Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.
Fresh, soft, and flavorful tortillas highlight the authentic Mexican tacos and burritos here. Friendly owners focus on delivering quality, genuine flavors in every dish.
Lunch includes custom orders like the fish burrito not listed on the menu. California burritos appear as a popular choice for midday meals.
"The salsa bar is fantastic, with so many tasty options."
"The authentic tortillas here are made from heirloom corn and taste amazing."
"This lunch spot's tacos are amazing, especially the crunchy beef."
Good to know
Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.
The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.
Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.
Food truck setup offers casual, authentic atmosphere with friendly, warm energy and intimate dining experience. Seating includes undecorated pop-up tables and outside dining, creating a simple, approachable vibe.
Persian dishes like kabab, ghormeh sabzi, and koubideh deliver authentic flavors with high quality. Every dish offers true Iranian taste without needing to travel far.
Kebab with barberry rice stands out as a lunch choice. The owner also eats here daily, making it a true regular lunch spot.
Good to know
Everything is halal.
Combo meals cost under $20, cheaper than competitors.
Portions are generous for the price.
Restaurant offers ocean and beach views with semi-outdoor patio seating that creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. The vibe is laid-back and pet-friendly, attracting those who enjoy relaxing meals with scenic surroundings.
Flavors stay fresh and well-balanced with authentic Thai spices and fresh ingredients. Dishes avoid the overly sweet taste common in Americanized versions, keeping a truly authentic Thai profile.
Lunch offers delicious Thai food with quick seating. The spot suits a casual midday meal.
Good to know
Happy hour runs all week long with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.
Reservations are not required, and seating is often available immediately for lunch.
Small space blends French café and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.
Mariscos and Baja seafood deliver incredible, authentic flavors. Every bite shows authentic Mexican Tijuana-style seafood with fresh, detailed culinary expertise.
Lunch offers quick takeout options that work well for groups. The spot suits casual stops during errands or events, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.
Good to know
Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.
The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.
Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.
Small sushi restaurant with authentic atmosphere and subtle Japanese decor creates a quiet, intimate vibe. Space feels comfortable and unpretentious, with an open front allowing fresh air inside. Fish quality stands out as exceptionally fresh and high-grade.
Sushi here feels truly authentic with a strong focus on Japanese cuisine. The ambiance matches the genuine dining experience.
Lunch hours stay calm with no crowd. Offers lunch options suitable for a quick meal.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to limited seating.
Omakase is available Monday through Thursday with 24 hours advance reservations.
Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.
Mediterranean restaurant offers authentic Persian kebabs with juicy, flavorful grilling and comforting traditional dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi. Atmosphere feels cozy and neighborhood-like, with a busy dining room and many to-go orders. The setting is simple and unpretentious, focusing on food quality over decor.
Generous portions of authentic Persian kebabs come freshly grilled with rich, traditional flavors. The dishes consistently deliver a genuine Persian experience with quality ingredients and taste.
Lunch here requires placing orders early due to the lunch rush. The House Kabob Plate stands out as a solid choice during this busy time.
Good to know
Expect a 20-30 minute wait for food preparation as everything is made fresh.
Kobeideh kebab skewers cost over $45 for a filling meal including tip and tax.
The restaurant is busy with most tables occupied and many to-go orders.
Dining space blends Afghan cultural decor with floor seating and cloth tablecloths, creating a warm, homely atmosphere. Slow Afghan instrumental music plays softly, enhancing the family-friendly, inviting vibe. The setting suits both casual family meals and romantic dinners.
Pamir special kebab and every curry stand out as distinct and authentic. The food offers a soulful, family-run vibe with dishes that are both delicious and beautifully presented.
Lunch specials feature chicken kabob and kachaloo chalow with chicken. Meals come with flavorful, delicious dishes suitable for casual or work lunches.
Good to know
Parking is generally available on Pearl Street.
If parking on Pearl Street is not available, side street parking is an option.
The restaurant is family-friendly.
Open space with extraordinary decor and warm family-style vibe creates an inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating options complement a full bar and on point music choice. Upscale energy suits those seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors in a beautiful setting.
Food features authentic Mediterranean spices and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes like the Zoya family platter offer perfectly cooked beef tikka, chicken tikka, and falafel with vibrant, authentic flavors.
Great views pair with a tasty lunch menu that suits casual meals or special occasions. Food tastes delicious and fits both lunch and dinner times.
Good to know
Happy hour runs all day with $5 beer options.
