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Lunch unique spots in Kearny Mesa

A lunch spot that offers something truly different from the usual chain restaurant routine.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1
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Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

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

Detroit style pizza stands out with unique flavors like Cherry BBQ and Mac & Cheese. A drive-through adds a rare convenience for a pizza spot.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the pizza flavors here to be really unique and interesting."

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
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

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.

Unique bites stand out with a curated fish selection. The Fishermen fish offers a distinct flavor and taste.

People are saying

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

"The fish selection here is unique and felt curated just for us."

"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.

03
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.

Grilling happens on a sot, the cast iron lid of a traditional rice pot, creating a unique Korean BBQ experience. This method stands out from typical Korean BBQ styles.

People are saying

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

"I experienced a unique Korean BBQ with a special grilling style on a cauldron lid."

"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.

04
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.

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.

Flavors blend Latin, Peruvian, and Asian concepts creating a unique fusion. Dishes like Tallarรญn Verde and Lomo Saltado offer distinctive flavor profiles not easily found elsewhere.

People are saying

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

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

"The fusion cuisine here is so unique 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.

05
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen restaurant offers traditional sushi bar seating and a clean, peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese vibes. The place draws a steady crowd with no wait times and ample parking. It stands out for highly customizable ramen options and a quiet, welcoming environment.

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.

Broth stands out with a unique flavor in both Kitakata and Tan Tan ramen. Flat curly noodles offer a soft, distinctive texture similar to thin udon.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the ramen noodles here were so unique and chewy."

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.

06
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Views overlook a private airfield with planes taking off and landing. The setting next to the FBO creates a distinct airport vibe not found in typical restaurants.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

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

"It's a unique spot with amazing airport views."

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.

07
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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.

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.

Drinks like the lychee colada and lychee coconut offer unique flavors not found elsewhere. Food features distinctive beef rolls with cucumber instead of cilantro and sesame noodles rich in sesame flavor, plus an option for wavy noodles in the beef noodle soup.

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 beef noodle soup is uniquely flavorful and comforting."

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.

08
Studio Diner image 1

Interior features an arched ceiling and movie set theme with memorabilia, creating a nostalgic diner atmosphere. Seating includes a spacious patio with mountain views and unique alien statues outside. Music and decor contribute to a lively, homely vibe with a classic yet stylish feel.

Casual and fun atmosphere suits lunch well. Offers great breakfasts and lunches with consistently amazing food any time of day.

A movie-themed design creates a vibe like stepping onto a retro Hollywood film set. The atmosphere feels unique and adds fun to a hearty meal.

People are saying

"The diner food, like the Reuben and fries, was solid and tasty."

"This lunch spot serves sandwiches the size of Montana."

"It's a unique spot with a fun, retro Hollywood film vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking spaces are limited, with only four spots available.

2

The diner only accepts cash payments for large parties.

3

Expect a 90-minute time limit during busy hours.

09
94th Aero Squadron Restaurant & Events image 1

European architecture blends with an aviation theme, featuring a runway view and planes flying nearby. Outdoor patio offers a breezy atmosphere with games for kids and music from DJs inside and out. The space combines WW1 decor and unique aviation character for a distinctive dining vibe.

Buffet offers a huge variety of options including beef, chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian tofu curry. Service during lunch is great, with servers who make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Military-themed ambiance creates a WW1 replica setting with unique decorations throughout. Bathrooms feature a mouthwash dispenser, adding to the distinctive experience.

People are saying

"I loved the WW1 vibe and aviation memorabilia during Brunch."

"The lunch buffet had a huge selection and tasted great."

"The WW1 vibe and vintage decor here are truly unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The Sunday brunch features a Champagne Buffet with extensive options.

3

On the first Friday of each month, the venue transforms into a disco club.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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