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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Coast Metro

Lunch spots

Made for those who need a reliable place to eat during the workday that respects their limited time.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Bright, clean space with a quaint outdoor patio offers a cozy vibe. Mediterranean dishes make for a satisfying midday meal. Laid back atmosphere with great music keeps energy lively for lunch or dinner.

Offers a casual vibe suitable for lunch or dinner dates. Mediterranean dishes create a satisfying midday meal option. This spot serves as a reliable choice for a relaxed lunch experience.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the kebabs and hummus, was fantastic."

"I loved the fresh and flavorful Mediterranean salad."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, but it gets busy around lunchtime.

2

The best time to visit is before or after the lunch rush.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat and side options.

02
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant shines with intricate artwork and live DJ sets. Lunch specials like $13 deals and $2.50 tacos on Fridays make it a great lunch spot. Spacious patio and bar create a vibrant setting for socializing and music lovers.

Lunch offers $13 specials and $2.50 tacos on Fridays. The Madre taco salad bowl with chicken is a solid choice for a quick bite.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The Lunch Spot's chicken tacos are among the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

03
Luvโ€™n Donuts image 1

Donut shop offers freshly made donuts and flaky croissants perfect for lunch or breakfast. Coffee and smoothies complement the simple, quick service. Clean, comfortable space suits those seeking reasonably priced options without fuss.

Croissants stand out for both breakfast and lunch, offering flaky, buttery layers. Coffee pairs well with the freshly baked pastries and the spot serves solid options for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the donuts and pastries were delicious and fresh."

"I enjoyed a solid breakfast sandwich with fresh egg and tons of bacon."

"I found the lunch croissants here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Expect a line out the door, but it moves quickly.

2

Fresh donuts are made throughout the day.

3

The wait time for sandwiches is about 10 minutes.

04
MasalaCraft - Santa Ana image 1
Indian restaurant

Bollywood posters create a themed atmosphere with a friendly vibe. Outdoor patio offers plentiful seating alongside indoor spots. Lunch combos are reasonably priced with tasty food and helpful staff. Free toppings like fried onions add a unique touch.

Lunch offers great deals with reasonable prices and delicious food. Staff provide helpful advice and samples to guide choices in the lunch combo specials.

People are saying

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

"The lunch combo here is a great deal."

"I found so many delicious vegetarian options here."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

2

The lunch special with garlic naan and an order of samosas costs around $16.

3

Parking is generally easy on Sundays.

05
Little Pan Santa Ana image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Semi-open kitchen showcases handmade pan-fried buns with a 24k gold black truffle option. Warm, attentive service shines during the lunch rush, making it a quick, casual spot perfect for coworkers. Trendy Chinese decor and dog-friendly outdoor seating add to the cozy, lively vibe.

Warm, attentive service stays consistent even during the lunch rush. Lunch specials include delicious dumplings and offer a quick, casual spot ideal for eating with coworkers or trying something new.

People are saying

"The pan-fried buns here are amazing with crispy bottoms."

"I found the bullfrog soup incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The pan-fried buns at this Lunch Spot are amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot, but it can get tight during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a special combo available Monday to Friday.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

06
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright colors and neon signs create an energetic vibe perfect for a quick lunch. Fast, efficient service suits busy schedules, while bold, spicy chicken dishes satisfy cravings. Vibrant wall art and unique ceiling decor add a fun, welcoming touch to the space.

Quick service makes it easy to grab lunch during breaks. Pre-ordering speeds up pickup, and the spot works well as a go-to lunch option near work.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and tasty."

"This place is a great late night spot for a snack."

"I experienced great chicken at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The food comes out quickly, making it great for a fast meal.

2

They don't accept cash; only cards and mobile payments are allowed.

3

The spice levels range from mild to 'cluckin' hot,' catering to all tastes.

07
Kebab Kurry Express image 1
Afghan restaurant

Cozy Afghan restaurant offers traditional decor and soft lighting for a warm vibe. Family-run with spacious seating and Afghan art on walls. Lunch features Ustad Nashenas music and quick service of kebabs and curries.

Lunch features Afghan music with Ustad Nashenas playing softly. The menu includes kebabs and curries served quickly at a casual spot.

People are saying

"I found the Afghan food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the tender and flavorful kebabs."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food, especially the Afghan kebabs."

Good to know

1

A single to-go order feeds two to three people.

2

Prices are generally higher compared to other Afghan restaurants in the area.

3

Expect to pay around $147 for a meal for four.

08
SubVegan image 1
Vegan restaurant

Vegan restaurant serves generous sandwiches with fresh bread in a calm atmosphere featuring a serene courtyard. Prices are reasonable and portions are big, making it a reliable lunch spot for saving half for later.

Big portions make it easy to save half for later. It serves as a reliable go-to lunch spot during work hours.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were absolutely delicious."

"The Dutch crunch bread here is fresh and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's bread is warm, fluffy, crispy, and fresh."

Good to know

1

SubVegan accepts online orders even when the store is closed.

2

They sell their bread separately, allowing for customizable sandwiches.

3

Prices are reasonable for the amount of food provided.

09
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot shines with fresh seafood for quick lunch and dinner. Cozy outdoor patio glows with warm candlelight and dark red cushions. Indoor bar offers large TV for sports and lively music, blending fast-casual dining with varied seating.

Offers a quick lunch option with fresh seafood. Suitable for both lunch and dinner with consistent service.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is soulfully delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great variety of tacos at discounted prices.

2

Dine-in specials on Taco Tuesday are not available for takeout.

3

Happy hour starts after 3:00 pm with beer specials.

10
Tandoori India Cuisine image 1
North Indian restaurant

Cozy interior with a star on the wall creates an inviting vibe. Lunch specials offer a 2-item combo with naan and yogurt for just $10.99. Fresh herbs and generous wine pours enhance the simple, affordable dining experience.

Lunch specials offer a 2-item combo with naan and yogurt or rice pudding before 3 pm. Prices stay affordable around $10.99, making it a solid spot for a simple and comfortable lunch.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing, affordable lunch specials."

"The Indian pickles were a crowd favorite with our dinner spots."

"I tried the Chicken Tikka Masala and it was the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available before 3 pm with a 2-item combo.

2

Takeout process is easy and reliable for quick meals.

3

The restaurant offers a vegan section on the menu with many options.

11
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with beautiful interior design and a classy yet relaxed atmosphere. Quick service makes it a top lunch spot, though it gets busy. Enjoy lively salsa music and a popular salsa bar for a fun night out.

Quick service stands out even during the lunch rush. The spot gets extremely busy at lunch and dinner, making timing important. Baja Fish Tacos offers solid options for takeout or dine-in.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh Mexican food that's not too heavy."

"The salsa bar here is an extra bonus with so many options."

Good to know

1

The place can get very busy during peak times around lunch and dinner.

2

I suggest arriving early to avoid the busy times.

3

Baja Fish Tacos does not accept American Express credit cards.

12
Kaisen Kaiten image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi offers fast-paced dining with bar seating packed closely. Lunch features quick service and a five-plate set with miso soup for $35. Busy, casual vibe suits small groups or solo diners despite occasional slowdowns from staff chatting.

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.

People are saying

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

"The fish here is really fresh and surprisingly 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.

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South Coast Metro, Santa Ana

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