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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Lunch spots

A lunch spot that respects your limited time without making you feel like you are eating at a cafeteria.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated April 2026
01
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Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm vibe. Lunch features affordable bento boxes with large portions like teriyaki chicken and crunch roll. A robot waitress named Bella adds a unique, cozy touch to dining.

Lunch offers great deals with large portions that stay affordable. Bento boxes include teriyaki chicken, crunch roll, and ginger salad in a pleasant atmosphere.

People are saying

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

02
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Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art invites you in. Strong espresso and smooth lattes complement fresh salads and light lunch options. Soft jazz music creates a calm, work-friendly vibe blending big city class with neighborhood warmth.

Strong espresso and smooth lattes pair well with fresh, satisfying salads and light lunch options. Breakfast and lunch menus offer healthy, not overly heavy choices for any time of day.

People are saying

"You have to try the ร‡ฤฑlbฤฑr for your lunch spot; it's rich and comforting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, especially after 10am.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but not personal checks.

03
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Compact cheese shop shines with curated fine cheeses and secret lunch menu sandwiches like the French Girl. Enjoy patio seating and grab a box of Lady Crackers for a perfect bite. Adorable atmosphere and occasional cheese samples make it a cozy spot.

Two sandwiches come from a secret lunch menu including the French Girl. A box of Lady Crackers often accompanies the meal.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are amazing, especially the creative spread."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a variety of charcuterie board fixings, wines, and sandwiches.

2

Lady & Larder features products from local and independent artisans.

3

They accommodate dietary restrictions when curating gift baskets.

04
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Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Quick, tasty meals make it a great lunch stop. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly table, though loud blenders can disrupt the calm atmosphere.

Offers a quick lunch option with a menu suitable for both breakfast and lunch. Serves consistently good meals that fit well for a casual brunch or lunch stop.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious; every bite is amazing."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

05
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Spacious Mexican restaurant shines with stunning design and a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Perfect for lunch downtown, it suits both date nights and casual meals. Large tables welcome families and groups, while NBA games play softly on a big screen.

Downtown spot offers a perfect lunch with an ambiance suited for both date nights and casual midday meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic Mexican food with generous portions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

06
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Tiered flooring and panoramic ocean views create an elegant vibe with high ceilings and a large bar. Lunch features Mediterranean dishes in a bright sun room perfect for meetings. Background DJ music keeps energy vibrant without overpowering conversations.

Offers a mix of American-style breakfast and Mediterranean lunch options with a fine dining touch. The sun room provides a bright, relaxed spot ideal for lunch meetings or casual gatherings.

People are saying

"This lunch spot felt like uncovering something secret and magical."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $25 if validated inside.

2

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to all bills.

3

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot, especially for outdoor seating.

07
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Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for family lunches. Burgers and fries come with a house-made sauce that stands out. Bright, spacious space feels homey and curated, ideal for casual meetups.

Lunch features a burger and fries with a house-made dipping sauce. The spot works well for casual meetups and family lunches with kids.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and prepared with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

08
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Cozy sushi spot offers spacious seating and a relaxed vibe with friendly staff. Lunch sets feature generous portions of ramen and donburi at reasonable prices. Clean, quiet space makes dining personal and enjoyable.

Generous portions come with the lunch set menu featuring ramen and donburi bowls. The broth is flavorful and the menu offers reasonable prices with many options.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has fantastic ramen and delicious donburi bowls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off on all hand rolls until 6 PM.

2

Reservations are required to meet a $50 per person minimum on weekends.

3

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

09
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1940s-style diner shines with vintage decor and a notable burger on the lunch menu. Cozy booths and a dog-friendly patio offer comfort and charm. Easy parking on Main Street adds to the relaxed vibe.

A historic spot with a throwback vibe offers counter seating and a menu featuring a notable burger. Parking is usually easy even on Main Street during lunch.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has such a cute diner charm."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

2

The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.

3

Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.

10
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Small Japanese spot shines with fresh sushi and cozy vibes. Lunch features affordable bento boxes perfect for groups or quick meals. Intimate setting with cherry blossoms and retro art makes it great for dates or casual dinners.

Offers simple lunch options with bento boxes around twenty dollars per person. Suitable for both small meals and big group outings.

People are saying

"This is a great lunch spot for casual, tasty sushi."

Good to know

1

Miyako Restaurant closes at 9 PM.

2

Parking may be hard to find due to limited street parking.

3

Expect to pay around $20 per person for lunch.

11
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Bright, airy space with plenty of sunlight and comfortable seating offers a cozy, relaxed vibe. Fresh, customizable salads with generous portions make it a top healthy lunch spot. Perfect for a quick, casual midday break with a standout view.

