Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in East Lansing

Lunch and date spots

A midday meal feels more significant when shared with someone you want to impress.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Mi Sushi & Noodles image 1
Mi Sushi & Noodles image 2
Mi Sushi & Noodles image 3
View all
Japanese restaurant

Small space filled with anime decor and Japanese figurines creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Seating is comfortable but limited, leading to busy times when finding a seat is difficult. The vibe stays quiet and convivial, with bright lighting and interesting art throughout.

Lunch specials offer three rolls for $16 and options to pick two or three items from a variety menu. Choices include sushi and ramen bowls, making it a solid spot for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Friendly staff remember favorite drinks, adding a personal touch to the experience. Couples enjoy sharing Ramen bowls, seafood udon, and sushi burritos in a relaxed setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi and katsu, was excellent."

"I loved the sushi burrito; my boyfriend tried to steal it."

"This lunch spot has amazing sushi and good value."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special of three rolls for $16.

2

Vegetarian options are available on the menu.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

02
RJ's Burgers & Ice Cream Co. East Lansing image 1

Bright, colorful space with 1950s soda shop decor and a classic diner vibe creates an upbeat, fun atmosphere. Music plays loudly, adding energy to the environment. The place draws families and groups looking for a friendly, inviting setting with generous portions and standout burgers and ice cream.

Offers tasty burger and chicken lunch options suitable for family or coworkers. Serves lunch alongside dinner and dessert choices.

Casual outings fit well here, whether with a partner or friends. The jalapeños add a nice kick, and the vibe suits both girls' dates and couples.

People are saying

"I thought the smash burgers were some of the best around."

"This lunch spot has fantastic burgers and fries."

"I thought the burgers here were the best I've had in a long time."

Good to know

1

The portions are amazing for the price.

2

RJ's Burgers & Ice Cream Co. is vegan friendly.

3

There are tons of options for the burgers including vegetarian substitutions.

03
Zhen Ramen & Grill image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with simple elegant Japanese style and low lighting creates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The vibe feels intimate and welcoming, drawing people who appreciate calm dining. A singing robot adds a unique, playful touch to the experience.

Many delicious Japanese lunch items are available, making it a great spot for lunch. The menu offers a variety of choices suitable for a satisfying midday meal.

Dishes like tonkatsu curry rice and miso ramen stand out with crunchy breading and rich flavors. Rice balls and ramen offer solid options for sharing on a date.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious with rich, flavorful broth."

"The spicy ramen here is fantastic and full of flavor."

"The lunch spot here has amazing, vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts soon; check for specific dates and times.

2

The restaurant offers many vegetarian options, including tofu substitutions.

3

A 3-course meal for two costs less than $50.

04
Angela's Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with natural light, plants, and string lights creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Music mixes genres unpredictably, adding a casual vibe. Tables sit close together, encouraging a social but intimate setting.

Cozy spot with a more extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Offers wonderful breakfast and lunch options in a lowkey setting.

Small cafe offers a nice ambiance for catching up or having a cute date. Food leaves both parties super satisfied, with options like the veggie omelet.

People are saying

"The breakfast skillet was just what I needed, perfectly portioned and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's pesto sandwich was divine."

"The food here is amazing, especially the pulled pork sandwich."

Good to know

1

Angela's Cafe offers all-day breakfast and coffee until 8 pm.

2

The prices at Angela's Cafe are very reasonable, making quality food affordable.

3

At Angela's Cafe, you pay at the register.

05
Chtoura Mediterranean Grill image 1

Open dining area with fresh decor and lots of windows creates a clean, bright atmosphere. The vibe is calming and elegant, welcoming for casual meals or quick bites. Guests enjoy complimentary tea and unlimited pitas, enhancing the relaxed experience.

Offers quick lunch options near MSU with Mediterranean flavors. Suitable for groups, providing a family-friendly atmosphere and satisfying meals.

Offers a cozy atmosphere suitable for dates with consistently delicious food. The Meat Grape Leaves stand out as a favorite dish to share.

People are saying

"The chicken shawarma food is really great, with tender meat and warm spices."

"The Mediterranean food here is a perfect date spot experience."

"This lunch spot has delicious food that's served hot."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of over 30 minutes for food during peak hours.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant is known for being clean and welcoming.

06
Bowl and Above image 1

Anime-themed decor and artistic murals create a cozy, fun atmosphere with great music playing. Games and a small shop add entertainment and charm. The vibe suits a university town crowd, making it inviting and lively.

Offers quick lunch options with a focus on healthy meals. Suitable for grabbing a bite during a busy day.

Sushi burritos and chicken bowls offer bold flavors that impress couples. Every dish delivers rich taste that makes it a favorite spot for dates.

People are saying

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

"These Date Spots have amazing, flavorful sushi burritos and poke bowls."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not specify allergens on the menu, so check with staff if needed.

2

Portion sizes are generous, often leaving customers with leftovers.

3

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

07
Sindhu Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant offers an intimate and welcoming atmosphere with calming decor and friendly energy. Lighting tends to be bright, and music varies from great to absent, shaping a mixed vibe. Regulars appreciate the authentic cuisine and consider it among the best in the area.

Lunch features a buffet with Indian dishes including Tikka Masala. Service is attentive and can accommodate special occasions like birthdays.

Lunch and dinner offer authentic Indian cuisine with dishes like butter naan that stand out. The setting suits date nights well, providing a consistent experience under new ownership.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked well."

"The lunch buffet here has a great variety of classic Indian dishes."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buffet on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch.

2

The buffet costs $24 per person, which may be considered expensive.

