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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central Boulder's best

Japanese lunch spots

Made for those who require a midday break and insist on Japanese cuisine to satisfy their lunch cravings.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Family-run sushi spot offers friendly casual atmosphere with affordable prices and generous portions. Popular among students for quick, quality meals near campus. Self-service system adds convenience to the experience.

Fresh salmon and seasoned rice create flavorful sushi rolls with consistent quality. The salmon poke bowl offers perfect portions and excellent toppings at an affordable price.

Offers a quick lunch option with a location that suits both fast meals and relaxed dining. Lunch visits often happen multiple days in a row, showing consistent appeal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and a great deal."

"You can't beat the quality for cheap, great sushi and poke."

"This lunch spot's Japanese cuisine is delectable and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider carpooling or using public transport.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a popular choice among students.

02
Nanaโ€™s Dim Sum & Dumplings image 1

Small dining space features hand-painted mural and kitchen viewing window where dumplings are made fresh. Atmosphere blends fast casual pace with warm, inviting aromas and traditional Chinese music. Seating is cozy and slightly cramped, creating an intimate but bustling environment.

Udon noodles come in stir fry and chicken versions, both flavorful. Small dumplings and a beef pancake also stand out alongside fried green beans.

Plenty of enticing options make lunch choices easy. The charming ambiance suits casual meals or celebrations. The beef pancake roll stands out as a lunch favorite.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is delicious."

"The soup dumplings here are plump, juicy, and a delightful burst."

"The Japanese food here, especially the dumplings, is so good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is limited, so arrive early.

2

Expect to pay around $14 for 6 dumplings, which some find overpriced.

3

The restaurant has a pre-calculated tip starting at 12%, which is lower than average.

03
Dry Storage image 1

Modern bakery and cafe with a quiet, chill atmosphere and stylish interior. Plenty of outdoor seating offers a relaxing space to catch up with friends. Known for unique pastries and premium bread, it blends subtle Japanese influences into its menu.

Onigiri stands out with great presentation and tasty flavors like congee and smoked trout. Pastries pair well with miso soup, and the croissant sandwich adds variety to the Japanese-inspired menu.

Offers a hybrid bakery and Japanese breakfast/lunch experience with standout coffee and bread. Lunch includes a main dish, a side of bread, and coffee, typically costing around $45.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was excellent and smooth."

"The onigiri here are tasty with great presentation."

"This lunch spot has really high-quality food, especially the bread."

Good to know

1

Lunch for two can cost around $50, so budget accordingly.

2

Outdoor seating is plentiful for those who prefer it.

3

Gluten-free options are available, and the bread is safe for gluten intolerant individuals.

04
The Ginger Pig Boulder image 1

Quasi food truck setup with a walk-up window creates a street vendor vibe and casual atmosphere. Outdoor stools and ledge offer minimal seating, emphasizing quick, takeout-style dining. The place draws a lively crowd, especially families, and stands out for its Michelin-starred street food and affordable bento boxes.

Bento boxes offer great value with plenty of food for $12. Char siu has a nice crisp on the edges but stays tender, while Karagge chicken is extremely tender. Salad and lumpia sides are also solid.

Lunch offers gourmet options that stay affordable. The bento box stands out as an excellent choice.

People are saying

"The bento box lunch spot is delicious and a solid deal."

"I never knew cucumber salad could be this tasty."

"The Japanese food bento boxes are a great deal and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no indoor seating; it's a takeout-only food truck.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider walking a couple of blocks.

3

Online ordering may not always work; calling ahead is recommended.

05
Quรฉ Rico! image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, modern space with a fresh salsa bar and mountain views from stool seating. Loud music creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a welcoming vibe. Small outdoor seating sits near the parking lot, adding casual options.

Birria ramen stands out as a unique dish on the menu. Several visits focus on trying this Japanese-Mexican fusion item.

Quick lunches feature tacos lunch special with excellent tacos and good value. The spot suits grabbing a satisfying meal after activities like hiking.

People are saying

"I loved the tender birria and flavorful carnitas in this Mexican food."

"The Lunch Spot menu has lots of great options."

"I can't wait to try the birria ramen, it looked so amazing."

Good to know

1

Quรฉ Rico! moved to a new location across the parking lot from the previous spot.

2

Prices have doubled at the new location compared to the old one.

3

The menu displayed online may not reflect current prices.

06
Jing ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Tiny space with intimate setting and anime figures on the walls creates a cozy, curated vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual, with serious flavor in the ramen that draws a steady crowd. Clean, welcoming environment pairs well with authentic Japanese dishes and friendly energy.

Ramen here is full of flavor and includes options like tan tan ramen and spicy miso ramen. Pork buns and gyoza come out quickly and pair well with the ramen bowls.

Quick seating for groups makes it easy to grab lunch with coworkers. The menu features Jing ramen as a main draw for midday meals.

People are saying

"This ramen is the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had in a while."

"The ramen broth at this Lunch Spot is deep, fresh, and phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Jing Ramen offers many vegetarian and vegan ramen options without sacrificing flavor.

2

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait to be seated.

3

Free parking is available for customers.

07
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi restaurant with a modern, sleek interior and interactive robot delivery creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Seating fits small groups comfortably, and the space feels compact but efficiently designed. The vibe suits casual meals and social hangouts with a steady buzz of activity.

Fresh, flavorful sushi comes with beautiful presentation and a wide variety of options. The sushi rice stands out for its quality, and prices offer better value than traditional sushi spots.

Lunch hours draw a crowded crowd. Solo diners find it engaging and lively.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and unlike any other."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's robot delivered my drink right to me!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay around $4 per plate, which can add up quickly.

3

You can order additional items through a touch screen at your table.

08
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small space with basic setup and limited seating focuses on takeout. Atmosphere stays mellow and relaxed with chill island music playing. Offers authentic Hawaiian flavors and generous portions at affordable prices.

Chicken Katsu stands out with its huge portion and great flavors that match the taste from Maui. Other items like Manapua and Musubi also show strong authentic Hawaiian influences.

Lunch plates come with generous portions and a ridiculous amount of food. The Hawaiian plate lunch options serve as a solid go-to for a filling midday meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the Hawaiian BBQ chicken; it's amazing."

"The chicken katsu here tastes just like home."

"This lunch spot has a ridiculous amount of food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for under $20.

2

Parking can be limited, so arrive early.

3

They have a large menu with options for picky eaters.

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