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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of La Jolla

Soup and salad spots

Made for those who prefer a light, balanced meal that never leaves them feeling weighed down.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
Namino (Tahchin) image 1
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Persian restaurant

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.

Salad greens come fresh and crisp with a bright and savory sauce that stays balanced. The Shirazi salad adds a flavorful, satisfying touch to meals like kebobs and rice combos.

People are saying

"The Persian food here is excellent, especially the kabobs."

"The salad here is fresh, flavorful, and masterfully seasoned."

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

Good to know

1

Everything is halal.

2

Combo meals cost under $20, cheaper than competitors.

3

Portions are generous for the price.

02
Aroi Thai On Prospect image 1
Thai restaurant

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.

Salads feature bold spice levels and generous meat portions. The papaya salad balances salty and sweet flavors with mild heat, while the tiger steak salad pushes the spice to a very spicy level.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so flavorful and authentic."

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

"The papaya salad tasted like it was made in Bangkok."

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.

03
TAKARAMONO SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

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.

Kyuri Tataki offers a simple but delicious cucumber salad. Salmon oshi and cucumber salad bring a refreshing and savory touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"The sushi here is fantastic, with exceptionally fresh fish."

"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.

04
Zoya image 1
Restaurant

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.

Thick texture and great flavor define the lentil soup here. It stays healthy, light but filling, and looks appealing for photos.

Salads come with a refreshing mix and a dressing that blends lemon and toasted cumin for real flavor. They pair well with grilled meats and dips, adding a crisp, fresh element to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the salads here to be super fresh and flavorful."

"I found the lentil soup to be excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day with $5 beer options.

2

Outdoor seating is available for guests with dogs.

3

The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

05
Girard Gourmet image 1

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.

Salads here come in varied styles like curry chicken and pear cambazola, both standing out. They arrive fresh and beautifully prepared, matching the quality of quiches and sandwiches served alongside.

People are saying

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

"The salads here are fresh, delicious, and made with homemade dressings."

"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.

06
Pamir Kabob House image 1
Afghan restaurant

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.

Fresh onions stand out in the salad, which is a typical Afghani style. Shrimp and beef kabobs come with a green salad and generous rice portions.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and freshly made."

"The soup here is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the salad was freshly made and tasty."

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.

07
Beeside Balcony La Jolla image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

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.

Beet salads stand out with fresh arugula and vibrant flavors. Caesar salad comes with perfectly cooked salmon. Bacon and cheese add a rich touch to the greens.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and did not disappoint."

"I wish I had the salad dressing on the side."

"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.

08
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

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.

Salads feature fresh seafood like grilled octopus and fish you can choose yourself. They come with high-quality ingredients and pair well with other dishes like chowder and sandwiches.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the salad fresh and appealing with halibut and avocado."

"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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