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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Carmel Valley

Lunch spots

A midday meal that actually fits into a workday schedule instead of eating up the entire hour.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cafe Pascale image 1
Cafe Pascale image 2
Cafe Pascale image 3
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Spanish-style hacienda offers a shaded patio with cozy seating and a calming fountain. Quiet atmosphere blends gentle water sounds with soft music for a peaceful vibe. Fresh food and easy parking make it a relaxing lunch spot away from busy areas.

A relaxing vibe makes it a solid choice for lunch. The spot offers fresh food and a convenient location for a midday break.

People are saying

"The cafe is tucked away in a lovely garden setting."

"The paninis here are delicious and perfectly grilled."

"The outdoor seating has a lovely garden with a fountain."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with plenty of free spaces available for cafe patrons.

2

Online ordering is available for quick and convenient service.

3

The cafe offers a large menu with many options, including gluten-free choices.

02
TOAST Cafe image 1

Clean, modern cafe with quiet atmosphere and herb garden offers great lunch options. Indoor and outdoor seating fits over 50 guests. Perfect for work or relaxed meals with friends.

Offers a variety of great lunch options in a quiet setting. Suitable for a relaxed meal with friends or family.

People are saying

"The Cafe's food is so delicious, every bite is full of flavor."

"It's a lovely indoor-outdoor space with charming herb plants."

"You'll find great lunch options and juicy burgers here."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and easy to find.

2

Breakfast service ends at 11:30 AM, so arrive early.

3

The cafe offers a vegan option with specific details on substitutes.

03
The Butchery image 1
Butcher shop

Butcher shop offers a wide selection of meats, fish, and cheeses alongside artisan foods. Lunch spot buzzes with a busy atmosphere and a standout burger that keeps customers coming back. Shelves hold rare beers and unique cooking ingredients, blending market and eatery vibes.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with a busy atmosphere and a constant flow of orders. The burger stands out as a popular choice that brings people back.

People are saying

"I thought the pastrami sandwich was one of the best I've had."

"I found the seafood selection here to be really fresh."

"You have to try the juicy burgers at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The shop opens at 9 AM, while the kitchen opens at 10 AM.

2

They offer a wide selection of meats, fish, cheeses, and artisan foods.

3

Expect a great variety of spices, oils, and vinegars for cooking.

04
The Clubhouse Grill at Fairmont Grand Del Mar image 1

Gorgeous patio overlooks a golf course, creating a vacation vibe perfect for relaxed meals. Few guests ensure a leisurely lunch or casual dinner with friends. Space feels exclusive yet comfortable, ideal for unwinding in a bustling area.

Offers a leisurely lunch setting with a casual vibe. Suitable for meals with friends or a relaxed solo break.

People are saying

"The food here is simple yet delicious and served hot."

"The staff here is friendly and attentive, making lunch a great experience."

"The American food here, like the burgers, is classic grill fare done exceptionally well."

Good to know

1

Prices are higher than average for similar dining options.

2

The menu features a variety of dishes without being overwhelming.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds during off-peak hours.

05
Xin Chร o Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern interior with neon accents sets a relaxed vibe. Quick takeout and a Tofu Banh Mi make it a great lunch spot. Seating fits about 40 with a lively kitchen adding energy to the space.

Takeout orders come out quickly, often earlier than the estimated 5 to 10 minutes. The Tofu Banh Mi offers a solid vegetarian option for lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the Vietnamese food, especially the pho, was great."

"The vegan tofu pho had lots of tofu and veggies."

"My lunch order was ready early and perfectly packaged."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and accessible bathrooms.

2

Menu options include beef Pho, vegetarian tofu Pho, shrimp Pho, and chicken Pho.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other Vietnamese restaurants in the area.

06
Katana Sushi & Japanese Restaurant image 1

Sushi spot shines with fresh sashimi and a relaxing jazz vibe. Bentos offer great lunch value and solo diners feel welcome. TVs showing sports add a casual touch to the cozy setting.

Lunch offers bentos with good value and a variety of specials and daily rolls. The spot welcomes solo diners comfortably during midday hours.

People are saying

"I think this is the best Japanese food in the area."

"I found the food to be fantastic and expertly prepared."

"I love their fresh sushi rolls and bento for lunch."

Good to know

1

Takeout orders are prioritized, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30 minutes or more during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many affordable options on the menu.

07
Ken Sushi Workshop image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers creative sushi at a lively sushi bar with fireplaces and tents for outdoor fun. Bento boxes like teriyaki beef make lunch quick and tasty. Minimalist decor keeps the vibe casual and inviting.

Lunch features a variety of bento boxes like teriyaki beef, chicken, and sushi combos. The spot serves many nearby professionals and offers quick reservations for groups, making it easy to get a table.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"The seafood here is pristine and melts in your mouth."

