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Soup for lunch

A bowl of soup for lunch that feels like a proper meal, not just a quick fix to get you through the afternoon.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
VIET NOM image 1
VIET NOM image 2
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Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor featuring colored lanterns and fans creates an inviting atmosphere. Music plays a lively R&B throwback playlist, adding energy to the cozy setting. The vibe is welcoming and comfortable, ideal for conversation and enjoying meals.

Broth stands out as flavorful and addicting, especially in the pho and short rib soups. Beef noodle soup features tender beef chunks and rich broth that complements the dish well.

Quick service handles the lunch rush smoothly with efficient staff. Pho stands out as a delicious option, making it a solid choice for a quiet lunch spot away from crowds.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing pho with rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the pho soup to be amazing and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is rich, flavorful, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

02
Bazille at Nordstrom image 1
American restaurant

Quaint bistro with outdoor seating overlooking a mall creates a relaxed vibe. Dog-friendly space stays quiet even during busy shopping hours. Menu features daily chef specials and unique cocktails, offering variety beyond typical mall dining.

Menu includes a soup of the day and chef specials daily, keeping options fresh. The tomato basil soup stands out as especially flavorful, while French onion and tomato soups are solid choices.

Lunch features great food and a delightful ambiance. Service quality varies, with some experiences affected by the waitress.

People are saying

"I found the salads to be solid choices."

"Ahmed makes this Lunch Spot feel so happy and comfortable."

"I thought the tomato basil soup was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Bazille has dog-friendly seating for pet owners.

2

Prices at Bazille are reasonable for a mall restaurant.

3

Nordstrom typically offers chef specials every day, making the menu diverse.

03
Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers a small, clean space with traditional Japanese decor and smooth music creating a welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes an outdoor patio option that adds variety. The vibe is calm and organized, with quick service and no wait times typical.

Soups here offer strong, flavorful beef bone broth and a creamy ramen soup packed with vegetables. Garlic oils around onions add a tasty depth to the dishes.

No waits during lunch on a Wednesday. The spot serves lunch with consistent availability and ease.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The creamy soup broth made me feel warm and happy."

"I'd come back for the delicious ramen and perfectly cooked pork belly."

Good to know

1

Expect a fast-moving line, making wait times shorter than other locations.

2

Payment is required before receiving food, typical of a counter service setup.

3

Prices are around $15-$17 for a bowl, which some find expensive.

04
Amardeen Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine image 1

Small Mediterranean restaurant offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a fresh, modern design and authentic Middle Eastern buildout. Outdoor patio features beautifully decorated seating with heaters, providing a more delightful dining option than the indoor area, which tends to be noisy and dim.

Lentil soup comes out creamy and simple, served with a basic salad of lettuce and tomato. It tastes like homemade soup but lacks strong flavor and sometimes utensils are missing.

Lunch offers shrimp biryani, salad with grilled chicken, and Mediterranean-style pizza. Each dish delivers solid flavor and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the hummus and kebabs, is authentically delicious."

"This lunch spot's flavorful food is delicious and beautifully presented."

"You have to try the lentil soup with your wrap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, affecting the dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $100 for lunch for four without drinks or tips.

05
Qin West Noodle image 1
Noodle shop

Noodle shop with an open kitchen and modern design offers comfortable seating indoors and a dog-friendly patio outdoors. Atmosphere feels casual and geared toward quick meals rather than lounging. Self-ordering via iPads and table sanitizing wipes add convenience to the experience.

Broth stands out as deep and slow-cooked, not instant. Beef noodle soup is tender and consistently good. Spicy wonton soup and lamb rice noodle soup offer distinctive, rich flavors.

Lunch specials include noodles, cold cucumber, and a drink for $18. Portions are large, often leaving leftovers. Waiting during lunch is common but considered worth it.

People are saying

"The authentic flavor profiles here are totally rare and delicious."

"The beef noodle soup here is delicious and plentiful."

"This lunch spot has tasty noodles with good portions."

Good to know

1

There is no dine-in service available.

2

Self-service is expected; customers bus their own trays.

3

The restaurant uses iPads for self-ordering.

06
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Oceanic wall tiles and a blue whale mural create a unique decor with a modern, simple style. Spacious seating and an open layout foster a relaxed atmosphere, though hard surfaces make the room noisy. Semi-alfresco dining includes a dog-friendly patio with heaters and fire pits, adding comfort outdoors.

Miso soup comes with several dishes and during happy hour with a 7-piece nigiri set. It has a simple flavor and serves as a starter alongside rolls and shrimp.

Offers sushi for lunch with good prices and generous portions. Lunch menu provides a solid deal for the area.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and of great quality."

"The fish here is so fresh and full of flavor."

"I really liked their miso soup."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first two hours in the nearby structure.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on nigiri and appetizers.

3

The happy hour menu includes 7 nigiri pieces and a miso soup.

07
URBN Sushi - La Jolla image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, casual vibe with a clean, lovely dining area that stays quiet and not overcrowded. Sushi stands out as fresh and high quality, with huge rolls and well-seasoned rice. Complimentary edamame adds a simple touch to the experience.

Rich tasting miso soup stands out here. It ranks as one of the most excellent in the United States.

Lunch offers cost-effective combinations and great specials. The spot suits a casual lunch setting well.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"The complimentary edamame was a nice treat."

"The miso soup here is rich tasting and excellent."

Good to know

1

The average sushi roll costs $18, with lunch combinations being more cost-effective.

2

Vegetarian options are available, but check for cross-contamination with shellfish.

3

Physical menus with QR codes for payment are provided at the restaurant.

08
Panini Kabob Grill - Westfield UTC image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large space with glass wall seating and art on the walls creates a fresh, inviting vibe. Atmosphere feels casual but vibrant, welcoming with friendly energy. Generous portions highlight well-seasoned kabobs and flavorful Mediterranean dishes.

Green lentil soup stands out with its hearty texture. Minestrone soup offers a tasty twist, different from the traditional Italian version. Soup service timing varies, with some waiting longer than others.

Works well for office lunches and small group events. The lunch crowd is light, with only a few small groups on a Saturday. No freshly squeezed orange juice is available during lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is pretty good and the prices are reasonable."

"You should try the minestrone soup; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient as the structure is right around the corner.

2

The restaurant is located next to the parking lot, not inside the mall.

3

Expect generous portions with a moderate price range.

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University City, San Diego

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