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Chicken katsu lunch spots

A quick chicken katsu lunch is the only thing that keeps the afternoon moving when you need a reliable midday break.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Monsta Ramen Curry image 2
Monsta Ramen Curry image 3
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Asian restaurant

Small space with bright, clean interior and relaxing music creates a warm, casual atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and pleasant, making it feel cozy and inviting. The setting stands out for its Studio Ghibli-like ambiance and neat decor.

Chicken katsu offers a perfect crisp with a great crunch and a light breading. The curry is full of flavor and the portion size is huge for the price.

Lunch specials offer affordable options like $10 tonkatsu ramen and other dishes. Extras such as extra egg and extra broth are available for takeout.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is delicious and affordable."

"The pork cutlet curry rice was delicious, with a savory and sweet gravy."

"The Chicken Katsu Curry is super flavorful and a huge portion for the price."

Good to know

1

They had specials for the opening, including $10 tonkotsu ramen.

2

During happy hour, Monsta Ramen Curry offered $3 beers.

3

The restaurant offers the option to order with the server or scan a QR code to order online for a discounted price on certain items.

02
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio and an open kitchen where food preparation is visible. Atmosphere feels cozy and traditional with quiet energy and friendly, quick service. Menu offers inexpensive, filling Japanese meals with a variety of bentos, sushi, and rolls.

Chicken katsu comes as a crispy fried cutlet served with rich curry sauce. The chicken katsu curry stands out as a must-try dish alongside fried gyoza.

Daily lunch specials offer excellent deals. Both lunch and dinner options provide good value consistently.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"This lunch spot offers great value for basic dishes."

"You have to try the chicken katsu curry."

Good to know

1

The lunch and dinner specials offer excellent deals for budget-conscious diners.

2

You must order and pay at the counter before receiving your food.

3

Parking is ample, but allow extra time to find a spot during busy hours.

03
Chopstix image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese noodle house with simple wooden decor and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating at someone's home in Japan, with soulful aromas of broth and katsu filling the air. Regulars gather in a quiet space that stays lively late into the night.

Chicken Katsu comes in several forms like curry, don, and bowls, all noted for being delicious and well-prepared. It pairs well with dishes like veggie yakisoba and Mabu Don.

Lunch offers consistent quality with no bad meals reported. Early lunch hours may have a slight cleaning product scent due to recent opening preparations.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best Japanese food in San Diego."

"This lunch spot offers authentic Japanese comfort food like ramen and katsu."

"I found the chicken katsu curry to be perfect."

Good to know

1

Chopstix offers a happy hour from 9 PM to 12 AM with great deals.

2

The happy hour menu includes a California roll for around $6.

3

Chopstix is open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

04
Katsu Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese restaurant with retro 60s-70s decor and a laid-back atmosphere featuring loud eclectic music including 90s, 2000s, and island styles. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and offers sunlit dining. Portions are generous and affordable, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.

Chicken katsu comes as a full serving and works well with curry. Plates often include sides like vegetable tempura or crunchy rolls. The katsu chicken is consistently crispy and flavorful.

Lunch offers bento box style meals that many find satisfying. The spot fills up quickly, so arriving early helps avoid the rush and get served faster.

People are saying

"The Japanese food portions here are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"This lunch spot has big portions and delicious, fresh food."

"I couldn't finish the Chicken Katsu; the portions were huge."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 pm with great drink prices.

2

The dinner for two costs less than $20, making it very affordable.

3

Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.

05
Homestyle Hawaiian Point Loma/Midway image 1

Counter-style setup offers authentic homemade Hawaiian vibe with juicy Kalbi short ribs and generous portions. Atmosphere feels relaxing and family-oriented, with a casual pace that sometimes leads to longer waits. Regulars favor this spot for quality island flavors over other local Hawaiian options.

Crispy, golden chicken katsu comes smothered in delectable katsu sauce. It arrives with creamy macaroni salad and fluffy rice, though the chicken itself is unseasoned and sometimes lukewarm.

Offers Homestyle Hawaiian plate lunches with dishes like Mahi with lemon caper sauce. Stands out among Hawaiian lunch spots in the area for authentic flavors.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Hawaiian food, especially the beef, is as good as on the islands."

