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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Gaslamp Quarter

Lunch and dinner spots

A restaurant that treats lunch and dinner with the same level of attention instead of phoning it in for the midday crowd.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tapas & Beers | French and Spanish Restaurant image 1
Tapas & Beers | French and Spanish Restaurant image 2
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Space combines rustic charm and modern flair with high tables and some outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy yet roomy, warm, and inviting with a chill, fun vibe. Crowd enjoys unique European flavors and fresh, farm-sourced ingredients in a setting that blends French and Spanish influences.

Lunch offers reasonably priced beer and lunch combos that pair a small main with a salad. The lunch special provides a solid option for a quick meal with drinks.

Owners and crew serve amazing dinner and dessert with a focus on tapas and beers. The spot suits date nights or dinners with friends and works well for quick meals before theater shows.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, with subtle and blended flavors."

"I thought the dinner spots here had mouth-watering food and amazing drinks."

"The Lunch Spot's watermelon sangria is very tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like theater shows.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with tables set up for easy access.

3

It's conveniently located just steps away from the Civic Theater.

02
Noodle & Bun image 1
Wok restaurant

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.

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

Dinner here feels like dinner and a show with noodles made right in front of you. Expect a 30-minute wait since it stays busy, making it good for a casual night out or date.

People are saying

"The food here tastes amazing and fresh, like home cooking."

"The noodles and dumplings here are fantastic and hearty."

"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.

03
Istanbul Doner Kebab image 1

Large, beautifully furnished space captures an authentic Turkish vibe with warm lighting and charming decor. Atmosphere feels vibrant yet peaceful, supported by loud Turkish pop music that energizes the environment. Plenty of seating and amenities like a juice bar and prayer room accommodate diverse needs.

Lunch offers great flavors and satisfying meals. Options suit lunch, dinner, or dessert needs.

Dinner features good-sized portions like the lamb shank 6-piece and a beef dinner wrap that stands out. Options suit lunch, dinner, or dessert with solid flavors and satisfying meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes homemade."

"These dinner spots serve flavorful, authentic Turkish food at great prices."

"The doner here is perfectly spiced and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait time.

2

Parking can be difficult to find in the Gaslamp Quarter.

3

The menu features a wide variety of Turkish cuisine options.

04
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

Hotel restaurant with modern design and artful decor creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Spacious seating and a dog-friendly outdoor patio add comfort and convenience. Noise levels can rise during events, affecting conversation.

Lunch offers an inviting atmosphere with well-crafted dishes. It suits casual meals with family or friends.

Offers a dinner and show deal with valet parking and a 20% discount for theater attendees. Staff stays attentive during busy Saturday nights, ensuring smooth service. Suitable for impromptu dinners before events at nearby theaters.

People are saying

"The beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The dinner here was excellent and surprisingly affordable."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza and fries were perfectly crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

05
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-level space combines an intimate bar with a quaint upstairs dining area. Atmosphere shifts from loud live music downstairs to a cozy, romantic vibe upstairs. Frequented by those seeking a casual, friendly setting with a touch of old-school charm.

Chill vibe suits lunch meetings or casual dates. Lunch menu offers options for kids, and calling ahead for specific dishes works well.

Offers intimate private dinners and a quiet atmosphere ideal for pre-theater meals. Serves well for celebration dinners with a local touch and historical charm.

People are saying

"The mussel bisque soup here is rich and amazing."

"The sourdough bread at these dinner spots is life-changingly delicious."

"The food here is amazing; I loved the mushrooms with garlic shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Music is featured on Tuesday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on busy nights.

06
Havana 1920 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Cuban charm with live music and vibrant atmosphere. Decor includes folk art and vintage details creating a cozy, immersive vibe. Guests enjoy energetic evenings with Cuban sounds and themed seating.

Late lunches come with a quiet atmosphere and a nearly empty dining room. The Cubano sandwich pairs well with a strong coffee for a simple midday meal.

Dinner features a lively music atmosphere that feels like singing along with family. The setting offers a warm, engaging vibe after meals.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and people were dancing."

"This lunch spot's empanadas and Cuban sandwich were fantastic."

"The Cuban sandwich here is packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 empanadas during happy hour.

3

Thursday specials include half-off sandwiches at 2:30 PM.

07
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.

Tacos stand out as a go-to lunch choice here, especially the fish tacos known as a local gourmet dish. The spot works well for quick, satisfying meals near the convention center.