"This lunch spot's sushi is fresh and tastes fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant does not accept walk-ins, so plan ahead.

3

Expect to spend around $63 per person, excluding alcohol.

08
Spices Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Spacious dining area offers a cozy decor and a patio ambiance perfect for lunch. Enjoy generous portions with vegetarian options and lunch specials under $15. Easy parking supports a relaxed lunch experience in a family-friendly setting.

Lunch specials come with an egg roll, crispy lentil wontons, and coconut soup. Each meal offers good portions and variety, all under $15.

People are saying

"The Thai food's Pad Thai was saucy with crisp bean sprouts."

"The lunch special is a great deal with good portions and quality."

"The Panang Curry was creamy, thick, and loaded with tender chicken."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is available during specific hours and is a good deal.

2

Each lunch is under $15 and includes soup, salad, egg roll, and fried won-tons.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the quality of food.

09
Royal India-Delmar image 1
Indian restaurant

Casually elegant decor and a stunning water wall create a cozy, classy vibe. Easy parking and weekday lunch specials make lunch convenient and satisfying. Outdoor patio seating adds charm for socializing or romantic dining.

Easy parking makes lunch convenient. Weekday lunch specials offer great value and are quite filling. All three specials tried were consistently good.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is very good and delicious."

"The lunch specials here are great and filling."

"I loved the ambience of the outdoor seating area."

Good to know

1

The buffet is only available on Sundays.

2

Lunch specials are offered on weekdays.

3

Parking is very easy for lunch visits.

10
Cross Street Chicken and Beer (DELMAR) image 1

Open air seating and a lively bar create a fun, cozy vibe with music and a projector adding energy. Chicken and waffles shine as a lunch favorite, with dog-friendly patio seating perfect for relaxed midday visits. Plenty of cocktail and beer options complete the experience.

Chicken and waffles stand out as a lunch option. Lunch specials come as combos, but other items require buying a la carte, which raises the price. The spot welcomes dogs for lunch dates.

People are saying

"The bulgogi fried rice was cooked perfectly and seasoned well."

"These chicken tenders are insanely good, especially the Seoul Spicy ones."

"You have to try the chicken and waffles for lunch here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7 pm on Fridays with solid deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant gets busy on trivia night, so arrive early to secure a table.

3

Parking can be challenging; expect to spend time finding a spot during peak hours.

11
Super Dumpling image 1
Restaurant

Open glass kitchen shows chefs making handmade dumplings fresh daily. Bright, clean dining area offers a quick lunch spot popular on Saturdays. Menu includes many vegetarian options and standout dishes like pork xiao long bao.

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

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is so juicy and flavorful."

"The shrimp and pork wontons in chili oil were my favorite."

"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.

12
Mizukiyama Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with fresh fish and a spacious sushi bar. Lunch offers special combos but no separate menu, with prices near $50. Atmosphere shifts from family-friendly calm to lively sports chatter on two TVs.

Lunch features good portions and special combos including sushi. Prices can reach around $50 for a bento and roll without drinks, and no separate lunch menu exists.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is delicious."

"I found the happy hour prices to be a great value."

"The sushi here is delicious and the fish is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM with 30% off food.

2

During happy hour, there are no discounts on beers.

3

Parking can be challenging due to a busy garage.

13
AMAYA image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor seating provides golf course views and a beautiful patio. Lunch features generous portions and tasty garlic fries at great prices. Well-kept lawns offer space for kids to play in a chic, castle-like setting.

Lunch offers an upscale experience with generous portions and a fantastic price during restaurant week. Garlic fries serve as a tasty side that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The outdoor space offers beautiful views of the grounds and golf course."

"The desserts here are delicious and the best part of the meal."

"The lunch spot's desserts are great, especially the profiteroles."

Good to know

1

Parking is valet only and costs $7.

2

Kids eat free for hotel guests.

3

The venue hosts tea parties, which adds to its appeal.

14
Fairmont Grand Del Mar image 1

Mediterranean-style resort offers elegant architecture and spacious rooms with a world-class spa and multiple pools. Poolside dining serves delightful lunches with friendly staff in a relaxed setting. Grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls and family fun.

Lunch features poolside dining with options that impress and deliver a delightful culinary experience. Staff remain friendly and helpful, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere during meals.

People are saying

"I found the hotel to be beautiful and richly decorated."

"The service here makes you feel so special."

"The lunch spot staff were very friendly, polite, and helpful."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs an additional $140 plus taxes on top of the daily room rate.

2

The hotel only offers valet parking; self-parking is no longer available.

3

Expect disorganization during events, with items scattered and unclear signage.

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