Best 8 Restaurants in Los Angeles for Lunch in 2025

Looking for restaurants to have lunch? Take a look at Picnic's top picks for you and your team to enjoy a delicious meal without dealing with rush hours.

Navigating Los Angeles during lunch hours can be a challenge. Between heavy traffic, long lines, and the struggle to find a seat at popular spots, stepping out for a meal can be more stressful than refreshing. 

Lunch shouldn’t feel like a race against time! Why not have incredible food delivered straight to your office? 

With just a few clicks, you can enjoy fresh, high-quality meals from some of LA’s top restaurants—no waiting, no hassle, just great food on your schedule.

The 8 Best LA Restaurants for Lunch

Ordering food in Los Angeles is the smartest choice you can make. Best of all, with Picnic, all your workers can choose whatever they want.

Whether they’re craving Mediterranean flavors, indulgent comfort food, or a fresh, healthy bite, these top LA spots are all available at your fingertips. See what you can find at Picnic’s app and improve your office lunch experience!

1. Dune – Mediterranean Food

Are you looking for a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean meal to fuel your workday? 

Dune has earned its place among the best lunch restaurants in LA for its vibrant Mediterranean flavors and fresh, organic ingredients. Beyond their famous falafel, they offer delicious midday meals such as grilled chicken souvlaki, rosewater-infused dates, and refreshing tabbouleh salads.

Every bite is packed with Mediterranean spices and fresh California produce, making this spot a top choice for a fulfilling lunch. 

“The flatbread, hummus, well-seasoned veggies, and crispy, hot falafel were all perfect. I just moved to the East Side so I'll be frequenting the other location after this great meal."  – Mark Fain (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Organic Chickpea Falafel Plate – Accompanied by hummus, tangy pickled vegetables, and their signature flatbread, this dish is bursting with vibrant flavors and delightful textures.

2. Z Pasta Bar – Customizable Italian Comfort Food

Sometimes, all you need is a big, comforting bowl of pasta to get through the rest of the workday.

Z Pasta Bar specializes in quick, made-to-order pasta dishes with house-made sauces and fresh toppings. Their pasta is cooked to perfection, offering an ideal al dente bite, and the variety of toppings allows for endless customization.

In addition to traditional pasta dishes, Z Pasta Bar prides itself on its high-end yet accessible approach to Italian cuisine. Their secret lies in the sauce—with selected ingredients that elevate the dish to a fine-dining experience

"This was my first time eating at Z Pasta Bar and I am very happy that I decided to go with them. I customized my own bowl so that I could add extra cheeses to my fettuccine alfredo and it was absolutely perfect. The pasta had a great texture to it, the alfredo sauce was wicked creamy and cheesy, and the cheddar and parmesan cheeses on top just made it even cheesier and tastier!" – Austin B (UberEats Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Fettuccine Alfredo – A luscious pasta dish featuring freshly grated cheese and a creamy, velvety sauce.

3. Mendocino Farms – Fresh, Seasonal, and Flavorful

If you're searching for fresh, seasonal food, Mendocino Farms is one of the best spots for lunch in Los Angeles. Their menu is designed with high-quality ingredients, from humanely-raised meats to farm-fresh produce. 

They probably serve the best salad in town, loaded with nutrient-dense greens, roasted vegetables, and lean proteins, are a favorite among health-conscious diners. But they are also known for their unique take on classic sandwiches, incorporating global flavors and premium ingredients. 

With a focus on sustainability and high-quality sourcing, every meal here feels like a treat without the guilt.

"Out in Los Angeles on a project and needed a quick sandwich for lunch.  Mendocino farms was recommended to me and to try the chimichuri steak sandwich. I was very surprised at how tender the steak was, the sauce was super flavorful, the sesame bun perfectly toasted and a good size portion !" – Nick Chiarchiaro (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Chimichurri Steak Sandwich – Succulent steak infused with fresh herbs and zesty chimichurri sauce, nestled in a warm, toasted roll.

4. Lemonade – Fresh, Seasonal, and Quick

For those looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy lunch, Lemonade delivers with its seasonally inspired menu.

Known for its vibrant, fresh salads and warm grain bowls. Lemonade is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a balanced meal without sacrificing flavor. Their rotating menu highlights California’s freshest ingredients, making each meal feel exciting and new.

Beyond their salads and bowls, Lemonade also serves delicious braised proteins, toasted sandwiches, and their signature handcrafted lemonades in a variety of unique flavors. 