"The Kalbi short ribs are juicy and tender."

"The chicken katsu was crispy and golden with a delectable sauce."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant closes before dinner, so plan to visit before 4 pm.

3

Prices for meals start at $18 for two choices, with larger portions available.

06
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Hawaiian fast food spot offers generous portions with both indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming, often busy during weekday lunchtimes. Frequent restocking of utensils and sauces supports a family-friendly vibe.

Chicken Katsu comes as a plate with two portions of rice and Mac Salad. It stays a solid, reliable choice with consistently good flavor.

Lunch offers consistent food with familiar flavors. The fish filet mini provides a satisfying portion for midday meals. Delivery and dine-in options make it easy to enjoy lunch here.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and tastes great."

"This lunch spot always hits the spot when I'm craving a plate lunch."

"I found the Chicken Katsu plate to be a solid, reliable choice."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait around 20 minutes to place your order during busy times.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Parking is easy to find, but the restaurant gets busy during peak hours.

07
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere that closely resembles locations in Japan, with franchise-style seating including a bar for single diners. The space feels cramped during busy times but maintains a clean, well-maintained interior that helps guests forget the outside surroundings.

Perfectly cooked chicken katsu stands out with an excellent cutlet texture. It pairs well in dishes like curry and udon, both delivering solid flavor.

Fast and friendly service stands out even when the place is crowded during lunch. It suits a quick meal with a speedy and efficient lunch experience.

People are saying

"This Japanese-style curry is the most authentic I've had."

"I loved the curry here; it tasted just like Japan."

"The Chicken Katsu curry here is flavorful and savory."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait time during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking can be a challenge due to limited space in the shopping complex.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

08
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Bowls feature ultra-thin breaded chicken strips in the Chicken Katsu Road-trip Bowl. Portions are great size and the chicken stays fresh, making it a standout choice.

Large menu offers good burgers, salads, and lunch specials. Suitable for team lunches and casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"This lunch spot has great food, generous portions, and reasonable prices."

"The Chicken Katsu sandwich tasted delightful with pickled cucumbers."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

09
Homestyle Hawaiian image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small, casual restaurant with cozy atmosphere and laid back vibe. Serves authentic Hawaiian dishes like Kalua pig and Kalbi that stand out for flavor. Limited seating and simple decor create an unpretentious, island-inspired setting.

Chicken katsu features a nice breaded crust and stands out as very tasty. It often ranks higher in flavor compared to similar dishes elsewhere and pairs well in combos with teri beef.

Authentic Hawaiian plate lunches feature spicy garlic butter shrimp, Kalua Pig, and classic Mac salad with rice. These meals offer a solid taste of Hawaii with homestyle flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the plate lunch and dirty sodas at this spot."

"The Chicken Katsu here has a really good, nice breaded crust."

"I loved their Lilikoi hand shaken Lemonade."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least 30 minutes in advance for dining.

2

Expect a wait time of over 30 minutes for food during busy hours.

3

No restrooms are available for customers at this location.

10
ASA Bakery image 1

Japanese-style bakery offers bright, airy space with indoor and outdoor seating and archway shelving adding architectural depth. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and inviting to loud and lively, supporting socializing and casual dining. Hidden speakeasy and sushi bar add unique features beyond typical bakery settings.

Chicken katsu here stays tender and not tough. The chicken katsu sando stands out as crispy and flavorful, often paired with hayashi rice or curry pan for variety.

Lunch offers a wide selection of Japanese plates and warm pastries in a quaint cafe setting. The Beef Hayashi Rice stands out as a comforting and rich dish, with the spot being quiet during early weekday lunches.

People are saying

"This bakery's Japanese baked goods are authentic and flavorful."

"I loved the chicken katsu sando; it's simple and good."

"The Naruto croissant at this Lunch Spot is so yummy and flaky."

Good to know

1

Their baked goods sell out before 2pm, so it's best to go early for the most options.

2

The Naruto pastries sell out by 12 noon and are not made again after selling out.

3

ASA Bakery is cashless, so customers need to bring their card or use mobile payment methods.

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