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Local picks in San Diego

Teriyaki lunch spots

Made for those who require a reliable, savory midday fuel that fits into a fast-paced schedule.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 1
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 2
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 3
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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.

Freshly grilled teriyaki chicken has a charred crisp outside and stays tender and juicy inside. Bento boxes often pair it with rice, salad, and sides like shrimp tempura or potato cake.

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."

"The Teriyaki here is really tasty, and the staff is so friendly."

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

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.

02
Jump Tokyo Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Intimate space with modern design and pop music sets a chill, welcoming vibe. Frequent presence of a TV near sushi chefs adds a casual touch. The atmosphere supports relaxed conversation and enjoyment of fresh sushi.

Teriyaki dishes feature perfectly tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Chicken teriyaki bowls consistently taste great and pair well with the Happy New Year roll.

Lunch features special bento boxes with options like sashimi. Offers dine-in-only lunch specials focused on sushi.

People are saying

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

"I found the teriyaki bowls to have tender meat and flavorful sauce."

"I highly recommend this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weeknights with great deals.

2

The sushi is reasonably priced with excellent daily specials.

3

Dine-in and to-go options are available for convenience.

03
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.

Chicken teriyaki comes in perfect portions with flavor beyond expectations. Options include a salmon bento and tofu teriyaki with mushrooms instead of pork.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I was obsessed with the chicken teriyaki bento's flavor."

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.

04
Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill - North Park image 1

Outdoor seating dominates with no indoor space and ongoing construction nearby. Atmosphere stays peaceful yet energetic, attracting a neighborhood crowd familiar with each other. Hawaiian dishes feature authentic flavors with standout items like teriyaki steak and Kalua pork.

Grilled dishes come with sweet teriyaki sauce that balances savory and sweet. Options include teriyaki steak, spicy teriyaki chicken, and Hawaiian-style Huli Huli Chicken with pineapple chunks.

Offers a quiet atmosphere with almost no crowd during lunch. Serves generous rice portions alongside quick and tasty meals.

People are saying

"The macaroni salad is Hawaiian-style and has a wonderful umami taste."

"The Hawaiian food here is unique and incredibly tasty."

"This Lunch Spot chicken wasn't the Huli Huli I grew up with."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult to find, especially during busy hours.

2

The restaurant has limited seating and no indoor dining available.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with entrees averaging $16.50.

05
Bowl To Go image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, family-owned Asian spot offers grab-and-go meals with reasonable prices and clean, spacious surroundings. Lunch hours bring a busy, chaotic vibe, while off-peak times feel calm and local. Food portions are generous, focusing on simple, tasty bowls like teriyaki chicken and beef.

Half beef and half chicken teriyaki bowl offers a tasty mix. The spot serves teriyaki chicken and other assortments with a cute hidden gem vibe.

Offers quick lunches that are easy to grab on the go. Serves great bowls making it a solid spot for a fast, satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The Teriyaki chicken here is good and flavorful."

"The Japanese food here is warm and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

2

Prices are affordable, with most bowls around $10-12.

3

The restaurant is primarily a grab-and-go spot with limited seating.

06
Chiba Japanese image 1
Japanese restaurant

Family-owned Japanese restaurant offers no-frills atmosphere with reasonably priced sushi and large portions. The place serves affordable teriyaki and sushi rolls that attract those seeking value without sacrificing quality. Low customer volume suggests it remains a hidden gem for sushi lovers.

Salmon teriyaki comes in a large portion with perfectly cooked fish and a great price. Teriyaki sauce is flavorful and appears on dishes like the sweet BBQ wings and kids bowls.

Lunch here offers amazingly affordable specials that make it a perfect quick stop. Many visits confirm it as a reliable spot for a decent midday meal.

People are saying

"You can get a great Japanese food meal without spending a lot."

"The salmon teriyaki plate was very large and cooked perfectly."

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

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great value at $12.95.

2

Large beers or sake are available for around $6.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

07
Kaleiโ€™s Kitchenette image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small space with limited seating feels like a takeout-focused spot. Island tunes create a chill, authentic Hawaiian vibe that echoes local spirit. Customers mostly come for flavorful, well-prepared dishes and often choose to take food to go.

