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New Yorkers 1st Choice
SB Downtown's best

Lunch spots

A midday break away from the office desk makes the rest of the afternoon feel manageable.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 2
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 3
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Large, airy space with dog-friendly patio and Punjabi music creates a lively vibe. Lunch features a thali special with butter chicken and naan, offering great variety at low prices. Service is attentive, making it a warm, welcoming spot for authentic Indian food.

Lunch offers a thali special with salad, butter chicken, rice, and naan, providing a great variety. Prices stay incredible for sampling many dishes, and service can be special and attentive.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"I found the Butter Chicken to be fantastic and well made."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was great, especially from Joban."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

02
Olio Bottega image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot with a warm vibe offers fantastic sandwiches and European-style pizza. Perfect for family gatherings or a solid midday meal. Small market area adds authentic Italian charm.

Lunch features fantastic food with options that satisfy groups, including family gatherings. The menu suits those seeking a pick me up or a solid midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the pork belly sandwich was the greatest I ever had."

"I loved the authentic Italian pizza here; it tasted just like Europe."

"I thought the food at this lunch spot was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early for lunch.

2

Expect a limited pizza selection later in the day as they sell out quickly.

3

Outdoor seating is available and provides a comfortable dining experience.

03
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads image 1

Outdoor seating creates a cozy patio perfect for relaxed meals or a first date. Quick service and delicious food make it ideal for lunch breaks. Soft music adds to the quiet, inviting atmosphere without overpowering conversation.

Quick service and consistently excellent food make it a solid choice for lunch. Menu items are absolutely delicious, fitting well for office breaks or a shopping trip stop.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the salmon Caesar salad with its amazing dressing."

"This lunch spot has delicious pasta and sandwiches."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms inside the establishment.

2

The nearest restroom is a two-minute walk above Panda Express.

3

The restaurant is open in the evening, unlike most other places.

04
Petit Valentien image 1
French restaurant

Small French bistro offers cozy seating and a quiet atmosphere perfect for social dinners or dates. Lunch includes an $18 special deal providing great value. Weekends feature Ethiopian cuisine, adding a unique twist to the menu.

Lunch features a special deal priced at $18. The offer provides a great value for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"This Ethiopian Lunch Spot is incredibly good."

"It's a perfect cozy place with a romantic atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Lunch offers a great deal at $18.

3

The menu changes every 2 weeks, so check for new items.

05
Sushi Bar 29 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers fresh sushi and a cozy vibe with dim lighting. Lunch specials and happy hour make it great for midday meals. Easy parking and quick service add to its appeal for couples and groups.

Lunch includes specials that are available for both take out and dine in. Happy hour also runs alongside lunch options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh and executed beautifully."

"The staff here is so cheerful and helpful."

"It's a great casual lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with lunch specials available.

2

Parking at the restaurant is easy and accessible.

3

Expect a very short wait time even during rush hours.

06
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 1
Taco restaurant

Affordable tacos shine with vegetarian options like rajas and nopales, perfect for a quick lunch. Casual vibe with sticky tables keeps it low-key downtown. Pineapple salsa adds a flavorful touch to fresh meat tacos and tortas.

Tacos stand out as a tasty and inexpensive lunch option. The spot stays fairly quiet during lunch hours, making it a convenient downtown stop.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is piled high with meat."

"I thought the shrimp burrito with guacamole was worth the extra cost."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are delicious and a good size."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.50 each for carnitas or chicken.

2

Daily specials offer great deals on tacos and burritos.

3

The building is very clean and well-maintained.

07
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain offers a relaxing vibe. Lunch is pricey at $150 and service slows near closing. Inside feels modern but can be cold with loud music and distractions.

Lunch costs around $150 with slow service near the end of lunch hours. Requests like skipping basil on a pizza cause delays despite the restaurant being generally slow during lunch.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The atmosphere here is perfect for a romantic date night."

"I loved grabbing a table at this cute outdoor lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

08
China Pavilion image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining with large tables fits groups well. Lunch specials like basil beef and spicy soup offer great value. Weekend dim sum and free peanuts add authentic touches to the warm, welcoming vibe.

Lunch specials offer good value with options like basil beef and spring rolls. Spicy soup comes with the lunch, and spareribs are available in Capital and Salt and Pepper styles.

People are saying

"You can get great Chinese Food dim sum here, especially the shrimp dumplings."

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and delicious."

"The Lunch Spot food is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The public paid parking lot next door offers 70 minutes of free parking.

2

The Beijing duck requires a wait of over 30 minutes.

3

Dim Sum is available on weekends.

09
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina image 1

Outdoor courtyard shines with romantic lighting and propane heaters, perfect for lunch or casual outings. Large bar offers cocktail flights and margaritas in a modern, elegant setting. Atmosphere feels calm and inviting for any occasion.

Lunch offers a gorgeous outdoor dining area that stands out. Meals suit both casual day-offs and special occasions with a consistently great all-around experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The outdoor seating is so romantic with its fireplace and lights."

"The presentation of the food at this Lunch Spot is stunning."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $10 for bottled water and $10 for tostadas.

2

Expect an additional $15 charge on your card without explanation.

3

The menu offers vegetarian options and local vegetables.

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Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

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