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Top picks in South Tacoma

Authentic lunch spots

Made for those who seek out unpretentious, traditional cooking and refuse to settle for anything that feels like a tourist trap during their lunch hour.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Family Pho image 1
Family Pho image 2
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Family restaurant

Cozy familial restaurant with lantern decor and a beautiful piano invites a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Spacious and clean, it offers a comfortable dining room where quiet prevails. Guests often enjoy playing the piano, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Broth in the pho is flavorful and the meat is great. Pad thai tastes authentic and the food overall stays true to traditional flavors.

Offers a quick lunch option with a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families. Serves consistently during late lunch hours and accommodates casual stops for a few items.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food's broth is deep, flavorful, and amazing."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The pho broth here is flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a 10% military discount on all orders.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a great option for families.

3

The portions are generous, ensuring good value for money.

02
Tonala Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior with modern decor and a full bar creates a lively setting. Atmosphere suits families, couples, and solo diners, often filled with happy Hispanic-American families. Noise levels rise with crowd size due to lack of sound dampening, giving a cafeteria-like feel.

Dishes burst with authentic flavors like perfectly spiced tacos and mouthwatering enchiladas. Food delivers excellent Mexican cuisine true to its roots.

Lunch offers prompt service and a good menu with options like a lunch size fajita and carne asada. Portions suit a midday meal without being too large.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has excellent, complex flavors and heat."

"This Lunch Spot's food is great, especially the spicy red sauce."

"I found the authentic Mexican food bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Seniors menu with discounted meals.

2

Free warm chips and salsa are provided upon seating.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging about $30 per person for an entrรฉe and drink.

03
Taqueria El Antojo Tacoma Mall Blvd image 1

Mexican restaurant with a modern, clean interior and comfortable booths offers a vibrant, fun atmosphere that can be noisy at times. Televisions show soccer matches, adding to the lively vibe. A bar features five types of salsas, including pickled spicy carrots and chiles.

Food delivers rich and authentic flavor with every bite. Tacos and other dishes offer satisfying, traditional Mexican taste that stands out.

Tacos and beef soup create a cozy lunch experience. Staff like Armando and Astian provide attentive service, and ordering from the lunch menu is flexible.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and clearly made with care."

"I found really good, authentic Mexican food here."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot were so nice and welcoming."

Good to know

1

They are open until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

2

Expect small portion sizes; each taco is finished in one bite.

3

The restaurant offers a deal of 3 tacos for $7.99 with a drink included.

04
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Multiple conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks, creating a high-tech Tokyo Metropolitan feel. Seating booths offer privacy with visibility through the sushi belts, while the atmosphere feels like being in Tokyo with a relaxed vibe. Sushi is fresh and varied, including unique dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

Sushi here offers authentic Japanese flavors with genuine wasabi. The experience includes an elevated water closet that adds to the authenticity.

Frequent visits happen during lunch times or just before work. The spot suits quick meals after shopping and works well for a casual lunch date with family.

People are saying

"The sushi here is served with such kindness and genuine willingness."

"This lunch spot is so fun with robots and conveyor belt sushi!"

"I thought the authentic Japanese sushi here was great."

Good to know

1

Every 15 plates, you receive a prize during special events.

2

The average price per person is $25-$40, depending on appetite.

3

You must download an app to pay at the table.

05
Tacoma Shawarma image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines cozy atmosphere with pool tables in the back for a relaxed vibe. Space feels clean and comfortable, welcoming families and casual diners alike. Service blends quick counter style with a sit-down feel, creating a unique dining experience.

Food offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors that are fresh and bursting with taste. The dining experience feels comforting and welcoming with a modern vibe.

Lunch offers lamb chops, beef Shawarma, and a lamb plate. The setting stays peaceful, making it easy to enjoy a quiet meal.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The shawarma here tastes authentic, with juicy, flavorful meat."

"This lunch spot's shawarma is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers food truck-style service with fine dining prices.

2

The price of $19 for the Lamb Shawarma is reasonable for the portion size.

3

They serve a HALAL menu despite being non-Muslims.

06
KIMCHI BOX image 1
Restaurant

Small, modern space with an open kitchen and clean, comfortable seating creates a relaxed, low-key vibe. Korean drama plays on a TV screen, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. The place offers frosted mugs for beer and a variety of soju flavors, enhancing the dining experience.

Food captures authentic Korean flavor with savory kimchi and tofu box dishes. The taste stays true to traditional recipes.

Kimchi lunch box features spicy pork, Japchae, and a small salad. Chicken wings come at a higher price point for lunch, around $23.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The spicy pork bulgogi at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

"The food here is truly authentic Korean flavor."

Good to know

1

The prices at KIMCHI BOX are incredibly reasonable.

2

The portions at KIMCHI BOX are generous for the price.

3

KIMCHI BOX is extremely wheelchair accessible.

07
Cocina Mexicana Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide open space with high ceilings creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Live music adds occasional energy while the salsa bar stands out as a highlight. The crowd is sparse early, making it a quiet spot for lunch or a quick bite.

Food offers authentic flavors that feel genuine and satisfying. Meals come filling and rich in taste.

A single lunch special appears on signage outside, with no posted menu inside. The spot offers a quiet atmosphere during lunch with few diners. Prices run a bit high for lunch portions.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and flavorful."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is authentic and wonderful."

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are not posted inside; check the signage outside.

2

Expect busy weekend nights with karaoke events.

3

Prices for main dishes like quesadillas and burritos are over $15.

08
Woobling Korean BBQ - Tacoma Mall image 1

Restaurant offers interactive table-side grilling with a modern black and gold interior and K-pop music videos playing on big TVs. Atmosphere balances comfortable and lively, though music volume can be high. Cocktails and soju drinks complement the upscale dining experience.

Side dishes include fresh banchans that bring a true taste of Korea. The menu features authentic Korean dishes with generous portions and a pleasant dessert selection.

Lunch features an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ option with a lunch special flat iron plate that offers good flavor. The owner often visits tables to greet and check on diners, adding a personal touch.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and very good."

"The authentic Korean side dishes were fresh and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9:00 p.m. to close Monday through Friday for $19.95.

2

Expect limited menu options during happy hour despite advertised lower prices.

3

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat options for a fixed price.

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South Tacoma, Tacoma

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