Quick access to healthy lunch options makes this spot stand out. It offers a chill atmosphere for a relaxed midday break.

People are saying

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is always amazing."

Good to know

1

Prices for salads start around $15, including tax.

2

The restaurant offers a large variety of salads and allows customization.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making salads a filling meal option.

12
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Greek restaurant shines with authentic music and a cozy atmosphere. Quick lunch options suit busy days, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe. Friendly energy and kid-friendly high chairs make it great for casual outings.

Offers a quick lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves well for a fast meal during work breaks or casual outings.

People are saying

"It's a great lunch spot for a quick bite."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

13
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Salad shop serves customizable salads and fresh wraps with generous portions. Quiet, clean space with modern interior and street views. Perfect for light, filling lunch but expect waits during rush hours.

Offers light but filling meals ideal for midday. Gets busy during lunch rush, which can delay order pickup.

People are saying

"The service at this lunch spot is so proactive and personal."

Good to know

1

Simply Salad offers healthy and affordable options for quick meals.

2

Prices are around $10 for a well-served salad bowl.

3

Parking on 2nd street can be tricky.

14
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Cozy cafe with warm Eastern European vibes offers generous lunch dishes perfect for quick or relaxed meals. Spacious sunny patio and dog-friendly amenities create a calm, friendly atmosphere. Background music and mixed crowd support quiet work or casual chats.

Lunch options include original and generous dishes. The spot suits a quick lunch or a relaxed meal.

People are saying

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so friendly and efficient."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

2

Payment is made at the counter; no servers for outdoor seating.

3

They offer gluten-free options, but vegan choices are limited.

15
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Seafood market blends fresh seafood with a lively oyster bar and casual dining. Quick lunch shines with a lobster roll deal perfect for solo or friends. Atmosphere mixes bustling energy and quiet spots, creating a true community hub.

Offers a quick lunch option with a lobster roll deal that stands out. Works well for a casual meal solo or with friends, especially when arriving early to avoid crowds.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has excellent, fresh seafood and fish."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

16
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Small space with beautiful decor offers a quiet vibe. Lunch features fresh entrees and an $18 sushi platter that shines. Affordable prices and happy hour with cash or digital pay make it a smart choice.

Lunch offers fresh entrees and an $18 sushi platter that stands out. Good lunch deals make it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The lunch special here is an unbeatable deal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 20% off the check but requires cash payment.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant on the right side.

3

The nearest ATM is not within walking distance for cash payments.

17
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Small, intimate spot offers fresh sushi and happy hour bento boxes for lunch. Cozy interior and beautiful terrace create a warm vibe. Staff add charm with personal touches like singing during celebrations.

Lunch features happy hour prices on special bento boxes, appetizers, and beer. Bento boxes serve as a solid choice for a midday meal with friends.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has fresh, delicious sushi."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 5pm with great prices on appetizers and drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special bento box during happy hour.

3

Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, accommodating larger parties.

18
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Outdoor seating creates a quiet courtyard perfect for relaxed hangouts. Menu features crispy chicken and creative sandwiches known for freshness. Quick, healthy options make it a great lunch spot with a chill vibe.

Quick and healthy lunch options stand out here. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed vibe for a midday break.

People are saying

"The chili dog at this Lunch Spot has fantastic, thick chili."

Good to know

1

Only outdoor seating is available, so dress appropriately for the weather.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

You can bring your pets onto the patio, which is a nice touch.

19
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Small Thai spot serves authentic Pad Thai and homemade egg rolls in a cozy, quiet space with good music. Lunch specials like Pad See Yu with basil offer great value and satisfy midday hunger. Prices stay reasonable with fresh, balanced portions.

Lunch offers good prices and lunch specials that provide solid value. Dishes like Pad See Yu with basil are available and satisfy midday hunger well.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has tasty food at really good prices."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great prices and value for money.

2

Expect quick service as food arrives faster than estimated delivery times.

3

The restaurant is small, so seating may be limited during peak hours.

20
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Large outdoor patio with warm fires creates a cozy, dog-friendly spot near the airport. Smooth jazz sets a peaceful vibe perfect for groups and families. Friendly ambiance makes it a great lunch spot for meeting friends or casual celebrations.

Offers a convenient location near the airport with easy walking access. Serves lunch with a friendly ambiance suitable for meeting friends. Functions well for brunch, lunch, or dinner options.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's large patio is dog and kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

21
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Cozy Mediterranean spot near college offers halal falafel and lamb gyro with fresh sauces. Perfect for a quick, affordable lunch between classes. Expect a friendly vibe and some parking challenges.

