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Top picks in South Tacoma

Lunch spots

You need a reliable lunch spot that respects your time and gets you back to your day.

Based on 690 Opinions
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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 offers a quick lunch option in a calm, peaceful setting. Spacious and clean dining room suits families seeking a relaxed meal. Guests enjoy the beautiful piano, adding a unique, quiet charm to lunch stops.

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."

"I thought the Thai Tea here was perfect."

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
56th Teriyaki image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian spot offers fast service and generous portions with great lunch specials. Outdated look but welcoming atmosphere makes it a good choice for a late lunch break. Known for exceptionally good teriyaki at reasonable prices.

Large lunch portions come with great lunch specials. Seating is easy between lunch and dinner, making it a good spot for a late lunch break.

People are saying

"The food here is exceptionally good, especially the teriyaki chicken teriyaki."

"The chicken teriyaki here is tender and well-grilled."

"I thought the teriyaki was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, so dining in is not an option.

2

Prices are competitive, making it budget-friendly for most diners.

3

Expect quick service with minimal wait times for takeout orders.

03
Tonala Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior and modern decor create a lively vibe for families and couples. Lunch features prompt service with tasty fajitas and carne asada in just-right portions. Noise can rise, giving a cafeteria-like feel during busy times.

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."

"The Salsa here is top-notch, and the staff is super friendly."

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

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 entrée and drink.

04
Café Bistro at Nordstrom image 1

Cafe offers a calm atmosphere with family-friendly seating and excellent allergy accommodations. Quick counter service suits a late afternoon lunch after shopping, though some dishes arrive cold. Salads and featured pizzas stand out for quality.

Ordering and paying happen at the counter, which makes lunch feel less leisurely. Napkins are paper instead of cloth. The café offers a nice spot for a late afternoon lunch after shopping.

People are saying

"The food here is always great."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is always great and superb."

"I enjoyed the fresh salad; it was presented nicely."

Good to know

1

The café is located on the second floor of Nordstrom's.

2

Expect a pay-before-you-eat style of service.

3

Accommodations for food allergies are available.

05
Tacoma Shawarma image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot with pool tables offers a relaxed vibe for families and casual diners. Lunch features lamb chops and beef Shawarma in a peaceful setting. Service blends quick counter style with a sit-down feel for a unique dining experience.

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 atmosphere here feels so cozy, like being home."

"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
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Multiple conveyor belts and robots create a high-tech Tokyo vibe with fresh, unique sushi. Seating booths offer privacy with sushi belt views, perfect for quick meals or casual lunch dates. The relaxed atmosphere suits both shopping breaks and family outings.

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."

"The robot waiters delivering drinks are so fun!"

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

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.

07
Sofi’s Corner image 1

Cozy cafe offers a quiet atmosphere with large tables perfect for groups. Menu features simple, fresh options ideal for casual lunch or quick brunch. Clean decor and an outdoor patio create a laid back vibe for relaxing or working.

Menu offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options without overwhelming choices. The spot feels clean and calm, ideal for a casual lunch or quick brunch on the go.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burritos were unbelievably good."

"I thought the latte was one of the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has unbelievably good breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during weekend brunch.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The cafe has a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids' menu available.

08
Kona Hawaiian Barbecue image 1

Small dining room offers a cozy vibe with Hawaiian reggae music setting an island mood. Generous portions deliver great value and satisfy lunch cravings with plate lunch classics. Bright, clean space feels friendly and comfortable for a casual meal.

Generous portions make it easy to have lunch for the next day. The spot captures the food truck plate lunch experience with satisfying plate lunches that invite repeat visits.

People are saying

"The food portions here are huge and a great deal."

"The BBQ beef here is super tender and savory."

"You'll get huge portions for your lunch spot here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes, often enough for leftovers.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food provided.

3

They provide punch cards that lead to a free plate once filled out.

09
Taqueria El Antojo Tacoma Mall Blvd image 1

Mexican spot shines with five salsa types and a modern interior. Lunch offers tacos and beef soup served by friendly staff. Soccer on TV adds to the lively atmosphere.

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."

"It's a great late night spot for food after the club."

"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.

10
Beyond ThunderDome Café image 1

Cafe mixes 80’s vintage coolness with punk rock decor for a funky vibe. Vegan lunch options shine, best to arrive early to skip waits. Retro games and VHS tapes add unique fun to a casual, community feel.

Offers vegan lunch options alongside breakfast and dinner. Picking up lunch in person works well, with a habit of arriving early to avoid wait times.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are generous and tasty for the price."

"The vegan options here are a genuine feature, not an afterthought."

"The sandwiches here are great and generously priced."

Good to know

1

Expect 30-45 minute wait times for pickup after ordering.

2

Seating can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.

3

The café offers a variety of vegan options, including a vegan croissant.

11
BT Thai Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small strip mall spot offers large portions of flavorful Thai dishes with notable spice. Quiet, clean atmosphere with chill vibes and charming yard art roosters. Ideal for lunch with leftovers for dinner and a peaceful setting without children.

Large portions make lunch filling with leftovers for dinner. Meals stay tasty the next day and offer a quiet spot without children.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and excellent."

"You have to try the red curry, it's delicious."

"The noodles and curry at this Lunch Spot are flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Takeout service is fast and easy, perfect for a quick meal.

2

Portion sizes are large, often enough for leftovers.

3

Spice levels range from 1 to 10; higher levels are recommended for curry.

12
Wok Teriyaki IX image 1
Pan-Asian restaurant

Pan-Asian counter-service spot offers generous portions with a focus on teriyaki dishes and vegetarian options. Lunch comes in a handy lunch box format perfect for quick, grab-and-go meals. Soft jazz music and spacious seating create a relaxed vibe.

