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Best of San Diego

Dumplings and lunch spots

A lunch spot for dumplings that respects your time without sacrificing the quality of the fold.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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01
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Asian restaurant with modern, inviting decor and photo-worthy corners creates a friendly, vibey atmosphere. Loud, chill music and several TVs showing sports and K-pop fill the space. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit complement soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls.

Soup dumplings stand out with their rich broth and tender wrappers. Pork dumplings offer a classic, savory bite alongside other Asian fusion dishes like ramen and bulgogi rolls.

Lunch features include a bulgogi lunch box with a soft boiled egg treated with vinegar and chicken tacos. The menu offers a variety of flavorful options suitable for casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are amazing and tasty."

"The lunch servers here are so attentive and make it a pleasure."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

02
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Small, family-owned Chinese restaurant with cozy atmosphere and simple decor. Guests can watch dumplings being handmade in an open kitchen while enjoying Studio Ghibli instrumental music. Seating is limited and intimate, creating a warm and inviting vibe.

Dumplings here stand out for their authentic flavors and fresh preparation. Varieties like chicken and mushroom or cabbage and pork come highly praised for their delicious taste and quality.

Lunch draws a crowd with a packed parking lot and street parking nearby. Meals suit a light dinner or lunch break, though extra broth is not automatically provided.

People are saying

"These handmade dumplings are just so good and authentic."

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic Chinese dumplings."

Good to know

1

Make sure to come early because there are limited seats in the restaurant.

2

Be prepared to look for parking.

3

The restaurant was small and parking could be difficult.

03
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Glassed-in kitchen showcases hand-pulled noodles in a clean, spacious dining room with pleasant background music. Bright lighting and casual vibe create a relaxed atmosphere where watching noodle preparation feels like a live performance. Seating accommodates families and groups, enhancing the welcoming environment.

Juicy, soft, and meaty dumplings stand out here. Options include spicy wonton, soup dumplings, and a beef wrap that all deliver strong flavors.

Quick service suits a lunch break well. The spot offers fast meals and leaves diners satisfied.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are flavorful and delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and excellent flavors."

Good to know

1

You need to find street parking near the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait around 30 minutes during dinner hours due to popularity.

3

Customization of ingredients is limited; specify your order carefully.

04
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Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Dumplings come in spicy chili, soup, and sesame varieties with great portion sizes. Beef rolls and pork pot stickers add flavorful options alongside noodles and fresh soy milk.

Seating happens quickly even on a late weekday lunch. Drinks like the lychee coladas come sweet with a balanced alcohol level. The spot offers casual but high quality meals suitable for family lunches.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing noodles and perfect broth."

"I thought the dumplings here were some of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

05
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Korean restaurant with clean, modern interior and K-pop music videos playing on large TVs. Atmosphere is welcoming and pleasant, suitable for casual dinners and catching up with friends. Tables are close together, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment.

Pork and chives mandu come out steaming hot with a delectable taste. Dumplings here have a clean flavor and pair well with other dishes like spicy beef soup and cold noodles.

Stops for lunch include options like a cold soup that suits a quick meal. Seating accommodates small groups, making it easy to share a meal with a friend.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's yukgaejang is hearty with a rich, well-seasoned broth."

"The yukgaejang with steamed dumplings is fantastic and comforting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.

2

Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.

3

Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.

06
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Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dumplings stand out here. Options like vegan dumplings, soup dumplings, and pork and chives offer variety with consistent taste.

Lunch specials offer a great deal with a $13.99 option that stands out. Big pork buns work well for lunch, especially when taken to go and eaten the next day.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

"This lunch spot's special was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

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Small, modest space with red accents and tight seating creates a no-frills, lively atmosphere. Bright fluorescent lights and a packed dining room contribute to a high-energy vibe. Known for authentic Sichuan flavors with intense spice and bold dishes.

Juicy and soft, the soup dumplings pack a flavorful punch and stand out as a favorite. They pair well with dishes like stir fried string beans, making them super addictive.

A convenient to go counter handles the lunch rush efficiently. Food arrives quickly even when it gets busy, especially on Sundays. A late lunch around 2 PM offers a quieter experience.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's spicy dishes are flavorful and generously portioned."

"The dumplings here are amazing with great portions and authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at busier times.

2

Making a reservation a couple of hours before should ensure a table.

3

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

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Open glass kitchen reveals chefs making handmade dumplings fresh throughout the day. Bright, clean dining area contrasts with loud acoustics and basic interior design. Menu offers many vegetarian options alongside standout dishes like pork xiao long bao and spicy wontons.

Handcrafted dumplings stand out with delicious soup dumplings and xiaolongbao. The dumplings pair well with wok-fired dishes like eggplant.

