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Lunch spots for salsa in Temecula

A midday break is improved by a side of fresh salsa.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina image 1
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina image 2
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina image 3
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Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and traditional folk art creates a cool vibe inside and on the dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere suits both intimate dinners and lively gatherings, with shaded outdoor seating featuring misters. Strong, tasty margaritas and standout dishes like guacamole and carne asada tacos complement the inviting setting.

Lunch offers a relaxed atmosphere with enjoyable food and drinks. The spot works well for casual midday meals and family gatherings.

Salsa here stands out for its exceptional flavor and pairs perfectly with crispy chips. Drinks complement the salsa, making the combination fantastic.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is much better than normal Tex Mex."

"I thought the salsa was the best I ever had."

"The chicken flautas at this Lunch Spot are so tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

2

Rice and beans cost an extra $5 with entrees, unlike many other places.

3

Expect large portion sizes that provide good value for the price.

02
El Canario Carnitas image 1

Small restaurant offers a cozy, homey vibe with a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Authentic Mexican background music plays softly, enhancing the warm, inviting environment. The space feels clean and well decorated, creating a comfortable dining experience.

Lunch feels like a family gathering with a relaxed vibe. The spot stays calm during lunch rush, making it easy to enjoy a meal without crowds.

Chips and salsa show clear care for quality and flavor. Green salsa with carnitas tastes simply delicious, making the salsa and chips stand out in the area.

People are saying

"I'd drive from Orange County just for these carnitas."

"I'd drive here just for the carnitas; they're amazing."

"The potato tacos at this Lunch Spot are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Weekend specials are available, offering unique dishes at a discount.

3

The restaurant is located in an industrial area, making it less visible.

03
Cocina Del Carmen Temecula image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining area features a lovely mural and Latino Cubano music that creates a chill, quiet atmosphere. The place balances a clean, neat decor with a casual vibe, avoiding loud music and focusing on food. Craft beers on tap complement authentic Mexican dishes known for their exceptional flavor.

Lunch offers a great spot for a casual date with options that pair well with a Modelo beer. Positive word-of-mouth highlights it as a go-to lunch choice.

Salsa features homemade recipes crafted by the owner's mother, delivering an authentic and flavorful taste. The flavors stand out as original and delicious, avoiding typical cookie-cutter profiles.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan food here is so authentic and flavorful, it exceeded our expectations."

"This Lunch Spot's Oaxacan food exceeded all expectations."

"The salsa here is original and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

The restaurant offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine, not just typical Mexican dishes.

3

Reservations are not required, but it's good to check for busy times.

04
Guadalajara Mexican Grill & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant combines festive decor with a vibrant patio and live mariachi music that energizes the space. Seating feels tight and crowded, especially indoors, while the patio can be noisy. The mix of bar and dining areas creates a lively, social atmosphere.

Lunch comes quickly with minimal wait for drinks or food. Outdoor seating offers a chance to watch games while eating with coworkers or family in a relaxed setting.

Complimentary chips come with a homemade salsa dip that stands out. Staff serve chips and salsa quickly, keeping the experience smooth and fresh.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and fairly priced."

"The salsa and chips were full and great."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos, like the Macho, are a delicious choice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday with discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing, so arrive early for the best selection.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays; expect a lively atmosphere.

05
Tacos & Beer Mi Lindo Mexico image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a beautiful interior with authentic Mexican artwork and multiple TVs playing music videos. Atmosphere is lively with a DJ on weekend evenings and a self-serve horchata bar. Outdoor patio and indoor seating provide options for casual dining or watching games.

Lunch features a lunch special with three large fish tacos, rice, beans, chips, salsa, and a drink for $17.99. The spot offers a casual vibe suitable for a midday meal or a fun night out.

Salsas here offer a medium spicy kick with authentic flavor. The salsa bar stands out, and the spicy red salsa tastes like homemade.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, packed with flavor and delicious."

"The salsa has a perfect, flavorful kick."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2pm with $5 margaritas and 50% off beer.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos every Tuesday.

3

An automatic 18% gratuity is added for groups of seven or more.

06
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Seafood Cantina image 1

Full-sized bar with live DJ sets a loud, upbeat atmosphere that energizes the space. Clean, organized dining areas feature attractive decor and comfy bar seating. Authentic Mexican dishes accompany a wide variety of margaritas, creating a vibrant dining experience.

Lunch offers great food with lunch specials that stand out. Meals serve well for a midday break.

Chips come with hot and mild salsas served quickly, even when busy. The red chip salsa has wonderful flavor with a bit of back end heat.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very good."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are huge and delicious."

"The salsa here has wonderful flavor with a bit of back end heat."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos all day.

3

Karaoke night is every Wednesday starting at 8pm with no cover charge.

07
Rosa's Cafe & Tortilla Factory image 1

Bright, colorful space with authentic Mexican decor and hand-painted furniture creates a festive atmosphere. Salsa bar and freshly made tortillas add to the lively, casual vibe. Seating includes both inside and patio options, welcoming families and groups.

Busy and a little loud during lunch, it serves quick and nutritious meals. Popular choices include the steak quesadilla and fajitas with vegetables wrapped in one tortilla without extras like rice or beans.

Several kinds of salsa, pico, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos fill the salsa bar. The chili de Arbol stands out among the fresh, flavorful options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is really good and delicious."

"I always enjoyed the food and the salsa here."

"This lunch spot has great, consistent food."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos, beans, and rice for about $8.

2

Expect a packed house on Taco Tuesdays; arrive early.

3

The taco special is available all day on Tuesdays.

08
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant occupies a second-floor space with balcony seating offering views of streets and mountains. Atmosphere is loud and high energy with loud music and festive celebrations involving rattles and flaming candles. Decor includes unique artwork and Day of the Dead themed Mexican style.

Lunch here features lunch-sized burritos and chicken tacos that satisfy hunger fully. The spot works well for a casual midday meal while exploring the area.

Salsa comes with complimentary chips that are delicious, though sometimes chips are not served automatically. The habanero salsa offers a spicy and flavorful kick.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious."

"The chips and salsa here are delicious."

"The Lunch Spot's taquitos dorados were good, especially the red tortilla."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features tacos priced at $0.99 each.

2

Sunday brunch is an all-you-can-eat buffet for $40, including mimosas.

3

The elevator has been out of service for over a month, affecting accessibility.

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Temecula, California

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