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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to La Jolla

Soup lunch spots

You want a lunch spot that prioritizes a proper bowl of soup.

Based on 579 Opinions
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01
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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.

Ash soup stands out with its unique and phenomenal flavor. The Shirazi style 'aash' offers an authentic taste that reflects its hometown roots.

Kebab with barberry rice stands out as a lunch choice. The owner also eats here daily, making it a true regular lunch spot.

People are saying

"You have to try the Ash soup; it's phenomenal."

"This Lunch Spot has the best Persian food I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Everything is halal.

2

Combo meals cost under $20, cheaper than competitors.

3

Portions are generous for the price.

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Small bakery with homey vibe and old world style kitchen offers limited indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels warm and family-friendly, focusing on comfort rather than fancy decor. Frequented for high quality homemade recipes and a wide variety of fresh bakery and deli items.

Soups here have exceptional flavor even when they look simple. Options include lamb barley, carrot, and 15 bean soups, all consistently delicious and perfect for a cozy lunch.

Soup and sandwich specials stand out with a slightly sweet carrot soup that suits a cozy lunch. Salads, quiche, and lunch sandwiches offer consistent quality for a great little lunch stop.

People are saying

"I loved the freshly made salads and sandwiches at this lunch spot."

"The soup here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Girard Gourmet is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Street parking can be tricky; plan accordingly.

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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.

Wonton soup serves as a full meal with rich flavors. Tom Yum and Tom Kha soups offer classic Thai spice and creaminess. Sweet and sour soup delivers a balanced tangy taste.

Lunch specials offer great value with generous portions. Options like the panang curry and eggplant tofu come highly recommended and taste delicious.

People are saying

"The lunch specials here have generous portions for the price."

"I found the Thai soup to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers generous portions at a great price.

2

Vegan and vegetarian options are available on the menu.

3

Happy hour specials for food and drink are offered.

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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.

Miso soup features fresh salmon and sometimes truffle oil, adding a unique twist. The soup stands out as delicious and distinctive compared to typical versions.

Lunch hours stay calm with no crowd. Offers lunch options suitable for a quick meal.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's nigiri is so fresh, it melts in your mouth."

"The miso soup with salmon and truffle oil was delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to limited seating.

2

Omakase is available Monday through Thursday with 24 hours advance reservations.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.

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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.

Wonton soup comes packed full of goodies and has a great flavor. Hot and sour soup also appears as a solid option alongside other dishes.

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.

People are saying

"The Kung Pao Scallops lunch here was excellent."

"The wonton soup here is packed full of goodies."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait for a table during busy dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices, providing a more affordable option.

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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.

Soups here feature lamb and mutton, offering rich, hearty flavors. They share similarities with Indian and Uzbek soups, often served alongside kebab and rice.

Lunch specials feature chicken kabob and kachaloo chalow with chicken. Meals come with flavorful, delicious dishes suitable for casual or work lunches.

People are saying

"The lamb dishes here are so well prepared."

"The soup here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally available on Pearl Street.

2

If parking on Pearl Street is not available, side street parking is an option.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly.

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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.

Soups here come with bold flavors and solid heat, like the boat soup with a level 7 kick. The Tom Yum soup and duck noodle soup stand out for their perfect seasoning and balance.

Lunch offers delicious Thai food with quick seating. The spot suits a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The Tom Yum soup here is awesome and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's duck noodles and summer rolls are recommended."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all week long with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is often available immediately for lunch.

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Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

French onion soup stands out with a twist of rye bread and a different cheese, topped with a great crouton and a tasty base. Lobster soup and meatball soup of the day also offer solid options.

Generous portions and a warm, charming setting make lunch here enjoyable. It suits family trips and casual work outings with a reliable, comfortable vibe.

People are saying

"Their French onion soup has a tasty base with lots of cheese."

"The Lunch Spot's service was friendly and excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

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Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Seafood soups like cioppino stand out with rich flavors. Soups come alongside dishes like ceviche and sandwiches, all tasting fresh and satisfying.

Fresh seafood stands out for a quick lunch here. The spot serves simple, fast meals focused on quality fish.

People are saying

"The swordfish sandwich at this Lunch Spot is excellent."

"The clam chowder soup was pretty good and full of clams."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

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Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Cioppino soup features mostly mussels and clams with little fish. Tomato soup comes alongside pork chop and filet mignon dishes. Bread served with soup can be greasy.

Lunch offers a wide variety of menu options including crab cake, Chilean seabass, and burger. Service adds to the experience with attentive waitstaff.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's meatballs were outstanding, perfectly paired with sauce."

"The cioppino soup was out of this world and so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

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Outdoor patio under a row of trees offers comfortable seating with fireplace warmth and dog-friendly space. Atmosphere stays welcoming and relaxed, with bossa nova music enhancing the vibe. Seating adapts for mobility needs, blending accessibility with a pleasant, peaceful setting.

Soups stand out with Avgolemono and lentil varieties. The lentil soup has a fantastic flavor, while seasoning sometimes varies.

Lunch offers Mediterranean cuisine with options like a lamb and chicken platter priced around $37 including beverage and tip. Dining by the beach creates a relaxed atmosphere for meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's lamb gyro is so tender and juicy."

"I thought the lentil soup was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted appetizers and drinks.

2

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

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