A city where the lunch hour can be as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves, Los Angeles turns midday dining into a delicious adventure. One minute you’re digging into a fragrant bowl of Thai noodles, the next you’re grabbing pristine sushi to go before heading back to the office or the beach. From sizzling cheesesteaks and street-side tacos, to quick salad bowls and hidden café gems, L.A.’s lunch scene is anything but boring. Whether you have a leisurely afternoon or just enough time to dash between meetings, the city serves up endless inspiration — proof that in Los Angeles, lunch is never just lunch.

Make a reservation or pop into one of our favorite spots for mid-day satisfaction.

Matu Kai Brentwood

The bar is designed for walk-ins and casual dining, making it one of the easiest ways to experience Matū Kai without a reservation. To avoid a wait or line, roll into Matu Kai a few minutes before it opens for lunch at 11:30, as the word is out about the Matu Cheesesteaks – made with 8 ounces of grass fed ribeye and 100% sirloin Wagyu beef from First Light Farms in New Zealand. The Matu “Philly” Cheesesteak is topped with grilled onions, Cooper sharp cheese, and optional Philadelphia long hot peppers, on a freshly baked sesame roll ($24).

You’ll feel lucky to score a seat at the sexy, deep green, stone and bronze bar, with hanging brass globe lanterns and lush greenery woven throughout. Enhance your cheesesteak with a few other items from their concise lunch menu – like the Bone Broth starter, Little Gem “47” Salad, and house-made Wagyu potato chips fried with beef tallow. Hmmmmm, satisfaction.

In case you return, the dinner menu for two touts an incredible wagyu tasting menu, one of our top favorite restaurants in LA.

Yama Sushi Marketplace

Pop into this Japanese marketplace with multiple LA locations (Koreatown, West LA, San Gabriel Valley, and a 4th coming to Sherman Oaks). Pick from an incredible assortment of grab-and-go sushi and Japanese hot bites – like Chicken Karaage and handmade dumplings with meat and veggies.

Bring home the happiest sushi meal. “Fresh Sushi, Every Hour!” is like their motto. Choose from fresh salmon, tuna, toro, octopus, yellowtail, ikura, crab rolls, California rolls, and an endless array of uber fresh Sushi Bowls and Sashimi. Take home the world’s healthiest Poke Bowl – with ahi tuna, salmon, wagyu, roasted purple sweet potatoes, avocado, edamame, cucumber, and more.

For the high quality, the prices can’t be beat!

Stock up on Asian snacks, Japanese condiments (wasabi sauces to ceremonial grade matcha), and a stellar beer and sake selection – all reasonably priced.

You are sure to find that specialty Japanese item here that you can’t find anywhere else. This place feels like the next best thing outside of Tokyo. While at the West LA location, an $800 sushi platter order was placed and we watched as the sushi master expertly slice the fish for an event.

Emporium Thai

This longstanding restaurant just celebrated 26 years in Los Angeles – with the original location in Westwood near UCLA, and a newly opened second location on Sawtelle Blvd. To honor their customers and this milestone, Emporium Thai will be offer a Two-Course Prix-Fixe Lunch Menu ($26 per person) and a Two-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu ($36 per person), available Tuesday, March 17, 2026, through Sunday, March 29, 2026, alongside celebratory specials highlighting the restaurant’s most beloved Southern Thai signature dishes.

Dive into modern southern Thai cuisine with an order of their famous Phuket Wings, Thai style buffalo wings cooked with southern curry sauce OR crispy soft shell crab, Pad Thai with shrimp, and crab fried rice. Green papaya salad is a refreshing choice, bursting with many complex flavors.

Catapult yourself to Chiang Mai with a bowl of Khao Soi Noodles and braised chicken. Pick a Curry – like their family’s third generation recipe for Southern Crab Curry, loaded with fresh crab and jasmine rice or Choo Chee Salmon, served in an aromatic red curry sauce. TOM Yum is also a favorite! Warm Mango Sticky Rice with Thai Tea is the best ending. Order online or visit for lunch or dinner.

Prima Cantina

Happiness has arrived on the side of the PCH, at the edge of the Palisades Fire burn scar. This new Malibu location benefits from a temporary ocean view, courtesy of the vacant beachfront lot across the road. Come for Taco Tuesday specials or Happy Hour from 4:30 – 6 PM for $5 tacos, $6 beers, and $10 margaritas. Load up on your choice of protein – in tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or burritos. Start with shared guacamole and try a Michelada with a tajin rim.

KITH Treats

While not technically lunch, sometimes daytime dessert is a winning idea. Lounge on Kith’s glorious grand terrace in Malibu with a tasty treat – like the newest ice cream infusion celebrating the Lunar New Year, called The Horse. This vanilla ice cream – infused with Persimmons, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Candied Pecans – is topped with gold sprinkles and a persimmon chip (pic below). Try the medley as a milkshake too!

Another new favorite is The Yunicorn – with Captain Crunch Berry, Corn Flakes, Strawberries, and Unicorn Sprinkles.

Find KITH Treats other secret locations around LA.

Clark’s Oyster Bar Malibu

For a late lunch, bypass the full-priced seafood menu at Clark’s Oyster Bar from 3-5 PM to score a half-priced burger and half-priced martini. This early-evening coastal deal might have you fighting for a bar seat in this luxe restaurant, or clamoring over the discounted oysters (50¢ off) and $5 oyster shooters. If you veer off the Happy Hour menu, the grilled lobster and incredibly creamy, loaded clam chowder with a spice kick, are worthy bites.

Coin and Candor at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

Is there anything more satisfying than a fresh Lobster Cobb Salad on a hot day? Sit outside on the Coin and Candor terrace overlooking a faux waterfall to calm your mind as you indulge in a spicy steak and cheese sandwich or a healthier option like Citrus Sashimi.