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Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Lunch and dinner spots

A meal that works for a quick midday break but still feels like a proper sit-down dinner.

Based on 715 Opinions
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01
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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.

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.

Dinner comes in standard 16oz takeout cartons with a side of small white rice. The setting includes TVs, which might distract from conversation during meals.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are amazing, bursting with flavor."

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.

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Korean restaurant with clean, modern interior and K-pop music videos playing on large TVs. Atmosphere is welcoming and pleasant, suitable for casual dinners and catching up with friends. Tables are close together, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment.

Stops for lunch include options like a cold soup that suits a quick meal. Seating accommodates small groups, making it easy to share a meal with a friend.

People are saying

"The Korean Dinner Spots here are authentic and delicious, especially the yukgaejang."

"This Lunch Spot's yukgaejang is hearty with a rich, well-seasoned broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.

2

Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.

3

Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.

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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.

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.

Dinner features Taiwanese cuisine with very good flavors. The jasmine milk tea stands out as a great pre-dinner drink. Staff ensure a great dining experience.

People are saying

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

"For dinner, the Taiwanese beef roll is a flavorful, juicy choice."

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.

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Small sushi restaurant with an intimate, elevated casual atmosphere and dark, cozy lighting. Central sushi bar surrounded by limited table seating creates a warm, inviting vibe where chefs prepare fresh, high-quality fish. Offers a notable sake selection enhancing the dining experience.

Lunch specials offer good value with a price that matches the quality. The consistent satisfaction with these specials makes it a reliable choice for midday meals.

Dinner here features Omakase dinners that are consistently delicious and provide a light, refreshing finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The sushi and nigiri here are amazing, melt-in-your-mouth fresh."

"The sushi here is fresh, with melt-in-your-mouth fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the busy location with a parking lot that fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant has limited table seating but plenty of counter seating available.

3

Parking can be challenging due to multiple restaurants in the plaza.

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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.

Cozy and welcoming atmosphere suits casual dinners or date nights. Small space fills up quickly at dinner, offering quaint Japanese dishes and options for a small bite with drinks.

People are saying

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

"These dinner spots specialize in flavorful, fresh kamameshi."

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.

06
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Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Lunch features Mexican food with flavorful seasonings and generous serving sizes. Weekday lunch specials offer good value and service is attentive.

Dinner here comes with fast service, getting food and dessert in about 30 minutes. The spot suits casual gatherings like after work drinks or special dinners, with views of planes taking off adding a unique touch.

People are saying

"The flour tortillas at these dinner spots are the best I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's food is reliably good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

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Spacious and clean interior offers ample seating with a friendly, airy design. Atmosphere feels relaxing yet slightly uncomfortable at times, accommodating groups and families. The place fills with people and carries an amazing aroma upon entry.

Tables are available quickly even during the busy lunch hour. Service runs at an okay pace, making it suitable for a group lunch.

Seating happens quickly for early dinners even on weekends. Large groups fit in for birthday celebrations. Service runs okay but slows during peak lunch and dinner times.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here always taste great with generous portions."

"This Lunch Spot has the best tofu dish I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is ample, with an EV charging station available on-site.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

08
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Spacious Italian restaurant with full bar and comfortable outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels less lively without traditional wine bottle decor, offering a quiet, relaxed vibe. Tables and booths are well spaced, making it suitable for large groups and families.

Lunch offers a complete meal under $10 with options like spaghetti and salad. The menu runs every day, including weekends, and includes soup or salad and bread with a perfect portion size.

Dinner here features an amazing dinner special that suits group events like team dinners and league celebrations. Tables are easy to get around 7 PM with no real waits for seating.

People are saying

"The pizza here is delicious with a thick, excellent crust."

"This lunch spot is a great value, I got a complete meal for under $10."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $9.60 and includes soup or salad and bread.

2

Filippi's offers a $32 family meal on Sundays, perfect for large groups.

3

Parking is easy with many spots available right off the 163.

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Upscale Italian restaurant with old-school decor and dark wood paneling creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Live piano music adds a classic, elegant vibe that suits romantic dinners and special occasions. The setting feels authentic and transports diners with its traditional Italian heritage.

Lunch offers a relaxed setting with free corkage on Tuesdays. It suits both solo meals and group gatherings.

Offers old school Italian dishes in a setting suited for both romantic dinners and group celebrations. Hosts events like annual awards dinners, making it a versatile dinner spot.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots are excellent."

"The service here makes you feel like royalty."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to a very small lot, but valet service is available.

2

Prices are on the high end, with many dishes exceeding $50.

3

The restaurant will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 4/21/24.

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Small, cramped space with authentic Japanese style and checklist order forms on tables. Atmosphere includes loud ambient music and noticeable cigar smoke odor from nearby businesses. Busy environment that fills quickly, requiring early arrival or reservation.

Arriving right when they open is key for lunch to avoid waits. The spot suits quick work lunches with a straightforward vibe.

Online waitlist opens 30 minutes before dinner to skip the wait. Seating faces the kitchen for a dinner and a show. Arriving early helps secure a spot for an early dinner.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's ramen has a rich broth and noodles with the perfect bite."

"I found the ramen here to be the finest I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant closes from 2 to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a long wait, especially if you arrive after 2 PM.

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Spacious and clean interior hosts a lively but comfortable atmosphere with upbeat energy and ample seating. The place fills with people enjoying varied Korean BBQ meats, especially different types of intestines. It offers options to cook food in the back, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience away from the grill.

Lunch offers tasty Korean BBQ with options like Galbijim and various lunch specials to explore.

People are saying

"These dinner spots have amazing Korean BBQ combos and excellent service."

"This lunch spot's Korean BBQ, especially the large intestine, is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging, especially during rush hours and weekends.

2

The restaurant is not all-you-can-eat, but prices are reasonable for meat sets.

3

The menu features a wide variety of KBBQ meats, including unique options like intestines.

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Steakhouse with old school Rat Pack style features red leather booths and a real fireplace creating a swanky, low-key vibe. The atmosphere is relaxed with 70s music playing and a bar known for classic cocktails. Spacious booths and preserved antique details add to the plush, vintage feel.

Lunches here stretch out over two hours with a slow, delicious pace. The spot suits hydraulic lunches with friends, offering a relaxed vibe for long meals.

Steak dinners like the 16-oz prime rib and pork chop stand out here. Garlic bread arrives with a garlic and olive oil marinade that kicks off the meal nicely.

People are saying

"The garlic bread here is amazing; I'd come just for that."

"The prime rib at this Lunch Spot is perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 10pm with great food and drinks.

2

The B.A.G networking event occurs on the second Tuesday of every month.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like Valentine's Day.

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Small, family-owned Korean restaurant with traditional decor and a homey, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, filled with the scent of simmering broths and sizzling garlic. Known for authentic Korean dishes and wide variety of menu options.

Lunch offers a homemade feel with a delicious menu featuring a Gimchi Jjigae soup and 8 banchan sides. Prices stay economical, especially on weekdays compared to LA.

Dinner time brings parking challenges. Arriving at 7:30 PM often means being turned away for dinner.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's soups are piping hot and delicious."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the kimchi stew."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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