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Lunch curry in Kearny Mesa

A lunch that actually satisfies a craving for curry instead of just offering a watered-down version.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Monsta Ramen Curry image 2
Monsta Ramen Curry image 3
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Asian restaurant

Small space with bright, clean interior and relaxing music creates a warm, casual atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and pleasant, making it feel cozy and inviting. The setting stands out for its Studio Ghibli-like ambiance and neat decor.

Lunch specials offer affordable options like $10 tonkatsu ramen and other dishes. Extras such as extra egg and extra broth are available for takeout.

Fiery and flavorful Japanese curry comes with large servings and options like pork cutlets, kurobuta sausage, and ajitama eggs. The chicken katsu curry competes with versions found in Japan and offers an affordable and satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is delicious and affordable."

"The pork cutlet curry rice was delicious, with a savory and sweet gravy."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal for the quality."

Good to know

1

They had specials for the opening, including $10 tonkotsu ramen.

2

During happy hour, Monsta Ramen Curry offered $3 beers.

3

The restaurant offers the option to order with the server or scan a QR code to order online for a discounted price on certain items.

02
Karami Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers authentic Japanese decor and a cozy, charming atmosphere that feels like a private pocket of Japan. Background music plays softly while booths provide intimate seating. The vibe is relaxing and cool, making it a hidden gem for those seeking genuine ramen experience.

Lunch specials include a half order of ramen paired with a rice bowl or side dish. This combo lets you try both without ordering full portions.

Japanese Beef Curry stands out with rich flavor and satisfying texture. The spicy curry ramen offers a mild heat, while the fried rice and curry combo delivers a delicious balance.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the Japanese Beef Curry here to be delicious."

"This lunch spot has really good ramen and broth."

Good to know

1

Karami Ramen has a robust menu that offers something for everyone.

2

They offer a chicken-based broth for those who don't eat pork.

3

Karami Ramen has vegan options.

03
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio and an open kitchen where food preparation is visible. Atmosphere feels cozy and traditional with quiet energy and friendly, quick service. Menu offers inexpensive, filling Japanese meals with a variety of bentos, sushi, and rolls.

Daily lunch specials offer excellent deals. Both lunch and dinner options provide good value consistently.

Chicken katsu curry stands out with its rich flavor and crispy texture. The menu also features pork katsu curry and fried gyoza as popular choices alongside other curry and bento options.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"This lunch spot offers great value for basic dishes."

"You have to try the chicken katsu curry here."

Good to know

1

The lunch and dinner specials offer excellent deals for budget-conscious diners.

2

You must order and pay at the counter before receiving your food.

3

Parking is ample, but allow extra time to find a spot during busy hours.

04
Wa Dining Okan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with dark interior and izakaya-style dining creates a homey, casual atmosphere. The restaurant fills up quickly at dinner, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting. It suits casual dinners rather than large groups or formal nights out.

Lunch features reasonably priced specials with onigiri and lunch sets. The spot is small, so arriving early or late helps secure a seat.

Curry udon noodles come in a small bowl but pack a well seasoned and flavorful punch. Grilled onigiri pairs well with the curry dishes.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food quality is outstanding and delicious."

"The curry udon noodles were flavorful and a great dish."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available and reasonably priced.

2

The restaurant is small, so seating is limited.

3

Parking is challenging due to a busy lot.

05
Village Indian Cuisine - Indian Restaurant & Catering image 1

Small, clean space offers comfortable seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere with background music videos playing softly. Energy stays peaceful and friendly, making it a cozy spot for enjoying Indian cuisine.

Lunch specials offer a great value with a choice of two vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes served with rice and naan. Service is quick and efficient, clearing the lunch rush fast, and the food is consistently fresh and generous in portion.

Lamb curry and goat curry stand out with rich flavors. Lunch specials offer two curries, rice, naan, and salad at a good price.

People are saying

"The lunch special is a great deal with two curries, rice, and naan."

"The curries here are flavorful and have a good spice range."

"The mango lassi here is a delicious, creamy treat."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials offer two curries, rice, naan, and salad for $13.

2

Generous portions are served, especially during lunch specials.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

06
Chaba Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Modest Thai restaurant with laid-back atmosphere and somewhat dark lighting. Regulars frequent the spot, drawn by lunch specials and free desserts offered after meals. The space features simple decor with small paintings and tables for dine-in or takeout.

Lunch features reasonable specials priced around 13.95, offering great value for a quick meal. The Pad see ew stands out as a popular choice during lunch.

Curry dishes here stand out for their balance of cream and spice and distinctive flavors. Highlights include the Coconut Curry Chicken, Panang curry, Khao Soi with crispy noodles, and a creamy yellow curry.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was the best I had ever tasted."

