Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Diego

Gyoza lunch spots

A lunch break featuring gyoza that are handmade and seared to order, not pulled from a freezer bag.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Monsta Ramen Curry image 2
Monsta Ramen Curry image 3
View all
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.

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

Gyoza comes with a satisfying mix of flavors, pairing well with dishes like potato shrimps and gyudojidon.

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 gyoza here is homemade, crispy, and juicy."

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
Karami Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers authentic Japanese decor and a cozy, charming atmosphere that feels like a private pocket of Japan. Background music plays softly while booths provide intimate seating. The vibe is relaxing and cool, making it a hidden gem for those seeking genuine ramen experience.

Lunch specials include a half order of ramen paired with a rice bowl or side dish. This combo lets you try both without ordering full portions.

Gyoza come with a skirt that stays intact and are perfectly cooked. Seasoning is balanced and the texture is just right.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"This lunch spot has really good ramen and broth."

"You have to try the gyoza; they're cooked perfectly with the best skirt."

Good to know

1

Karami Ramen has a robust menu that offers something for everyone.

2

They offer a chicken-based broth for those who don't eat pork.

3

Karami Ramen has vegan options.

03
Thai Island image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant offers a warm and intimate atmosphere with friendly service and authentic Thai cuisine. The space feels quaint and personal, making dining feel special and cared for. Affordable prices and well-prepared dishes create a satisfying experience in a modest setting.

Lunch offers very affordable prices with specials that provide great value and quantity. The food quality matches the reasonable cost, making it a solid choice for a budget-friendly meal.

Fried gyoza comes out crispy and pairs with a sweet and spicy sauce. It appears regularly alongside dishes like spring rolls and various curries.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"It felt so cozy, like being welcomed by family."

"I found the Gyoza here to be outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash at Thai Island.

2

The lunch special prices were unmatched in this part of town.

3

Prices were extremely reasonable for the portion size.

04
Sai Japanese Bistro image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere and authentic Japanese family ownership. The space feels warm and relaxing, often quiet and calm. Fresh sushi and traditional dishes attract diners who appreciate high-quality ingredients and a genuine Japanese experience.

Lunch features bentos and specials that offer high quality food at good value. Meals suit family gatherings and deliver consistent satisfaction.

Meals often include two gyoza alongside other items like miso soup, salad, and tempura. Gyoza appears as a consistent appetizer and part of bento box combos.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The lunch bentos are a great deal and really good."

"I loved the delicious gyoza; they were so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant fills up quickly after 6:15 PM.

2

Expect prices around $15-20 per roll, which is typical for sushi.

3

The lunch specials offer high quality at reasonable prices.

05
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.

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

Fried gyozas stand out with a crispy texture and rich flavor. They pair well with other dishes like chicken katsu curry and various sushi rolls.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the fried gyoza were a must-try."

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.

06
RAKIRAKI Ramen & Tsukemen image 1

Small restaurant with a modern interior and cozy ambiance feels welcoming despite close tables. Atmosphere stays casual and clean, with friendly staff contributing to a comfortable vibe. Space fills quickly, creating a lively but intimate setting.

Lunch here fits well into a tight schedule with a one hour window. Service runs with just one server during lunch, which can slow things down.

Jumbo gyoza come stuffed to perfection with a crispy yet tender texture. Both regular and vegetarian fried versions have a nice tangy sauce and satisfy with their hot, crunchy bite.

People are saying

"The ramen here is rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious."

"The jumbo crispy gyoza were stuffed to perfection."

"The ramen here is a delicious Lunch Spot with rich, flavorful soup."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The menu is limited, primarily offering ramen and tsukemen.

3

Expect higher prices with a total cost around $56 for two people.

07
Isshido Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen bar styled restaurant offers a chill atmosphere with friendly staff and a cozy, clean space. It stays quieter than typical ramen spots, making it easy to enjoy conversation. The place serves exceptional, richly flavored ramen with options including vegan and vegetarian.

Casual atmosphere suits a quick lunch with weekday specials from Monday to Friday. Large menu offers varied options including appetizers and ramen for a solid midday meal.

Pan-fried gyoza stand out with crispy edges and juicy filling. Options include pork and chicken, served alongside other appetizers like seaweed and fried squid.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying."

"This lunch spot's ramen is flavorful and rich."

"The ramen broth here is so tasty and doesn't make you thirsty."

Good to know

1

They have vegan and vegetarian ramen options.

2

The kids' meal was a great deal.

3

Happy hour offers a good deal on appetizers.