Offers a quick and convenient option for lunch, ideal for grabbing a meal between classes. The spot serves Halal falafel and has been a reliable choice for over 10 years.

People are saying

"I considered the falafel sandwich the best Lunch Spot I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking may be hard to find during school hours.

2

There is a free parking lot with about 10-15 spots available.

3

Only some items on the menu are halal.

22
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Cozy spot with family-owned vibe and a vibrant wall mural sets a warm tone. Fresh, flavorful Oaxacan dishes like birria tacos shine here. Perfect for lunch with a filling burrito and friendly staff, especially before the rush.

A good-sized burrito fills you up for lunch. Arriving by 11:30 helps avoid the lunch rush and the staff offers friendly service.

People are saying

"The street tacos at this Lunch Spot are loaded with meat and fixings."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca.

2

Parking is a little dense in that small strip mall.

3

A simple burrito costs almost twenty dollars with a can of soda.

23
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Minimalist design with traditional Japanese elements creates a calm, elegant space. Lunch offers premium sushi omakase featuring fresh selections like snowcrab handroll and ootoro. Open kitchen adds lively energy while booths ensure privacy for intimate meals.

Lunch features premium sushi omakase with eight pieces including snowcrab handroll, hamachi, sweet shrimp, salmon, ootoro, kanpachi, halibut, and red snapper. Specials like sushi and sashimi come at a set price and attract repeat visits.

People are saying

"The sushi and sashimi at this Lunch Spot were fresh and generous."

Good to know

1

The Omakase experience offers a curated selection of sushi and sashimi.

2

A 22% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

Expect to pay around $35-$50 for udon dishes.

24
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Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters for comfort. Menu has good lunch options with attentive service. Space is wheelchair-friendly and lively, blending casual and sexy vibes.

A relaxed rooftop with beautiful views sets the scene for lunch. The menu offers good options and the service is attentive.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food that's artfully plated."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost required due to high demand.

2

A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is charged per person.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient.

25
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Airy space with soft lighting sets an upscale lounge vibe. Quick service and generous portions make it a great lunch spot. DJ spins a mix of house and hip-hop, keeping energy lively but not loud.

Quick service and a calm atmosphere make it a solid lunch spot. Portions can be generous, with wraps often lasting into the next day.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing Mediterranean food with huge portions."

Good to know

1

Crimson offers halal options for those with dietary restrictions.

2

Prices are reasonable for the area, with meals offering good value.

3

Crimson is suitable for families and has plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.

26
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Halal restaurant with industrial decor offers a friendly vibe perfect for casual dining or working. Limited indoor seating and outdoor tables create a chill spot for quick lunch or dinner with friends or family.

A really chill spot great for a quick lunch with friends or family. It works well for both lunch and dinner occasions.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's skillet burgers and crispy tots are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Urban Skillet is 100% Halal.

2

The restaurant served halal beef and chicken.

3

Urban Skillet is open later than other local burger places.

27
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Bright space features an eclectic gallery wall and Margaritaville-themed bathroom. Gourmet sandwiches on house-baked focaccia shine, especially the Muffaletta Sandwich. Enjoy a gorgeous curbside patio in a lively, laidback neighborhood vibe.

Gourmet quality sandwiches come on house-baked focaccia, including a notable Muffaletta Sandwich. Portions are generous, with a half sandwich often enough for lunch.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's sandwiches on house-baked focaccia are incredible."

Good to know

1

The joint is small, so seating is tough.

2

Expect long queues around lunch hour.

3

They don't accept cash, only touchless payment methods.

28
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Traditional Italian deli offers authentic Italian groceries and a cozy, bustling vibe like Little Italy. Outdoor stone picnic tables make a great spot for lunch, especially the Godmother sandwich. Ordering online helps skip the wait during busy lunch hours.

Ordering online helps skip the wait during lunch. The Godmother sandwich stands out, alongside potato and cucumber salads and a chicken salad option for next-day meals.

People are saying

"I thought the Godmother sandwich was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

They accept only cash and debit card.

2

You need to grab a ticket with a number and wait until they call out the numbers.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

29
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Small Mexican spot offers comfort food with friendly service for a relaxed lunch near the beach. Spartan interiors and paper plate service keep it casual and family-friendly. Background Mexican tunes and local sports on TV add to the welcoming vibe.

Comfort food remains available for lunch far from home. Friendly service at the counter supports a relaxed lunch date vibe near the beach.

People are saying

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are freaking delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

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