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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Mission Valley

Salad lunch spots

A crisp salad is the only thing that sounds right for a midday break.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 1
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar image 2
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Bar with outdoor seating under awnings and live daily music creates a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Fans circulate air at the bar, while heat lamps warm the outdoor tables. Frequented by shoppers and solo visitors, it offers self-seating and a lively crowd.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and mango. Options include blackened shrimp and taco salads with dressings served on the side.

Lunch here features friendly service from staff like Izzy, Katie, Mariah, Victor, and Zach. The spot offers a pleasant bar setting ideal for a midday break while shopping.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the espresso martini."

"The Lunch Spot staff, like Zach and Victor, are so nice and attentive."

"I found the salads here to be so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

2

Mai Tai Mondays offer special pricing on cocktails every week.

3

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

02
Hamitbach image 1
Kosher restaurant

Street-side restaurant style with authentic Israeli vibes creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like being with family. The space is clean and spacious yet often busy and lively, especially during lunch hours.

Salads come fresh and diverse with each meal. They include a generous selection of tasty, crisp options that complement the meat dishes well.

Lunch offers fresh, diverse salads with straightforward, healthy options. Friendly service and a casual, welcoming vibe suit both quick meals and relaxed lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and made with real care."

"This lunch spot's schnitzel sandwich is perfectly crispy and juicy."

"I found the salad to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to avoid long waits.

3

Hamitbach is one of the few kosher restaurants in the area.

03
Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a casual, family atmosphere with dim lighting and quiet vibe. The place feels relaxed and comfortable, focusing on affordable, well-stuffed sushi and generous portions rather than decor or ambiance.

Large house salad stands out with fresh ingredients. Seaweed salad offers a classic Japanese touch. Salads often accompany tempura and sushi dishes.

Lunch features hibachi salmon and scallops alongside delicious sushi. Service stays great and the spot pairs well with a beer.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is excellent and a great value."

"The sushi here is authentic and tasted like Japan."

"I found the Japanese food here to be exceptional."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, with tight stalls available.

2

Food is served within 20-30 minutes after ordering.

3

The sushi costs around $20 per set.

04
The Remy image 1
Steak house

Modern twist on an old school steakhouse blends upscale yet inviting atmosphere with warm, rustic charm. Large, comfortable bar features glistening gold flakes and craft cocktails stand out. Space feels cozy but cramped, with lively energy and occasional distractions from a shaking floor upstairs.

Wedge salad stands out with its rich flavor and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with steak and potatoes for a solid meal.

Offers a quiet early lunch setting with a hidden gem vibe. The experience stays pleasant and consistent for special occasions.

People are saying

"I had the most tender and flavorful steak ever."

"Sean's attentive service made our salad experience tailored and professional."

"This Lunch Spot's chile relleno was exquisite and knocked my socks off."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink prices between $10 and $12.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is often necessary.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

05
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Salads include an Asian Chicken Salad and a Caesar salad. They come alongside a large menu with burgers and lunch specials.

Large menu offers good burgers, salads, and lunch specials. Suitable for team lunches and casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"This lunch spot has great food, generous portions, and reasonable prices."

"The salads here were fantastic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

06
Panini Kabob Grill - Mission Valley image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Spacious Mediterranean restaurant offers large covered patio and comfortable seating with options for indoor and outdoor dining. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and chatty to noisy with lively groups, with outdoor areas sometimes dimly lit or warm. The vibe suits relaxed lunches and casual meals with colorful, pleasant surroundings.

Salads come fresh and crisp with standout options like the strawberry date salad topped with pomegranate vinaigrette and the Mediterranean Greek salad served alongside kabobs. Plates often include a vegetable salad or bulgur wheat, adding variety without extra charge.

Healthy and delicious food stands out with options like the Chicken Caesar salad. Attentive service keeps the atmosphere relaxed even during busy lunch times.

People are saying

"The strawberry salad is crisp, bright, and downright addictive."

"The kabobs here are delicious and tender for dinner."

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

Good to know

1

There was good parking available.

2

The prices are very affordable for the quality of food.

3

Dine-in costs $45 for three chicken skewers.

