Best Lunch Under $15 in Cedar Rapids
Ray Aqel has been preparing Mediterranean and Palestinian cuisine for over 15 years. He opened Pita Kabab in Cedar Rapids in 2025 to share family recipes passed down through generations. Ray is also the owner of Captain's Fish and Chicken in Cedar Rapids.
Reviewed by Ray Aqel, Owner
TL;DR
Cedar Rapids has strong lunch options under $15 across many cuisines. At Pita Kabab, falafel pita ($6.99) is the best budget pick, chicken shawarma pita ($9.99) is the most popular, and the vegetarian plate ($13.99) is the most complete meal.
Lunch in Cedar Rapids does not have to cost you $20 or leave you eating at your desk with something sad from a vending machine. There are genuinely good meals to be had in this city for under $15 — meals with real ingredients, real flavors, and enough food to keep you going through the afternoon. This guide covers where to look, what to order, and why Mediterranean food in particular delivers some of the best value per dollar you will find anywhere in the city.
This guide is for workers, students, and residents in the Cedar Rapids metro area looking for a filling, quality lunch without spending more than $15 per person. We cover the local dining scene, highlight specific affordable picks from our menu, and share tips for getting the most value. We do not cover chain restaurants, fast food, or grocery deli options.
Why Affordable Lunch Is Worth Getting Right
The average American spends over $3,000 a year on lunch. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food-away-from-home prices have risen steadily year over year, making smart lunch choices more important than ever. If you are eating out five days a week, even a small upgrade in quality — without going over $15 — adds up to a meaningfully better year. The goal here is not just cheap. It is cheap and satisfying, with food that is made fresh rather than reheated from a frozen bag.
Cedar Rapids — part of the Cedar Rapids metro area that draws visitors and residents alike — has a diverse enough food scene that you have real options across cuisines. The challenge is knowing where your money goes furthest.
The Cedar Rapids Lunch Scene: What Is Out There
Cedar Rapids has a solid mix of lunch options across different cuisines and price points. You will find dependable options for:
- Tacos and Mexican food — Several spots around town offer tacos and burritos in the $8–$13 range. Lunch specials are common on weekdays.
- BBQ and American comfort food — Cedar Rapids has a few local BBQ joints where a plate with sides will come in under $15 if you stick to the basics.
- Asian food — From pho to Chinese lunch buffets to Thai, there are multiple spots where a filling midday meal runs $10–$14.
- Sandwiches and delis — Classic sub and deli options are well-represented downtown and near the business corridors.
- Mediterranean — This is where we think the value-to-quality ratio is hardest to beat in Cedar Rapids, and it is where we can speak from direct experience.
Pita Kabab: Our Best Lunch Picks Under $15
We are Pita Kabab, and yes — we are on this list. We think that is fair because we genuinely believe our lunch options represent the best affordable eating in the Mediterranean category in Cedar Rapids, and we want to be specific about why.
We are located at 3100 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, in southwest Cedar Rapids with free parking. We are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Sandwiches are counter-service and ready in about 10 minutes — fast enough for a real lunch break.
Here is what we recommend:
Falafel Pita — $6.99
This is our best budget pick, full stop. Hand-rolled falafel with a crispy golden crust and herby interior, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. At $6.99, it is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you found a secret. It is filling, vegetarian, and made fresh. Add a combo upgrade (fries and a drink) for $2.99 and you have a complete lunch for under $10.
Hummus Plate — $7.99 (small)
If you want something lighter or shareable, the small hummus plate is smooth, freshly made hummus with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, served with warm pita bread. It works well as a standalone lunch or as a starter if you are eating with someone. Clean, simple, and genuinely good.
Lentil Soup — $3.99 (small)
A small lentil soup for under $4 is one of the best deals on our menu. It is warm, velvety, and earthy, with a hint of cumin — and it pairs perfectly with any of our sandwiches. Add it to a falafel pita and you have a full meal for under $11.
Chicken Shawarma Pita — $9.99
Tender, slow-roasted chicken shawarma fragrant with cumin and coriander, sliced and loaded into a pita with crunchy vegetables and a rich garlic sauce. This is our most popular sandwich and for good reason. At $9.99, you are getting a restaurant-quality meal that is made to order — not assembled from ingredients that have been sitting out all day.
