Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Core-Columbia

Salad spots

A salad that feels like a substantial meal rather than a sad pile of wilted greens.

Based on 555 Opinions
+552
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar image 1
Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar image 2
Sammich House Deli & Juice Bar image 3
View all

Deli offers a mom-and-pop vibe with fresh, generous sandwiches and baby greens salad with vinaigrette. Music stays low, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Seating is ample, blending classic NYC deli feel with diner-style comfort.

Salads come with sandwiches and wraps, featuring baby greens and a fresh vinaigrette. They taste fresh and add a light, tasty side to meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are huge and packed with flavor."

"The staff here is super helpful and sweet, with great vibes."

"I loved that it's a family owned spot with a warm atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The shop is located right next to the trolley for easy access.

2

Parking is available on the street, but there is no dedicated lot.

3

The breakfast plate costs $13, making it an affordable option.

02
Yalla Habibi image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small dining area offers an intimate setting with Middle Eastern music enhancing a cozy vibe. Chicken Shawarma Salad is a hearty, flavorful choice, paired well with creamy hummus and warm pita. Noise rises when busy but the space stays welcoming and safe.

Chicken Shawarma Salad stands out as a hearty and flavorful option. Fresh salads come alongside dishes like shawarma plates, paired with creamy hummus and warm pita.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious, especially the baba ganoush."

"The vegetarian dishes are so flavorful and healthy."

"I loved the hearty and tasty chicken shawarma salad."

Good to know

1

Yalla Habibi does not have a restroom.

2

The restaurant can get very busy, so I recommend making reservations.

3

There are various vegan options at Yalla Habibi.

03
Falafel California image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern spot offers authentic falafel and shawarma in a cozy atmosphere with loungey techno music. Salads shine with fresh, crisp ingredients and tangy dressings, though portions are small. Outdoor seating under a tree adds a relaxed vibe.

Salads feature fresh, crisp ingredients with a tangy dressing that stands out. Options like the gyro and falafel salads mix vegetables well, though dressings can be heavy and portions tend to be small.

People are saying

"I found their falafel to be crispy and delicious."

"The hummus here is so smooth and delicious."

"This salad is incredibly fresh with a perfect tangy dressing."

Good to know

1

They offer both takeout and catering services.

2

The menu mainly focuses on falafel and wraps, offering limited variety.

3

They are open late on weekends and early for catering.

04
Mendocino Farms image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop boasts open outdoor seating and a hipster farm vibe. Salads shine with unique combinations like peach and goat cheese or mango with chicken. Fresh, healthy options attract a casual crowd in a bright, modern space.

Salads feature unique combinations like sweet peach with goat cheese and a floral vinaigrette, or mango paired with chicken. Options include a variety of fresh greens and creative dressings, with choices like the Impossible Salad and Pink Beet salad offering distinct flavors.

People are saying

"I found all their salads to be a big hit."

"I loved the vegan Banh Mi and the Impossible Salad."

"You should try the pomegranate mint lemonade."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in downtown, making it difficult to find a spot.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially between 11am and 1:30pm.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid stress during busy times.

05
Maestro Lounge image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with fresh arugula salads and flavorful lamb chops. Elegant interior and high ceilings create a relaxing vibe. Smooth, high-quality hookah and lively weekend music add vibrant energy.

Fresh salads come with vibrant arugula and a delicious vinaigrette. The salads pair well with flavorful meats and creamy hummus.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the chicken."

"The salad here is so bright and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices for shisha are available all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Brunch meetings are held at Maestro Lounge on weekends.

06
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with fresh ingredients and a friendly atmosphere. Salad options are unique but come in small servings. Large windows create an airy space filled with natural light, making it cozy despite downtown noise.

Fresh ingredients are displayed for easy selection of meat and salad options not found nearby. Salad servings are notably small, often not reaching the top lid.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The staff at this lunch spot are so friendly and helpful."

"I loved picking all my fresh ingredients for a perfect salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking in the area is limited, with few street spots available.

3

Staff removes the drink machine an hour and a half before closing.

07
BB's Deli image 1

Family-owned deli offers a lively, easygoing vibe with fresh Chicken Caesar salad and a wide menu including soups and snacks. Popular with locals and students, it serves high-quality sandwiches at reasonable prices. Lunchtime buzz adds to the friendly atmosphere.

Chicken Caesar salad stands out with fresh ingredients and classic flavors. Salads come alongside a variety of options like soups and snacks, offering a diverse menu beyond just sandwiches.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were delicious and reasonably priced."

"They gave me food and warm soup when I was hungry."

"I found the salads here to be delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

The sandwiches cost around $10 on average.

2

BB's Deli gets very busy at lunchtime.

3

There is a lot of variety beyond just sandwiches, including soups and salads.

08
A Brooklyn Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Brick oven pizzas have a crispy yet chewy crust in a rugged space with a small-town family vibe. Salads are creamy and pair well with wings, making combos a great choice. Seating is kid-friendly both inside and out, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Salads come as part of combos and alongside pizzas and pastas. They have a creamy texture and pair well with wings and other dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was delicious and had a perfect crust."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I thought the salad was very good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very kid-friendly with a clean sit-down area indoors and outdoors.

2

The lunch deal offers two slices of pizza and a soda for $10.

3

Prices are reasonable, with slices priced lower than other places in the area.

09
Krisp Beverages + Natural Foods image 1

Bright, well-lit space offers fresh salads with flavorful basics and premade options. Pair salads with oven-baked pizza or chicken wings for a tasty meal. Enjoy food inside or at outside tables in a preppy, inviting atmosphere downtown.

Fresh salads come with flavorful basics and a nice selection of premade options. They pair well with sandwiches and other dishes like oven-baked pizza and chicken wings.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"They have a pretty good, extensive beer selection."

"The basic salad here is really flavorful."

Good to know

1

Krisp offers a two-slice pizza for $8 with a drink.

2

Parking is limited, so consider walking from downtown.

3

Krisp is a quick walk from the 5th Ave trolley station.

Discover more

Core-Columbia, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...