Salad Shoppe

Have eaten here multiple times throughout the years. Very attentive service, large selection on…read moremenu. Not the best Thai food ever but certainly consistently good. My favorites are the corn cakes, crispy, crunchy, sweet and savory. Such a simple dish with an unexpected burst of flavor and textures. Their pad Thai, pad ma and pad see ew are standard but freshly made and consistently good. Same with the curries, which they have a wide variety of. I've found that the satay and chicken wings taste precooked and warmed up giving them a dry texture. I highly recommend the sautéed eggplant. Great mix of sweet sauce and savory spicy eggplant and veggies.

9.5/10 Absolutely…read moreamazing, hands down the best Thai food in Salinas! We ordered the Pad Thai, Panang Curry, and Nam Sai, and every dish hit in its own way. Starting with the Pad Thai, we ordered it with beef and it was easily the star of the meal. Perfectly cooked soft noodles with a savory, slightly sweet sauce that was incredibly well balanced. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the addition of diced nuts added a great crunch and texture that tied everything together beautifully. The Panang Curry was also excellent. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It came with chicken, green beans, and bell peppers, all of which tasted fresh and perfectly cooked with a nice bite. The curry sauce was smooth and comforting, soaking into the dish incredibly well. A must-order for curry lovers. Lastly, the Nam Sai reminded us a lot of pho. On its own, it was a bit light and lacked salt, but once we added our own seasonings, it really came alive. After adjusting it to taste, it was delicious, comforting, and perfect for warming up. Service was fast and efficient, and the restaurant was clean and well kept. The ambiance was beautiful. A very nice, welcoming spot to enjoy a meal.

Pork pad thai

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Thai fried rice

Noodle House

4.1(278 reviews)

2.4 mi

Look! Never judge a book by its cover. I tried it the first time this hole in wall Chinese /…read moreVietnamese cuisine is a delight the price is affordable plus it's delicious. The owners are accommodating & very nice. Spoke to the owner he told me they have been in business for 28 years! WOW! I will definitely comeback for more deliciousness. Support local businesses they're the best.

The food was actually good but the service wasn't great the lady host was giving us an attitude,…read morewas rude and shoved the sodas all rude like she was mad!

Ambience

Mongolian Beef Lunch Special

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Updated Menu as of 3/17/2025

Thanh Loi Noodles

4.5(239 reviews)

4.1 mi

Came here with the family for a quick meal, and we were really impressed! It was hard to decide…read morewhat to order because the menu is huge and everything looked so good. I ordered the beef stew with egg noodle soup, and it came with a generous amount of tender beef and a really flavorful broth. Their pho broth is also excellent, and the meatballs are delicious. One of my favorite things was the sautéed chili oil they put on the table--it added such a great kick to the soup! The avocado smoothies were fresh, creamy, and not overly sweet. Even though the restaurant was packed, the service was fast and our food came out surprisingly quickly. Great food, generous portions, and efficient service. Definitely a great spot for Vietnamese food in Salinas.

Service needs improvement. Food is ok. Don't feel comfortable supporting, no matter how good the…read morefood is.

Inside

Grilled pork chop with rice

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Outside

Saigon Noodles

3.9(287 reviews)

3.2 mi

Our favorite go to place for Pho . Servers are always friendly and attentive. Chicken pho has great…read morebroth and Vietnamese coffee is always amazing . Very clean and great service. Forgot to take pictures.

I was a big fan of this place when it first opened and used to rave about their pho. Unfortunately,…read moremy visit on 5/2 was a huge letdown. From the moment I walked in, the service began with a bad start. The staff were chatting and joking behind the counter and too distracted to notice me. I had to grab a menu myself and ask in a loud tone if I could sit anywhere just to get their attention. Once seated, it took nearly 10 minutes for a server to come by. I ordered a boba drink and pho with brisket. The server returned after another 8 minutes to say they were out of both the boba flavor I wanted and the brisket. After I reordered, the replacement boba arrived extremely sweet -- basically tasted like watered-down sugar syrup with almost no tea flavor. The pho was even more disappointing.. the broth was watery and bland, there was very little beef, and the bowl was light on noodles and toppings. It felt like a shadow of what they used to serve. It's sad to see a spot that was once one of the best pho places in Salinas (in my opinion) decline this sharply. The restaurant was unusually empty, and the few other customers looked just as unimpressed. I understand rising food and restaurant operating costs, but cutting quality this much will only drive more people away. I rarely leave negative reviews and I don't consider myself to be such a picky eater, but this experience was genuinely disappointing. I'm not sure I'll be back.