"They surprised me with a free, tasty dessert at the end."

"I found their Khao Soi and Panang curry to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be troublesome at times, especially during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials are available for $13.95, offering great value.

3

The restaurant offers a surprise dessert on weekends.

07
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere that closely resembles locations in Japan, with franchise-style seating including a bar for single diners. The space feels cramped during busy times but maintains a clean, well-maintained interior that helps guests forget the outside surroundings.

Fast and friendly service stands out even when the place is crowded during lunch. It suits a quick meal with a speedy and efficient lunch experience.

Japanese curry here tastes authentic and satisfying, just like in Japan. The pork cutlet curry and chicken cutlass with curry stand out for their consistent flavor and quality.

People are saying

"This Japanese-style curry is the most authentic I've had."

"This food reminds me of Japan and good times."

"I loved the curry here; it tasted just like Japan."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait time during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking can be a challenge due to limited space in the shopping complex.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

08
Izakaya Sakura image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with wood and traditional decorations creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a family-run spot in Japan. Comfortable seating and a popular sushi bar encourage casual interaction. Known for authentic Japanese comfort food and fresh, high-quality sushi.

Lunch here is quiet and relaxed. They serve dishes like Okonomiyaki even if not on the lunch menu.

Japanese curry stands out with a richer texture and better flavor. Dishes like curry rice with minced beef and katsu curry show great quality and depth.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and curry, is really good."

"I found the Japanese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the Japanese curry here to have a richer texture and better flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be challenging to find during busy times.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant only accepts up to two cards for splitting the bill.

09
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor and decorative plants creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Lighting is a bit dark and space can feel stuffy, but the vibe stays casual and relaxing. Staff offer friendly, personalized touches like complimentary photos with rose flowers.

Lunch offers Thai and Laos fusion cuisine with solid flavors. The spot suits a casual date or a midday meal with friends.

Panang curry stands out with wild caught Salmon and rich flavors. The avocado and pumpkin curries offer unique tastes that linger. Other curries like green, red, and duck also deliver strong, delicious profiles.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced."

"This Lunch Spot's peanut sauce is unbelievably amazing."

"The Panang curry here was just wonderful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

10
Katsu Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese restaurant with retro 60s-70s decor and a laid-back atmosphere featuring loud eclectic music including 90s, 2000s, and island styles. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and offers sunlit dining. Portions are generous and affordable, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.

Lunch offers bento box style meals that many find satisfying. The spot fills up quickly, so arriving early helps avoid the rush and get served faster.

Japanese curry dishes feature crispy katsu paired with tender chicken. Curry fried rice and spicy shrimp bowls add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The Japanese food portions here are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"This lunch spot has big portions and delicious, fresh food."

"The Japanese curry dishes here are comforting and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 pm with great drink prices.

2

The dinner for two costs less than $20, making it very affordable.

3

Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.

11
Chopstix image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese noodle house with simple wooden decor and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating at someone's home in Japan, with soulful aromas of broth and katsu filling the air. Regulars gather in a quiet space that stays lively late into the night.

Lunch offers consistent quality with no bad meals reported. Early lunch hours may have a slight cleaning product scent due to recent opening preparations.

Chicken Katsu Curry offers a perfect balance of flavors. Tonkatsu curry and mabo don combine bold sauces with fluffy rice for authentic Japanese taste. Curry pork cutlet is dry but still delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best Japanese food in San Diego."

"The chicken katsu curry is delicious and comforting."

"This lunch spot offers authentic Japanese comfort food like ramen and katsu."

Good to know

1

Chopstix offers a happy hour from 9 PM to 12 AM with great deals.

2

The happy hour menu includes a California roll for around $6.

3

Chopstix is open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

12
Pear's Thai Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Quiet interior with a relaxing atmosphere suits mostly takeout orders. Dishes feature authentic Thai flavors with adjustable spice levels from mild to intense. Portions are generous and affordable, making it suitable for larger groups.

Lunch here offers a straightforward experience with Thai cuisine served during typical midday hours. The spot fits well for a quick, casual lunch break meal.

Yellow curry features well-textured potatoes and costs about 14 dollars. Panang, red, and green curries come alongside dishes like Pad Thai and drunken noodles.

People are saying

"This takeout is the best Thai food I've ever tasted."

"I found the Panang Curry here to be delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food tasted so authentic."

Good to know

1

Enter from Gibbs Drive for access to the restaurant.

2

Parking is available at the Aero Drive lot, but check your GPS.

3

The yellow curry costs $14 and is a generous portion.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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