Beef teriyaki stands out with flavorful seasoning and consistent quality. It pairs well with garlic chicken and kalua pork in combo plates, offering a balanced mix of savory tastes.

Lunch features delicious plates that evoke Hawaiian flavors. Kamayan style meals celebrate Filipino heritage with a communal dining experience.

People are saying

"The kalbi ribs were very tasty and a huge hit."

"You have to try the teriyaki beef; it's a must-try dish."

"This lunch spot's food was incredible and delicious."

Good to know

1

Kalei's Kitchenette offers catering services for events of any size.

2

The Poke is a Saturday special on the menu.

3

The restaurant has very limited indoor seating for four people.

08
Sushi Gato image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern, clean interior creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere with soft, calming music keeping noise levels low. Generous portions of fresh sushi and sashimi attract diners looking for a relaxed meal. Suntory Beer and quality sake complement the food, enhancing the dining experience.

Lunch bentos feature teriyaki chicken and salmon options. Beef teriyaki comes in a small portion that costs around $25.

Lunch features bento boxes with options like teriyaki chicken and salmon. The spot serves both lunch and dinner reliably.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was so fresh and pretty."

"The seafood at this Lunch Spot is so fresh and delicious."

"The Teriyaki staff were so nice and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 to 6 pm with discounted prices.

2

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes during peak hours.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill.

09
Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a casual, family atmosphere with dim lighting and quiet vibe. The place feels relaxed and comfortable, focusing on affordable, well-stuffed sushi and generous portions rather than decor or ambiance.

Chicken teriyaki comes with huge fresh chunks of broccoli, zucchini, and giant mushroom caps. Teriyaki options include a beef combo and a chicken rice bowl that many enjoy.

Lunch features hibachi salmon and scallops alongside delicious sushi. Service stays great and the spot pairs well with a beer.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is excellent and a great value."

"The sushi here is authentic and tasted like Japan."

"I loved their teriyaki chicken, it's the best in town."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, with tight stalls available.

2

Food is served within 20-30 minutes after ordering.

3

The sushi costs around $20 per set.

10
Leilani's Cafe image 1

Outdoor seating with tropical plants creates a laid-back, aloha vibe that feels like a Hawaiian shack transplanted to a coastal city. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful despite steady activity, with a friendly, welcoming energy that invites lingering on the patio.

The teriyaki dishes include a spicy teriyaki option with great flavor and a classic teriyaki chicken plate. The chicken can be overcooked and under seasoned at times. Teriyaki pairs with sides like macaroni salad.

Counter style service offers quick and casual meals. It suits those wanting a packed lunch or a spot without alcohol. The menu focuses on breakfast and lunch items with consistent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"I found the Teriyaki here to be a cool spot with outdoor seating."

"The musubi at this Lunch Spot is excellent."

Good to know

1

Leilani's Cafe only has outdoor seating.

2

Parking on the residential streets can be challenging.

3

Arrive early on weekends to avoid long wait times.

11
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.

Tofu teriyaki bowls come out well cooked and flavorful. Kids enjoy the chicken teriyaki, making it a popular 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."

"I will miss the tofu teriyaki bowl; it was cooked so well."

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.

12
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 and beef teriyaki plates come with generous servings and pair well with sides like California roll and edamame. The menu focuses on teriyaki and katsu, offering solid options alongside ramen and sushi.

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."

"The teriyaki portions are huge, you'll have leftovers."

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.

13
O Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a neighborly atmosphere with pleasant vibes and tasteful decor. The sushi is consistently fresh and delicious, complemented by a smooth hot sake and generous portions. Meals conclude with a complimentary scoop of ice cream, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Teriyaki dishes come with large portions and multiple sides like rice, vegetables, gyoza, miso soup, and salad. The teriyaki sauce lacks authenticity, and the chicken tends to be overcooked with an off taste, while the salmon is cooked well.

Sushi rolls come out fresh and delicious during lunch. The lunch special offers good value and works well for a quick meal at the sushi bar or with kids.

