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Local picks in Hillcrest

Vegetarian lunch spots

A midday break spent over a vegetarian meal is the only way to keep the afternoon moving.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
CURRY NATION - INDIAN RESTAURANT & CATERING image 1
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Modern interior combines with beautiful decor and clean, comfortable atmosphere. Calm environment features Indian music that suits families and friends. Staff attire varies, but overall vibe remains welcoming and cozy.

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

Menu includes a variety of vegetarian options alongside meat dishes. Lentil soup and vegetarian samosas stand out as fantastic choices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The vegetarian options here are fantastic and made with care."

"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.

02
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.

Vegan ramen features a rich miso broth with deep flavor. Vegan dumplings come packed with satisfying taste. Adding an egg to the vegan ramen enhances the dish further.

People are saying

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

"The vegetarian ramen here is packed with flavor."

"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.

03
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a breezy patio elevated for people watching. Atmosphere feels high class yet welcoming, with artistic plating and a lively bar featuring fresh margaritas and unique cocktails. Crowd enjoys a comfortable, friendly vibe with generous portions and stylish design.

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

Several vegetarian and vegan options include dishes with cashew cheeses. The menu features vegan coconut aguachile and flavorful mushroom tacos among many choices.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

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

"The vegetarian mushroom tinga quesadilla is flavorful and satisfying."

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.

04
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Sushi restaurant

Walls covered in manga pages create a casual, laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a burger joint than a traditional sushi spot. The place fills with an energetic, noisy crowd enjoying affordable, fresh sushi and a variety of sake cocktails.

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.

Vegetarian options include abundant sushi rolls, a vegetarian bento, and dishes like vegan sushi, ramen, noodles, and curry. The mango punch roll stands out among the vegetarian sushi choices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced."

"The sushi service was so impeccable and welcoming."

"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.

05
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.

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.

Almost every dumpling or dim sum has vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Vegan dumplings stand out as a really good option. The spicy wonton and vegetarian meatball soup offer solid vegetarian choices.

People are saying

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

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

"The vegetarian dumplings were really good."

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.

06
Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones, intricate patterns, and cultural artwork. Atmosphere feels genuine and inviting, suitable for relaxed dining. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a versatile experience.

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.

Vegetarian dishes include an eggplant, okra, and sample platter with great variety and flavors. The menu offers wonderful choices that cater well to vegans and vegetarians.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

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

"I loved the vegetarian sampler platter with rice and vegetables."

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.

07
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modernized Japanese ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, welcoming for relaxed meals. Known for authentic broths and perfectly balanced saltiness, it serves some of the best ramen flavors outside Japan.

Lunch specials come at a reasonable price and are available on weekends. The space stays clean and well lit even when crowded during lunch.

Vegan ramen features a tasty vegan broth with options like shoyu, shio, miso, and spicy miso. Only one vegetarian/vegan option exists, and adding extras like egg raises the price above $20.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be excellent and authentic."

"The vegan ramen broth was tastier than I expected."

"The ramen here is delicious with a great firm texture."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, which is a recent change.

2

Parking is very difficult, especially on weekends.

3

The Tonkotsu ramen costs about $24, while Miso ramen is $15.

08
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.

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

Offers a wide range of vegan meat and vegetarian options including salads, pasta, and a hot food bar with comfort food. Features organic and vegan products along with items like vegan jerky and vegetarian pizza.

People are saying

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

"I found great vegetarian options, especially the hot food bar."

"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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