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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Lunch spots

The middle of the day demands a proper meal to keep the momentum going.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 2
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 3
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Enjoy Detroit-style pizza with quick, tasty lunch specials and happy hour deals. Retro arcade and board games add a quirky, family-friendly vibe. A drive-through and welcoming space make it easy to grab a meal and hang out.

Offers great lunch deals and specials that make it easy to grab a quick meal. Includes happy hour deals alongside lunch options.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"The decor and food give it a nostalgic Midwest vibe."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza has a perfect crust and delicious toppings."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

02
Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고 image 1

Korean restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with lively K-pop videos. Great for casual dinners and quick lunches featuring cold soup. Seating fits small groups, perfect for catching up with friends in a welcoming atmosphere.

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 Yuk Gae Jang soup has a warm, comforting, and flavorful broth."

"The Korean Food's bossam was thinly sliced and artfully arranged."

"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.

03
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas shine as a casual lunch spot near the beach. Pair meals with local beer from the adjacent brewery for a relaxed vibe. Self-service kiosks speed ordering but can slow down at times.

Tacos serve as the main lunch offering with options to pair with local beer from the on-site brewery. The spot draws people looking for a casual lunch after beach time or a quick bite during the day.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"The tacos here are flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

04
Champs Korean Bbq image 1
Korean restaurant

Stone flat grills ensure low-smoke cooking and even heat. Spacious, airy dining area stays quiet and comfortable. Lunch specials offer discounted satisfaction with consistently good dishes.

Lunch offers a discounted special that stands out. The menu features dishes that consistently satisfy during midday visits.

People are saying

"The Korean Bbq here is delicious and the meat is high quality."

"The stone slab grill for the Bulgogi retained heat well and was easy to clean."

"I loved the tender, delicious marinated meats at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat menu has a 2-hour time limit.

2

Happy hour runs after 9 pm during the week.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

05
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot shines with fresh, high-quality fish and an intimate, cozy vibe. Lunch specials offer great value and consistent satisfaction. A notable sake selection rounds out the elevated casual 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.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The Panna Cotta here is so fresh and wonderful."

"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.

06
Grab & Go Subs image 1
Sandwich shop

Cozy deli offers fresh ingredients and soft bread for sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch near work. Mindful workers create a welcoming atmosphere while vegetarian options and fresh-baked cookies add variety. Grab-and-go subs make meals easy and reliable.

Close proximity to work makes it easy to grab a quick lunch. Offers both breakfast and lunch options with a focus on grab-and-go subs.

People are saying

"The staff here make you feel right at home."

"The sandwiches here are always fresh and fully packed."

"The bread here is always fresh and soft inside."

Good to know

1

A sandwich and a can of soda cost about $20.

2

They offer breakfast food as well as lunch.

3

They have great vegetarian options available.

07
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Asian restaurant

Bright, clean space with Studio Ghibli-like ambiance offers a cozy, quiet vibe. Affordable lunch specials include $10 tonkatsu ramen with extras like egg and broth. Relaxing music adds to the warm, casual atmosphere.

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

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.

08
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.

People are saying

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

"The Waygu Sampler Plate was delicious and melt-in-your-mouth."

"The Wagyu & Prime Yugaejang soup at this Lunch Spot tasted better than the broth."

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.

09
Pho Nom image 1
Pho restaurant

Modern decor with cozy lanterns sets a dreamlike mood. Friendly staff like Danny and Hoang make lunch service pleasant. Light broth keeps meals fresh and perfect for midday dining.

Service during lunch is friendly and attentive, with staff like Danny, Hoang, and Jason enhancing the experience. Broth served is light and not too heavy, making it suitable for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I had the best pho I've ever experienced."

"The Lunch Spot broth is rich, flavorful, and tastes traditional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2–5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

10
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill offers hand-crafted furnishings and a fast casual setup perfect for lunch. Friendly vibe with fun music keeps atmosphere relaxing. Consistent quality and reliable service draw steady crowds midday.

