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Lunch spots in Hillcrest

Made for those who view the midday break as the most important culinary event of their day.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
Taste of Denmark image 1
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Small indoor space with a street front patio offers a relaxed vibe. Lunch features an open face trio with good value and a delicious apple danish for dessert. Soft Danish classics create an authentic Scandinavian atmosphere perfect for casual outdoor dining.

Lunch offers an open face trio that provides good value. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy a shaded spot while eating. An extra treat like a delicious apple danish often comes at the end of the meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the Danish pastry; it's the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult and requires payment.

2

Everything at Taste of Denmark is cooked to order.

3

You can buy the bread and take a huge loaf home.

02
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Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic vibe. Enjoy affordable lunch specials like lamb gyro with fries. Generous portions and authentic Greek food make it a family diner gem for casual meals.

Lunch offers affordable specials around $9 to $10 including taxes. Lamb gyro with fries and dinner plate combos provide great value and consistent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food at this lunch spot was excellent."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials make meals affordable, typically around $10-11.

2

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Dinner specials include a cup of soup, salad, and an entrรฉe for $12.

03
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Small Japanese spot shines with fresh sushi and a laid-back vibe. Cozy indoor and welcoming patio suit casual lunches and special occasions. Music adds a sophisticated touch while keeping the feel casual and inviting.

Lunch here offers fresh sushi in a laid-back and energetic atmosphere. It suits both casual meals and special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The owner Matthew makes you feel right at home during lunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

04
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Fast food spot with a friendly vibe and juicy fried chicken draws lunch crowds with a $7.99 combo. Small, clean space offers attentive service and casual comfort. Mandarin music adds a unique touch to this affordable lunch spot.

Lunch features a weekday $7.99 special with two pieces of juicy fried chicken, a side, and a drink. Staff provide attentive service and the lunch combo offers great value every day.

People are saying

"The lunch combo is a great value for the price."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

05
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Cozy diner offers family-friendly meals and a comfortable vibe with soft music. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a special area for reactive dogs. Walls show celebrity signatures, adding charm to lunch visits.

Offers a family and kid-friendly atmosphere with solid options for lunch. Serves consistently great meals suitable for midday dining.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's fries are great and not overly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building.

2

There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

They serve breakfast all day.

06
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Coffee shop shines with modern decor and a post-it note wall that sparks creativity. Huge portions make it a great lunch spot for sharing or working remotely. Dog-friendly policy adds a warm, welcoming touch to the bright, cozy space.

Huge portions make it easy to have one order for both lunch and dinner. The spot suits catching up with friends or remote work, with coffee available alongside meals.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's portions are huge; I ate for two meals!"

Good to know

1

You can park in the back of the cafe with 15 minutes of free parking.

2

The Latte costs $10.50, totaling over $12 with tip.

3

Alternative milk options incur an extra $1 charge.

07
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Modern Mexican spot shines with spacious outdoor seating perfect for lunch and dog-friendly visits. Enjoy fresh margaritas at a lively bar in a stylish, welcoming space. Generous portions and artistic plating make every meal feel special.

Lunch offers Chilaquiles Verdes and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The spot suits casual midday meals with a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious, especially the homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

08
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Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting offers a warm vibe. Lunch features chicken tortilla soup and carnitas hash and eggs, perfect for midday or late meals. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Lunch offers chicken tortilla soup and carnitas hash and eggs. Options suit both midday and late lunch times. Happy hour also overlaps with late lunch.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food was delicious and superb."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

09
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Small, cozy spot with handmade dumplings and a warm, quiet vibe feels like home cooking. Lunch specials shine with a $13.99 deal and big pork buns perfect for takeout. Vegetarian-friendly options add variety to the menu.

Lunch specials offer a great deal with a $13.99 option that stands out. Big pork buns work well for lunch, especially when taken to go and eaten the next day.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's special was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

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Classic New York-style pizzeria shines with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor. Lunch specials at $9 offer filling slices and drinks in a casual, lively space. Cash-only policy and takeout window add to the authentic, no-frills vibe.

Offers a lunch special around $9 with slice deals and drinks. Plenty of seating makes it a casual spot. Pizza slices are filling and popular enough for repeat visits.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is thin, crispy, and so yummy."

Good to know

1

Bronx Pizza only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

The entrance has a half-step, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

11
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Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has the best ramen I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

12
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Traditional Indian decor creates a relaxed atmosphere with background music and MTV on TV screens. Affordable lunch specials like vegetarian Manchurian and garlic naan make it a great lunch spot. Simple vibe suits quick bites or sit-in meals.

Affordable lunch specials offer a relaxing sit-down meal. Options include vegetarian Manchurian, chili paneer, and garlic naan for around $12 plus taxes.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has really good food, especially the paneer."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant is very limited; consider public parking nearby.

2

Expect hidden gratuity charges added to your bill without prior notice.

3

Food is served without utensils, requiring customers to use their own.

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Open space with an outdoor bar and patio offers a bright, colorful setting. Energetic vibe shines with top-notch drag shows and burlesque performances. Lunch hours get busy, making it a popular grab-and-go spot for the LGBT community.

Lunch hours get pretty busy here, showing it's a popular spot. People often stop by on their way to other destinations, making it a convenient grab-and-go option.

People are saying

"It's such an inclusive and supportive community here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30pm during the week.

3

Free street parking is available after 6PM.

14
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European bakery vibe blends with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating. Enjoy half sandwich and half soup combo or avocado toast with salad for lunch. Great patio offers a people watching spot in a comforting setting.

Cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibe create a relaxed setting for lunch. Hearty options like the half sandwich and half soup combo and avocado toast with salad stand out for midday meals.

People are saying

"The breads and pastries here are amazing and clearly made fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when lines can be long.

2

Expect a chaotic parking situation; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some items costing up to $8 for small loaves.

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Walls covered in manga pages create a casual atmosphere that feels like a burger joint. Lunch features a $10.99 bento box with a soft drink, offering great value. Fresh sushi and sake cocktails draw an energetic, noisy crowd.

Lunch offers a $10.99 bento box that includes a soft drink, providing solid value. Good lunch specials like the dialysis lunch special make it a reliable spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has unbelievable value for the price."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Daily specials on food and rotating monthly specials are available.

3

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

16
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Enjoy authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones and intricate patterns. Lunch offers quick seating and exceptional quality meals that impress. Indoor and outdoor seating create a versatile dining experience perfect for relaxed meals.

Lunch offers quick seating on weekdays and meals that stand out for their exceptional quality. The experience often turns into one of the best meals had in a long time.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's cherry curry is outstandingly sweet, tangy, and deep."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for a two-person lunch.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

17
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Modern interior and beautiful decor create a calm, cozy vibe with Indian music. Lunch is quiet with generous portions that leave leftovers. Staff dress varies but stays welcoming, making it great for families and friends.

Lunch hours show a quiet atmosphere with few or no other diners. Portions come with enough leftovers to take home.

People are saying

"The food at this Lunch Spot is wonderfully fresh and nicely presented."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot under the Atlas building, which is free.

2

The restaurant does not yet have a liquor license, but it is being worked on.

3

The menu features a good variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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