Inside

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Dim Sum Inn

4.1(387 reviews)

4.1 mi

I bought a slew of dim sum for my wife as a celebration. I wasn't familiar with this place, but…read moreother reviews were good, so I had hope. Since another "Lordly Eggroll" place stopped selling dim sum, I had to find another place that did. I called earlier in the week to put my order in. The lady who took my call was friendly and on her game. Order taken, no need to pay in advance, life is good. I show up at the agreed time and the girl at the counter was also friendly and attentive. I waited maybe 10 minutes for everything to be finished (it was a large order for the family). Nice family owned place. Clean. The food cane out and it was perfect! Admittedly, i couldn't wait on the shu mai. I had to sneak one on the way home. Oh wow! Are they good!! In fact, everything was absolutely delicious! The sticky rice balls in lotus leaf! The Har gao!! It was all just so good!! We will definitely be coming back here for another party order!! My thanks to the company and my compliments ti the chef!!

The food and service was incredible. The dumplings were well prepared and delicious. The shrimp…read moredumplings soup was amazing. We will definitely return to this spot. The entire space was really clean and presentable. Thumbs up!!!

Inside

Fish Fillet in Ginger and Scallion

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Eagle Restaurant

4.2(344 reviews)

1.0 mi

Always great service whether dining in or carry out. Food is delicious! We eat here often and I…read morehave never had a bad experience.

So bummed! This spot used to be a favorite... Now its so overpriced & the food just didn't taste…read morefresh at all!

Eggplant with tofu

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Eagle 05. Eagle Lunch Special

El Zacatecano

4.4(451 reviews)

1.8 mi

Don't let the grilled windows and doors throw you off--this place is a genuine diamond in the rough…read moretucked away on a bustling Salinas street. Once you step inside, the vibe shifts instantly into a perfectly clean, well-organized Mexican eatery that feels both authentic and welcoming. The service is incredibly friendly and the prices are more than fair. It's the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel like you've been let in on a local secret. The food is quite frankly phenomenal. We're talking enchiladas cooked to perfection, delicious tortillas, quesadillas boasting that glorious, milky-stretchy cheese we all dream about, and bold salsas that bring just enough zing to make you reach for your napkin (and maybe a glass of water). Even the staples like refried beans and rice were flawless, leaving us with absolutely nothing to fault. If you're looking for a meal with enough soul and spice to make you sweat, this is a must-visit!

Incredible food. Kind service. Everything was absolute quality. Can't wait to go back.read more

Inside peek

Zacatecano plate

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Outside

Elli's Great American Restaurant

3.2(673 reviews)

0.2 mi

My special Lady and I came in for dinner recently on a Friday night. Much to our suprise, the…read morerestaurant was not busy. - We were seated in a booth todard the "back" of the restaurant. Our waitress approached, handed us menues. I ordered --fresh-- coffee and my Lady ordered hot tea. - We placed our orders, and soon we were served. - Each of our meals was plentiful, and very good. - The service was also quite good. - We will return.

The place smells bad…read more Joel would feel as if he's getting infected. Tommy would, too. "Dang!" Cordyceps! Y'all are about to bring in the next 2020! At Elli's in Salinas!

Dining

Appetizer: Loaded Nachos

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Sourdough & Co

4.2(48 reviews)

3.5 mi

I absolutely love this place; I haven't been back to "Subways" since.. even better, it's close to…read moremy home

The best sandwiches in the town and the salads still serve you very well the place is very clean…read moreeverything is perfect

(in between Starbucks and BKM health foods)

The French Dip sandwich

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Double chicken pesto sandwich

Golden Star Restaurant

3.4(232 reviews)

0.1 mi

Great food every time we've visited! Great service. Plenty of parking and ADA parking also.read more

Door dash delivery was great. Food was not Ordered fried rice with no carrots no peas. Please…read moreadd chopped green onions and scrambled eggs. Well guess what. They didn't care Added peas and carrots and forgot green onions and scrambled eggs Waste of money. Maybe they can't read???? Or don't care about their customers requests?????? The chow mein and wor won ton soup were good. Same as always. Good portions but something was missing. That unique flavor. Not as good as last time.

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Mandarin Chicken

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30 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mike B.

220

4 months ago

The Salad Shop is a true Salinas staple and one of the best options in town when you're looking for a fresh, quality salad. Unfortunately, Salinas does not have a lot of dedicated salad options, but The Salad Shop consistently delivers with crisp lettuce, fresh ingredients, locally grown vegetables, and a salad bar that always feels well-maintained and full of variety. The owner, Josh, has been running this place for many years, and the business itself has been part of Salinas for approximately 40 years. It has that classic local feel and is perfectly located on South Main, nestled between Wingstop and CVS. It is a great lunch spot with strong local vibes, friendly service, and a steady crowd of regulars. They are also constantly changing and adding new ingredients to the salad bar, which keeps it fresh and interesting. The customer service is always great, and you can tell this place has earned its reputation over time. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures because I usually pile my salad way too high, and it was not exactly photogenic -- but trust me, if you are in Salinas and want a solid salad, this is your spot. Five stars. read more

Tommy C.

