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Salad and lunch spots in the CBD

Made for those who need a reliable, health-conscious midday meal that fits into a busy professional schedule.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Adair Downtown image 1
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Restaurant

Bright and airy space fills quickly during lunchtime with a lively, sometimes loud crowd. Menu offers healthy options and well-prepared dishes like flavorful salads and juicy burgers. Affordable prices and a take-out area add convenience for busy diners.

Salads here offer lots of ingredients and good value. The Harvest Chicken Salad and versions with salmon stand out as delicious options.

Offers reasonably priced meals with good service during lunch. Features healthy options and solid choices like burgers, making it a reliable spot for midday dining.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's harvest salad is amazing and satisfying."

"The breakfast food was cooked to perfection and the service was excellent."

"I loved the Harvest Chicken Salad."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are not accepted for lunch, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant can get busy during lunchtime, especially on weekdays.

02
Mendocino Farms image 1
Sandwich shop

Spacious sandwich shop with modern dรฉcor and a bright, clean environment. Upbeat vibe fills the room, with a friendly atmosphere and a steady buzz of activity. Known for fresh, healthy options and a menu featuring standout salads and sandwiches.

Salads come in large portions with a fresh, crunchy texture and a well-balanced flavor palette. Options like the avocado quinoa and beet salad include seasoned avocado and grains, making them both filling and refreshing.

Wait times can be long during the lunch rush but the food is definitely worth it. It serves quick lunches with delicious and different options that make it a solid spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"I found the salads to be excellent and super fresh."

"This is a great lunch spot with tender, juicy steak sandwiches."

"I loved the refreshing, flavorful house-made lemonades."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging as the location is more suited for walkers than drivers.

2

Ordering online may not be effective if the restaurant ignores scheduled pickup times.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with sandwiches costing around $13.

03
Mona image 1
Italian restaurant

Family-owned Italian spot offers handmade brick oven pizza and build-your-own pasta with a wide variety of fresh toppings. The atmosphere is casual with plenty of seating in an underground food hall setting. Prices lean toward the higher side, reflecting the healthy meal focus and quality ingredients.

Options include a Caprese salad and a salad without protein that can be customized with additions. Salads come as part of combos with panini or pasta.

Quick lunch service stands out here. The menu features veggie pasta and veggie panini as common choices.

People are saying

"You can build your own pasta with a great selection of ingredients."

"The staff here is so polite and helpful with choosing Healthy Foods."

"I love their fresh and healthy veggie pasta for lunch."

Good to know

1

Mona allows you to build your own pasta with free ingredients and additional toppings.

2

Adding six farm-fresh ingredients costs $10.90, with each extra ingredient costing $4.00.

3

Mona does not offer desserts like cannoli, tiramisu, or gelato.

04
Zaranda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space combines stylish interior with inviting patios and a lively u-shaped bar. Atmosphere blends luxury Baja feel with Boho chic vibes, creating a cool and elegant setting. Crowd includes groups and couples, with amenities like high chairs and private event spaces enhancing accessibility.

Tableside preparation makes the Ensalada Caesar stand out as a tribute to the original Caesar salad from Tijuana. The salad's flavor often invites seconds, showing its strong appeal.

Lunch features delicious Octopus and suits both business meals and casual dining. The spot offers a wonderful holiday lunch atmosphere.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the oysters, was my favorite."

"Carlos's cocktails are like works of art."

"The tableside Caesar salad is an ode to the original."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers after work.

2

Valet parking costs $12 and can be paid at your table.

3

Zaranda has two private event spaces available for booking.

05
The Palm - Downtown Houston image 1

Upscale steakhouse with Italian flair and old-school dining style offers private themed rooms and live piano and vocal performances. Ambiance ranges from quiet and cozy in private spaces to lively with music in main areas. Booth seating and a comfy bar create relaxed spots for dining or drinks.

Salads come in fresh, good-sized portions with options like the Caesar salad and the Gigi salad standing out for their quality and flavor.

Lunch features a 3-course menu with options like prime New York steak and sides such as hashbrowns. Specials and group lunches are common, with service sometimes noting item availability.

People are saying

"The food and ambiance at these dinner spots are exceptional."

"Tony surprised us with samples of a delicious strawberry dessert."

"The lobster sandwich at this Lunch Spot was the spiciest I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, which is helpful in downtown Houston.

2

The restaurant offers a July promotion of 50% off all wines over $100.

3

An 8 oz fillet costs $56, and a side of mushrooms is $16.

06
Cellar7 image 1
American restaurant

Eclectic mid-century style restaurant with cozy vibe and bubbly decor offers both indoor and nice outdoor seating. Atmosphere is stylish and lively, though loud music can make conversation difficult. Frequented for tasty food and a great bar with well-crafted cocktails.