Outdoor seating is available for guests with dogs.
The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes.
Indoor and outdoor seating offer a relaxed yet elegant Thai style with patio heaters for comfort. The space features clean lines and inviting decor, including a wooden bench with heart pillows. Atmosphere feels pleasant and well maintained, blending beauty with a calm vibe.
Thai dishes deliver fresh, authentic flavors with a clear emphasis on genuine taste. Spice levels start mild but reach intense heat at 5 and above, catering to those who prefer bold, spicy profiles.
Lunch specials offer great value with generous portions. Options like the panang curry and eggplant tofu come highly recommended and taste delicious.
Good to know
The lunch special offers generous portions at a great price.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available on the menu.
Happy hour specials for food and drink are offered.
Restaurant offers a relaxed beachy vibe with authentic Mexican energy and lively music that keeps noise levels comfortable for conversation. Interior features stunning, detailed decor and a spacious, dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere suits both family outings and date nights, blending cleanliness with uplifting design.
Homemade tortillas and salsa add an extra special touch. The authentic Mexican seafood dishes bring flavors that feel like being in Mexico.
Offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for lunch. Serves meals that fit both casual and special occasions during midday.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.
Parking is limited; expect challenges finding street parking nearby.
The restaurant has a dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.
Five floors up, a huge patio offers an ocean view and gorgeous outdoor seating. Warm, inviting atmosphere with amazing energy creates a great spot to eat and hang out. Fresh, flavorful Middle Eastern dishes come with great vegetarian options.
Food features authentic Middle Eastern flavors with standout dishes like hummus and falafel. The menu focuses on authentic and delicious street food options.
Ordering happens at a kiosk with some longer wait times during the lunch rush. The Chicken Shawarma package is available for catered lunches.
Good to know
Expect wait times of about 30 minutes even during off-peak hours.
Prices for meals can be higher than similar options off-campus.
Parking is available in the underground garage at the UCSD campus.
Outdoor seating offers a cozy patio area with heat lamps to provide warmth. Atmosphere feels quiet and subdued, contrasting with nearby lively spots. Indoor space is compact and basic, focusing more on casual dining than formal ambiance.
Very hearty dishes showcase authentic Indian flavors with good portions. The food stays true to traditional tastes and offers a delicious experience.
Lunch offers a great value with a $14 special including two entrees, rice, and naan. Portions come generous enough for two meals and include soup and naan, served in a casual patio setting.
Good to know
The lunch special is $14 for two entrees, rice, and naan.
Parking is limited, so street parking may be necessary.
Expect long waits during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Outdoor seating offers ocean views with heaters and umbrellas for comfort. The atmosphere is lively and noisy with live guitar music and football highlights playing. Large, dog-friendly bar and fun, colorful vibe attract a diverse crowd.
Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas come out fresh with authentic Mexican flavors. The food stays simple, tasty, and true to tradition.
Lunch here offers immediate seating on the patio with a beautiful ocean view from up the hill. The 3-6 PM happy hour works well for a late lunch or early dinner.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks and snacks.
Discounted tacos are available until 7:00 PM.
A surcharge fee applies when paying with a credit card.
Small space with about six booths inside and a few tables outside creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Warm lighting and tasteful decor blend traditional Chinese elements with modern style, making it a quiet, vibey spot. Popular and often busy, it draws diners who appreciate consistent quality and generous portions.
Food shows consistent authentic Chinese flavor with care in sourcing ingredients and an approachable menu that stays true to traditional tastes.
Lunch offers excellent portion sizes and affordable prices compared to dinner. The Kung Pao Scallops lunch includes soup and appetizers with attentive and helpful staff.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted due to the small size of the restaurant.
Expect to wait for a table during busy dinner hours, especially on weekends.
Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices, providing a more affordable option.
Small, family-owned restaurant offers ocean-facing views with colorful Himalayan-themed decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual, suitable for relaxed meals or date nights. Outdoor seating includes heaters for comfort, enhancing the peaceful vibe.
Fresh made momo, chicken choila, and spicy potato-cucumber salad deliver authentic Himalayan flavors. Dal tadka and vegetarian options offer well-seasoned, traditional tastes in a cozy setting.
Lunch offers a special combo with soup, a veggie curry, a protein curry, and two sides for $14. Regular dishes cost more but match typical pricing.
Good to know
The restaurant offers a view of La Jolla.
There is ample parking nearby.
The restaurant is Halal, which is amazing in La Jolla.