3

The buffet may not be refilled promptly as food gets emptied.

08
Boiling Pots Hot Pot & Chinese Cuisine image 1

Spacious dining area with contemporary decor and a tablet ordering system creates a modern, inviting setting. Atmosphere stays low-key and quiet, ideal for relaxed conversation over hot pot stoves. Menu offers extensive options, including vegetarian and beef dishes, with sizable portions and fresh ingredients.

A quiet spot for hot pot during off-peak lunch hours. The place fills mostly with small groups, offering a warm meal to break up the day.

Stir fry dishes serve as generous portions that can cover multiple meals. Beef options stand out as a popular choice for couples sharing plates.

People are saying

"The Chinese food hot pot here is amazing and packed with fresh ingredients."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and a great value."

"The food here is delicious and tasty for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a massive menu with numerous options, including vegetarian and beef dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable, with portions being sizable and of good quality.

3

The restaurant is less busy after lunch hours, making it a good time to visit.

09
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers custom graffiti art and murals representing Spartan Nation on large windows and walls. Atmosphere is energetic and loud, filled with a young crowd and fun music. Seating is ample but can feel crowded in some locations.

Fast service pairs with great flavor for lunch. Offers a quick and different option for a midday meal or takeout.

Milkshakes come as a surprise treat, adding a sweet touch to the experience. Portions are shareable, making it easy to enjoy dishes together on a date.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really flavorful."

"The sliders here are flavorful and hearty."

"This lunch spot has super flavorful, juicy chicken."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and street parking is not available.

2

Mobile app ordering is available and efficient for quick service.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with a meal costing around $20.

10
Korea House Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with large tables and authentic Korean music and decor. It serves generous portions of traditional dishes with unique sauces, attracting diners seeking genuine flavors. The space feels clean and cozy, suitable for solo or group meals.

Lunch specials cost $13.75 now with less food and poor preparation. The spicy chicken lacks the expected spice and quality.

Sharing the 36 piece sashimi special stands out as a memorable experience. It suits couples looking for a shared meal with variety and freshness.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the kimchi, is amazing and delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is really good and worth the drive."

"The food here is amazing for a date spot."

Good to know

1

The budae chigae serves two but can easily feed three to four people.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

3

Expect no wait for a table during off-peak hours.

11
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Casual restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and a warm vibe that feels like home. Bar area hosts a lively crowd enjoying cheap drinks and spirited game watching. Decor includes an Eastern Quakers mural adding unique character to the space.

Staff create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere for couples. Sharing dishes like the Asian salad adds to the experience. Friendly and attentive service makes date nights comfortable and enjoyable.

People are saying

"Our server Corey's attentive service made our dinner a smooth experience."

"The servers here are so kind and outstanding."

"Our Lunch Spot server Ramona was so attentive and gave excellent service."

Good to know

1

Expect some tables to be left unbussed, impacting the overall cleanliness.

2

Service quality can vary; some staff members are noted for being friendly.

3

Food freshness is questionable; some ingredients may not be replaced regularly.

12
Royal Pot Bistro御鼎鲜 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Tables feature individual hot pots allowing personalized broths, surrounded by Chinese decor with bamboo barriers and a central dark tree. The atmosphere stays calm and soothing with soft instrumental music, creating a cozy and inviting space. A robot waiter delivers food and adds a unique touch to the dining experience.

Lunch feels rushed with waiters pressing about tips. Space to relax during lunch is limited despite the amazing food.

Fragrant, flavorful, and spicy food creates a lively dining experience. Friendly young gentlemen staff add to the welcoming vibe, making it a solid choice for a date night.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the very good Chinese food, especially the hot pot."

"The staff here makes your Date Spots experience so welcoming and helpful."

"The Lunch Spot's flavors are robust and pronounced for every ingredient."

Good to know

1

Food safety concerns have been raised regarding hygiene and quality.

2

Prices are reasonable, providing good value for money.

3

Each item is charged separately; there is no buffet option.

13
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, crowded fast food spot with loud music and tight seating creates a noisy, energetic vibe. Walls feature college-themed artwork reflecting local school spirit. Busy atmosphere often includes long lines and a packed dining area.

Lunch hours bring a packed crowd with lines often stretching out the door. Employees handle the rush efficiently, keeping service moving during busy times.

Frequent visits show this spot draws couples who enjoy popular chicken fingers and appreciate staff who help with orders. Wait times can be long, but the team stays late to assist with special needs like forgotten items.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and served hot."

"This lunch spot has excellent, crispy, juicy chicken."

"The food here is amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Parking at this location is a bit of a nightmare.

2

The line at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers moves quickly during busy hours.

3

Be sure to order the sauce or the tenders will be underwhelming.

14
Everyday Authentic Chinese Cuisine image 1

Bright and clean space with a mix of quiet mornings and bustling activity during peak times. Atmosphere feels friendly and genuine, attracting many Chinese families. Offers authentic Cantonese cuisine with top-notch dim sum and flavorful dishes not typical of American Chinese restaurants.

Lunch offers a variety of dishes with mixed results, including some that cost around $30. Staff appear tired and unenthusiastic during lunch hours.

Couples often explore the menu by ordering different dishes to share. The spot offers authentic Chinese cuisine that appeals to those familiar with the flavors.

People are saying

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot was incredible and authentic."

"You have to try the salted pineapple custard bun, it's a must for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Dim sum is only available on Sundays.

2

The restaurant offers live seafood like tilapia, lobsters, and crabs.

3

You need to know what you want before they come to the table.

Discover more

East Lansing, Michigan

Area guide
Loading Map...