12 years ago

This place has good fresh salads. The lettuce was very good quality and the dressings are made in house and very tasty. We liked the Caesar and the vinaigrette the best. The clam chowder was good as well. If I had to add anything I would recommend a bit more variety for salad toppings (like some other types of cheeses) and maybe offer to toss the salads for better dressing coverage. One downside was the employees were all sitting down and as customers entered they would say hello, but people were confused about the format so more attention from the staff would have been helpful. read more

Julia J.

3 years ago

I recently came here and had their poke bowl, which was a fantastic experience. The dish was filled with colorful and fresh ingredients like salmon, avocado, cucumber, and edamame, all well seasoned and accented with a delightful sesame dressing. The employees was pleasant and accommodating, and the environment was clean and welcoming. I would strongly suggest Salad Shoppe to anyone seeking a nutritious and enjoyable meal. The poke bowl, in particular, was an outstanding entrée that satisfied and fed me. read more

Ron H.

5 months ago

I had a fantastic experience at The Salad Shop. From the moment I walked in, the customer service stood out--warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive. The salads were absolutely outstanding--fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. You can tell there's real care put into both the food and the customer experience. If you're in the area and looking for a great meal with exceptional service, I highly recommend stopping by. I'll definitely be back! read more

Adriana J.

10 years ago

I am so in love with this place, it's the one true place you can depend on a fresh quality meal with a great variety of options for the health conscious in South Salinas. I was stoked when I learned about the new Poke Bowls and trust me people it did NOT disappoint! Seaweed salad, edemame, a LOT of fish, the sauce was amazing and just the abundance of fresh veggies was stellar. I highly recommend trying out this gem! read more

Jeremy G.

134

10 years ago

Awesome place! Very clean, and actually there are a lot of options here for everyone. If you want to keep it light there is the best salad bar and soup selection in town. But, if you need a little more protein in your life there are several options for you. The staff is friendly and invested in the business. They are a staple in the community so they all genuinely care about your experience. Check it out! read more

Dick A.

10 years ago

Our business trip to Salinas today was rewarded when we went into the Salad Shoppe for an afternoon snack. The available of food products was not only visually appetizing, but our lunch turned out to be second to none. Delicious, including the home-made soup. One visit to the Salad Shoppe will definitely be habit forming. We look forward to our next return trip. read more

Daniel A.

8 years ago

Always a pleasure to dine in this place for lunch. This is my place of choice for a zesty and complete salad bar, choices of breads, soups and even coned ice cream for a small treat. They also have pre-made salads for those in a rush or you can come in and put your salad in a container to go. Come early as it very popular and the good seats go fast!! read more

Veronica G.

14 years ago

Love, love, love The Salad Shoppe! Can always count on their fresh produce and their selections never get boring. Make sure to try one of their soups...yummy! You can check on Facebook to see what they are serving for the day. The staff is always friendly and do a great job of keeping the place looking nice. Definitely my go to place for lunch! read more

Elizabeth P.

119

10 years ago

I have been going to the Salad Shoppe for some years. I just love this place. The salad choices are great and they always have some kind of soup. Their chili is to die for. They clean the counter continuously. The employees are very polite. I would highly recommend the Salad Shoppe for anyone who loves a salad. read more

Irving C.

11 years ago

What is there not to love about the salad shoppe? Fresh, healthy, fast, and delicious! Definitely my type of restaurant. Friendly staff and a great value. You can grab a convenient pre-made salad to go or customize a salad to your hearts desire. It's one of my favorite places to go during lunch. Good job guys! :-) read more

Mrs. C M.

11 years ago

I have been a some what frequent customer for last four years at Salad Shoppe. Salad bar selection is ok, however the selection always looks and tastes fresh. Owner seems to be a little unfriendly, or maybe just having a bad day every time I happen to be there. Fair price for unlimited salad. read more

Chris R.

15 years ago

The best place for lunch in Salinas, And they now have extended their hours to dinner. Everything is so fresh and flavorful. The staff is warm and it's just a good feel when your there. I usually go with the unlimited salad bar, a lot of choices for an excellent healthy meal. read more

Alex B.

7 years ago

They have awesome salads with fresh produce right here in Salinas. They have a variety of toppings which make for a great salad. It's a perfect place to come when you want something on the lighter side. They also have soup as well but he selection is not always that great read more

Ron D.

