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Lunch and vegetarian spots in Westside

A midday meal should be light and plant-based. A quiet spot for a vegetarian lunch is the best way to recharge.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Mexican restaurant

Small space with a bright minimalist vibe and clean outdoor patio offers casual counter service. The atmosphere suits those seeking light, organic Mexican food with many vegetarian and vegan options. Service can be slow during busy times, and portions are notably small.

Quick lunches happen here with some options being hit or miss. Napkins are inside, which can slow down a short break.

Lots of vegetarian and vegan options fill the menu. Tacos stand out as a meatless masterpiece. Dishes like the freakin vegan and frontera fundido caulibella can be made vegan and are well-liked.

People are saying

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

"The vegetarian tacos have a perfect harmony of flavor."

"I found the breakfast tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates various dietary restrictions, including allergies.

2

Breakfast tacos are only available until 11 AM on weekdays.

3

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare take-out orders during busy times.

02
Ayintap image 1
Turkish restaurant

Spacious interior with authentic Turkish decor creates a family-friendly, traditional atmosphere that feels like being in Turkey. The environment is clean and comfortable, with attention to cultural details enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy a calm, classy vibe supported by friendly service and thoughtful amenities.

Lunch features fast service and attentive staff. The lahmacun stands out as a delicious choice, and the mixed grill for two offers a filling meal.

Many menu options cater to vegetarians and kids. Vegetarian impossible kabob, sun dried dolama, and dishes like Vegetarian Meatball and Helvasi stand out.

People are saying

"The Turkish food here is authentic and delicious."

"This lunch spot's Turkish food is one of the best I've had."

"I loved their vegetarian impossible kabob option."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, often stretching to hours before getting seated.

2

Ayintap offers special menu items every day.

3

Friday is tandir day, featuring unique dishes.

03
The Original Marini's Empanada House image 1

Walls covered in signatures and photographs create a space rich with history and tradition. Upbeat dance music fills a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that feels both cozy and lively. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate groups of all sizes in a setting that blends classic old school style with vibrant art.

Lunch combos come with soup, two empanadas with meat choices, and a dessert empanada. The affordable lunch deal fills you up and tends to fill up fast, so arriving early helps.

Offers a wide variety of vegetarian options including several types of empanadas. The menu is clearly vegetarian friendly and well developed.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best empanadas I've ever had."

"The empanadas here are delicious, especially the chicken poblana."

"I found great vegetarian options here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early to avoid long lines.

2

The restaurant operates on a counter service model; order at the counter and find a seat.

3

They offer a variety of empanadas, including vegetarian options for dietary restrictions.

04
Naga’s South Indian Cuisine image 1

Indian restaurant offers live dosa counter and authentic Hyderabadi biriyani in a setting with high-quality furnishings and multiple seating options including outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels lively and sometimes chaotic, resembling a crowded street food scene with free-roaming guests and a busy buffet near the entrance. Family-friendly seating accommodates groups but noise and activity levels can be high.

Lunch features a South Indian buffet with a variety of dishes. The buffet offers consistent quality and is popular for its authentic flavors.

Many plant-based options appear throughout the menu, including a solid selection at the lunch buffet. Both vegetarian and vegan dishes receive good attention alongside non-vegetarian choices.

People are saying

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

"I especially enjoyed the desserts, which were excellent and truly stood out."

"The lunch buffet here has excellent food and great variety."

Good to know

1

The weekend buffet features a variety of dishes, including crabs.

2

Lunch buffet on weekends is priced at $18.

3

Expect long wait times exceeding 30 minutes on weekends.

05
Urbe image 1
Restaurant

Large, beautifully decorated space with authentic Mexican style and spacious indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is lively with live music and DJ playing 90s rock en español, though noise levels can rise on the patio. Popular for mezcal-based cocktails and a trendy vibe appealing to a younger crowd.

Lunch here is quick and tasty, with service that makes the meal feel special. It suits both a casual lunch and a family dinner.

Blue corn cassadia and vegetarian tlayuda stand out with strong flavors. Vegan platter covers a wide range of tastes. Molle can be served with a vegetarian option on request.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and exquisite."

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic birria tacos."

"The vegetarian cassadia made out of blue corn was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm on weekdays, with food coming out quickly.

2

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

06
Avesta Persian Middle Eastern image 1

Spacious interior combines traditional decor with soft lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The setting feels high-end and luxurious yet maintains a friendly, neighborhood vibe. Music complements the ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Lunch offers a vegetarian sampler and other dishes recommended to enhance the meal. Food can take time during the lunch rush, but the quality makes the wait worthwhile. It suits family meals and company lunches well.

An abundance of vegetarian options fills the menu. The vegetarian sampler offers a generous serving of various items. The impossible kobideh stands out as a solid vegetarian choice.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and top tier."