Salads feature Asian seared salmon and Brussels sprouts with fried goat cheese. Dressings like garlic lemon vinaigrette add bright flavors to options like the kale Caesar and house salad.

Lunch offers excellent food with well-sized portions suited for business meals. Service can be slow, especially for appetizers, and a persistent smell lingers during the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of excellent quality."

"I found the lunch food here to be excellent."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special drink prices.

2

Cellar7 offers a variety of finger foods during happy hour.

3

Parking is free at the nearby 601 Travis St parking garage.

07
Bayou & Bottle image 1

Upscale hotel bar with an elegant, cozy atmosphere and prominent bar area alongside intimate booths. Guests enjoy top-notch bourbon selection and creative cocktails in a stunningly beautiful setting. A Top Golf simulator adds a unique entertainment option beyond typical bar offerings.

Fresh and flavorful, the Peach Burrata Salad offers a well-balanced taste. It comes at a higher price but stands out for its quality ingredients.

Lunch here takes time, so plan for a long meal. The food offers a pleasant variety that suits a relaxed midday break.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great cocktails and food here."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always superb and friendly."

"The peach burrata salad was amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Bayou & Bottle is located inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

2

The restaurant offers a Wednesday special that is the best deal available.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during Astros weekend.

08
Toro Toro image 1
Steak house

Open-concept dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows offers stunning city views and a classy yet chill vibe. Festive decor and live music create an elegant atmosphere complemented by well-crafted cocktails and a comfortable layout.

Watermelon and tomato burrata salads stand out with fresh, vibrant flavors. The menu offers a variety of salads alongside seafood and sandwiches, adding light, refreshing options to the meal.

Wide and reasonably priced lunch menu offers variety. Welcoming energy from staff adds to the experience. Some dishes like Peruvian ceviche are not available at lunch.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the empanadas and desserts."

"I found the salad here to be delicious."

"The lunch spot's ambiance is stellar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like restaurant week.

2

Valet parking is available but can be expensive; check for validation options.

3

An automatic tip is added to the bill, which may lead to double tipping.

09
MKT Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Casual seating with Formica tables and metal chairs creates a relaxed setting for groups. Live music featuring jazz, oldies, and brass bands energizes weekends, though volume can be loud. The vibe blends cozy, chill atmosphere with bursts of fun and busy energy.

Fresh salads feature romaine, cucumber slices, and red grapes. Options include a haloumi tomato salad topped with grilled shrimp and an MKT salad with salmon. Salads arrive quickly alongside main courses.

Offers a solid spot for group lunches and casual gatherings. Lunches come with simple sides, though sometimes expected toppings like coleslaw and mustard may be missing.

People are saying

"The grocery store has an awesome bakery and a great salad bar."

"The sliders here are the biggest I've ever seen."

"I enjoyed that delicious salad with grilled shrimp."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a nearby free garage for Phoenicia customers.

2

MKT Bar closes at 8 PM daily, except on Sundays when it closes at 6 PM.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, as they can grow quickly.

10
Brasserie Du Parc image 1
French restaurant

Glass walls offer quiet people-watching with views of a green park outside. The space feels cozy and elegant with tasteful decor and a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Seating near the bar can be lively with foot traffic and music, while other areas remain peaceful.

Salads come as a solid appetizer option here, served fresh and complementing dishes like escargot well. The Caesar salad stands out as a straightforward, classic choice.

Lunch offers flexible menu options with the ability to substitute dishes like mushroom ravioli for a small upcharge. Meals come out fabulous and fit well between meetings or casual weekends.

People are saying

"The French food here, especially the steak frites, is perfectly cooked."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

"I really enjoyed the Caesar salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour specials are available only in the bar area.

3

The restaurant participates in Houston Restaurant Week with a special menu.

11
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks image 1

Private booths with curtains offer quiet privacy in a gorgeous, upscale setting. A huge shaded patio invites larger groups for outdoor dining. The atmosphere ranges from comfortable and beautiful to occasionally loud with blaring music.

Salads here stand out with the Wedge Salad offering crisp, fresh greens. They pair well with hearty dishes like the pork chop and flatbread, making the salad a solid part of the meal.

Strong focus on business lunches with an environment that supports good conversation without loud background noise. Service is consistently good, making it suitable for professional meals.

People are saying

"The seafood here is great, and the servers are genuinely one of the best."

"The salads here are thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented."

"The food at this lunch spot is consistently good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6:30 pm with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers excellent deals on tacos during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

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Central Business District, Houston

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