Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in University Place

Salad lunch spots

Finding a lunch spot that serves a substantial salad without making you wait through a long-form dining experience.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Duck n Bao image 1
Duck n Bao image 2
Duck n Bao image 3
View all
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese restaurant with modern chic design and an oriental vibe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious seating and visible kitchen action. Upbeat music complements the cozy setting, attracting both groups and intimate diners.

Cold salads stand out with the Cucumber Salad featuring yuzu and garlic offering a light, bright start. The cold octopus salad also delivers a unique, exceptional flavor.

Lunch specials offer generous bento boxes with slow cooked, tender pork. Fresh, crispy onions and cucumber add a nice crunch, making it a solid spot for a filling midday meal.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Chinese food here."

"You have to try the Peking Duck at this Lunch Spot; it's amazing."

"The cucumber salad with yuzu and garlic is a brilliant starter."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a good value with generous portions.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

02
Hudson House image 1
American restaurant

Elegant dining space with gorgeous booths and comfortable seating arranged for privacy. Atmosphere feels sophisticated and inviting with low lighting that suits intimate occasions. Music includes classic tunes like Frank Sinatra, adding to a relaxed, pleasant vibe.

Salads come with fresh ingredients like sliced avocado, bacon, and marinated tomatoes. Dressings such as green goddess and vinaigrette add rich, flavorful touches to options like the Hudson House and tuna salads.

Service stands out with attentive care during lunch. Meals come with a friendly atmosphere suitable for small groups.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for Date Spots."

"The Hudson House salad is huge with green goddess dressing."

"The Lunch Spot salad was huge and delicious with green goddess dressing."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant requires payment, while the back garage offers two hours free.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with $10 burger deals and half-priced drinks.

3

The restaurant does not accept walk-ins; reservations are recommended for seating.

03
Pasha Turkish Restaurant image 1
Turkish restaurant

Classic Turkish style fills the space with cozy, elegant decor and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Small, intimate setting suits quiet dinners, with a comfortable upstairs lounge and a small outdoor seating area. The vibe blends authentic cultural touches with a rustic charm.

Bright and crunchy Shepherd Salad stands out with its fresh and light qualities. Traditional vegan options include eggplant salad and tabuleh, complementing the meal well.

Lunch offers delicious, filling, and authentic dishes with a fantastic menu. Baba ganoush stands out as creamy and rich with wonderful eggplant flavor.

People are saying

"The Iskander Kebab was well made and incredibly delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and authentic."

"The shepherd salad was so fresh and light."

Good to know

1

Parking can be problematic, so consider arriving early.

2

The space can be limited on busy days, especially during lunch.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

04
Kasra Persian Grill image 1
Persian restaurant

Contemporary design with retro-modern art and beautiful chandeliers creates a stylish, museum-like setting. Atmosphere ranges from relaxing to lively, with some noise during busy times. Spacious layout suits private gatherings and groups comfortably.

Lunch offers a fantastic experience with consistently excellent dishes. The spot earns strong recommendations for a satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"The lamb kubideh food is so juicy and seasoned perfectly."

"The Persian salad here is fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food was delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Kasra Persian Grill offers only to-go service and has parking available.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially after 6:30 PM when lines form.

3

I paid $30 for the happy hour special that included three appetizers and a bottle of wine.

05
Salento Bistrot image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an intimate, warm atmosphere with live jazz music on a chic patio that welcomes dogs. The space balances quiet conversation indoors with a European-inspired casual vibe. Outdoor seating faces the street, providing a mixed experience for people watching and dining.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and pair well with empanadas and soups. The house salad stands out as a solid choice alongside other dishes like paella and butternut squash bisque.

Lunch offers a chill atmosphere that suits families and friends. The lunch special provides good value, especially with the paella for two that leaves no leftovers.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, tasty, and outstanding."

"The outdoor patio has live music and is dog-friendly."

"I loved the salad here; it was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $2 per hour for street parking.

2

Happy hour prices are available before the dinner rush.

3

Live music occurs on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.

06
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar image 1

Open space combines modern Asian design with ample indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed, lively vibe especially on the patio with fans and heaters. Lighting and airflow support a comfortable atmosphere where live music adds energy. The setting suits groups and families, offering games for kids and a smart layout.

Crunchy cabbage salad stands out with freshness and packed flavor. Crispy potatoes add a satisfying texture alongside the salads.

Lunch features a two step lunch special praised for its value and as a good menu introduction. Sandwiches stand out as a popular choice, though the BBQ plate is not available at lunch.

People are saying

"The happy hour prices here are a really good deal."

"I loved the crunchy cabbage salad, it was so fresh and crispy."

"The food and atmosphere at this lunch spot were amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Thursdays from 6-8pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Parking is available behind the building, but may become limited as nearby businesses open.

07
El Meson image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere with subtle music that keeps conversation easy and a warm, romantic vibe enhanced by detailed decor and a wall of crawling ivy. The setting feels cozy and family-friendly, perfect for sharing tapas and enjoying freshly made sangria.

Salads range from a simple plate of leafy greens with a slice of tomato to more filling options like the plantain salad. Some meals come with a side salad featuring fresh ingredients like pear, adding a light complement to dishes such as roasted suckling pig.

Late lunch options include a Caesar salad and tortilla Espaรฑola. The spot suits casual visits and also works well for a date night setting.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is enchanting, perfect for cozy date spots."

"This Lunch Spot's Cuban food is the best I've had since childhood."

"The salad came with my meal, like with a taco."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $7 for valet service, which can be inconvenient.

2

Two hours of free parking is available in the garage across the street.

3

Paella is only available for parties of two or more.

08
Cafe Leonelli image 1

Spacious cafe with ceiling-length windows and a minimalistic design filled with natural light creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. The space buzzes with energy, matching the nearby museum's vibe. Italian-themed pastries and pizza stand out as signature offerings.

Salads feature a unique twist with chicken salad in the Caesar instead of strips. Options include chicken salad and other fresh varieties, often paired with soups or sandwiches.

Pizza stands out as a solid lunch choice. The menu also features chicken salad and squash soup options for a quick meal before heading back to the museum.

People are saying

"I waited for coffee while they juggled orders and rang people up."

"I enjoyed the chicken salad sandwich, it was light enough for the museum."

"I enjoyed their chicken salad and squash soup."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for coffee orders during busy hours.

2

Prices are higher than average for cafeteria food.

3

The cafe is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

Discover more

University Place, Houston

Area guide
Loading Map...