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Salad dinner spots in Kearny Mesa

Made for those who want a nutritious start to their evening but still expect a proper sit-down dinner experience.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

The salads stand out with the Peruvian Chopped Salad offering a refreshing taste and a little kick in the dressing. A creamy cilantro sauce enhances the side salad, and a cooked Peruvian salad with rice and plantains adds variety beyond the menu.

Warm welcomes and quick seating set the tone for dinner. Staff adjust lighting on request, creating a cozy vibe. Weekend dinners feel more well-staffed, enhancing the experience. Family and date dinners both work well here.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the chicha morada at these dinner spots; it's excellent."

"The Peruvian Chopped Salad is amazing and has a little kick."

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.

02
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.

Salads include squid salad with a chewy texture and noticeable saltiness, and a king mushroom salad that stands out among appetizers. Salads come as part of combos with appetizers, soup, rolls, and more.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The squid and king mushroom salads were delicious appetizers."

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

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.

03
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.

Cucumber salad appears regularly alongside dishes like beef wrap and pork noodles. It serves as a refreshing side that complements the main courses well.

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

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

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

"I found the food, especially the salad, to be delicious."

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.

04
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego, CA image 1

Greek restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with cute furniture and large TV menu displays. Atmosphere combines loud Greek music with a strip mall energy, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment. Seating is comfortable yet intimate, suitable for family or friends gatherings.

Greek salads stand out for their freshness and well balanced flavors. Options include chicken or beef add-ons, making them both delicious and satisfying.

Gyros stand out as a regular dinner choice here. The meals are consistently delicious and suitable for family dinners.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the flavorful lamb."

"The dinner here is delicious, especially the gyros."

"The salads here are so fresh and crunchy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free Gyro sandwich promotion on Tuesdays.

2

There is plenty of free parking available for customers.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

05
The Godfather image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

Caesar salad stands out with its outstanding dressing and beautiful preparation. Quality ingredients and generous size make it a favorite starter.

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."

"It's the perfect romantic spot with a classy and cozy atmosphere."

"The Caesar salad here has outstanding dressing."

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.

06
SOT BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant features unique cast-iron cauldron grills and a modern wood and stainless design. Atmosphere feels vibrant and casual with loud music and some chaotic energy. Guests often have food cooked at the table, enhancing an authentic dining experience.

Meals include chopped lettuce salad and various side dishes like kimchi and steamed eggs. Salads come alongside three types of sauce and a separate ssamjang for added flavor.

Dinner here features group-friendly seating that handles large parties smoothly. Staff provide attentive service that enhances the meal experience with friends or family.

People are saying

"I tasted the best Korean barbecue I have ever had."

"The service here is awesome; they grill the meat for you."

"The dinner spots here are great thanks to Gavin's upbeat, professional service."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.

2

Parking can be difficult, but arriving early increases your chances of finding a spot.

3

The restaurant is not an all-you-can-eat option; meals are priced per item.

07
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.

People are saying

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

"The cucumber salad here is so good, I ordered more."

"This Korean BBQ dinner spot is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

08
Spicy Lao Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small family-run restaurant offers authentic Laotian dishes with large portions and a friendly, professional atmosphere. Music from past decades plays softly, creating a welcoming vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Popularity leads to a fast-paced environment where some menu items may be unavailable.

Lao style papaya salad stands out here, paired often with sticky rice and Laos sausage. The beef salad delivers a sabai-inducing flavor, and the Thai style papaya salad complements the beef and sausage well.

Frequent visits show the dinner options satisfy consistently. Meals serve well for both family outings and solo dinners after class.

People are saying

"The Lao style papaya salad is authentic and delicious."

"The Lao sausage here is the most unique I've ever had."

"You have to try the crispy pork belly at these dinner spots; it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful in the plaza, making it easy to visit.

2

Expect high spice levels; when they say spicy, they mean SPICY.

3

Portions are large for the price, with 8 sausages for $13.

09
The Butcher Shop image 1
Steak house

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.

Chargrilled Caesar Salad offers juicy bites with a deconstructed presentation and fresh croutons. Garden salad comes with prime rib combos, providing a simple, fresh side.

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 steaks here are always delicious and perfectly cooked."

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

"The steaks were cooked to perfection and quite delicious."

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.

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.

Salads come in generous portions and include options like salmon skin salad and a big side salad with katsu plates. Dressings are available on the side, and macaroni salad often accompanies the meals.

Dinner specials offer large portions and include options like chicken teriyaki with California roll and edamame. Sushi dinners come in varied specialty rolls ideal for sharing, all at a cost under $20 for two people.

People are saying

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

"You'll need a hearty appetite for these dinner spots; the portions are huge."

"The salad here is huge, along with the rice and katsu."

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
Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

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.

Sides include kimchi, potato salad, and bean sprouts. Combos come with steamed egg, kimchi or soybean stew, and corn cheese.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has amazing quality and pairs so well together."

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

"The marinated beef belly salad was tender and packed with flavor."

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.

12
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.

Salads come as small plates paired with entrees, often lighter and designed to complement the main dish. They appear alongside items like miso soup and fried tofu, adding a fresh balance to meals.

Dinner includes multiple small plates that complement each entree, like fried tofu with salmon bowl or lighter salad with chicken katsu curry. Menu features karaage, takoyaki, unagi don, and omurice for a varied meal.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here serve amazing Japanese food, especially sashimi and curry."

"The curry rice entree came with a lighter salad."

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.

13
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 include a cucumber or tomato salad paired with two entrees, rice, and naan. These salads come as part of a filling combo priced around $13 to $14.

Dinner offers delicious Indian dishes with consistent quality. Options suit both quick stops and relaxed meals after work.

People are saying

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

"The cucumber salad with the lunch special is so good and filling."

"The food for dinner spots was amazing and bursting with authentic flavors."

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.

14
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa image 1

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.

Salads come in small antipasto and Caesar styles. Lunch specials include a salad paired with spaghetti for under $10.

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

"I've been coming here for decades for their phenomenal pizza."

"The antipasto salad dressing tasted better at Little Italy."

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

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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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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