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Lunch spots for Chinese food in Kearny Mesa

Made for those who want a substantial Chinese meal during their workday without the hassle of a long wait.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Small interior with dim lighting creates a warm and welcoming but sometimes crowded atmosphere during lunch. Easy-going vibe suits families despite cluttered seating and limited space. Ordering food first and then finding a seat is typical due to high demand.

Orange chicken stands out with its crispy outside and tender inside texture. Szechuan chicken offers a spicy and savory blend, while Mongolian beef delivers strong flavor. House fried rice complements these dishes well.

Lunch offers well-priced specials with generous portions. Options like the Mongolian beef bowl and salmon with vegetables provide straightforward, no-frills meals in a casual setting.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, delicious, and super-sized."

"The lunch spot food is delicious, with amazing quality and taste."

"I found the Mongolian beef at this Chinese food spot to be great."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at lunch.

2

Customers must order their food first and then find a seat.

3

Dinner portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with rice.

02
Ten seconds yunnan rice noodle image 1

Small space with cozy traditional charm and warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. The environment stays clean and comfortable, often busy with a steady flow of diners. Known for authentic Yunnan rice noodles and rich, flavorful broths that define the dining experience.

Hot and sour soup delivers tang and heat without overwhelming the palate. Golden hot and sour soup noodles stand out, and the hot pot allows for quick serving.

Small size means there can be a wait during lunch hour. Suits a solo lunch or a casual meal with friends.

People are saying

"I loved the springy rice noodles in the flavorful soup."

"The pork bone broth at this Lunch Spot is rich and deeply savory."

"The pork bone broth for Chinese food is rich and deeply savory."

Good to know

1

You can put in a waitlist request on Yelp ahead of time.

2

The restaurant may get crowded at night and on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location in a small strip mall.

03
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Wonton soup stands out as a flavorful choice here. The Tipacay Chicken offers a unique take on orange chicken, and the chow mein comes without excess grease.

Lunch offers Latin American vibe with hanging plants creating a cozy setting. Dishes like tallarin verde and arroz chaufa come in generous portions, suitable for leftovers.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and delicious."

"The wonton soup here is savory and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

04
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Dumplings stand out as a delicious highlight here. The menu also features beef noodles, chili dumplings, sesame balls, scallion pancakes, and sesame noodles, all prepared with care.

Seating happens quickly even on a late weekday lunch. Drinks like the lychee coladas come sweet with a balanced alcohol level. The spot offers casual but high quality meals suitable for family lunches.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"This lunch spot has amazing noodles and perfect broth."

"The Chinese food here, especially the sesame noodles, is amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

05
spicy city image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small, modest space with red accents and tight seating creates a no-frills, lively atmosphere. Bright fluorescent lights and a packed dining room contribute to a high-energy vibe. Known for authentic Sichuan flavors with intense spice and bold dishes.

Bold, authentic Sichuan flavors define the menu with standout dishes like mapo tofu and Szechuan boiled fish. Portions come generous and the food delivers strong, spicy tastes true to the region.

A convenient to go counter handles the lunch rush efficiently. Food arrives quickly even when it gets busy, especially on Sundays. A late lunch around 2 PM offers a quieter experience.

People are saying

"The food here is legendary; Hua always made my experience perfect."

"I thought their Chinese food was the best I'd ever had."

"This lunch spot's spicy dishes are flavorful and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at busier times.

2

Making a reservation a couple of hours before should ensure a table.

3

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

06
Paik's Noodle - Hong Kong Banjum SD image 1

Large, bright space with spaced tables creates a comfortable, open environment. Atmosphere feels sterile and quiet, lacking warmth or mood. Ordering happens via table tablets, making service efficient and convenient.

Sweet and sour pork stands out with a chewy and crispy texture from rice flour. Mapo tofu pairs well with rice, and dishes like jajangmyeon and beef jjamppong also appear on the menu.

Lunch offers a completely satisfying experience with a lunch special available. Meals hit the spot without fuss.

People are saying

"The jjajangmyeon here is the best Korean food I've had."

"The jjampong at this Lunch Spot was packed with seafood and spicy."

"The sweet and sour pork here is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to limited spaces.

2

Free parking is available in the lot for diners.

3

Ordering is done via tablets at the table, streamlining the process.

07
Itacho Sushi - All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious sushi restaurant with well spaced tables and large TV screens showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe blends a modern, clean style with a fun anime theme, welcoming groups of all sizes.

Crab rangoons and hand rolls stand out alongside hot and sour soup. Lo mein and chicken show inconsistency, with some dishes having a bitter aftertaste or undercooked chicken.

Lunch offers a good price with an all-you-can-eat option at $29.95. Food and service stand out as surprisingly good during midday visits.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The sushi and sashimi here are so fresh and delicious."

"The all-you-can-eat Chinese food here is a great value."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30, offering a wide variety of sushi.

2

Lunch service does not include a menu on weekends or holidays.

3

Sushi orders come in full rolls of 8 pieces, providing good value.

