers a relaxed vibe when not busy.

Mexican food serves well for lunch and dinner with a focus on social lunch times. Music stays low to keep the atmosphere comfortable during meals.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tasty."

"The seafood tacos, especially the octopus and shrimp, were delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially on weekends.

2

Street parking is available on Spruce.

3

The restaurant offers large portions that are worth the money.

13
Coffee Court Bistro image 1

Small, cozy coffee shop with a homey vibe and interesting art on the walls. Perfect for a quiet coffee break or midday lunch with solid food and drinks. Offers comfortable seating and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Offers a solid mix of coffee and lunch options suitable for a midday break. Serves well during busy days with a relaxed spot to eat and grab a drink.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be outstanding and strong."

"The staff here is super friendly and kind."

"This lunch spot's Cajun chicken sandwich is delicious."

Good to know

1

The medium-sized americano costs $3.20, which is affordable compared to other local coffee shops.

2

The cafรฉ offers a self-service option to avoid lines or wait times.

3

The bistro opens early, making it a good spot for breakfast.

14
Gram's BBQ Restaurant & Catering image 1

Small, casual space with cozy vibe and outdoor patio seating creates a welcoming atmosphere. Old school jams play, adding to the homey feel. The place fills with energy despite its size, offering a comfortable, familiar setting.

People are saying

"The brisket here is so tender and smoky."

"The seafood here is fire, hot, and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's mac and cheese is extra cheesy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the corner lot, but it is not validated.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events like street fairs.

3

The brisket plate costs $20 and includes sides.

15
Yoli's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with authentic decor and a Catrina theme offers a cozy vibe. Lunch is popular, especially after church, serving solid Mexican food. Enjoy strong margaritas and lively jukebox music for a fun midday break.

Lunch draws a crowd, especially after church, so expect a wait during busy times. The spot serves solid Mexican food that fits well for a midday meal.

People are saying

"Their homemade salsas are an absolute must-try."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I ever had."

"The food here is delicious and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of two hours during busy lunch hours, especially after church.

2

Chips and salsa are not complimentary and must be paid for.

3

A mandatory gratuity charge applies for parties of 5 or more.

16
Everytable image 1
Restaurant

Offers healthy meals with vegan and pescatarian options in a clean atmosphere. Portions are small but protein-focused, making it a practical lunch spot. Watch for order mix-ups and strict closing times at lunch and dinner.

Lunch options include a variety of meals, but order mix-ups happen, sometimes leaving out several lunches. Hours close right at lunch time and dinner time, which can be inconvenient.

People are saying

"I love that the healthy foods here are fresh and affordable."

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

"I loved this place for lunch; the food and drinks were great."

Good to know

1

The prices at Everytable are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

Finding free parking can be difficult near Everytable.

3

Everytable offers a wide selection of ready-to-eat meals, including vegan options.

17
Estrella Taqueria Lounge image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers pork red sauce enchiladas perfect for work lunches. Upscale Tulum vibe blends traditional and modern decor with intimate family-style seating. Loud live music energizes the space, with dancing between tables adding to the lively atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and delicious."

"The tacos here are delicious and bursting with authentic flavors."

"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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Downtown Riverside, Riverside

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