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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of South Pasadena

Lunch spots

A lunch spot that gets you back to your day without making you sacrifice the quality of your meal.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Dumpling Tops image 1
Dumpling Tops image 2
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Asian restaurant

Cozy Asian restaurant with a mural-sized historical picture on the wall creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The space fills with families, sometimes becoming noisy due to small children. Offers a varied vegan menu alongside authentic Taiwanese dishes, distinguishing it from typical noodle spots.

Food features authentic Taiwanese cuisine with flavorful and delicious dishes. Sesame balls stand out as a notable specialty.

Late lunch visits happen here often with groups or couples. Meals tend to be underwhelming and do not stand out during midday hours.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are perfectly juicy and flavorful."

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot was really good."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available in the back of the building around the corner.

2

The parking lot behind Dumpling Tops is small and often crowded.

3

A reservation is recommended for evening visits.

02
Oak Tree Inn image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dining room features table linens, interesting art, and light fixtures that create a comfortable, welcoming space. Atmosphere is calm and relaxing with a family-style dining experience and frequent bustling crowds. Large parties fit well around round tables with useful lazy Susan setups for sharing food.

Food features authentic Cantonese flavors with dishes that are well-seasoned and fresh. Prices stay fair and service runs smoothly with no wait times.

Lunch offers great deals with very reasonable prices and hearty servings. The selection for lunch specials is enormous and provides excellent value.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese seafood here to be the best."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh and tastes great."

"I found the Chinese food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high customer volume.

2

Parking is free but fills up quickly during peak hours.

3

Lunch specials include generous portions, soup, and rice.

03
The Munch Company image 1
Sandwich shop

Soft calming music creates a soothing atmosphere with plenty of seating options. Friendly family operation brings a charming, wholesome vibe to a well-lit space. Sandwiches feature fresh, creative combinations like turkey fig and brie, appealing to those who enjoy thoughtful flavors.

Freshness and good quality define the food here. Smoothies and teas complement the menu, and the current offerings reflect a return to the original, amazing recipes after changes by previous owners.

Bright and welcoming, this spot serves a variety of sandwiches and offers party platters for lunch. Family-run with a focus on fresh, tasty meals.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best sandwich around."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ordering online is recommended to avoid delays since only two owners handle orders.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours; reservations are not accepted.

3

Half portions of all sandwiches are available for those wanting smaller sizes.

04
Cos & Pi image 1
Brunch restaurant

Small, cozy brunch spot with indoor and outdoor seating including a shaded patio. Atmosphere is chill but loud, with music that can overpower conversation. Known for creative dishes and affordable avocado toast.

Food here stays consistently delicious and creative with a focus on healthy dishes. Service supports a relaxed vibe while keeping the quality high.

Offers delicious breakfast and lunch items with a solid local vibe. Serves as a reliable spot for lunch and watching games in the evening.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be perfectly cooked and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, fresh, and delicious breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot behind the building.

2

There is plenty of free street parking nearby.

3

Seating is available both inside and outside.

05
Hi-Life Burgers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Quaint hamburger joint with classic diner feel and old school vibe offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with covered outdoor seating. Booths seat four tightly, and the place stays bustling without chaos. Music plays softly, creating a comfortable spot for quick meals or casual dining.

Food comes out fresh and made to order with consistently good quality. The menu features all-around American classics like chili cheese fries, offering satisfying portions at reasonable prices.

Offers a varied menu with options like bacon cheeseburgers and taquitos with guacamole. Serves lunch alongside breakfast and dinner, making it a consistent go-to spot during midday hours.

People are saying

"I loved the char-grilled burgers that tasted like outdoor BBQ."

"The burgers here are juicy, flavorful, and taste like they're from a BBQ."

"Their chicken salad is the best I can get at a takeout spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

2

Expect large portion sizes, especially with fries.

3

Zucchini fries are best eaten immediately to avoid sogginess.

06
Heirloom Bakery & Cafe image 1

Cozy bakery with indoor and outdoor seating, including a shaded patio ideal for relaxing and watching the metro. The atmosphere is nice and chill, lively in the morning with a friendly, relaxing vibe. Unique pastries and breakfast options attract a steady crowd despite limited indoor space.

Food features fresh, high quality ingredients made from scratch daily. Meals offer incredible flavors and consistently deliver a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch items with a solid reputation for brunch. Feels like a local spot where people enjoy casual meals.

People are saying

"The coffee here is awesome, and the food is great too."

"The food here is fantastic, made with high-quality ingredients."

"I considered this my favorite lunch spot where the staff knew me by name."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, but there are nearby lots and street spaces.

2

Expect to pay around $15 to $20 per person for a meal.

3

A $1.00 charge applies for almond milk in drinks.

07
Piccadilly Grace South Pasadena image 1

Outdoor patio offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with good vibes and music that evoke a European feel. The space suits both solo diners and groups, creating a cozy and chic setting. Rustic, house-made bread and flavorful sandwiches stand out as key features.

Amazing food pairs with cozy setting and attentive service.

A shaded garden patio offers a quiet spot even during the lunch rush. The farmers daughter salad serves as a quick lunch option, though bread freshness could improve by baking closer to lunchtime.

People are saying

"I adored the chicken pesto sandwich; it was perfectly creamy and salty."

"You have to try the food; I dreamed about this sandwich."

"The bread at this Lunch Spot is outstanding."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available around the restaurant.

2

The menu has changed; sandwiches no longer come with a salad.

3

Prices have increased after the recent ownership change.

08
Golden China Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Family-run Chinese restaurant with a huge menu and generous portions offers a vibrant atmosphere suitable for gatherings. Lunch specials provide great deals and parking is usually easy. The setting feels quaint and welcoming despite occasional chaotic moments.

Food features a variety of fresh vegetables and stays fresh and hot even with delayed pickup. Dishes are consistently delicious and tasty with a good selection to choose from.

Lunch specials include Orange Chicken, wonton soup, and xiaolong bao. Meals come with Eggdrop or Hot & Sour soup, a spring roll, crisp lettuce, and a scoop of white or fried rice.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal and generously portioned."

"The dinner combo was excellent and surprisingly varied."

Good to know

1

The lunch specials offer great value and attract many customers.

2

Parking is usually available near the restaurant.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for two meals.

09
Ai Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy home-like atmosphere with comfortable booths and a sushi bar that adds a fun element. The vibe is down-to-earth and welcoming, suitable for family gatherings and intimate nights. The setting balances a peaceful ambiance with positive, warming energy.

Food offers authentic Japanese flavor with large lunch combinations that often leave leftovers for takeout. The dishes consistently deliver delicious taste and pair well with cocktails.

Lunch specials offer large portions with a mix like karaage and California rolls. Meals come at an economical price and often leave leftovers for takeout.

People are saying

"I thought this Japanese food was the best sushi in town."

"The lunch spot specials are delicious and economical."

"The food here is remarkably delicious and like home-cooked Japanese cuisine."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is available behind the restaurant, but can be limited during peak hours.

3

Combo lunch prices are reasonable, offering good portion sizes.

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South Pasadena, California

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