Crowds build up during Saturday lunch, showing its popularity. The spot suits a quick lunch and offers a nice setting for a break from work.

People are saying

"These dumplings are super delicious and amazing."

"The dumplings at this Lunch Spot are so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during busy hours.

2

Takeout is recommended to avoid long wait times for a table.

3

Parking is convenient nearby, making it easy to access the restaurant.

09
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Restaurant offers authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones, intricate patterns, and cultural artwork. Atmosphere feels genuine and inviting, suitable for relaxed dining. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a versatile experience.

Leek dumplings come with a rich garlic sauce and offer layered flavors and tender texture. Mantoo and aushak dumplings highlight delicate, flavorful Afghan cooking with a veggie option available.

Lunch offers quick seating on weekdays and meals that stand out for their exceptional quality. The experience often turns into one of the best meals had in a long time.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's cherry curry is outstandingly sweet, tangy, and deep."

"The Mantu dumplings are tender, rich, and unbelievably good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for a two-person lunch.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

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Small space with HK-style cafe decor and cozy, clean atmosphere offers a chill vibe reminiscent of Asian cafeterias. Seating is tight but matched with beautiful interior design and simple, neat presentation. The place feels intimate and inviting, blending casual comfort with authentic style.

Soup dumplings have thin skin and a juicy filling packed with broth. Pan fried and pork fried dumplings come out super tasty and juicy. Veggie dumplings and chili sauce add variety and flavor.

Busy atmosphere during lunch, especially on Fridays and weekends with waits up to 10 minutes. Weekday lunch hours are calmer with no wait and the small space fills up quickly.

People are saying

"The roast duck and Hainanese chicken at this Lunch Spot are delicious."

"The soup dumplings are juicy with thin skin and delicious broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early due to limited seating.

2

You should put your name on the notepad outside to get a table.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

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Ramen restaurant offers spacious, airy design with pet-friendly patio and ocean views. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, with a chill vibe especially outdoors. Crowd varies, with easy seating on quieter days and a mix of diners enjoying both ramen and sake-based drinks.

Creativity shines in the flavorful dumplings, including a solid veggie option. Staff share tips to warm them up at home for the same great taste. Dumplings pair well with ramen and dessert, making them a go-to for dine-in or takeout.

Lunch offers a good special with a great deal that draws few crowds even on Saturdays. Meals come out delicious and work well for quick stops before travel.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's ramen noodles have a great texture."

"I found the dumplings and ramen to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and mostly street parking; expect to drive around for a spot.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, and the last seating is at that time.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

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Shanghainese restaurant offers a laid-back beach vibe with an open baresque feel and a casual, chill atmosphere. The place feels more like a dive bar than a traditional dim sum spot, attracting those looking for a relaxed setting and great cocktails. It serves hand-crafted dishes with a variety of Asian flavors, including many vegan options.

Dumplings come made to order with a delicate wrap that carries good flavor. Options include spicy dumplings and cream cheese wontons, all holding up well against other local spots.

Lunch offers a weekday deal with a special priced at $17. The menu suits a quick stop during a busy day, especially on weekdays like Monday.

People are saying

"I thought their dumplings were really good and flavorful."

"The dim sum here is delicious and arrived quickly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a large selection of plates for budget-friendly dining.

2

Tapas Tuesdays provide a unique dining experience with various small plates.

3

The restaurant closes promptly at 9pm, so plan to leave by then.

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Small space with open kitchen and adorable chick decor creates a cozy, upbeat vibe. Soft lighting sets a romantic, comfortable atmosphere despite occasional loud music. Tables offer window views that add to the inviting feel.

Animal-shaped dumplings stand out for being both super cute and yummy. Veggie dumplings also get a solid recommendation for flavor.

Lunch offers light options like cucumber noodles and cow character buns. The lunch specials and combos provide good value and satisfying meals.

People are saying

"The lunch combo here is really good."

"I thought the dumplings were super cute and yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging; consider using nearby street parking.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect potential wait times.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

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Large dining hall features dim sum carts rolling through for orders, creating an interactive meal experience. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with some outdated decor and occasional noise from kitchen activity. Space suits groups of all sizes, offering a relaxing yet lively setting.

Shrimp and pork dumplings feature seamless wrappers that blend into the steamer, keeping the filling fresh. The menu includes xiao long bao, BBQ pork buns, and shrimp and chive dumplings, all served with attentive service.

Dim Sum lunch draws crowds, especially on weekends when it gets super busy. The spot suits group meals well, offering a nice setting for lunch or dinner with family or friends.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's dim sum is fresh, hot, and delicious right off the cart."

"I found the dumplings to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 2 hours in the lot; paid options are available nearby.

2

They close at 3:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Dim sum is served only on weekends and at specific times.

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