The 10 Best Weekday Lunch Specials in Los Angeles

Even if you only have an hour for lunch, there’s no reason you have to down a sandwich while you sit in your car watching the clock. Treat yourself to some of the best weekday lunch specials in Los Angeles and imbue a little dignity into your 9 to 5 without spending too much of your hard-earned money.

Crustacean (Beverly Hills)

The decadent Vietnamese restaurant, Crustacean, has some secret lunch deals available exclusively for the neighbors of Beverly Hills. Don’t worry if you’re out of the district, though; there are still some great lunch specials available no matter your area code.

The Anna May Menu, or Power Lunch, is $39 for three courses which seems unheard of considering they have a $68 Lobster Salad on the menu. Begin the meal with Signature Crab Puffs, a Little Gem Salad, or Steamed Shrimp and Lobster Dumplings, among other dishes.

The second course includes a choice of Grilled Mango Prawn Salad, An’s Famous Garlic Noodles, or a Classic Pho Soup, as well as a few more.

The dessert portion of the menu has three choices, such as a Giant Valhrona Chocolate Chip Cookie or Warm Beignets.

Besides the Power Lunch deal, you can also take advantage of a $25 An Sum Family Tree Dim Sum Lunch offering (2 guests minimum) and Mama’s Pho which includes three different Pho options for $20.

Hours for lunch are Wednesday to Friday from Noon to 3 p.m. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Also, something to know before you go, a strict dress code is enforced during the evening, so don’t come in flip-flops or shorts during the day either.

Niku X (DTLA)

Welcome the twinkle of a few Michelin stars into your lunchtime when you enjoy the $45 lunch special at Niku X. Located at the Wilshire Grand in Downtown Los Angeles, Michelin-starred chef Shin
Thompson serves up premium cuts of meat in an equally decadent dining room space where each table feels like its own island.

The meal begins with your choice of Oxtail and Tokyo Negi Potstickers, Wagyu Tallow Potato Pave, and Girl and Dug Salad. 

Next, you’re served a stimulating bowl of Miso Soup to prepare you for the main course. 

The Wagyu Grill is expertly prepared by your server, who grills 4 oz of Chefs Choice Cuts for your lunch. They are served with a sauce duo of Chili Miso and Yakinuku.

It’s accompanied by your choice of White Rice with furikake or a supplement of Wagyu Fried Rice or Hot Stone Bibimbop. 

If the mood strikes you, I recommend a 3-course Wine Pairing, which is just $22 additional and includes any wine on their by-the-glass menu.

The menu is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended. 

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks (Various)

Say aloha to lunch under $20 with a tip! The Islands Lunch Break Menu features items like Northshore Tacos and a Double Stack Burger for less than $11. You can even add on an Endless Mug beverage option for just $1.99

This menu is available from Monday to Friday until 2:00 p.m. 

Roberta’s (Studio City)

Beloved Brooklyn transplant Roberta’s has got some shucking good deals to keep you smiling on a Thursday. Although famous for pizza (don’t leave without having a Bee Sting), they’re changing things up by featuring a rotating Oyster selection ($25/dozen, $15/half, $3/single). 

Best of all, each purchase of a dozen includes Two reduced-price beverage Options, like $10 Wine-by-the-Glass or $5 Draft Beers. 

I recommend enjoying a late lunch that turns into dinner :). Hours are 11 a.m. to sold out on Thursdays only. 

Yume Sushi (Studio City)

Yume Sushi is known for its quality fish and inventive sushi combinations, but a visit during dinner will put you back at least $100 for two people. That’s what makes this lunch special such a dream.

There are two options for lunch, which include the Yume Lunch Special ($28) and the Hand Roll Trio ($24). The Yume Lunch Special includes 2 Pieces of Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, 2 Pieces of Salmon Tartare on Wonton Chips, Miso Soup, and House Salad or Rice, PLUS your choice of Grilled Salmon, Yuzu Garlic Shrimp, or Shrimp Tempura.

Lunch takes place Monday to Friday from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. 

Gracias Madre (West Hollywood/Newport Beach)

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse (DTLA/Beverly Hills)

Cozy Corner (Glendale)

The lunch specials at Cozy Corner Thai in Glendale rival that of Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks because nothing is over $11.

Choose between seventeen different dishes, from Yellow Curry to BBQ Chicken. Meat choices without an upcharge are Chicken, Tofu, and Pork, while Shrimp and Beef are just $2 more. 

This special menu isn’t reserved for just weekdays either. It’s 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day! Order online here.

Sushi Sasabune (Beverly Hills, Glendale, West LA)

Chef and Owner Nobi Kusuhara opened his first Sushi Sasabune in West LA in the early 90s; decades later, it’s still going strong. If your wallet knows no bounds, then I recommend sitting at the sushi bar for a “chef’s choice” omakase lunch. However, if you’re in a hurry and want some top sushi, they also offer a paired-down version beginning at $33.

The Sushi Lunch Special begins with Miso Soup and a Cucumber Salad before moving on to 6 pieces of Sushi and a warm Blue Crab Hand Roll. 

You will leave the dining room feeling as fresh as the Sushi you just consumed.

Check the location before you go, but expect around Noon to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, for this deal. 

Ocean Prime (Beverly Hills)

One of the best deals in the whole ocean has to be going on Ocean Prime, where their 3-course Prime Lunch Menu is just $35. Highlights include a Lobster Bisque or Ocean Prime House Salad to begin before moving on to one of five entrée items to choose from, like the Shellfish “Cobb” Salad, the Poke Bowl, or the Roasted Chicken. An 8 oz Filet is also available for $10 more. Dessert is a Fresh Baked Cookie.

The Prime Lunch Menu is available on weekdays until 4 p.m.