Work Here, Eat There: CalEPA Headquarters Building

Where to Eat | Kiara Badue — Aug 31, 2026

Work near the California Environmental Protection Agency Building? Tasty lunches and quality coffee are only a short walk away. If you’re looking to grab a quick bite between meetings or a cafe to enjoy your break, this downtown roundup has plenty of options to keep your workweek feeling fresh.

Lunch

8th Street Pizza
Grab a slice or a whole pizza for an easy lunch. The hours can be a little sporadic, so call and check before you head over, but the pizza and price make it worth coming back to.

Bangkok@12 Thai
One of my favorite Thai spots downtown. They have so many classic Thai dishes with generous portions, making it a great lunch outing or an easy one to take back to the office and split with your work bestie.

Beach Hut Deli
A go-to when you’re looking for big sandwiches, laid-back vibes, and plenty of options when you need something quick. An easy grab to take back to the office when you don’t have time for a longer sit-down for lunch.

Cariño
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, Cariño is a solid choice. If you haven’t been, the cute pink storefront is worth checking out. I recommend getting the Grande Burrito.

Citizen Capitol Craft House
A good pick when you want to sit down for lunch but are looking for a more elevated experience without straying too far from good pub food.

La Cosecha
Walking into La Cosecha feels a little like leaving downtown for the afternoon. The patio vibes make for a fun spot to grab a few plates and share with your coworkers.

Little Morocco Café
One to keep in your back pocket when you’re craving something homemade. They serve homemade Moroccan food that is 100% Halal.

Octopus Peru
When you’re in the mood for fresh fish, head to Octopus Peru. Their California seafood cevichería has tons of Peruvian flavors that will make you want to make this spot a part of your weekly routine.

Coffee

Cora Coffee
An aesthetically pleasing café with good vibes that’s perfect for your morning coffee meeting or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Temple Coffee
A reliable spot for a quick handcrafted coffee. They always have seasonal drinks that are fun to try when you want to switch up your usual order.

Save this for when you want to try something new

A quick walk can lead to your next favorite lunch spot. Save this list, share it with a coworker, and spend your next break exploring somewhere new downtown.