5 months ago

Love everything about this place. Friendly, clean, amazing fresh veggies! The salad bar is huge! Nice to have a non fast food option. Whenever I have to visit Salinas I make a point of stopping and grabbing a salad or sandwich. read more

GrubGuy 1.

110

9 months ago

Tried one of their deli sandwiches again, and it was honestly very good. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and flavors that hit perfectly. I asked about the bread they use and found that it's a local bakery, Claudio's read more

Alexis K.

4 years ago

I have tried their soups 3 times I absolutely love them. However just consistency with the broth to veggies/ meat ratio. Today's bowl was mostly juice barely anything to bite on. Over all flavor is phenomenal. read more

Kristi B.

11 years ago

Best salad bar in town! One of my favorite lunch spots! We frequent there often and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Great selections for eating clean. read more

Linda V.

8 years ago

Great place the salad bar is limited I would except more options but the salad taste great and soup and bread are super delicious and great price for everything read more

Araceli H.

8 years ago

First time eating here and I loved it! I recommend it 100% Not expensive and it's perfect if you don't want to cook just for yourself:)) read more

Salad Shoppe - sandwiches - Updated September 2026

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Still remains my favorite Chinese restaurant anywhere. Excellent service. Food arrives quickly. My…read morefamily frequently has to get their Dynasty Court fix to satisfy cravings. Great deals for a wide variety of lunch specials for $11.99. We also often go in a group of 6-10 people for dinner and order separate items. That way we can have a big selection of food. My favorite dishes are Hunan beef (try it!) and Singapore rice noodles and eggplant and black bean rock cod. And... so much more!

I almost missed this spot entirely--tucked discreetly into a strip mall, hiding just behind Safeway…read moreon the right like a little secret waiting to be discovered. I actually had to circle back to find it, which already made it feel like a bit of a hidden gem. Arriving around 1:30 pm, the dining room was completely empty at first glance. For a moment I wondered if they were closed, until I noticed the doors slightly ajar. Not long after stepping in, I was greeted and invited to sit wherever I liked, which added a relaxed, unhurried feel to the whole experience. I went with the Mango Beef Special Lunch Combo ($10.99) The dish came with generous crisp vegetables, chunks of mango that paired nicely with the zesty savory beef. The fried rice and chow mein leaned a bit on the mild side flavor-wise, but a touch of chili oil and some of the entrée sauce brought everything to life. The combo also includes soup of the day and your choice of appetizer, making it a well-rounded plate. Portion-wise, it's more than fair--especially for the price. In fact, it easily undercuts most nearby Chinese spots and even fast food options, in the later case being obviously fresher and more balanced alternative. This feels like the kind of place you root for. I'll be back to explore more of the menu--and honestly, I'd take supporting a quiet local kitchen like this over a fast food chain any day.

Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant

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The management was truly exceptional--professional, attentive, and clearly dedicated to creating a…read morepositive and welcoming environment. I was visiting from out of town and happened to stop by, and I'm so glad I did because the experience was amazing from start to finish. You could tell they genuinely cared about both their staff and their guests, which made everything feel smooth and comfortable. On top of that, the food was incredible--fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care--and their drinks were just as great, perfectly crafted and a highlight of the visit. The male server especially stood out for his kindness and generosity. He went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect, and his warm, genuine attitude made the experience even more enjoyable. From the moment I walked in, I felt truly welcomed and at ease, and it turned what was just a quick stop into something really special and memorable.

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Same order, different year! Service is fast and place is clean. Best pho broth in Salinas…read more I'm lowkey mad they don't sell chow fun noodles anymore, but hopefully they bring it back.

Consistently delicious, this place is small but turnover is rapid. Take out also available…read more Generous servings of pho, chicken salad and vermicelli dishes which are my favorites. The spring rolls are great too. Friendly service, I've never had a bad meal or experience here. Definitely recommend

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I only wish they had a store front! With so little vegan options in Salinas folks tend to travel,…read morebut now we have a local treasure at our farmers market. The mango salad was so fresh and the dressing was tangy and full of flavor. All the kicks from ginger to lemon grass to soy and chile made it seem like a full meal. The veggies are were crispy but julienned so thin they soaked up all that amazing dressing. The crispy tofu and onions made the entire thing come together on all fronts. The spring rolls and that peanut sauce were equally impressive, and even it may seem a bit pricey at 7 bucks for three, it's way too much for one person, so make friends. Coconut shake was DELICIOUS, and I'm assuming they used the full fat coconut milk because it was smooth and creamy. You have to drink it right away or it starts to separate a bit, throw in the paper straw, and you've got 30 minutes tops to finish. Can't wait to see them again Friday!

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