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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Ana's best

Affordable lunch spots

A lunch that fits your budget without forcing you to compromise on the quality of the ingredients.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Kabo Kitchen image 1
Kabo Kitchen image 2
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean and Mexican flavors combine in a clean, lively space with drive-thru service and affordable prices. The atmosphere feels comfortable and welcoming, enhanced by 80's music and pleasant interior settings. Food options include freshly cooked dishes like lamb gyros, chicken kabobs, and fish tacos, served with flavorful sauces.

Lunch offers a great meal option with a spot that suits both lunch and dinner. It serves as a perfect choice when looking for a midday meal.

Fresh, high-quality medi-baja style food comes at inexpensive prices. Many options offer affordable choices without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the burgers here delicious and cooked amazingly."

"The service here is incredible and I was greeted and given a rundown of the menu."

Good to know

1

They offer Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos.

2

The chicken kabob plate only costs $14.

3

The steak bowl costs less than $10.

02
king eel sushi bento image 1

Small restaurant offers cozy and peaceful atmosphere with bar and diner seating. Sushi is fresh and high quality, featuring a great variety of rolls. Clean environment supports a wallet-friendly dining experience.

Quick and convenient bento meals make this a solid choice for lunch near work. Small business vibes add a nice touch to the midday break.

Offers affordable, quick Japanese meals with delicious flavors. The king eel sushi bento stands out as both tasty and budget-friendly.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the sushi here to be delicious and affordable."

"The sushi at this Lunch Spot is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Meals cost around $15 per person, making it wallet-friendly.

2

Convenient for lunch if you work or live nearby.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

03
Lunch Bang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant with a retro 80โ€™s-90โ€™s feel and casual, no-frills setting. Atmosphere is chill and crowded at lunchtime, with The Simpsons playing on TV adding to the vibe. Known for affordable prices and made-to-order smash burgers that stand out for flavor and portion size.

Small, family-run spot offers smash burgers that are fresh and flavorful. Yakisoba and other dishes deliver seriously good lunch options in a chill, no-frills setting.

Affordable prices stand out with made-to-order food and a simple smash burger. Ample parking and friendly service add to the value.

People are saying

"The smash burgers here have super crispy, thin patties."

"The Korean food here is amaaaazing and so flavorful."

"I thought the prices here were really affordable."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait in line to pay even if you order ahead.

3

Prices are very affordable, typically around $20 for two people.

04
An Noodles and Pho image 1

Small, modern space offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating and spotless interiors. Guests enjoy unlimited noodle refills and complimentary drinks, creating a relaxed dining experience with a homey vibe.

Clean and welcoming atmosphere suits both family lunches and weekday dates. Affordable deals make lunch options budget-friendly and casual.

Prices stay very affordable with options like a buy one get one $1 deal that makes meals easy on the wallet. Pho and other dishes come at inexpensive rates without straying far from decent quality.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has an amazing, flavorful broth."

"This Lunch Spot's pho has an incredibly flavorful, rich broth."

"I found the pho to be affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

They are currently running a buy one, get one for $1 deal on pho.

2

Expect unlimited noodles with your pho order during the promotion.

3

The buy-one-get-one for $1 deal excludes the House special pho.

05
Papa K's Mediterranean Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant with authentic Egyptian dรฉcor and a clean, cozy atmosphere offers a welcoming, friendly vibe. Indoor seating dominates with some outdoor tables and free self parking available. Music and big screen TVs add energy, and occasional dancing follows dinner.

Large portions make it easy to have leftovers for dinner or the next day's lunch. The menu offers wraps and options for both casual and more formal meals.

Food comes at very affordable prices with reasonably priced options. The chicken price stands out as especially good compared to other places.

People are saying

"This Mediterranean food is delicious and generously portioned."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious, fresh, and bursting with flavor."

"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for special menu items after 7 pm.

2

The restaurant is closed during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect large portion sizes that provide good value for the price.

06
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - Santa Ana, CA image 1

Casual dining space with Mediterranean decor and comfortable seating offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with Greek music playing softly. Lighting is bright and the vibe suits casual gatherings or celebrations. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option.

Lunch offers fresh ingredients and a great vibe with a focus on Greek flavors. The spot feels like a hidden gem discovered during a break.

Sides come at affordable prices and taste good. Main meals cost around $50, so they are not inexpensive.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh food cooked perfectly."

"I thought the sides were tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking space available.

2

The restaurant is very clean, including the restrooms.

3

It was easy to park nearby.

07
Kaisen Kaiten image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi setup offers fast-paced dining with mostly bar seating packed closely together. Atmosphere feels busy and casual, suited for small groups or solo diners. The space is cozy and simple, emphasizing a relaxed vibe over modern design.

Lunch hours offer a quicker seat with about five plates and miso soup costing around $35. Staff sometimes stand and gossip during busy Saturday afternoons, which can affect the pace of service.

Fresh fish and Japanese dishes come at very affordable prices here. Quality stays consistent while keeping costs low, making it a reliable spot for good food without spending much.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi bar for Japanese food is really fun."

"The sushi here is fresh and affordable."

"This lunch spot has great, fresh sushi and hand rolls."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable, especially with daily specials.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on select items.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

08
Santa Buffet & Grill image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a Mongolian grill station where meat and vegetables are sautรฉed on the spot. Atmosphere feels casual and family-friendly with a noisy, crowded environment. Food selections include sushi and snow crab legs, with some items noted as tasty.

Buffet lunch offers decent raw oysters and crab alongside a tough roast beef. Service stays good for the price during lunch hours.

Buffet prices stay very affordable, even with offerings like Snow Crab Legs available from Friday to Sunday. Lunch options come at a lower cost, making meals satisfying without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"The buffet has a wide variety of options, especially for dessert and sushi."

"The seafood here is deliciously prepared with many varieties."

"This lunch spot has a decent selection and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $26.99 per person, offering a variety of options.

2

Expect a line outside during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The seafood selection includes Snow Crab Legs available from Friday to Sunday.

09
Santa Ana Zoo image 1

Landscaped grounds with shaded rest areas and natural habitat exhibits create a pleasant, quiet atmosphere. Play areas include a working train, carousel, and Ferris wheel, offering hands-on fun for children. Layout features multiple trails that help reduce crowding and enhance the experience.

Seating near the playground lets kids play while eating. The lunch menu offers a nice selection of food options.

Admission costs stay very affordable, letting even college students buy tickets. The annual pass also offers a low price, making it easy to visit multiple times.

People are saying

"It's a cute little zoo, perfect for younger kids."

"I found the admission prices to be affordable compared to other zoos."

"It's a great lunch spot near the playground for little kids."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

2

Parking is free at the zoo.

3

The zoo offers rides only on weekends.

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