People are saying

"I found this Japanese food to be our new favorite sushi place."

"The sushi for lunch was really fresh and tasty."

"The teriyaki salmon was perfect and the chicken was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM with a variety of options.

2

They offer large sakes for .99 cents on Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant has a kids menu with appealing choices.

14
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.

Spicy teriyaki chicken curry pairs with garlic naan for a flavorful meal. Teriyaki fried chicken offers a rich flavor that complements the curry well.

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 teriyaki fried chicken here is really flavorful."

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.

15
Teriyaki Madness image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers teriyaki chicken and steak bowls with good portions and distinctive teriyaki sauce. Atmosphere varies from clean and quiet to dirty and sticky, with plenty of parking and no lines. Food quality and service can fluctuate, but spicy chicken teriyaki maintains consistent flavor.

Chicken teriyaki bowls come with very good teriyaki sauce and options like spicy chicken or beef teriyaki. Meals are affordable, often cheaper than a sandwich, and avoid nitrates found in lunch meats.

Lunch features a chicken teriyaki bowl free of nitrates found in lunch meats. Orders come ready for work meals with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken here is so good, it hits the sweet spot."

"The food here is outrageously delicious and bursting with flavor."

"This lunch spot's teriyaki bowls are an instant mood booster."

Good to know

1

The restaurant was clean and in good condition.

2

There was plenty of parking at the restaurant.

3

The meal cost $20.

16
Go Go Sushi & Ramen image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior offers a quiet, tidy atmosphere suited for relaxed conversation. Menu includes a large selection of Japanese dishes with fresh, high-quality sushi and convenient quick lunch options. Parking shares space with a nearby market, which can affect availability during busy times.

Teriyaki dishes include a salmon bento box with miso soup, salad, tempura, sushi rolls, and rice. The Unagi Don balances sweet teriyaki sauce with salty eel, while the Beef Teriyaki rice bowl has vegetables that tend to fall apart.

No wait during lunch hours makes it a convenient spot for a quick meal. The chicken curry lunch special offers good taste and great price, with the place often pretty empty for late lunch.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh and of high quality."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"I ordered the teriyaki salmon bento box."

Good to know

1

There was ample parking, but it could be difficult to find during peak hours.

2

I experienced no wait during lunch hour; I just walked in.

3

The prices at Go Go Sushi & Ramen are budget-friendly.

17
Sushi Ren image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers inside and outside seating with organized to-go counter for quick orders. Atmosphere feels cool and inviting, suited for speedy lunch or casual dinner. Menu includes classic and fusion rolls, with fresh sushi and Korean dishes executed well.

Chicken teriyaki tends to be served with white meat only but can be a bit dry. Beef teriyaki comes cooked well done with very little sauce. Bento box presentation looks appealing.

Speedy service suits a quick lunch with lunch specials and a Sushi Lunch Combo A option. Bento box teriyaki chicken offers a visually appealing meal during convenient hours between lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and high quality."

"I loved the happy hour with 20% off everything."

"I thought the teriyaki chicken was okay."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 20% off all items until 5 pm.

2

Parking can be tricky during lunchtime.

3

Sushi Ren is allergy friendly and offers a variety of options.

18
Sushi Kuchi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and friendly staff in a cozy atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating a lively energy that can make conversation difficult. Tables sit close together, enhancing the intimate but bustling vibe.

Beef teriyaki stands out with good beef and a notable presentation. Chicken teriyaki tends to be dry and lacks enough teriyaki sauce.

Lunch specials offer excellent prices and include sushi and Japanese plate options. Deals like 50% off all rolls make it a solid spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was simply the best I had ever had."

"I enjoyed the great sushi at this Lunch Spot."

"I found the teriyaki beef here to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-off rolls all day, making it a great deal.

2

Lunch specials provide excellent pricing compared to regular menu items.

3

The prices for specialty rolls can be high, even with discounts.

19
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 teriyaki features a balanced sauce that is not too sweet. Plates come with generous portions, including options like musubi and mixed plates with Lau pig.

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'm so happy I ordered the teriyaki chicken; it was amazing."

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.

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