"I've never had hummus this good anywhere else."

"I loved the vegetarian sampler with its generous servings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

07
Winsome Prime image 1
New American restaurant

Booth seating creates an intimate setting with a lounge feel and elevated views. Live R&B music and a personable saxophonist add a beautiful, intimate touch while the music volume can be loud. Craft cocktails and New American dishes like Hawaiian ribeye and oxtail hash highlight the menu.

Lunch offers a top tier menu with unforgettable service from staff like Heather and Brandon. The setting suits both power lunches and special occasions with friends.

Vegan options include a vegan Parma with fried lobster mushrooms that adds a unique twist. The vegan Caesar salad stands out for its flavor. Overall, the menu offers very good vegan choices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was beautifully presented and full of flavor."

"The vegan Parma was a standout, rich in flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills, regardless of party size.

3

The restaurant can accommodate large parties, making it suitable for events.

08
Kasra Persian Grill image 1
Persian restaurant

Newly remodeled space resembles a Persian palace with elegant decor and authentic Persian music. Atmosphere feels cozy and family-oriented but can be very loud, making conversation difficult. Known for some of the best Persian dishes and famous hummus in the area.

Lunch offers a pleasant atmosphere with options that suit working through the midday. Regular visits show it serves as a reliable lunch spot with consistent quality.

Many vegetarian options include traditional Iranian dishes like fesenjan and gheemeh. Impossible meat features in dishes such as the Impossible Kubideh, offering satisfying plant-based choices.

People are saying

"The bread here is warm, moist, and so satisfying."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken kebab was spiced perfectly."

"They have so many delicious vegetarian options to choose from."

Good to know

1

Kasra Persian Grill does not sell alcohol.

2

Kasra Persian Grill offers vegan options, which are rare in traditional restaurants.

3

The family platter is perfect for two couples and several children.

09
Caracol image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with stylish, vibrant décor and a lively atmosphere enhanced by live music near the entrance. The space balances peaceful, mild background noise suitable for business meetings with energetic moments. Guests enjoy exceptional cocktails and fresh seafood in a thoughtfully designed setting.

Lunch features Pescadillas Adobadas as a main dish and suits business meals well. The food consistently delivers a fantastic experience during midday visits.

Separate menus for vegetarian and vegan options make choices clear. Vegetarian enchiladas and other dishes show thoughtful preparation and variety.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and cooked perfectly."

"This lunch spot's shrimp tacos were delicious."

"They have a separate vegetarian and vegan menu."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 3PM to 6:30PM and Saturday from 2PM to 5PM.

2

Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday, and it's highly recommended.

3

Parking is available in a garage, but validation is required before leaving.

10
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with cool street-art style design and outdoor seating. Atmosphere varies from welcoming and lively to loud music that can make conversation difficult. The space includes many tables and small but comfortable stools.

Drive-thru service offers chicken beyond typical fast food options. Sliders provide a perfect portion for a quick lunch while running errands.

Vegetarian options include vegetarian sliders and other dishes. Some find the sliders not worth the price, but the overall vegetarian menu offers solid choices.

People are saying

"I thought the food was really tasty and perfectly seasoned."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is perfectly seasoned and juicy."

"I was glad they had awesome vegetarian options."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially around noon.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and tidy environment.

3

Drive-through service is often unavailable or slow.

11
Uptown Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sleek and modern interior creates an elegant, upscale atmosphere with dim lighting and a lounge vibe. The space balances chic yet inviting energy, making it suitable for both casual nights and date nights. It gets loud during peak hours but maintains a trendy, comfortable feel.

Lunch Omakase offers a consistent and satisfying meal. The spot suits weekday lunches and late afternoon visits with coworkers.

A wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options exist, including dishes like the kpop roll. Staff offer friendly recommendations tailored for vegetarians.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious and fresh."

"They offer so many delicious vegetarian and vegan options."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is great and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

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

3

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak dinner hours.

12
Gayatri Bhavan image 1
Indian restaurant

Large dining room offers a peaceful atmosphere with perfect lighting and well thought out decor. The vibe is cute and chill, though it can feel quiet during midday. Plenty of vegan options complement the overall calm setting.

Weekend lunch buffet offers a wholesome vegetarian selection. Service is attentive despite low customer turnout during peak hours.

Food offers a wholesome vegetarian lunch with a wide spread of dishes. Plenty of vegan options exist, with only a few items and desserts not vegan. Staff provide helpful guidance for unfamiliar vegan choices.

People are saying

"The buffet had a great variety of fresh, home-style food."

"I found the vegetarian food here to be fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has fresh, home-style vegetarian food."

Good to know

1

The weekend lunch buffet offers a great variety of dishes.

2

Expect large portions that are easily shareable.

3

The buffet is priced reasonably for the selection offered.

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Westside, Houston

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