Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Afton Oaks / River Oaks

Lunch spots with salad

Made for those who view a midday meal as a chance to fuel up with fresh greens without sacrificing their limited time.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Nielsen's Delicatessen image 1
Nielsen's Delicatessen image 2
Nielsen's Delicatessen image 3
View all

Small mom-and-pop deli with an old-school vibe and longstanding local loyalty. Atmosphere is straightforward and efficient, offering quick service with both eat-in and take-out options. Known for homemade potato salad and classic sandwiches featuring high-quality deli meats and fresh ingredients.

Potato salad stands out with its rich, comforting texture and a taste that honors tradition. Fruit salad features fresh pineapple chunks that add a burst of sunshine, while roast beef and chicken salads offer fantastic flavors.

Homemade mayonnaise stands out in the chicken and potato salads. The cold box offers enough variety for a light, indulgent lunch.

People are saying

"I found the sandwich here to be simple, clean, and tasty."

"The potato salad here is magical and comforting."

"This Lunch Spot's pastrami sandwich is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Nielsen's Delicatessen offers both eat-in and take-out options.

2

There is parking behind Little Jimmy's in the free parking garage just behind the deli.

3

You can call ahead for your order to save time.

02
TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a modern, upscale design with Japanese lanterns and a cherry blossom tree creating an immersive atmosphere. Music is upbeat and loud, contributing to an energetic vibe that may challenge deep conversations. The place balances a sophisticated, stylish setting with a lively, cool energy.

Cucumber salad stands out with its refreshing crunch and a touch of pickled ginger that adds a special zing. It works well as a light, crisp starter.

Black Widow Roll and chow mein stand out as lunch choices. The spot offers a perfect atmosphere for a girls lunch with notable decor and drinks.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is outstanding and so personable."

"The cucumber salad starter is so refreshing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

Expect wait times of 30-45 minutes during weekend dinner hours.

3

Happy hour runs until 6 pm with a variety of menu options.

03
Little Rey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious patio with dog-friendly features and a nearby green lawn creates a relaxed, family-oriented vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light inside, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of options, adding a casual, interactive element to the dining experience.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and tender chicken with a sweet and savory twist. They pair well with tacos and offer a healthy, flavorful option.

Regularly chosen for lunch breaks and store meetings, this spot offers a reliable place to grab lunch. It serves both breakfast and lunch options, making it a convenient choice nearby.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the chicken."

"The salads here are fresh, healthy, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot offers quality food at unbeatable prices."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost about $7 each, which may be considered pricey by some.

2

The restaurant has a dog-friendly patio, perfect for pet owners.

3

Little Rey is located conveniently off Westheimer at Mid Lane.

04
Azumi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers modern elegant design with dim lighting and pleasant background music creating an intimate atmosphere. It gets loud during peak hours and features a separate bar area popular for happy hour cocktails. The space includes ample seating and a pretty patio suitable for various events.

House salad arrives early and pairs well with uni, creating a notable start. Seaweed salad and other greens appear alongside sushi and small plates, adding fresh, light options.

Quiet atmosphere suits lunch well with a lovely outdoor space available. The lunch menu offers improved quality and includes some happy hour items, with easy seating even on Saturdays.

People are saying

"The uni here tastes like the sea, clean and briny."

"The uni here tastes like the sea, so fresh and pristine."

"This Lunch Spot's sushi, especially the tuna crispy rice, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available daily from 3 to 6 PM.

2

Expect a wait if arriving during happy hour, especially on Fridays.

3

Parking is available in a garage a few streets away.

05
Antone's image 1
Poโ€™ boys restaurant

Shop reflects 1950s theme with a cozy, clean atmosphere and a small patio. Sandwiches are big and meaty, offering great value and quick, friendly service. Popular for classic po' boys and subs, it draws locals for lunch.

Salads come fresh and tasty with a notable chicken salad that stands out. Some salads resemble parsley mixes but lack the usual lemon and parsley punch.

Offers quick lunch options suitable for busy schedules. Serves as a convenient spot for people working or living nearby.

People are saying

"I found the sandwich here to be great and delicious."

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

"I thought the chicken salad was great."

Good to know

1

The French Dip has been off the menu for over 5 years.

2

Expect good portions for the price.

3

Antone's offers great value with quick, friendly service.

06
Grotto Ristorante image 1

Elegant interior with charming Italian decor and an open dining area featuring a pizza oven adds warmth and coziness. Atmosphere blends romantic and corporate vibes, suitable for intimate dinners or business lunches. Guests experience pleasant lighting and a welcoming setting that feels like a classic trattoria.

Salads come as part of a business lunch special with soup or dessert for $25. Options include a salmon and Arugula salad and a Caesar salad served alongside gnocchi.

Lunch features a business lunch special with salad or soup, entree, and dessert for $25. Service stays attentive and relaxed, fitting for groups or quick meals.

People are saying

"The Italian dinner dishes, like meatballs and pasta, were a crowd favorite."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is outstanding and delicious."

"I found the salad to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with half-price pizza and drinks.

2

Reservations are not accepted if they cannot be honored, especially during busy times.

3

Valet parking is available, but the lot can get full due to shared retail spaces.

07
Cotto e Crudo Enoteca image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic Tuscan vibe with cozy indoor and charming outdoor seating including a beautiful patio. Atmosphere feels warm and relaxed, attracting a mostly Italian crowd who linger and chat. On-site parking and dog-friendly policy add to the welcoming setup.

Salads offer a refreshing contrast to the rich meats and cheeses. Options like the Quinoa and Farro salad stand out as solid appetizers.

Comfortable and cozy atmosphere suits a relaxed lunch or quick meet and greet. Lunch offers good quality despite the price, making it a solid spot to hang out midday.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is authentic, with amazing pizza and pasta."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and delicious."

"The salads here are great and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted wine.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center and a nearby garage.

3

Seating is very limited; reservations are recommended for groups.

08
Toulouse Cafe and Bar River Oaks image 1

French restaurant offers an opulent dรฉcor with gorgeous outdoor seating featuring a half-covered patio and heat lamps. Atmosphere stays upscale yet lively, enhanced by live music from talented performers and DJs. Valet parking accommodates guests with exotic or rare vehicles, adding convenience to the refined experience.

Salads come fresh and plentiful with options like the tuna Niรงoise salad that offers a unique twist on the classic. The Salad Louis features large shrimp, adding a hearty touch to the selection.

Lunch offers a balance of quality and value with affordable business options. The spot suits a satisfying midday meal and works well as a break after shopping.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and amazing."

"I keep thinking about the tuna Niรงoise salad; it was so good."

"I can't stop thinking about the tuna Niรงoise salad."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

An 18% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

Discover more

Afton Oaks / River Oaks Area, Houston

Area guide
Loading Map...