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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Clara

Authentic lunch spots

A midday meal that prioritizes real ingredients over the convenience of a quick-service chain.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 1
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 2
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 3
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Indian restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Delhi street food with customizable spice levels for diverse tastes. Covered seating area features heated lamps creating a warm, homey atmosphere despite nearby road noise. Vibrant vibe includes music that enhances the casual, inviting setting.

Offers authentic Delhi chaat with flavors that closely match street food from Delhi. Serves fresh pani puri, tikki chaat, and parathas that taste like traditional North Indian home cooking.

Lunch features catered meals that receive strong praise from guests. The food served at events like the #MomsConnect conference stands out for its quality and appeal.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably delicious and fresh."

"The food here tastes so authentic and flavorful, like home cooking."

"The lunch here is unbelievably delicious and made to perfection."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for events with customizable menu options.

2

The food truck specializes in authentic Delhi flavors and vegetarian dishes.

3

Parking is plentiful nearby, making it easy to visit the food truck.

02
Suggi Oota Takeout image 1
Indian takeaway

Takeout spot offers authentic Karnataka vegetarian cuisine with fresh ingredients and customizable menus. Atmosphere feels homey, though seating is minimal and outdoor space is limited. Food quality varies, but signature dishes like Holige and mirchi vada stand out.

Traditional Karnataka dishes feature authentic sweet Obattu and bold flavors that capture the taste of North Karnataka and Bangalore. The food consistently reflects authentic South Indian and Bangalore/Karnataka style cooking, transporting diners back to the streets of Karnataka.

Food delivers flavourful, satisfying meals for lunch. Catering handles large groups with tasty, hearty options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes so authentic."

"I found the South Indian food here to be so delicious and homemade."

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

Good to know

1

Catering orders require advance notice to ensure availability and customization.

2

Suggi Oota Takeout offers generous portion sizes suitable for large gatherings.

3

Delivery is prompt, ensuring food arrives on time for events.

03
Suggi Oota Dine-in image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Vegetarian restaurant offers a warm, home-like atmosphere with vibrant seating and old Kannada music playing softly. Walls display modern artwork that complements the cozy vibe. The place feels like eating at a family member's house, creating a welcoming and comforting experience.

Lunch offers authentic South Indian flavors with dishes like masala puri and maddur vade. Food comes fresh, organic, and made from scratch, capturing home-style taste and nostalgia.

Lunch features a Mangalore style combo with two curries, two rotis, and South Indian rice. Meals come across as authentic and consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Bangalore-style Indian food, especially the masala puri."

"It's like eating authentic, home-style food from Bangalore."

"This lunch spot feels like home-cooked food, authentic and healthy."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for family events with a focus on vegetarian dishes.

2

The lunch thali costs $22 and is served in disposable containers.

3

The thali is limited with no refills allowed, so plan accordingly.

04
Master Oh 오선생 image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean restaurant with walls covered in Hangul and kimchi jars by the entrance creates an authentic Korean atmosphere. Warm, cozy lighting and stylish, clean decor make the space welcoming and modern. Mostly Korean diners contribute to a genuine vibe, with an extensive menu featuring rare traditional dishes.

Food bursts with authentic flavors and uses high-quality ingredients. Portions come large and dishes like ganjang gejang match those found in LA.

Lunch offers a casual setting with straightforward options. Meals come without much fuss, suitable for a simple midday break.

People are saying

"The fish roe soup is super fresh and sweet."

"I found the Korean cuisine to be authentic and flavorful."

"This lunch spot offers authentic Korean cuisine with great flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers 15% off the entire bill on weekdays from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.

2

Current discount of 15% off the entire menu from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

3

Reservations are necessary on weekends due to high demand.

05
Tarim Garden Xinjiang Cuisine image 1

Halal Xinjiang cuisine fills a cozy, casual space with loud, lively chatter and authentic flavors. The room often becomes crowded and noisy, especially during busy times, creating an energetic atmosphere. Thoughtful design supports a popular dining experience known for its genuine regional dishes.

Food shows authentic halal Xinjiang flavors with dishes like pepper chicken and fried pork noodles standing out. Portions come generous and the cuisine stays true to traditional tastes.