Gyro Pita — $9.99
Seasoned lamb and beef, shaved thin and served in a pita with creamy tahini sauce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and crisp lettuce. If you have never had a gyro from a place that makes it properly, this is the one to try. Same price as the shawarma, different flavor profile — both worth your time.
Vegetarian Plate — $13.99
For a more substantial sit-down-style lunch, the vegetarian plate brings together crispy falafel, tender grape leaves, silky hummus, fresh toppings, and warm pita bread. It is one of the most complete meals on our menu and comes in under $15.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl — $14.99
Our shawarma bowl is the closest thing we have to a “build your own” style meal. Chicken shawarma over rice or salad with your choice of toppings and sauce. At $14.99, it is at the top of our under-$15 range, but it is a generous portion and genuinely satisfying.
Quick-Reference Table: Pita Kabab Lunch Deals Under $15
| Item | Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Falafel Pita | $6.99 | Best budget pick |
| Lentil Soup (small) | $3.99 | Add-on or light lunch |
| Hummus Plate (small) | $7.99 | Light lunch or snack |
| Chicken Shawarma Pita | $9.99 | Most popular sandwich |
| Gyro Pita | $9.99 | Classic Mediterranean flavor |
| Combo Upgrade (fries + drink) | +$2.99 | Add to any sandwich |
| Vegetarian Plate | $13.99 | Full vegetarian meal |
| Chicken Shawarma Bowl | $14.99 | Hearty bowl option |
What Makes Mediterranean Food Good Value at Lunch
Mediterranean food holds up well for a lunch budget for a few reasons. The core ingredients — legumes, grains, vegetables, lean proteins — are naturally filling without being heavy. The USDA Dietary Guidelines highlight the Mediterranean diet pattern as one of the recommended healthy eating approaches for good reason. A falafel pita or a shawarma wrap gives you sustained energy in the afternoon rather than the crash you might get from a burger and fries. The food is also typically made fresh rather than kept under a heat lamp, which means quality stays consistent.
At Pita Kabab, almost everything on the lunch menu is prepared to order. That matters. A $9.99 sandwich made fresh is a better meal than a $12 sandwich that was assembled two hours ago.
Tips for Eating Well Under $15 in Cedar Rapids
- Go counter-service — Restaurants with counter service tend to have lower overhead and pass those savings on through pricing. You also get your food faster, which matters on a lunch break.
- Order water — Drinks can add $3–$4 to any meal. Bring a water bottle or ask for tap water and you extend your food budget meaningfully.
- Use combos strategically — At Pita Kabab, adding fries and a drink for $2.99 is genuinely good value. At other restaurants, combo upgrades can be a bad deal — check the math.
- Eat early or late — If your schedule allows a 11 AM or 1:30 PM lunch, you avoid peak rush and often get faster service and fresher food.
- Know your portions — Mediterranean sandwiches tend to be filling. A single pita at Pita Kabab is a full meal for most people. You do not need to order extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest lunch in Cedar Rapids that is still worth eating?
The falafel pita at Pita Kabab ($6.99) is the best answer to this question that we can speak to directly. It is made fresh, filling, and genuinely delicious. Cedar Rapids also has taco and Asian food options in a similar price range that are worth exploring.
Where can I get a fast lunch in Cedar Rapids under $15?
Counter-service restaurants are your best bet for speed. At Pita Kabab, sandwiches are typically ready in about 10 minutes. Many taco and fast-casual spots in Cedar Rapids operate on a similar timeline. The key is going somewhere that makes food to order rather than pulling from a steam table.
Is Pita Kabab good for a quick weekday lunch?
Yes — that is one of the things we have specifically built for. We are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM, we have free parking, and most of our lunch menu is ready in under 10 minutes. You can see our menu and prices, order online from Pita Kabab, or visit us in Cedar Rapids at 3100 6th St SW. If you are new to Mediterranean food, check out our guide on what to order on your first visit.
Allergen Notice: Pita Kabab uses sesame, sesame oil, wheat, eggs, milk, tree nuts, and fish in our kitchen. Dishes may contain or come into contact with these allergens. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, please inform our staff when ordering so we can help you choose safely. For questions, call us at (319) 440-3709.