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Local picks

Salad and sandwich spots in San Jose

A sandwich and salad combination that feels like a deliberate lunch rather than a pre-packaged convenience.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Paris Avenue image 1
Paris Avenue image 2
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Small bakery with cozy French atmosphere and clean, pleasant decor. Pastries and cakes stand out as delicious and excellent, including spectacular cakes and fresh croissants. Friendly staff serve a neighborhood crowd in a charming, intimate setting.

Green garden salads come with tuna and offer a fresh, tasty option. The salads pair well with items like a blueberry scone and a latte for a light meal.

Tuna salad sandwiches stand out with apple bits in the Waldorf style. Fresh croissants serve as a base for some sandwiches, all offered at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the birthday cake was the best I ever had."

"This cafe has tasty pastries and delicious coffee."

"I loved the tuna salad sandwich with apple bits."

Good to know

1

Only service dogs are permitted in the shop.

2

There is plenty of parking beside the cafe.

3

They charge $2 for a second shot of espresso.

02
The Last Round Tavern image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, quaint pizza spot with a light boxing theme and intimate seating for about 25 guests. Atmosphere stays relaxed and bar-like with thoughtful decor and memorabilia. Offers outdoor seating and a full bar featuring popular mixed drinks.

Salads feature arugula and come alongside dishes like meatballs and wings. They serve salads as part of larger meals including pizzas and cocktails.

Sandwiches come on freshly baked bread and often feature homemade tomato sauce. Portions are generous, with some sandwiches large enough for two meals.

People are saying

"The pizza crust here has a nice chew and good flavor."

"The chicken Parmesan sandwich on freshly baked bread is so delicious."

"I enjoyed a beautiful, delicious arugula salad."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 pm with discounted drinks.

2

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

3

Street parking is available near the tavern.

03
Mommy's Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy interior and a small outdoor patio offers a warm, mom and pop vibe despite a slightly commercial look. The space feels a bit cramped but maintains a good, lively atmosphere without loud music. It gets very busy during lunch, attracting a steady flow of guests.

BBQ lemongrass chicken comes properly grilled and marinated with pickled vegetables, salad, and cucumber. Vegan fish sauce adds a lighter, authentic flavor that complements the fresh salad components well.

Massive sandwiches come with fresh vegetables and solid bread. The roast pork and shredded chicken options taste amazing and are perfectly seasoned.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is delicious with a perfectly crusty bread."

"The lemongrass chicken sandwich was very well seasoned and tasty."

"The salad here is spectacular, especially with the grilled chicken."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead on their website to save time.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

3

Parking is available out front but can be limited.

04
Shark Boy Fish and Chips image 1
Seafood restaurant

Cozy seafood spot with a quaint patio and fishing-themed decor creates a relaxed, nostalgic vibe. Light gospel music and TVs showing sports add to the chill atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant, inviting space for leisurely meals.

Macaroni salad stands out with its exact preparation and delicious flavor. Coleslaw also complements the meal well alongside fish and shrimp.

Fish sandwiches stand out with excellent flavor and come paired with garlic fries. Fries and sandwiches both deliver solid satisfaction.

People are saying

"I had some of the best fish and chips I've ever had."

"The fish portion size was huge and delicious."

"The fish sandwich with garlic fries is a 10/10."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with plenty of street parking available.

2

The meal costs about $12 including tax, but drinks are extra.

3

Two people can eat and drink for around $20.

05
The Stand - American Classics Redefined image 1

Restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with bolted-down tables and plenty of TVs. Atmosphere is lively and welcoming, often becoming crowded and loud with many patrons. Outdoor seating includes a lit patio, though traffic noise can be strong there.

Salads come in solid portions with options like the chimichurri steak salad, Kale quinoa crunch, and Cobb salad. They pair well with sandwiches and wraps, offering a flavorful and fresh choice.

Short rib grilled cheese stands out with its rich flavor and texture. Chicken sandwiches come with a gluten-free bun option. Sandwiches often feature lots of toppings and balanced portions.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here juicy and packed with flavor."

"The short rib grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best."

"I enjoyed the chimichurri steak salad and the Cobb salad."

Good to know

1

You order at the counter, and food is brought to your table.

2

Expect food to take 20-30 minutes to be served on Fridays or Saturdays.

3

Parking is easy with plenty of space available.

06
WOWMIA PIZZA image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with tight table spacing and Persian music sets a cozy, relaxed vibe. Friendly atmosphere feels welcoming, enhanced by visible pizza-making and a large salad bar. Offers authentic Persian-style pizza with a unique flavor not found elsewhere.

A fresh salad bar offers about 20 items with great quality ingredients. The price is around $8 for two people, which is very reasonable.

