Best Lunch Restaurants in Albany

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaAlbanyBerkeleyChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCow Hollow

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

199 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytoon

4.7

Exceptional(796)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle Eastern • Albany

Booked 7 times today

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar offers Mediterranean comfort foods with a modern American twist. Located at the corner of Solano and Kains, Zaytoon embraces the everyday Mediterranean kitchen, making it the focus of your casual fine dining experience. With hummus inspired by the flavors of Jerusalem and humanely raised meats, Zaytoon is much more than your average shawarma joint! Come try Zaytoon’s craft cocktails, created by the Jessica Maria, the owner of Albany's craft cocktail bar, the Hotsy Totsy Club. Meet up with your coworkers or friends for Zaytoon's full bar and Happy Hour! Reserve a table for your romantic night out. Reservations are not required for lunch as we have plenty of seating, but feel free to call us at 510-898-1316 to check availability.

2. Little Star Solano

4.4

Awesome(390)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizza Bar • Albany

Booked 4 times today

## Little Star Solano: Where Pizza Meets Community Little Star Solano is more than just a pizzeria; it's a vibrant gathering place where families, friends, and food lovers come together to savor delectable pizzas in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Step inside and be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked dough and the lively chatter of happy diners. The restaurant boasts a spacious dining room with high ceilings, comfortable booths, and a long, eye-catching red booth that spans an entire wall. Art Deco lighting and beautiful artwork add to the unique ambiance. Little Star Solano's menu features a mouthwatering selection of pizzas, crafted with the finest ingredients and innovative recipes. From classic deep-dish pies with their signature cornmeal crust to thin-crust pizzas bursting with flavor, there's something for every taste bud. But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Little Star Solano also offers a variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Beyond the delicious food, Little Star Solano is committed to its community. They support local schools and non-profit organizations, and their "Crust for Classrooms" program donates a portion of dine-in dinner sales to different education programs every month.

3. La Marcha

4.6

Exceptional(1257)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Berkeley

Booked 29 times today

La Marcha Tapas Bar, located in Berkeley, California, is a culinary gem led by Chef Sergio Monleon and Chef Emily Sarlatte. Known for its innovative Spanish cuisine, La Marcha offers signature paella dishes and a variety of delightful tapas. The restaurant has earned accolades including listed in the Michelin Guide, Best of the Bay awards, and recognition among the top 5 Spanish restaurants by several publications. Situated near landmarks such as UC Berkeley and BAMPFA, it boasts a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Committed to community service, Chef Sergio, Chef Emily, and the team actively participate in local and global charitable initiatives. Join us at La Marcha Tapas Bar for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of Spain.

4. Skates on the Bay

4.5

Awesome(7492)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 51 times today

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

A photo of ACRE Kitchen and Bar restaurant

5. ACRE Kitchen and Bar

4.5

Awesome(702)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Oakland

Booked 42 times today

ACRE is an ingredient-driven menu of California/Mediterranean cuisine served witha welcoming, neighborhood approachability.*20% gratuity will be added to all parties 8 or more.

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

6. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1685)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 9 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

A photo of Limewood Bar & Restaurant restaurant

7. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(2505)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Berkeley

Booked 34 times today

Experience a vibrant, casual gathering place with bay view patio seating, showcasing regionally-sourced cuisine. A kitchen inspired by Bay Area artisans is complimented by a spirited bar offering house-crafted cocktails and a well-balanced wine list.

8. Burdell

4.5

Awesome(196)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 23 times today

Burdell is a Soul Food restaurant in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland from James Beard Finalist, Chef Geoff Davis.Named for and inspired by his maternal grandmother, Burdell, the restaurant reflects her love for well-set tables, entertaining guests, shared meals, and laughter. Burdell is centered on nostalgia, family recipes, thoughtful and sustainable sourcing, and the forgotten impact of Black farming, ranching, fishing, foraging, and culture on American cuisine and hospitality. The menu highlights farmers and artisans harvesting and creating excellent products around us. Paired with the food is a robust list of wine and beverages from producers around the World-focusing on wines that are farmed and crafted with care and sustainable practices.

9. donato&co.

4.7

Exceptional(1732)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Berkeley

Booked 17 times today

Rustic Italian cuisine w/ a contemporary twist, featuring house made pastas & locally sourced seafood & meats cooked over a live fire.

10. Babette

4.6

Exceptional(141)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Berkeley

Booked 2 times today

At Babette, the husband and wife team of Joan Ellis and Patrick Hooker, are in the kitchen preparing each plate to ensure that their vision and taste profile are translated to each diner. The attention to detail are evident in not only the food they make but also the ambience they have created. The interior of the restaurant is natural brick and the couple have chosen a rich color palette of deep blues and greens for the walls. An elegant chandelier hangs over a natural wood backed booth providing both a cozy and elegant feel to the room. Outside on the spacious patio, a magnificent redwood tree provides natural shade to the built in seating area and plants are abundant creating a lush, garden setting. Live music Brunches, New York style Pizza, unique Entrees and our famous Sicilian Lemon Almond Pistachio Cake are just a taste of what you will find at Babette. Warm and knowledgeable staff will make you feel like part of the family.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KarenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •64 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food and service were as expected. All delicious and they were supportive about modifying for Food intolerances. Thank you.
More info
Skates on the BayPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Berkeley
•
4.5
S
SimonVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My friend had the ham and turkey sandwich and I got the margarita Roman square- so good
More info
ACRE Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Oakland
•
4.5
L
LeslieVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was Valentine's Day and it was the perfect place to spend the holiday! Food was delicious. We did feel a bit rushed, but that could have been that we were late in arriving and they were totally booked for the evening.
More info
ZaytoonPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Albany
•
4.7
D
Deanne
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of our favorite spots, we introduced good friends to La Marcha and no one was disappointed. The service was friendly and we were well cared for. Our table request was honored. The food was excellent. We appreciate the menu offers several options for paella, including more than one that is pork-free. So we ordered two to share along with a selection of tapas. We missed the orange olive cake, which was not on the menu that evening and is one of our favorites, but the churros were enjoyed. Another great experience at La Marcha!
More info
La MarchaPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Berkeley
•
4.6
B
BrianVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 10, 2025
Always Yummy - Turn the lights down - too bright :)
More info
Little Star SolanoPrice: Moderate• Pizza Bar• Albany
•
4.4