Looking for lunch in San Diego? What about a salad or a sandwich? Or a fast + casual spot? Don’t compromise – or break the bank. We’ve got the best lunch deals around town (including some of our favorites).
This San Diego staple is worth every cent.
Photo via @tylerhopkinsproductions
Fast and casual
Hodad’s, 5010 Newport Ave. (OB) + 945 Broadway (downtown)
You can’t go wrong with this San Diego classic. Grab a mini burger for $8 or a classic single hamburger for $12. Fun fact: Hodad’s has Guy Fieri’s approval.
Pop Pie Co., Multiple locations
Who says you can’t have pie for lunch? This local chain’s 5-inch savory pies make the perfect lunch with options like classic chicken, Aussie meat, or veggie, each between $11 and $12.
Urban Plates, Multiple locations
This chain was founded in San Diego in 2011 and aims to offer high-quality flavors in a convenient setting. Its Everyday Value menu featuring 15 meals at ~$13 or less make the perfect lunch — including the Beet + Avocado bowl or the Three Up with your choice of three sides.
Carnitas’ Snack Shack, 1004 N Harbor Dr.
You’ll find plenty of options just under $15 at this bayfront restaurant, like the crispy chicken sandwich or the two carnitas taco plate. The outdoor patio offers great views of San Diego Bay, and after you pig out, you can take a nice walk along the Embarcadero. Pro tip: Try the Taco Tuesday Deal with any three tacos for $12.
City Tacos, Multiple locations
With six locations, this SD chain spans from PB to Encinitas. But let’s taco ‘bout food: On a $15 budget, you can get three tacos — feel free to mix it up, but we’re partial to the SD Carne Asada. Pro tip: Visit on Taco Tuesday to save 10% on tacos, and put that savings toward a $2.50 Mexican beer.
Homestyle Hawaiian, Multiple locations
Whether you’re in the mood for katsu chicken, roast pork, or spam and eggs, this restaurant serves many island-inspired dishes under $15.
Pizza
Mr. Moto, Multiple locations
This local shop was founded in Pacific Beach in 2015 where it gained a reputation for its creative pies and by-the-slice specialties. Generally, a single slice will cost about $5, but we recommend the combo with two slices and a soda for lunch under $15.
Bronx Pizza, 111 Washington St.
In 2022, Yelp ranked this Hillcrest pizza shop as the No. 7 best place to get pizza in the US, and slices cost ~$4. You can also grab $9 lunch deals — either two slices and a drink, or one slice, a salad, and a drink. Pro tip: This place is cash only, but there’s an ATM inside.
Gelati & Peccati, Multiple locations
Head to North Park’s walk-up location to indulge in the ever-changing selection of Italian-inspired pizzas. Most slices cost ~$5, and you can get a lunch combo with two slices and a soda for under $15 (prices vary by pie). If your budget allows, treat yourself to a scoop of gelato.
Salads and bowls
Grater Greens, 5608 Mission Center Rd., Ste. 901
You won’t be-leaf how many combos you’ll find at this fresh Mission Valley spot, like the Asian Salad for $13 and Apple Cranberry Salad for $12.50. Or you can create your own bowl with greens and grains for under $15, depending on your selections.
Greenspot Salad Company, 6165 Greenwich Dr.
Lettuce introduce you to this University City spot where you’ll find options like the veggie-packed Farmhouse Salad with double greens for $11 or the Ichiban Steak bowl for $15.
Mendocino Farms, Multiple locations
The salads here are big, fresh, and colorful. Coming in at ~$14, try the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada with roasted corn, black beans, jicama, grape tomatoes, red onions, quinoa + millet, superfood krunchies, kale, romaine, cilantro, cotija, and chipotle vinaigrette.
Sandwiches and wraps
Smallgoods, 7524 La Jolla Blvd.
Not to sound cheesy, but this shop sells more than just cheese — the sandwiches are great too. The shop has named its $13 California Turkey & Cheese sandwich La Jolla’s favorite, but veggie-lovers can try the NorCal or SoCal veggie sandwiches for $13, too.
The Marketplace Deli, 2601 Fifth Ave.
If you’re looking for a quick lunch, this Bankers Hill shop near Balboa Park specializes in to-go sandwiches. For just under $12, the California Sandwich with turkey, bacon + avocado is a fan favorite, or you can try the Market Place Sandwich with turkey and ham for just over $10.
Cheese Shop, 2165 Avenida De La Playa
John and Dorothy Schutz opened this seaside staple in 1972 with imported cheeses from all over the world. Today, the cheese is still the bee’s knees, but the family-owned shop is also beloved for its super-stacked sandwiches, all under $15. Pro tip: Grab lunch here after a walk along La Jolla Shores.
Con Pane, 2750 Dewey Rd., Ste. 105
You won’t have to spend too much dough for a great lunch at this rustic bakery + cafe in Liberty Station. You can get a half Turkey Cobb or Italian Salami sandwich for $9.50, and finish your meal with a sweet treat like a scone or cookie.
Board & Brew, Multiple locations
Locals have known and loved this chain since it was founded in Del Mar in 1979. Today, its locations span from Oceanside to Chula Vista and Santee to PB. Prices vary by location, but the Turkado — one of its specialties — is ~$12.
The Deli Llama, 3702 Fifth Ave.
This Hillcrest eatery features a circus-themed menu, but the food is the real showstopper. We love the Hula Hooper and Grandmaster Gobbler — both $12.99 — or you can get a combo lunch for $11.99 with a half-sandwich and cup of soup.
Vegan and vegetarian options
Evolution, 2611 El Cajon Blvd.
This vegan restaurant is on a mission to make food that’s great for people and the planet, and its menu has meatless alternatives to many popular dishes. We recommend the plant-based classic burger or chicken sandwich for ~$13, or the street tacos for just under $15.
El Veganito, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr.
If you’re looking to get your meatless fill of Mexican cuisine, you can find this vegan eatery in Grossmont Center. You can get a taco plate for $13, or you could try the fish-less Phish Burrito for $15.
Plant Power Fast Food, Multiple locations
Eating a vegan diet doesn’t mean you’ll need to give up fast food or break the bank to find substitutes. At this Ocean Beach-founded chain, you can get a Big Zac double “beef” burger, a 12-piece “chicken” nuggets, or a plant-based “carne asada” California Burrito for $13.
Psst... we’re always hungry for more. If you have a favorite, budget-friendly menu item from a local restaurant, let us know.