Persian-style sandwiches stand out with options like the سوسیس تنوری sandwich that bring authentic flavors. These sandwiches pair well with their pizzas and offer a unique taste experience.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Persian pizza, just like in Iran."

"You have to try their sandwiches; they're the best I've ever had."

"The salad bar was fresh with great quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

Each Iranian-style pizza could easily feed 3 to 4 people.

2

The salad bar costs around $8 for two people, which is reasonable.

3

The owners explained that the shelf life of their pizza is only about 20 minutes.

07
Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet image 1

Small Italian deli with tight space and a busy atmosphere filled with classic Italian charm and New York swag. Crowded during peak hours, it offers mostly takeout with a few outdoor tables and a ticket roll system. The vibe blends authentic Italian deli feel with a friendly, lively energy.

Salads come in varied sizes, starting from half a pint. Options include classic Caesar and fresh caprese, often paired with garlic bread. Salads are sold by the pound alongside sandwiches and snacks.

Fresh, soft bread forms the base for cold cut sandwiches that stand out for their flavor. Hot options like roast beef come on very fresh sliced sourdough, making each sandwich consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were made with care."

"I thought their meatballs were excellent and the best I ever had."

"I picked up some delicious caprese salad and garlic bread."

Good to know

1

Customers have to get a numbered ticket and wait in line.

2

Expect a long line around lunchtime, but it moves quickly.

3

Parking in their lot is sometimes difficult due to its downtown location.

08
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Bright space with high ceilings and outdoor seating hosts a friendly, loud atmosphere. Small groups gather amid self-serve condiment bars and unlimited side peppers. Burgers and salads draw consistent praise for quality and flavor.

Salads come in many options with a good mix of leaves and vegetables. The grilled chicken is moist and flavorful, and favorites include the Santa Barbara chicken cobb and BBQ salad.

Grilled cheese sandwiches stand out with their rich flavor. Chicken sandwiches come crispy and include a solid chicken club, though the crispy spicy chicken sandwich falls short.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were super tasty and a step up."

"Their salads are always fresh and delicious."

"The crispy chicken sandwich is cooked to a perfect crisp."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

2

The restaurant and bathrooms are very clean.

3

You can order at the kiosk or at the counter.

09
Arome Cafe image 1

Bright, clean space with faux cherry blossom trees and well-furnished interior creates a cozy, chill atmosphere. Ordering happens through a touchscreen kiosk that simplifies the process despite a large menu. The vibe suits casual meals with fast WiFi and reasonable prices.

Salads come with generous portions and fresh ingredients like extra avocado. Options include a fried chicken salad and a prosciutto salad, paired well with sandwiches and quiche.

Sandwiches come in large sizes with fresh ingredients like prosciutto, salami, and mozzarella on ciabatta. Options include a crunchy schnitzel sandwich and flavorful banh mi with thin carrot strips adding texture.

People are saying

"The Pork Banh Mi had a nice crunch and was sweet and savory."

"I loved the egg coffee here."

"The banh mi sandwich was excellent and had a nice crunch."

Good to know

1

Arome Cafe offers an $8 sandwich, which is reasonably priced for the Bay Area.

2

The cafe uses a touchscreen ordering system, which may be slow for first-time users.

3

Fast WiFi is available for customers at Arome Cafe.

10
Mesquite and Oak image 1

Cozy barbecue shop with a casual setup including indoor seating and a patio with umbrellas. The air carries a strong smoky aroma that lingers on clothes. Known for juicy brisket with a perfect bark and fair prices, it draws those seeking authentic Texas-style smoked BBQ.

Potato salad comes with fresh dill and no onions, making it flavorful and juicy. It pairs well with brisket and other sides like beans and macaroni and cheese.

Brisket sandwiches appear often but vary in quality, sometimes lacking juiciness and flavor. The Texas Breakfast Sandwich and tejano sandwich stand out as filling and well-made, while some sandwiches can be dry and tough.

People are saying

"This American food, especially the brisket, is tender and flavorful."

"The potato salad here is proper and not watered-down."

"The brisket sandwich here is melt-in-your-mouth goodness."

Good to know

1

They offer $5 beers on tap on Sunday afternoons.

2

The restaurant closes at 4 PM, so arrive early.

3

The brisket often sells out by noon.

11
Boudin SF image 1
Bakery

Open kitchen reveals baking process amid a warm, noisy atmosphere. Sourdough bread stands out with unique shapes and a perfect crust. Seating can be limited, with some areas closed off, and outdoor patio welcomes dogs.

Multigrain salad offers a hearty option. Sandwiches come with crispy fries and salads for a filling meal. Asian salad lacks the expected Asian dressing.