Lunch here draws regulars with its consistent quality and reliable service. Frequent visits show it serves well for midday meals.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"I ordered the steak and it was perfectly cooked."

"I found it to be a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

11
Domo Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with dim lighting feels cozy but crowded at lunch. Well-priced specials like Mongolian beef bowl offer hearty meals. Easy-going vibe suits families despite cluttered seating and limited room.

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 was expecting Szechuan to be spicy, but it wasn't."

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.

12
Karami Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen spot offers authentic Japanese decor and a cozy atmosphere with soft background music. Lunch specials feature a half ramen and rice bowl combo, perfect for tasting variety. Intimate booths create a relaxing vibe ideal for a genuine meal.

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.

People are saying

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

"The ramen here tastes so authentic and traditional."

"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.

13
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego, CA image 1

Greek restaurant shines with generous portions perfect for lunch and a lively atmosphere fueled by loud Greek music. Spacious, clean interior with comfortable seating suits groups well. Quick service and easy ordering make it a fast, satisfying meal spot near work.

Lunch offers generous portions like the gyros plate that often exceeds appetite. Food arrives quickly and ordering is straightforward, making it a solid choice for a fast, satisfying meal near work.

People are saying

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

"The gyro meat was on point and wonderful."

"This Lunch Spot has fresh, delicious food with generous portions."

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.

14
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian spot shines with authentic flavors and a lively patio. Lunch serves generous portions like tallarin verde in a cozy, plant-filled space. Unique cocktails and mojo fries make it a great place to relax and enjoy.

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."

"You have to try the chili wontons; they're perfectly balanced."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing 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.

15
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with dog-friendly patio and open kitchen. Offers inexpensive bentos and sushi with quick, friendly service. Daily lunch specials provide excellent deals making it a great lunch spot.

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

People are saying

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

"I found the lunch and dinner specials to be excellent deals."

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

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.

16
bb.q Chicken Convoy image 1

Simple decor and K-pop videos create a friendly vibe. Lunch specials offer BBQ chicken as a standout choice. Seating is ample but can get warm, making it a casual spot with a touch of Korean street culture.

Lunch offers great deals with specials and bowl options that serve as reliable go-tos. BBQ chicken stands out as a beautiful lunch choice.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The rose tteokbokki with cheese was so good."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant offers both takeout and dine-in service options.

3

Expect to pay around $49 for a whole chicken, which may be considered pricey.

17
Village Indian Cuisine - Indian Restaurant & Catering image 1

Small, clean space offers comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere with soft music videos. Lunch specials provide fresh, generous portions of vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes with rice and naan. Service is quick and efficient, perfect for a cozy midday meal.

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.

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.

18
Ten seconds yunnan rice noodle image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Yunnan noodles and rich broths offers a warm, inviting vibe. Small space means lunch waits but suits solo or casual meals. Clean, comfortable setting keeps diners coming back.

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 fish rice noodle soup is spicy, savory, and deeply comforting."

"The pork bone broth at this Lunch Spot 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.

19
Bonchon Convoy image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining with big TVs sets a chill vibe for casual meals. Lunch specials include $1 wings and quick service, perfect for a relaxed break. Soft music and a focus on Korean fried chicken pair well with beer or soju.

Lunch offers $1 wings and decently priced specials during weekdays. Meals come fast, easy, and provide a relaxing, enjoyable break.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I had."

"This lunch spot's chicken is juicy with a light, crispy batter."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

20
Obi's Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot shines with calm lunch hours and Monster roll specials. Cozy bar adds a welcoming vibe for quick bites and beers. Plenty of parking and indoor seating make it easy and comfortable for families.

Lunch hours stay calm with no wait and light crowds. Sitting at the Sushi Bar offers a quick spot to enjoy rolls like the Monster roll alongside beers.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"It's a relaxed and welcoming setting for delicious sushi."