Lunch hours get packed, especially on weekdays. Weekday lunch visits show a steady flow of diners, with some quieter moments on less busy days.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic with great flavors."

"These lamb ribs are so tender, juicy, and hit the spot."

"This Lunch Spot's spicy beef noodles are so tasty and authentic."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the place gets packed.

2

They serve halal meat at this restaurant.

3

They close at 2 PM.

06
Star Chaat Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Large space with bold orange walls and a live pani puri counter creates a vibrant setting. Atmosphere is family-friendly with Punjabi music playing, sometimes loudly. Seating is comfortable and the vibe suits small gatherings well.

Food features authentic North Indian and Punjabi flavors with a focus on vegetarian dishes. Every item delivers flavorful Indian street food taste true to tradition.

Lunch options come with good quality food that avoids preservatives and are very filling. Unique pan shots offer a refreshing choice, and the setting suits team or family lunches well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Amritsari Kulcha."

"The food here is packed with bold, authentic flavor and made with care."

"This lunch spot's chaat dishes were the highlights of my meal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened today, offering a fresh menu.

2

Monthly specials feature unique dishes not available regularly.

3

The restaurant is completely vegetarian, catering to plant-based diets.

07
Ramen Taka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small and neat ramen restaurant offers authentic Japanese ramen with warm Tonkotsu broth and chewy noodles. The space feels open and airy with a chill atmosphere and modern digital menus on phones. Music plays loudly, creating a lively vibe amid friendly chatter.

Ramen here delivers a completely authentic taste that closely matches Japanese standards. The Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stands out as a genuine example of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Lunch service moves fairly quickly with some wait times during the Friday rush. Seating can take a few minutes but overall offers a pleasant lunch experience with consistent visits noted.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here incredibly delicious and authentic."

"The Katsu curry here is so good, I forgot to take a picture."

"The ramen here is so tasty, especially the rich miso broth."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; a small free lot is available behind the restaurant.

2

The restaurant automatically adds a 20% gratuity for large parties.

3

The menu offers two different sizes for the ramen bowls.

08
Home Eat汉家宴 - Santa Clara image 1

Large dining area includes a banquet hall and party room suited for group events. Cozy, clean atmosphere enhanced by festive decorations and robotic food delivery creates a modern yet inviting vibe. Sauce bar adds an interactive element to the dining experience.

Offers authentic Chinese flavors with generous portions at reasonable prices. The food delivers a satisfying and genuine taste experience.

Lunch here suits both casual and formal occasions, including funeral lunch receptions. The spot offers a nice atmosphere that fits well for midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes amazing."

"I found the food to be authentic with delicious flavors and generous portions."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious, authentic food."

Good to know

1

The party room is available for rent for private events.

2

Monthly specials rotate, offering new dishes regularly.

3

Portion sizes are generous, suitable for sharing among three to four people.

09
Balaji Mess image 1
South Indian restaurant

South Indian restaurant offers cozy, welcoming ambiance with authentic, fresh dishes like crispy dosas and flavorful parottas. Casual setting suits family gatherings and casual dining with affordable prices and unlimited servings on some meals.

South Indian dishes like crispy dosas, soft idlis, and Ambur Biriyani taste fresh and true to their origins. Filter coffee and meals feel like eating in Trichy or Madurai with strong authentic flavors throughout.

Weekday lunch offers a thali with fast service and good taste. It suits team lunches and delivers complete satisfaction.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and tasty."

"I found the food to be authentic South Indian cuisine."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious fish curry and authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers dosa for $6 and biriyani for $10.

2

Drinks during happy hour are around $7.

3

All dosas cost $7.

10
Ondam image 1
Korean restaurant

Interior blends traditional Korean home style with modern design, featuring thoughtful decorations and curated menus. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, often busy with a lively energy. Ordering happens via table kiosks, allowing a relaxed pace, and the place welcomes private gatherings and families with kids.

Dishes deliver authentic Korean flavors with soul-warming taste in every bite. Small plates and main courses come exquisitely prepared without relying on table top BBQ.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always tastes freshly made."

"The Korean food here is so authentic and packed with soul-warming flavors."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken platter and bossam were amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant enforces a one-hour eating limit only when it gets busy.