08
Tasty Noodle House image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small space fills quickly with a lively, noisy atmosphere and tight seating that suits fast-paced dining. Walls are bare, amplifying sound and creating a packed, energetic vibe. Generous portions come with highly praised soup dumplings that stand out among Shanghainese offerings.

Juicy Xiao long Bao and pork dumplings stand out with rich flavors. Seafood chow mein features shrimp, scallop, squid, and white fish in a savory black pepper sauce. Dim sum offers a variety of savory noodles and dumplings at a reasonable price.

Lunch happens mostly before noon to avoid parking challenges. Splitting checks works well for work lunches or group meals.

People are saying

"The beef chow mein here has great flavor."

"The Chinese food here, especially the noodles and dumplings, is amazing."

"The Chicken Chow Mein at this Lunch Spot is fantastic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hectic on weekends, so arrive early or consider street parking.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The prices at Tasty Noodle House are great considering the portion sizes.

09
Imperial Mandarin image 1
Chinese restaurant

Huge space with traditional Chinese decor and an austere, cafeteria-like atmosphere. The vibe is family-oriented and casual, attracting a clientele familiar with its authentic Cantonese dim sum offerings. The environment feels dated but maintains a steady, unpretentious presence.

Dim sum features fresh, made daily selections like beef balls, chive pancakes, shrimp, and scallop dumplings. Peking duck and beef chow fun match authentic Cantonese flavors found in traditional teahouses.

Lunch features solid dim sum and lunch specials that offer good variety. Specials come consistently and provide a reliable midday option.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Peking duck."

"I found the food here to be authentic Cantonese cuisine."

"The dim sum here is excellent, just like other popular spots."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult in the large lot shared with other restaurants.

2

Dim sum offerings are only available on weekends.

3

Prices for dim sum trays range from $5.5 to $6.5.

10
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express image 1

Large dining hall features dim sum carts rolling through for orders, creating an interactive meal experience. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with some outdated decor and occasional noise from kitchen activity. Space suits groups of all sizes, offering a relaxing yet lively setting.

Authentic classic dim sum arrives on carts pushed by waitresses, offering plenty of shrimp, fish, and vegetables. The dishes keep coming, ensuring no one leaves hungry, and the flavors feel truly traditional and fresh.

Dim Sum lunch draws crowds, especially on weekends when it gets super busy. The spot suits group meals well, offering a nice setting for lunch or dinner with family or friends.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is delicious and offers a great variety."

"The seafood here is simply delicious and comforting."

"This lunch spot's dim sum is fresh, hot, and delicious right off the cart."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 2 hours in the lot; paid options are available nearby.

2

They close at 3:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Dim sum is served only on weekends and at specific times.

11
San Wo Chinese Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space offers authentic Cantonese cuisine with a broad menu including both traditional and American Chinese dishes. Atmosphere feels cozy and airy with a throwback vibe, often busy and crowded. Payment methods include cash, Venmo, and Zelle, and free hot tea accompanies meals.

Breakfast includes various congee and noodle options. Chinese BBQ stands out as solid and flavorful. Soups like duck wonton and hot and sour come with tasty broth and generous ingredients.

Lunch features a great menu with solid options. Service slows down during busy lunch hours due to the rush.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ pork was the best I've ever had."

"The Chinese food portions here are huge and generous."

"The breakfast menu here is so satisfying."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments, along with Venmo and Zelle.

2

San Wo Chinese Restaurant can get very busy, especially during peak hours.

3

Free parking is available, but it can be hectic on busy days.

12
China Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers affordable prices with huge portions and Northeast style dishes. Atmosphere feels rundown and in need of cleaning. Lunch specials attract a steady crowd despite basic surroundings.

Egg drop soup stands out as a highlight here. The menu also features Great Wonton Soup and chow/lo mein that appeals to kids.

Offers affordable lunch specials priced between $8 and $10, which is about $2 to $3 cheaper than most spots nearby. Serves quick meals that fit well into a lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought the Chinese food here was delicious and flavorful."

"I found the lunch here to be the best cheap option around."

"This lunch spot has the best deals around."

Good to know

1

The 3 item combo with a drink costs $11.99.

2

Lunch specials are available for $8-10, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

13
Emerald Chinese Cuisine image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining room with airy layout and elegant Chinese décor creates a pleasant setting. Large tables with lazy Susan facilitate sharing dishes, attracting groups and family gatherings. Atmosphere tends to be lively and noisy when crowded, reflecting a bustling energy.

Dim sum here serves authentic Hong Kong style with exceptional quality across many dishes. You can order dim sum at any time, including dinner, making it great for large groups.

Offers a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or dinner with friends or family. Serves a variety of dishes suitable for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and remarkably authentic."

"I found their dim sum to be really solid Chinese food."

"This Lunch Spot has solid dim sum and Cantonese fare."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash for payment.

2

Expect to pay $9-10 per dim sum item.

3

They charge $1.50 for take-out boxes.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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