"This Lunch Spot's sushi is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm.

2

Cash or physical cards are needed as they don’t accept tap-to-pay.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and accessible off the freeway.

21
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

Japanese curry spot offers a cozy atmosphere with fast, friendly service perfect for lunch. Seating includes a bar for singles, making it ideal for quick meals. Space feels cramped when busy but stays clean and inviting.

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.

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.

22
Itacho Sushi - All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious sushi spot shines with all-you-can-eat lunch at $29.95 and surprisingly good service. Modern, clean style meets fun anime theme and large TVs showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music for easy chats.

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 seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the sashimi and nigiri."

"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.

23
Nijiya Market San Diego Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Neatly organized aisles showcase fresh produce and authentic snacks. Quick lunch options include pre-made meals and bento boxes. Parking is limited during busy times but quality and variety make it worth the visit.

Pre-made meals and a lunch bento box make quick lunch pickups easy. Avoiding lunch hours helps skip the crowd for a smoother experience.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store is the finest I've visited."

"I found the seafood selection here to be really fresh."

"It's a great lunch spot for fresh sushi and bento boxes."

Good to know

1

Parking can be scarce during busy hours.

2

Get there before 11:30 for the best selection of products.

3

Expect limited sushi and bento options after 6pm.

24
Wa Dining Okan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy space with izakaya-style dining offers authentic Japanese flavors in a casual setting. Lunch specials include onigiri and lunch sets at good prices. Small size means arriving early or late helps secure a seat for a relaxed meal.

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

People are saying

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

"The creamy mentai udon is delicious and packed with flavor."

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

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.

25
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen spot offers authentic Japanese vibes with a peaceful, clean setting and sushi bar seating. Lunch specials include a Ban Nai Bowl deal and a flavorful chashu bowl add-on. Ample parking and no wait times make it a quiet, welcoming place for a quick meal.

Weekday lunches include great value options with specials like a small Ban Nai Bowl for $3 when ordering ramen. The lunch chashu bowl adds soft, flavorful pork as a tasty and affordable combo add-on.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"Their fried chicken is juicy, moist, and has a great crispness."

"The lunch spot here is fast and friendly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

26
PT Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior offers ample seating and a friendly design. Tables come quickly at lunch, perfect for group meals. Aroma is amazing, but atmosphere can feel slightly uncomfortable at times.

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

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"The egg rolls here are so fresh and crispy."

"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.

27
Bistro Kaz image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese Italian fusion shines with eel pizza and squid ink pasta in a quiet, cozy spot perfect for lunch dates. Lunch combos offer main, soup, salad, and drink options. Small groups fit comfortably at 2-4 person tables with no wait.

Quiet and cozy atmosphere suits lunch dates or small groups. Lunch combos include a main dish, soup, salad, and a drink, with options featuring pasta or not.

People are saying

"You have to try the cod roe pasta; it's my favorite."

"The Seafood Doria was amazing, so rich and full of crab."

"I'd come back to try other non-pasta dishes at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The lunch combo includes a main dish, salad, soup, and a drink for good value.

3

Expect a unique menu with both Japanese and Italian fusion dishes.

28
Chaba Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Modest Thai spot offers laid-back atmosphere and lunch specials around $13.95. Pad see ew is a popular choice. Regulars enjoy free desserts after meals, making it a cozy place for quick, tasty dining.

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.

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."

"The food at this lunch spot is always good tasting and fresh."

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.

29
Katsu Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese spot shines with retro decor and a laid-back vibe. Lunch features bento boxes that satisfy many. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, perfect for sunlit meals with generous portions.

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.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the fresh, flavorful sushi creations."

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

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.

30
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa image 1

Spacious Italian spot offers full bar and a dog-friendly patio for relaxed dining. Lunch is a steal with complete meals under $10 including soup or salad. Tables are well spaced, perfect 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.

People are saying

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

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

"The meatballs here are gigantic and flavorful."

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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