Florentine steak sandwich stands out with its rich flavor and is best enjoyed as is. Sandwiches come on sourdough baguette bread and include options like bri, apples, and fig or a chicken sandwich paired with crispy fries and salads.

People are saying

"I found it to be a good spot for lunch."

"I thought the sourdough bread was the most amazing I've ever had."

"I loved their sandwiches paired with crispy fries and salads."

Good to know

1

Parking in the complex can be very annoying.

2

If you're in a hurry, order far in advance to get your food on time.

3

The restaurant can be swamped during lunch hours.

12
Chick-fil-A image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with an indoor play area and daycare center for children creates a family-friendly environment. Atmosphere stays quiet and smooth, supporting a chill and relaxing vibe. Service is fast and well-equipped, with attention to allergy concerns.

Salads come with fresh flavors and include options like the southwest salad and Cobb salad. Dressings sometimes get left out, but the salads pair well with diet lemonade and chicken nuggets.

Chicken sandwiches stand out with lemonade flavor and come with jelly on the side. The grilled chicken sandwich combo pairs well and stays warm for pickup thanks to good communication.

People are saying

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

"I was craving their really good chicken sandwich."

"I loved the food, it's made with love."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and convenient at this location.

2

The drive-thru can get busy, especially at 2pm on Fridays.

3

This location has a play place for kids, making it family-friendly.

13
Panera Bread image 1

Spacious seating areas extend indoors and outdoors to a large patio with many tables. Lighting is well lit and the atmosphere offers tranquility and comfort suitable for working or group gatherings. Early evenings tend to be fairly quiet, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and show clear care in preparation. Options like the Cobb salad and balsamic chicken salad stand out for their flavor and quality.

Sandwiches come with fresh, high-quality ingredients and show clear care in preparation. They pair well with soups and salads, all tasting very good.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always served promptly."

"This sandwich is fresh, delicious, and satisfying."

"I loved their fresh and delicious salads."

Good to know

1

Restrooms require a code to access, but they are very clean.

2

My food was ready within a few minutes.

3

The lunch was healthy and good value for the money.

14
Whispers Cafe and Creperie image 1

Cafe offers airy indoors and covered outdoor seating with glass panels that block wind, creating a pleasant environment. Atmosphere stays quiet and cozy, suitable for relaxed hangouts or quick bites. Seating is plentiful, including dog-friendly patio space.

Fresh salads come with several dishes like fish and chips and crepes. The salads often serve as a perfect compliment or a low carb side, paired with items like the Alcatraz or Kari crepe.

Pesto chicken sandwich stands out with its flavorful and juicy profile served warm. Sandwiches come with a variety of choices and are priced around $23.

People are saying

"You have to try the house potatoes; they're fantastic."

"I found the salad to be a perfect low carb savory crepe."

"The pesto chicken sandwich is flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

You have to wait in a line to order and then sit.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait during Sunday lunch hours.

3

There is a free public parking garage nearby.

15
The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Wood and brick building offers a spacious saloon vibe with outdoor patio games like cornhole and shuffleboard. Atmosphere stays laid-back and casual, balancing lively music and a welcoming feel. Big screens show football, attracting a crowd that enjoys drinks and socializing.

Salads feature very fresh vegetables and include options like Caesar and shrimp Louie. The Caesar salad tastes good but is generally average in flavor.

Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches feature meaty fillings but come with a small portion size relative to price. The Chipotle fried chicken sandwich lacks the expected Chipotle flavor despite having cheese.

People are saying

"The patio is nice and has games like cornhole."

"I enjoyed the ribs, Caesar salad, and drinks."

"The brisket sandwich was awesome and the food tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Thursdays feature line dancing lessons with DJ Shivers at 7pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with drink specials.

3

DJ Mike Verba performs live music every Saturday night.

16
Zanotto's Willow Glen Market image 1

Grocery store with wide selection of Italian products and high-end quality groceries. Atmosphere is clean and well-maintained, with a lively deli featuring fresh sandwiches and a sushi chef. Prices tend to be above average, reflecting the focus on fresh ingredients and specialty items.

Fresh made salads come from a deli with great variety and quality ingredients. The salad bar operates without a dedicated employee during busy times.

Fresh made sandwiches come with great sandwich meats but often arrive mostly cold and sometimes soggy. Sandwich sizes vary, with some being notably small compared to typical expectations.

People are saying

"This grocery store has high-end quality groceries and fresh produce."

"I enjoyed their fresh made sandwiches, they even heat them for you."

"I think the salads here are great."

Good to know

1

Wine pairing events occur on the first Wednesday of each month.

2

Expect higher prices for quality groceries and specialty items.

3

The deli features a variety of prepared foods and sandwiches.

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