Food comes in a lunch box format, making it easy to grab and go. This spot works well for quick, takeout lunches when hunger hits unexpectedly.

People are saying

"The teriyaki here is delicious with huge portions."

"The tofu fried rice is flavorful and plentiful."

"The lunch spot food was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegetarian options on the menu.

2

Seating is ample, so finding a table is usually easy.

3

It takes about 10 minutes to prepare your order.

13
Sumo Sushi & Grill AYCE - Tacoma image 1

Robot waiters shaped like cats create a fun, innovative atmosphere in a large dining area with Japanese decor. Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat menu with salad bar and gyozas for $20, plus sake adds to the unique dining experience. Seating can feel crowded and cold.

Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $20, including a salad bar with fruit, gyozas, and miso broth. An upgrade to the dinner menu during lunch costs $10 and adds sashimi plates.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and prepared fresh."

"The sushi delivery robots are so fun and keep food moving!"

"The Lunch Spot has a well-stocked bar with hot items, cold sides, and desserts."

Good to know

1

It is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet where leftover food incurs additional charges.

2

I paid $20 per person for lunch all-you-can-eat.

3

There was a Pierce County health sign indicating food safety 'needs improvement.'

14
Happy Teriyaki #7 image 1
Asian restaurant

Sushi bar shines with teriyaki salmon and lunch specials that are both tasty and affordable. Cozy, clean interior blends traditional Asian and eclectic styles, creating a quiet, relaxing atmosphere perfect for quick midday meals or takeout.

Lunch specials offer good prices and come with speedy service until 2:30. The Happy Bowl serves as a solid, filling option for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was fresh and delicious."

"The lunch specials here are a great value and huge."

"The takeout food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The side of sauce, rice, and steamed cabbage costs only 13 dollars.

2

They offer good prices on lunch specials.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price.

15
Texas de Brazil - Tacoma image 1

Continuous dining with gauchos serving meats creates a lively, interactive meal. Lunch specials around $25 include an all-you-can-eat salad bar, perfect for casual groups. Expect a loud, crowded atmosphere with cramped seating but plenty of soups to complement the feast.

Lunch offers a special price around $25 to $30 with an all-you-can-eat salad bar included. Fridays feature a notable lunch special that draws groups for casual meals and celebrations.

People are saying

"The desserts here are amazing, especially the meat carvers."

"The Salad Bar had so many delicious and tender meats."

"The salad bar here is exceptional with so many options."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential to avoid 15-40 minute wait times for seating.

2

Happy hour runs until 6 pm on weekdays with discounted wine and cocktails.

3

Dessert costs extra, so be prepared for additional charges.

16
Howdy Bagel image 1

Small bakery buzzes with authentic NYC-style bagels and a cozy vibe. Pastrami sandwich shines as a solid lunch choice. Espresso bar adds a full coffee experience, while dog treats show thoughtful touches.

Sitting down to enjoy lunch feels inviting here, with the Pastrami sandwich standing out as a solid choice. The menu encourages ordering both breakfast and lunch items together.

People are saying

"These bagels are light, chewy, and have a slight crunch."

"The vegan bagel sandwich and cream cheese are delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing bagels that did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on Saturday mornings, so arrive early.

2

They often sell out of bagels before closing time, so come early.

3

The seating area fills up quickly, making it hard to find a spot.

17
Cocina Mexicana Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide open space with high ceilings creates a calm vibe for lunch. Sparse crowd means quiet and relaxed dining. Prices are a bit high but the salsa bar and occasional live music add energy later in the day.

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."

"Their salsa is fantastic, fresh, and garlicky."

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.

18
Woobling Korean BBQ - Tacoma Mall image 1

Enjoy interactive grilling with an all-you-can-eat lunch special featuring flavorful flat iron plates. The modern black and gold decor pairs well with lively K-pop videos and upbeat music. Friendly owner visits add a personal touch to this upscale dining spot.

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 Korean food here is amazing, and the servers are so nice."

"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.

19
KIMCHI BOX image 1
Restaurant

Small, modern spot with an open kitchen and comfortable seating offers a relaxed vibe. Kimchi lunch box with spicy pork and Japchae makes a great lunch choice. Enjoy frosted mugs for beer and a variety of soju flavors while watching Korean drama on TV.

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 kimchi here is delicious and refreshing."

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

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.

20
Jollibee image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, modern spot serves fresh, crispy fried chicken in a busy, loud atmosphere. Lunch feels like a welcome break with familiar fast food options. Space is cramped and crowded, especially near the order counter.

Lunch offers a pleasant surprise with familiar fast food options. Stopping by for a meal feels like a welcome break during the day.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I thought the fried chicken was excellent, crispy, and juicy."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is tasty, moist, and super crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available at this location.

2

Expect long wait times due to high customer volume.

3

The menu does not include PALABOK or Adobo Rice.

21
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar image 1

Cozy Cajun spot serves fresh seafood boils with spicy flavors in a lively, tight space. Lunch offers large portions but shrimp can be overcooked. Music stays moderate, keeping the vibe intimate and chat-friendly.

Lunch meals come filling with portions that often leave leftovers. Some seafood dishes like shrimp can be overcooked and show signs of poor freshness.

People are saying

"The seafood portions were generous for the price."

"The staff here makes our dinner spots feel like home."

"The Cajun pasta dish at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $100 per person for a meal.

2

An automatic service charge is added to all bills without prior notice.

3

The wait time is generally short during weekdays.

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South Tacoma, Tacoma

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