"Great place if you are going to grab a quick lunch. Variety of fresh food + lemonade are outstanding!Very efficient and friendly staff. Will definitely come back again." – (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Red Miso Bowl – A savory and delightful dish featuring tender braised beef, a crisp snap pea edamame salad, tangy pickled ginger, and crunchy onion, all drizzled with red miso sauce over sushi rice.

5. Hank’s Chicken Sandwiches

Looking for the perfect chicken sandwich to power through the day?

Hank’s serves crispy, golden-fried chicken on fluffy brioche buns with a variety of mouthwatering toppings. Their Southern-inspired flavors bring a bold, satisfying twist to a classic favorite.

Paired with their signature waffle fries, Hank’s menu is designed for those who want a satisfying, indulgent lunch without the wait.

"These guys make a fantastic chicken sandwich. I ordered and was very impressed.  The sandwich was large and flavorful.  It came with a healthy portion of waffle fries and the presentation was top notch. ” – Kenneth Bubar (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Hank’s Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich – Zesty chicken drizzled with Louisiana hot sauce, adorned with grilled onions and banana peppers.

6. Detroit Pizza Depot - Authentic Detroit-Style Pizza

There are some days that can only be saved by a thick, cheesy pizza slice. And Detroit Pizza Depot is the place you can find it. 

Known for their authentic Detroit-style pizza, this spot features a crispy cheese-crusted edge, a light yet chewy base, and high-quality toppings. The pizza is baked in a deep rectangular pan, allowing the cheese to caramelize at the edges for a signature golden crust.

Beyond their classics, Detroit Pizza Depot offers a variety of specialty pizzas inspired by the city’s rich food history. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or unique creations with premium ingredients, this is the ultimate spot for a fulfilling and indulgent lunch.

“First time trying their pizza today and wow did it taste authentic! My parents are from Michigan (and most of my relatives still live there) so I’ve had my fair share of Detroit style pizza and this lived up to the real deal! It was real high quality between the dough, cheese, sauce and crispy crust! Very impressed and hope to be back!" – Kathryn Krom (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Signature Detroit-Style Cheese Pizza – Featuring a crispy, caramelized crust topped with a lavish layer of cheese and a hearty tomato sauce.

7. 5 Elementos – Mexican Food

For those looking for a healthy lunch with Mexican flavours, 5 Elementos is a must-try. Their dishes are designed with a modern twist, incorporating bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and health-conscious options.

Every dish starts as vegan-first, allowing customers to customize with premium proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

From hearty burrito bowls to refreshing cauliflower tacos, 5 Elementos specializes in meals that are as delicious as they are nourishing. Their daily-prepared salsas and marinated meats create an explosion of flavor in every bite, making this an excellent choice for a satisfying yet guilt-free lunch.

"Their bowls are to die for! So flavorful and healthy! Cauliflower is my new favorite lunch staple." – Julie Kertes (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Chipotle Taco Bowl – A tantalizing mix of smoky chipotle flavors, ripe avocado, and your choice of marinated meats or plant-based proteins, topped with an array of fresh ingredients.

8. Umami Express – Asian Fusion Bowls

Here, the menu revolves around California-Asian fusion bowls, featuring slow-cooked proteins, house-made sauces, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. 

Umami Express elevates every bowl with deep, rich flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a protein-packed rice bowl or a light, veggie-forward dish, this restaurant offers something to satisfy every craving.

" The meal is healthy, affordable, and filling. Most of the time I find that healthy food comes in very small portions and I don’t get full. And most fast food is super unhealthy. I’ll definitely be ordering again! " – Nayeli Sandoval (Google Review)

📌 Must-try dish: Chicken Greens Bowl – Tender roasted chicken with a Szechuan chili oil twist, complemented by a medley of crunchy greens and robust grains.

Let Picnic Handle Your Office’s Lunch

Coordinating lunch don’t need to be hassle. Picnic takes the stress out of office meals, making group ordering seamless and efficient.

With Picnic, each team member can choose their own meal from a variety of top restaurants, all within a single, organized order. 

No more fees, collecting payments, juggling multiple deliveries, or dealing with last-minute changes. Everything arrives together, fresh and on time, so your team can focus on their work instead of lunch logistics.

Whether you’re planning a team lunch, a client meeting, or a company-wide event, Picnic ensures that everyone gets a meal they’ll love, without the usual ordering chaos.

Looking for the best restaurants in Los Angeles for lunch, delivered hassle-free? Get started with Picnic today.