2

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

3

Expect a crowded atmosphere during peak hours, especially on weekends.

11
Bafang Dumpling image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Spacious dining area with high ceilings and bright, modern design creates an open and airy atmosphere. Noise levels rise significantly during lunch, making conversations difficult. Occasional K-pop music attracts a younger crowd, adding to the lively energy.

Authentic Taiwanese flavors come through in the potstickers, dumplings, and beef noodle soup. The food stays true to traditional tastes.

A quiet atmosphere exists before the lunch crowd arrives, but it becomes noisy and crowded during peak lunch hours. Limited table availability can make seating a challenge on busy days.

People are saying

"These dumplings are delicious and Taiwanese in style."

"I loved the authentic Taiwanese food, especially the dumplings."

"You have to try the dumplings; they're outstanding with crispy bottoms."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours; reservations are not accepted.

2

Parking is extremely difficult, especially on weekends or during peak hours.

3

The menu includes vegetarian options and offers good value for the price.

12
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Open kitchen reveals meal preparation while diners serve themselves at a fast-paced counter. Loud music and high noise levels create a boisterous atmosphere that discourages conversation. Walls feature welcoming murals blending cultural elements, adding visual interest to the narrow dining space.

Sides taste very authentic and match what you find in Japan. The udon offers a genuine Japanese flavor and experience.

Quick service and friendly staff make lunch here smooth. The spot works well for groups, offering a pleasant atmosphere for casual meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always hot and fresh."

"It's my favorite lunch spot at the mall."

"I found the udon here to be authentically Japanese and delightfully chewy."

Good to know

1

During peak hours on weekends, expect to queue at Marugame Udon.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

The dining area is clean and well-organized.

13
Kailash Parbat Santa Clara image 1

Modern Indian decor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a lively vibe. The space feels authentic to Bombay, though seating is somewhat cramped. The restaurant draws those seeking authentic North Indian flavors and a great chaat selection.

Curries have very less oil and color, making them feel fresh and authentic. Chole bhatura and Mumbai food deliver truly authentic flavors with a North Indian and chaat focus. The atmosphere reflects an authentic Colaba vibe.

Lunch offers very delicious dishes that satisfy midday hunger. The spot serves meals that make lunch feel worthwhile.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes authentic."

"The food here tastes truly authentic, just like back home."

"The paneer dishes at this Lunch Spot are really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of around 30 minutes during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of Jain food options.

3

Parking can be challenging; the nearby lot is for residents only.

14
Jashn image 1
Food and drink

Modern and elegant Indian restaurant with unique decor and stunning mural sets a warm, inviting atmosphere. Tables spaced generously for intimate dining and a full bar offers creative cocktails alongside classic drinks. Lighting and interior design create a comforting vibe suited for relaxed dinners.

Menu blends innovative interpretation with authentic roots of Indian cuisine. Donne Biriyani carries rightful flavor true to tradition.

Lunch offers a limited menu with flexibility to order items like Dahi Kabab ala carte. The spot suits various occasions including business lunches and casual meetups, often adding a surprise dessert to the meal.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is so innovative and visually stunning."

"This Lunch Spot's creative dishes are works of art."

"The authentic flavors here are rightly flavored and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for larger groups.

2

The restaurant offers limited vegetarian options on the lunch menu.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

15
Great Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Small space with a homely feel and ample seating offers a cozy atmosphere despite dim lighting and high-volume music. The vibe is pleasant and comfortable, attracting those who appreciate an affordable Indian buffet with flavorful dishes like goat curry and parathas.

Freshly made naan arrives at the table, adding a hospitable touch to the meal. The menu features authentic North Indian halal food that is flavorful and served fresh for lunch and dinner.

Lunch features a simple buffet with fresh, authentic dishes. Prices run on the higher side, with meals costing over $50 for two.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, authentic, and full of flavor."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing, fresh food, especially the butter chicken."

"The naan here is so authentic, freshly made and perfectly buttery."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available from 11:30 to 8:30 every day except Sunday.

2

Parking is convenient and available right next to the building.

3

The buffet is priced under $20 per person, which is a good value.

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