07
Tender Greens image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a loud atmosphere with a cozy outdoor patio that is dog-friendly and shaded. It attracts those seeking healthy food options for all meals, emphasizing nourishing and clean dishes. The vibe balances casual energy with a welcoming environment.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like chicken, avocado, blue cheese, and egg. Options include steak Mediterranean and Asian steak bowls with sweet and spicy dressings.

Lunch offers healthy options that feel satisfying without being heavy. Meals come quickly and taste clean and fresh, making it a solid choice for a quick, nutritious meal.

People are saying

"I loved the Mediterranean steak salad; it was delicious."

"I found the mashed potatoes with gravy to be extraordinary."

"This lunch spot has fresh, healthy, and delicious food."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes for mobile orders during peak hours.

2

The outdoor dining area is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Tender Greens offers a variety of nutritious options catering to different dietary preferences.

08
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Salads feature big portions and a variety of ingredients like quinoa, mango, strawberries, and fried cotija croutons. Options include chicken, skirt steak, and avocado Caesar, with prices ranging from $19 to $24.

Lunch offers perfect meals with friendly staff providing great service even during busy times.

People are saying

"Chloe was an absolute superstar serving our Mexican food."

"I loved their food and service."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

09
Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill image 1

Asian restaurant combines cozy ambiance with big screen TVs showing sports, creating a casual yet lively vibe. Families often fill the space despite music that leans toward repetitive 2000's pop. Outdoor dog-friendly patio with a fire pit adds a warm, inviting touch.

Big portions of seaweed salad stand out here. The chicken salad gets strong praise, and dressings add a tasty touch to the greens.

Lunch options include a beef teriyaki box and various sushi lunch specials. The menu offers affordable lunch specials with fresh ingredients and multiple choices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is some of the best I've had."

"The staff during Happy Hour was so attentive and friendly."

"The lunch special here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on select menu items.

2

All-you-can-eat sushi is available on Monday nights for $39.95; call to confirm.

3

Many options are available on the happy hour menu.

10
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Customizable assembly-line setup invites diners to watch meals being made, creating an interactive experience. Seating includes comfortable chairs with options for indoor or outdoor dining in a clean, well-spaced environment. The atmosphere feels warm and friendly, supported by good management and lively music.

Salads come made to order with options to build your own bowl. Choices include a steak salad and a Greek Salad, all priced lower than many other spots.

Fresh ingredients stand out during lunch with consistently high quality. Large orders get handled smoothly even in the lunch rush, making it a reliable take-out lunch option.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, fresh, and flavorful food."

"I found the Chicken Harissa salad to be very good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

CAVA does not accept cash payments.

2

CAVA offers a 50% military discount on meals.

3

Expect long lines, especially during lunch hours.

11
100's seafood grill buffet image 1

Buffet restaurant offers spacious layout with high ceilings and an indoor koi pond creating an airy atmosphere. Noise levels rise from both lively diners and active staff, contributing to a chaotic vibe during peak times. Self-serve stations and fresh cooking areas add interactive elements to the dining experience.

A huge salad bar offers a wide variety of fresh options alongside seafood and sushi. The selection includes both hot and cold salads, making it a standout part of the buffet.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the shrimp."

"You'll find an amazing variety of fresh salads here."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing crab legs and plenty of sushi options."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays starting after 4 pm, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat for $54.99 per person.

2

Lobster night on Thursdays costs $55 per person.

3

Expect a long line for lobsters on Thursday nights due to limited supply.

12
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Large space with multiple TVs at every table creates a strong sports bar vibe. Lighting is low, casting a soft glow on mahogany tables, supporting a family-friendly atmosphere. Noise levels tend to be high, especially during busy times, with a mix of casual diners and groups.

Salads here are super fresh and come with good variety including options alongside burgers. The house salad stands out for its crispness and flavor.

$10 lunch specials let you pick 3 items for a custom combo. Lunch options come affordable and yummy. Beer is available to enjoy alongside lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The burgers here are so juicy and delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious house salad."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, including wheelchair accessible spots.

2

The restaurant is extremely busy, with a half-hour wait common during peak hours.

3

Chili's offers a generous happy hour with daily wing specials.

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Mission Valley, San Diego

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