Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University Place

Lunch and seafood spots

A midday break centered around fresh seafood is a welcome change of pace.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
K-Town Poke image 1
K-Town Poke image 2
K-Town Poke image 3
View all
Poke bar

Open, well-lit space offers a clean, modern setting with plenty of seating and a chill atmosphere. Bright environment features K-pop music and a welcoming vibe. Menu includes fresh, generously portioned poke and Korean bowls with diverse sauces and options beyond seafood.

Offers a solid lunch option with satisfying meals. Provides a pleasant midday break with good food choices.

Fresh fish stands out in the poke bowls, with generous portions of tuna and salmon. Korean meat options add variety beyond seafood, and all ingredients, including vegetables, maintain a fresh quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and fresh."

"The seafood here is always so fresh."

"The Lunch Spot staff let me sample nearly every ingredient."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a buy one get one free special this weekend.

2

Parking is available in front of the shop and in a nearby garage.

3

They offer a variety of toppings and sauces for customization.

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.

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

Fish tacos come out delicious and fresh. Oysters and lobsters taste good, with oysters offered at $3 each. The seafood pairs well with martinis and Bellinis available at half price.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the oysters; they were amazing."

"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
MANA Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Contemporary Thai restaurant with a casually elegant atmosphere and soft music that encourages conversation. The space feels cozy and stylish, suitable for relaxed meals or catching up with friends. Known for authentic flavors and an upscale Asian fusion experience.

Lunch specials menu offers delicious options. The atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, ideal for a casual midday meal.

Shrimp dumplings stand out with their light, fresh texture and delicate flavor. They come with a nice sauce on the side that complements them well.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is amazing and tastes like I'm in Thailand."

"The shrimp dumplings were super tasty and came with a nice sauce."

"The lunch spot food tasted delicious and felt freshly made."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

2

Lunch specials are available and offer good value for money.

3

Prices are on the higher side but considered reasonable for the quality.

04
Duck n Bao image 1
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.

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.

Seafood dishes highlight XO sauce seafood fried rice and walnut shrimp. Steamed fish and crystal shrimp dumplings also stand out.

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 seafood fried rice with XO sauce is amazing."

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.

05
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.

Shrimp and salmon come out perfectly cooked and tender. Seafood combos offer generous portions with flavorful, beautifully presented dishes like the mixed shrimp and beef shish kebab.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is perfectly cooked and flavorful."

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.

06
Hu's Cooking image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with a balance of elegance and comfort. Space feels cozy yet cramped, with narrow aisles and close tables suited for family groups. Lighting and noise levels adjust from quiet when less crowded to lively during busy times.

Lunch offers great specials with a lot of variety and good portions for $13. Food arrives quickly after ordering, making it easy to grab and return to work.

Spicy fish bites and popcorn chicken with vegetables stand out as bold flavor choices. Crispy fish and the crispy shrimp egg roll add great texture and variety.

People are saying

"I thought the Chinese food here was the most authentic and tasty possible."

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

"The crispy fish and spicy fish bites were really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be challenging, especially during busy hours.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers dim sum during specific hours, check their schedule.

07
Tamashi Ramen Sushi- Holcombe Rice Village image 1

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and close tables creates an intimate but sometimes crowded atmosphere. The vibe is lowkey and welcoming, suited for quiet hangouts or solo dining. Occasional background music and visible sushi preparation add to the authentic Japanese feel.

Lunch combos offer good value and variety. The spot suits quick midday meals with coworkers or solo visits.

Shrimp takes center stage with spicy shrimp ramen and shrimp tempura rolls that highlight fresh, flavorful seafood. Crab cakes and tempura crab also stand out, all paired with a shrimp-based broth that avoids beef or pork.

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be delicious."

"The shrimp ramen here is amazing and mind-blowing."

"The curry ramen at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited; expect to find street parking nearby.

2

Reservations are required for groups; the whole party must be present to be seated.

3

The restaurant opens at 12 PM; arrive early to avoid wait times.

08
Sushi by Hidden image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant hides behind an art gallery with an intimate setting seating about 12 people per session. The atmosphere is intimate and casual, enhanced by colorful curated art and a speakeasy concept. Sushi is prepared right in front of diners, offering fresh, creative nigiri and a well-curated sake selection.

Lunch offers an express omakase with 12 to 13 sushi pieces served in about 30 minutes for $60. The setting feels intimate with very few diners during lunch, making it a focused dining experience.

Fresh fish melts in your mouth with perfectly seasoned rice. The chef team highlights the richness of the fish and adds delicate umami and spicy kicks to lighter varieties.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so well crafted, with delicious fish."

"This seafood omakase is a cute, quick, and affordable experience."

"This Lunch Spot offers an amazing, affordable omakase experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating in this small restaurant.

2

The 12-course omakase costs $60 for lunch and $75 for dinner.

3

Sushi by Hidden is BYOB with a $20 corkage fee for a 720ml bottle.

09
Torchy's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with big patio and clean, comfortable seating offers an upbeat atmosphere energized by lively staff. Decor includes devil-themed accents and casual style, creating a unique vibe. Margarita and taco offerings stand out as highly praised features.

Lunch service includes attentive staff who check on diners multiple times. The pace can be slow, which may affect quick lunch plans. It suits a family-friendly lunch setting.

Shrimp tacos stand out with Baja shrimp and grilled shrimp versions offering rich flavors. The Naughty Santa taco combines grilled shrimp, chorizo, and pickled onions for a unique street taco experience.

People are saying

"The food here is great and fresh."

"The Baja shrimp tacos are especially delicious, a real standout."

"The food and service at this lunch spot are great."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be tight, so arrive early.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

Expect potential delays for to-go orders during busy hours.

10
Cooking Girl image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small restaurant with a modern Asian feel and wood accents creates a clean, spacious and homey atmosphere. Offers great Sichuan food with dishes like spicy boiled beef and mapo tofu that stand out. Indoor seating is ample, supporting group sharing and casual dining.

Cumin Lamb stands out as a popular lunch choice. Lunch menu items consistently come out delicious, making it a solid spot for a tasty midday meal.

Fish dishes stand out with Sichuan fried fish, fish in pickle (suan cai yu), and Hot Diving Fish all featured. Tofu pairs well with seafood in options like Fish Love Tofu and Mapo Tofu.

People are saying

"The spicy shrimp and boiled spicy fish were awesome."

"I found the Szechuan food here to be the best."

"This lunch spot's food is always delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are typically not needed for dining.

2

The restaurant accommodates large groups, including parties of 11.

3

Parking is available outside, but it can be inconvenient.

11
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.

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."

"The seafood paella was a hit, flavorful and tender."

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.

12
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.

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

Seafood Paella comes out consistent and flavorful every time. Shrimp dishes, especially with garlic, and the Fish Ceviche stand out for their freshness and taste.

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."

"You have to try the seafood paella; it's excellent."

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.

13
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.

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.

Shrimp appears in several dishes like the Curry Marinated Shrimp Rice Bowl and shrimp rice bowl, both well-liked. Salmon and pork belly also feature alongside steak and chicken in various bowls.

People are saying

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

"You'll love the shrimp rice bowls; they're so good."

"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.

Discover more

University Place, Houston

Area guide
Loading Map...