Affordable and delicious tacos make dinner easy and satisfying. Food works well for late meals and takeout, pairing nicely with beer.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"I loved the authentic, flavorful tacos at this lunch spot."

"The tacos here are incredible and very delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

08
Saint James French Diner image 1

Stylish French-inspired restaurant with a cozy ambiance and classy decor reminiscent of a Montmartre cafรฉ. Brightly lit bar features a stacked bottle display creating a cool vibe. Rooftop lounge offers a breathtaking city view, enhancing the overall experience.

Offers lunch and dinner options alongside an expanded Sunday brunch menu. The burger Parisienne stands out as a lunch choice on weekdays.

Phenomenal dinner service supports corporate dinners and group events. The venue suits gatherings of 15 or more with a pleasant atmosphere and consistent satisfaction.

People are saying

"I found the Parisienne burger to be the best burger I ever had."

"This burger tastes like Paris and makes you feel gorgeous."

"This lunch spot's burger Parisienne with secret sauce is exceptional."

Good to know

1

Weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 offers burgers at half off, making it an incredible deal.

2

Happy hour runs Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6, with $10 burgers on Thursdays.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

09
Sadaf Restaurant image 1
Persian restaurant

Traditional Persian decor with arched doorways and colorful tiles creates an elegant, understated setting. The atmosphere stays calm and cozy with soft Persian music playing, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The space feels airy and welcoming, distinct from the louder nightlife nearby.

Slow hours bring out authentic, homey Persian stews for a late afternoon lunch. Dinner offers a stronger recommendation over lunch.

Large groups fit well with accommodating service and space for dinners of 20 or more. Dinner times can be quiet, even before shows, making it easy to get a table without a wait.

People are saying

"I thought the Persian food here was truly authentic."

"This Lunch Spot's Persian food is authentic and delicious."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, fresh naan and beautifully seasoned food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant transforms into a nightclub at 11pm, serving no food.

2

Reservations are recommended for large dinner parties.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other Persian restaurants.

10
Hasta Maรฑana Cantina image 1

Lively restaurant with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music that creates a high-energy atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks. Outdoor seating provides a shaded area for a more relaxed experience.

Friendly and helpful servers create a welcoming lunch atmosphere. The Diabla burrito offers a filling meal with delicious beans that can be enjoyed in multiple sittings.

Dinner features a Birria with a huge beef rib, paired with incredible mash and a rich red sauce. The setting suits casual dinners and drinks with friends, offering authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The dinner spots here have huge enchiladas and delicious burritos."

"The service at this lunch spot is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

11
Urban India Restaurant & Bar image 1

Small space shifts from quiet restaurant by day to lively nightclub with a DJ playing Latin music on weekends. Atmosphere feels more like a bar with awesome music and a family-owned vibe. Outdoor patio offers a spot for people watching during major events.

Lunch offers fresh naan and a variety of options including chicken curry and vegetarian dishes. Portions can be small but the food tastes great and provides enough for the next day.

Dinners offer full of flavor meals that invite repeat visits. The spot pairs vibrant atmosphere with live music, making it a lively place to enjoy an evening.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I loved all the delicious dishes I ordered for dinner."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for busy weekend nights.

2

Credit card payments incur an extra charge; cash is preferred.

3

The lunch menu can be confusing; ask staff for recommendations.

12
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Prompt seating outside creates a relaxed vibe for lunch. Service stands out as fast and friendly, complementing the fresh seafood and beer options.

Seafood dinners come in large portions that often leave leftovers. Tacos offer variety with Tres Amigos tacos standing out, while others like Chingones are more average.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The seafood tacos here are some of the best I've ever had."

"The lunch spot service was attentive and kind."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

13
El Chingon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and a large dancefloor with bar inside. Music ranges from live Mariachi bands to DJ sets playing Mexican and Spanish tunes, creating a lively, dancing vibe at night. Decor includes comic-themed staff shirts and cartoon wall art, adding a unique, playful touch.

Lunch features fresh flavors and satisfying portions. Food holds up well after events like baseball games.

Dinner offers incredibly flavorful dishes with options to sit outside. Drinks and entertainment add to the evening experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I loved the potato tacos and shredded beef at this lunch spot."

"The dinner here is incredibly flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers half-price tacos all day.

2

Happy hour includes discounted margaritas and appetizers.

3

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially after 8pm.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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