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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Hillcrest

Salad lunch spots

A quick salad is the only thing that makes sense for a midday break.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cluck N' Sip image 1
Cluck N' Sip image 2
Cluck N' Sip image 3
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Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Salads here include a glazed salad and a szechuan salad that feels refreshing. The house salad comes with a vinaigrette that cleanses the palate well.

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

"This chicken sandwich is so juicy and crispy."

"I loved the spicy Mac and Cheese; it scored a perfect 10."

"The glazed salad here is amazing with the fried chicken."

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.

02
Jo's Diner image 1

Cozy diner with a friendly atmosphere and soft music creating a comfortable vibe. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a back area accommodating reactive dogs. Walls feature artwork and celebrity signatures, adding a unique touch to the space.

Salads come with fresh, crisp greens and a superb vinaigrette dressing that is light and not overpowering. Side spring salads are generous in size and complement sandwiches well.

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

People are saying

"The American Food here is great, and the service is fantastic."

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

"I found the salads to be crisp and very fresh."

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.

03
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 1
Greek restaurant

Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a family diner vibe. The space feels unpretentious and welcoming, focusing on hearty, authentic Greek food at affordable prices. Generous portions and a no-frills setting make it a rare gem for casual dining.

Salads come super fresh and incredibly delicious here, often served alongside soup and main dishes. Greek salad appears regularly as a side with meals like chicken kabob and pita sandwich combos.

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 found the food here to be great and affordable."

"I found the salad to be super fresh and delicious."

"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.

04
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Crunchy, fresh smashed cucumber salad comes with a drinkable sauce. It pairs well with spicy dishes and is a popular starter.

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

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

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

"The smashed cucumber salad was so crunchy and fresh."

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.

05
Bronx Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Classic New York-style pizzeria with old boxing photos and subway-themed decor creates an authentic, old-school family business atmosphere. Space includes takeout window and modest dine-in seating, with a lively, no-frills energy. Cash-only policy and a small step at the entrance are notable features.

Side salads come fresh and taste good. Portions pair well with other items for a perfect size meal.

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

"I found the New York style pizza to be authentic and amazing."

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

"I thought the pizza was amazing."

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.

06
Bread & Cie image 1

European bakery atmosphere combines with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating to create a welcoming vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a great patio that invites people watching. The space feels like a comforting haven with charming artwork and thoughtful details throughout.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and pair well with sandwiches or avocado toast. The Mediterranean salad stands out, and half sandwich, half salad combos offer a balanced lunch option.

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

"I loved the fresh, delicious bread here."

"I thought the sandwiches were delicious and made with their own breads."

"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.

07
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Salads feature beet and Caesar options with solid flavors. Blackened shrimp adds protein to one salad, and vegetarian choices are limited to two salads priced at $14 each.

Patio seating offers a relaxed spot for lunch. The menu features blackened chicken club, wedge lunch special, and tasty po boys. Service stays attentive even during busy lunch rushes.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"The food here is delicious, especially the po boy."

"The Caesar salad with added shrimp was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

08
Frenchy's Hideout image 1

Restaurant offers cozy, intimate atmosphere with live music and an upbeat vibe. Decor includes visible kitchen and playful signs, creating a special feel. Wine selection features top-notch French and Italian varieties, enhancing the dining experience.

Beet salad and tuna crudo stand out as fresh, flavorful starters. Salads often come as part of a prix fixe menu or alongside dishes like duck confit and salmon.

High reviews draw people here for lunch. The spot offers a great lunch experience that satisfies groups and friends alike.

People are saying

"The French food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The food here is delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was next level."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The happy hour offers $10 glasses of Sancerre and Caymus.

3

Parking in Hillcrest requires circling around for street parking.

09
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large indoor space with quaint decor and a pleasant, low-key atmosphere creates a cozy, cafe-like vibe. Outdoor patio surrounded by beautiful palm trees offers a nice setting for dining. The place draws those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a relaxed environment.

Salads here come in fresh and plentiful varieties like the Greek salad and Mediterranean chicken salad. The fatoush salad stands out as a favorite, and the chicken salad is consistently fresh and delicious.

Lunch includes options like a cauliflower wrap with salad and a Lamb & Beef Biryani that serves well for quick meals and leftovers.

People are saying

"I found the chicken salad to be very fresh and delicious."

"I had the best falafel and hummus I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has a delicious cauliflower wrap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is available nearby for customers.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes than typical for the prices charged.

10
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

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

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"I loved the rich and creamy broth."

"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.

11
Alfredo's Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pay-by-the-slice pizza shop with thin crust pizza and affordable combo deals creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from top 10 hits to opera, adding variety to the dining experience. Chalkboard art and mascots add a charming, casual touch to the space.

Salads come in generous portions with fresh ingredients like romaine, tomatoes, black olives, onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Options include a large antipasto salad and side salads with extras like avocado and pepperoncini.

Lunch features a $12 pasta special that offers good value. Saturdays stay uncrowded, making it easy to grab a seat. Portions are generous enough to split between lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely amazing."

"This lunch spot's antipasto salad is huge for the price."

"I loved my generous Greek Salad with fresh romaine and feta."

Good to know

1

You can get two slices of pizza and a soda for $8.99.

2

A lunch special offers any pasta for $12.

3

They have a deal for 2 slices and a beer for $11.

12
Whole Foods Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store combines tight aisles with a warm, cozy atmosphere and soothing music. It features a rooftop parking and seating area, plus an Amazon pick-up station for convenience. Crowds gather here regularly, drawn by fresh produce and ready-made meals.

A large selection of freshly-prepared salads and a salad bar make it easy to grab healthy food quickly. An area lets customers prepare their own salads or ready-made meals.

Hot prepared food bar offers quick options for lunch. Seating areas allow enjoying meals like bread and cheese comfortably.

People are saying

"I found so many fresh, organic, and healthy food options here."

"I loved their fresh salad bar and hot food options."

"This is a great lunch spot for a quick bite."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Whole Foods Market offers special deals on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3

The hot food bar may not be ready by 11 AM.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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