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Lunch spots in University

You want a lunch that is quick and satisfying enough to get you through the rest of your day.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine image 1
Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine image 2
Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Tiny space with about five tables and bar seating creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Warm, retro vibe combines with peaceful, clean environment and genuine hospitality. Veggie bar adds a distinctive touch to the Mediterranean setting.

Food here is freshly prepared and offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Prices stay affordable while delivering consistently delicious dishes.

Offers delicious vegetarian options and satisfying meals suitable for a lunch break. Serves both lunch and dinner with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"This lunch spot's food is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine has no parking in front of the restaurant.

2

Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine is a HALAL restaurant.

3

The price was only $5 and some change.

02
Meat Lover BBQ and fried chicken kitchen (Greedy Cat 馋猫烤鱼) image 1

Barbecue restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine with fresh grilled fish and flavorful skewers. Casual, homely vibe creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Large portions and good prices attract groups seeking genuine flavors.

Food here is very authentic with a great variety not found everywhere. The meat skewers and Chinese dishes stand out for their flavor and quality.

Lunch features grilled fish, hot pot, and a variety of boxed lunches and dumplings. Options include meat-focused dishes like BBQ and fried chicken.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so authentic, it feels like you're in China."

"I found the grilled fish here to be very fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not serve alcohol.

2

Portions are large relative to the price.

3

Parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

03
The Cookie Tin Cafe image 1
Lunch restaurant

Cozy sandwich shop with immaculate cleanliness and clean, no-fuss decor creates a relaxing atmosphere. Fresh bread and in-house made treats, including unique cookie flavors, draw a steady lunch crowd. Catering services add a practical touch to this local, hole-in-the-wall spot.

Food is homemade and consistently great. Cookies stand out as a highlight alongside well-served dishes and attentive table service.

Varied lunch options include Greek and Italian paninis, Mexican quesadillas, and fresh salads. The Turkey, Bacon Panini stands out as a filling choice.

People are saying

"The chocolate chip cookies are amazing, crispy outside and chewy inside."

"The cookies here are decadently delicious, especially the innovative flavors."

"The cookies here are really delicious and worth the price."

Good to know

1

Game Day events occur on summer nights, offering a fun atmosphere.

2

Charcuterie Workshops are available during summer evenings for hands-on learning.

3

Most menu items are made from scratch using fresh ingredients.

04
Miches De La Baja image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a lively and colorful atmosphere and a beach-inspired interior. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud, with music and chatter filling the space. Known for Baja style tacos and micheladas, it offers a friendly and spacious setting despite a small footprint.

Food features huge portions and fresh fish that melts in your mouth. Tacos stand out with excellent flavor and overall dishes are consistently very good.

Lunch hours get packed quickly with a lively crowd. The spot offers consommé and plays music that can be a bit loud during lunch.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and delicious."

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

"The birria tacos and consommé at this Lunch Spot are delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Wednesday offers tacos for a dollar cheaper, making it a popular day.

2

Dinner for two costs less than $25, making it very affordable.

3

The menu includes tacos, burritos, and ceviche at reasonable prices.

05
Poke Bistro image 1
Poke bar

Small, spartan space with clean atmosphere and chill music creates a relaxed vibe. Fresh, large-cube fish and simple sauce selections highlight the food's quality without overpowering flavors. Regulars appreciate generous portions and fair prices in a quiet, community-focused setting.

Food features fresh ingredients and generous portions with a taste that impresses immediately. Service complements the excellent quality of the dishes consistently.

Lots of people stop by for lunch. It works well for a quick meal or a casual catch-up with a friend.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is so good and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's Hawaiian salmon was super fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a price range of $15-$20 for a large poke bowl.

2

The establishment opens at 11:30am daily.

3

Parking is available in the shopping center lot.

06
HK BBQ HOUSE image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small restaurant offers authentic Hong Kong cuisine with fresh ingredients and excellent roast meats like duck and BBQ pork. Atmosphere feels like a slice of Hong Kong, often busy during lunch and dinner with a lively crowd. Prices remain unbeatable for the quality and authenticity provided.

Authentic Hong Kong cuisine shines here with Cantonese flavors that stay true to tradition. The food offers excellent taste and is certified by a Taiwanese authority for its genuine Chinese quality.

Crowds fill the place during lunch hour, making it busy and lively. Food takes a long time to arrive, likely due to the rush. Meals suit both lunch and dinner occasions.

People are saying

"The roast duck here is succulent and delicious."

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's roast duck is delicious."

Good to know

1

HK BBQ HOUSE is closed on Wednesdays.

2

The parking situation allows for 90 minutes of free parking before charging.

3

The restaurant can be busy, especially during lunch and dinner.

07
The Sub Station image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop with nostalgic decor and UCR history on walls offers both indoor and custom outdoor patio seating. Loud music plays during the day, creating a lively atmosphere. Family-owned for decades, it draws a friendly crowd and features iconic sandwiches like the Big Dude and Pizzawich.

Food here offers great taste and consistent quality. Lunch options stand out with good service accompanying the meals.

A reliable spot for lunch with a strong reputation in the area. Frequented consistently for its convenience and solid offerings during midday.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best sandwich I ever had."

"These sandwiches are fire, I'll definitely be back for them."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are so delicious, I wanted another."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the lot for all customers.

2

The Sub Station offers promotions for students at UCR.

3

The restaurant has been family-owned since 1972.

08
My Hero Subs image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers affordable, large subs with fresh, soft bread and a jukebox controlled by app. Atmosphere stays chill and casual with quick service and a hidden, family-run vibe. It draws a steady crowd despite simple decor and early closing hours.

Food offers great flavor and consistently delicious taste. Quality stays pretty good across visits.

Offers a quick lunch with solid subs. Calling ahead helps avoid wait times during busy hours.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are really, really good and fresh."

"The sandwiches here are great and loaded with meat."

"I thought the food and subs here were great."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-minute wait after ordering during busy hours.

2

A footlong sandwich costs around $10, offering great value.

3

The restaurant closes early, so plan your visit accordingly.

09
Zacatecas Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and art-filled walls creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Spacious seating allows for comfortable dining despite occasional crowding. Drinks like Cadillac margaritas and micheladas complement traditional dishes such as carne asada and mole.

Food stands out for its great quality and consistent deliciousness, especially the menudo. Service complements the dining with a friendly greeting that sets a positive tone.

Lunch offers delicious dishes with a variety suitable for group occasions like birthdays and office events. Expect a wait time around 50 minutes during busy periods.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing flavor, especially the chilaquiles."

"I found the Mexican food here to have really good flavor."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

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

3

The restaurant closes at 3:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

10
New India Sweets & Spices image 1

Small seating area supports casual dining with homemade Indian dishes and vegetarian options. Grocery section offers Indian groceries and sweets with a notable candy selection. Atmosphere varies, reflecting changes in ownership and food quality over time.

Food here stays fresh and hot with a homemade feel. Vegetarian options stand out as authentic and tasty.

Simple lunch combos cost $8.00 and include fresh food and sweets. Daily visits show it serves consistent, straightforward meals.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and tasty."

"I found this to be a good Indian grocery store."

"I loved the simple, tasty food at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of grocery, healthcare, and beauty items.

2

There are 4 vegetarian choices every day except Tuesday.

3

The prices are affordable compared to other places.

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University, Riverside

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