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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Salad lunch spots

A lunch-hour salad that actually keeps you full until dinner without forcing you to wait in a massive line.

Based on 838 Opinions
+835
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Updated May 2026
01
The Curious Palate image 1
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New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Salads feature fresh, locally sourced vegetables and come in generous portions. Options like the Thai Satay Salad with chicken and the house salad offer a balance of flavors and quality ingredients.

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

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"The spicy kale Caesar salad is a must-try."

"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.

02
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior features modern design and beautiful chandeliers with a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxed dining. A robot waitress named Bella delivers food, adding a unique touch to the experience. The place attracts those seeking high-quality sushi in a cozy, inviting setting.

Lunch boxes come with a salad with ginger dressing that pairs well with teriyaki chicken and crunch roll. The udon salad offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

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 Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh, well-prepared sushi."

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

"The seaweed salad here is so flavorful and fresh."

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.

03
Monica Cafe image 1

Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art creates an inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz music plays quietly, supporting a calm, work-friendly vibe. The environment blends Midwest/East Coast big city classiness with a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Fresh and satisfying salads come with options like chicken salad and dishes paired with Turkish eggs. Salads serve as a healthy, light lunch choice alongside strong espresso and smooth lattes.

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

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved their fresh, flavorful chicken salad."

"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.

04
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and lovely patio. Music plays softly, creating a calm, inviting vibe without loud noise or crowds. The setting feels warm and simple, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Penne and Caesar Salad stands out as a go-to meal. The Mediterranean salad is also good, but salads take a long time to arrive, sometimes up to 30 minutes.

Lunch here comes quickly during a quiet service with few people around. Food tastes very good and can be enjoyed in the sun on the high street.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The pasta at this Lunch Spot is fresh and homemade."

"I found the Mediterranean salad to be good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

05
Simply Salad image 1
Salad shop

Salad shop offers customizable salads and fresh wraps with a variety of toppings including multiple beans and meats. The atmosphere is quiet and clean with a simple, modern interior and views of the street scene. Prices remain reasonable while portions are generous and service is quick.

Salads come with super fresh ingredients and a variety of toppings like multiple beans, meats, and cheeses. Prices hover around 10 dollars for a well-served bowl, and the atmosphere stays clean and inviting.

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

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh and delicious."

"I found the healthy foods here to be delicious and fresh."

"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.

06
MIXT Salads image 1
Salad shop

Bright, airy space with plenty of sunlight and comfortable seating creates a cozy atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed, suited for enjoying fresh, customizable salads with generous portions. It offers a healthy, casual dining experience with a view that stands out.

Salads feature fresh organic ingredients with many vegan options. Portions are large and filling, including options like Mediterranean and elote special salads with a wide variety of fresh and cooked vegetables.

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

People are saying

"I was obsessed with these brilliant salads; I could eat them for every meal."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the healthy foods."

"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.

07
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Sea-themed salads stand out with options like seaweed salad and Crab Louie. The selection includes various pokes and salads served alongside dishes like fish tacos.

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The seafood in this salad is so fresh and delicious."

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.

08
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Lunch features stellar meals served in a hotel restaurant and at Calabra. Both spots offer satisfying options for midday dining.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"The staff here made my lunch feel so special and memorable."

"My friend said the Caesar salad was the best she's ever had."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

09
Nick The Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with authentic music enhancing the vibe. Seating includes a nice outdoor area and high chairs for kids, though indoor space can feel warm and smokey. The place fills up during busy times but maintains a low-key, friendly energy throughout.

Greek salads come with fresh cucumbers and classic toppings. Options include a side Greek salad that pairs well with pitas and falafel. Salads are part of combo meals with fries and drinks.

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

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyros, is delicious."

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the amazing falafel pita."

"I loved their delicious salads and bowls."

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.

10
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths provide privacy. Atmosphere suits both casual and intimate meals with a calm, authentic vibe.

Freshness stands out with the green salad here. The salad tastes quite good overall.

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 here is so fresh and delicious."

"The green salad here is so fresh."

"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.

11
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Salads feature well-seasoned proteins like salmon and blackened chicken. Dressings are light, and ingredients stay fresh and flavorful.

Lunch offers a prix fixe menu around $18 with attentive and friendly service. It serves as a reasonably priced spot for a midday meal or happy hour.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"The server made excellent recommendations for the salad."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

12
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli combines market, cafรฉ, and quick-stop in a bustling, cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian grocery offerings. Outdoor seating includes stone picnic tables for enjoying sandwiches. The vibe recalls Little Italy in Manhattan with a quaint, small-town charm.

Chicken salad features fresh white meat with no gristle, combined with crisp onions, peppers, and herbs in mayo. Potato and cucumber salads also appear, with salads tasting homemade and fresh.

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

"The Godmother sandwich with the works is the best choice."

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

"The Godmother sandwich was mouth watering."

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.

13
Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters that keep the space comfortable despite the breeze. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy, entertaining vibe, attracting a lively crowd. Accessibility features include elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating.

Salads here include a huge lobster salad designed for sharing and a seared ahi tuna salad that holds up well. The watermelon salad pairs nicely with other dishes like latkes, adding fresh contrast.

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

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, especially the slow-roasted chicken."

"The vegan salad here is surprisingly delicious and filling."

"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.

14
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Salads here are consistently bright and fresh, featuring options like arugula and a notable kale salad. The salad with peach adds a unique, sweet twist to the mix.

A lunch menu runs alongside a happy hour, drawing a varied crowd. Weekend lunch options show limited variety and quantity.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"The salads here are bright, fresh, and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot organized free meals for responders during the fires."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

15
Mysa image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Airy space with red tones and soft lighting creates an upscale lounge vibe. DJ plays a mix of house and hip-hop, keeping energy lively without overpowering conversation. Offers halal Mediterranean food with generous portions and reasonable prices.

Salads come with generous portions and often include sides like kale or pesto pasta salad. Options pair well with grilled salmon or BBQ chicken wraps, offering hot and flavorful combinations.

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

"The food here is delicious and fresh with large servings."

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

"The service here makes every salad amazing."

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.

16
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Trendy, chic vibe defines the lunch experience here. Express lunch offers great prices and Sundays bring a lively brunch and lunch scene.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The salads here are amazing, with attentive and friendly service."

"The food at this lunch spot is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

17
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup offers an engaging dining experience with chefs performing theatrical grilling shows at each table. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun, lively atmosphere suited for date nights and family outings. A second-level bar adds to the venue's entertaining vibe and interactive energy.

Fresh and flavorful ginger salad starts the meal alongside a tasty onion soup. Both dishes keep the pace steady and drinks topped off.

Lunch features great specials with standout options like the lunch duet of chicken and shrimp. The service team including the GM, server, and chef contribute to a memorable dining experience.

People are saying

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

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so attentive and friendly."

"The chef's entertaining performance made the salad worth the visit."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

18
Bludso's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Brick walls and concrete floors frame a space filled with multiple TVs showing sports and a full bar serving distinctive cocktails. The atmosphere is friendly and casual with an easygoing vibe despite occasional loudness from busy take-out orders. The place draws a crowd that appreciates authentic barbecue and lively energy.

Fresh chives add an unusual and sublime touch to the salad. The homemade potato salad stands out alongside other hearty sides.

Lunch offers delicious sandwiches like jackfruit and brisket specials with two sides. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is so juicy and tender."

"I found their salad to be good."

"The brisket at this lunch spot is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5, but the lot is small and spaces are compact.

2

Dinner plates are large enough to share, but they are expensive.

3

A pound of rib tips costs $38, which is on the higher side.

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