08
Buta Japanese Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with cozy warm atmosphere and natural lighting paired with dark stone interior creates a relaxing vibe. Space feels simple and accommodating, often quiet and chill. Regulars appreciate the authentic ramen experience and fair prices.

Lunch offers hot and delicious food with a balanced spiciness. Staff stays accommodating, welcoming full-course orders and making it easy to take leftovers for later.

Perfectly pan-seared and packed with flavor, the gyoza pairs well with a flavorful dipping sauce. Fried gyoza here stands out as particularly good.

People are saying

"I found the ramen's rich broth and tender pork really tasty."

"You have to try the golden curry ramen; it's phenomenal."

"The ramen here is amazing, with fresh ingredients and tender pork."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure accommodation.

2

Parking is limited to 20 minutes in front, but servers allow longer stays.

3

Expect reasonable wait times during dinner rush hours.

09
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen restaurant offers traditional sushi bar seating and a clean, peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese vibes. The place draws a steady crowd with no wait times and ample parking. It stands out for highly customizable ramen options and a quiet, welcoming environment.

Weekday lunches include great value options with specials like a small Ban Nai Bowl for $3 when ordering ramen. The lunch chashu bowl adds soft, flavorful pork as a tasty and affordable combo add-on.

Pan-fried gyoza delivers full flavor and matches the quality found in Japan. It pairs well with tonkatsu and chashu pork for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"Their fried chicken is juicy, moist, and has a great crispness."

"I thought the gyoza were the best part of the meal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

10
Zzan Downtown image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant blends Korean pub style with a vibrant izakaya vibe, featuring K-pop music and multiple TVs showing music videos. Atmosphere stays lively and cool with neon signs and a large fan. Bar offers a variety of soju cocktails alongside high-quality sushi and Korean dishes.

Lunch specials cost around $20 and include options like pork belly and a rainbow roll. The menu offers a good variety and solid value compared to dinner.

Gyoza comes crispy and light, often served with a delicious hot sauce. Options include fried Mandu and a crispy gyoza roll, with pieces that hold a satisfying crunch.

People are saying

"The sushi here is always fresh and delicious."

"The lunch special here is a great deal, especially the pork belly."

"The gyoza here are so light and crispy."

Good to know

1

Zzan is open late for late-night food cravings.

2

They sometimes play K-dramas and mukbangs alongside music videos.

3

Credit card payments are accepted, and tap pay is available.

11
Sushi Yorimichi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with intimate atmosphere and authentic Tokyo vibes. Limited seating creates a warm, inviting space often packed with charm. Music adds to the serene, chill energy, making it ideal for quiet meals or dates.

Happy hour offers great deals on lunch items, running from 2 pm to 3 pm on weekdays. The spot closes between lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday, limiting lunch availability.

Deep fried and pan-fried gyoza stand out here. The gyoza come without any sauce, letting their crispy texture and rich filling shine.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazingly fresh and well-priced."

"I'm in love with the protein roll at this Lunch Spot."

"I loved their pan-fried gyoza."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM with discounted prices on select items.

2

The restaurant can only accommodate about 25 customers at a time.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and popularity.

12
Menya Ultra image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cramped space with authentic Japanese style and checklist order forms on tables. Atmosphere includes loud ambient music and noticeable cigar smoke odor from nearby businesses. Busy environment that fills quickly, requiring early arrival or reservation.

Arriving right when they open is key for lunch to avoid waits. The spot suits quick work lunches with a straightforward vibe.

Crispy texture defines the fried gyoza here, with a delicious filling inside. Portions often come with three gyozas served alongside rice.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and savory."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen has a rich broth and noodles with the perfect bite."

"The gyoza here are perfectly crisp with delicious filling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant closes from 2 to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a long wait, especially if you arrive after 2 PM.

13
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modernized Japanese ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, welcoming for relaxed meals. Known for authentic broths and perfectly balanced saltiness, it serves some of the best ramen flavors outside Japan.

Lunch specials come at a reasonable price and are available on weekends. The space stays clean and well lit even when crowded during lunch.

Fried gyoza offers a crispy texture and pairs well with the ramen options. Deep fried gyoza is available but less favored compared to the pan-fried style.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be excellent and authentic."

"The ramen here is delicious with a great firm texture."

"I found the fried gyoza delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, which is a recent change.

2

Parking is very difficult, especially on weekends.

3

The Tonkotsu ramen costs about $24, while Miso ramen is $15.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide
Loading Map...