Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » The Pizza & Tamales Factory – San Diego
The Pizza & Tamales Factory - San Diego
Photo from The Pizza & Tamales Factory
The Pizza & Tamales Factory at a glance
San Diego Valencia Park
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#252 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#17 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
273
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Poor ambiance
- Inconsistent quality
The restaurant The Pizza & Tamales Factory is a welcoming pizzeria nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Valencia Park neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a convenient dine-in experience, outdoor seating to enjoy the San Diego weather, or quick takeout and delivery options, this spot has you covered. It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids.
Overview: Introducting The Pizza & Tamales Factory
The Pizza & Tamales Factory offers a straightforward dining experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many appreciate the authentic Italian pizza smell upon entering and describe it as a chill place with a convenient location .
It’s often seen as a supportive local family owned business . However, some experiences reveal a less polished side, with mentions of the atmosphere not always being the best.
Despite these minor concerns, the overall impression leans towards a casual spot that delivers on its core offerings.
Good
7.8
out of 10
273
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
38
negative
21
neutral
214
positive
The Pizza & Tamales Factory achieves a respectable overall score of 7.8, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a 78.4% customer satisfaction rate. This feedback comes from a substantial 273 customer observations, with 214 positive and 38 negative remarks.
Customers consistently highlight the Food (8.1) as a major strength, praising its quality and flavor. The Value (7.5) also stands out, offering affordable options.
While Service (7.1) generally receives good marks for its efficiency and friendly staff, the Ambience (6.8) is perceived as more average, suggesting room for improvement in the dining environment.
What people like
- Delicious pizza and tamales
- Excellent value pricing
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Unpleasant atmosphere
- Occasional food quality
- Inaccurate menu pricing
If you’re seeking a casual spot where delicious pizza and tamales are the main event, The Pizza & Tamales Factory is worth considering. Its strong Food and Value scores make it a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
The Recommendation Score of 8 suggests many leave happy. However, be prepared for an unpretentious setting and occasional inconsistencies in service or food preparation.
While not a destination for upscale dining, it delivers on its promise of good, affordable food, making it a reliable option for a quick and tasty bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Pizza & Tamales Factory
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a strong score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction of 82.8%, its clear the kitchen is doing something right. Out of 180 comments, a whopping 149 rave about the delicious pizza and authentic tamales, praising their unique flavor and consistent freshness.
Many found the portions generous and well-filled. However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. While only 20 comments were negative, some found the pizza inconsistent, occasionally too cheesy or tasting like cardboard.
A few mentioned wings being undercooked or salty, and some wished the tamales had less masa and more filling. It seems there's a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
180
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza and tamales
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Generous, well-filled portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pizza quality
- Undercooked wings
- Tamales lack filling
Often praised
- tamalesThey know how to make a pizza and they know how to make some tamales. Some of the best tamales I ever had and only for $2. Thank you for everything, and when I go back to San Diego, this will be one of my first stops.
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best pizza, tacos, and tamales I've had in a while, and it's conveniently close to me. Not only is it close, but they also offer great prices and their customer service is unbelievable.
- foodI ordered a chorizo and egg torta and a chile & cheese tamale. Both were absolutely delicious! I highly recommend giving this place a try; you will not regret it.
- flavorI liked the flavor on both
- pizzaslove this place, for my pizzas
- champurradoOMG! The flavors were outta this world! I also had the chance to taste the chili cheese tamale.
- cheeseslice of the cheese which was also fresh and very well made
- crustthe crust is nice and soft and not overly greasy
- pizza placeI visit this pizza place 2 times per month never an issue
- pork tamaleThe pork tamale was very big and tasted great!
Frequently criticized
- wingsThe wings weren't cooked long enough
- pizzapizza not taste like anything before
- sauceRaw with sauce dashed over at the end
- 2 pizzasinstead got one
- champurradoSorry we don't have "champurrado"!
- chiligot Chile with no cheese
- doughJust tomato paste(?) and dough
- jalapeno & cheese tamalestamales didn't taste like nothing
- mayoasked for no mayo. Mayo was put on both sandwiches
- mushroomscanned mushrooms I asked for Double pep and Double Mushrooms
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with generally good food, especially their highly-praised pizza and tamales, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few items, like the wings, might be a bit hit-or-miss, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Overall, the service here scores a solid 7.1, indicating a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed but decent 68.1%. Many customers, accounting for 32 positive remarks out of 47 total, rave about the friendly employees and owners, highlighting their excellent customer service and fast service. They often mention being treated well and appreciate the polite interactions.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 10 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few customers encountered extremely rude staff or rude manner clerks, and some were frustrated by large lines and wasted time waiting. This suggests an inconsistency in customer service that can sometimes disappoint.
Service
47
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Fast, polite service
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceI visited this restaurant specifically for the Triple Crown pizza and was so impressed that I'll be returning for their tamales! The food and service were fantastic. Their cheese garlic bread is comparable to a garlic and cheese pizza.
- customer serviceI had some of the best pizza, tacos, and tamales I've had in a while, and it's conveniently close to me. Not only is it close, but they also offer great prices and their customer service is unbelievable. I feel honored to support this local family-owned business 🤎🔥.
- ownerThe owner is super nice.
- OrdersOrders get out quickly and correct every time
- Owners & EmployeesThe Owners & Employees Are Amazing!
- ServiceService:5
- Thanksgiving and Christmas ordersinformed me that they are taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- employeesthe employees here are very nice people!!
- familyI HIGHLY RECOMMEND the MEATLOVERS and PEPPERONI LOVERS options. My entire family loved it!
Frequently criticized
- customer servicenot good customer service
- extremely rudethey were extremely rude
- large lineThere was A large line.
- money backasked for my money back and he refused
- online ordersonline orders get lost
- peopleSometimes people here are rude.
- pizza makerthe guy who makes the pizza just flicked it off
- rude manner clerk'srude manner clerk's!
- taking orderssaid there not taking anymore orders
- wasted timeI wasted my time on the long line waiting to be served.
If youre looking for generally good service with a friendly vibe and quick turnaround, this place often delivers. While theres a chance of encountering a long line or an off interaction, the positive experiences heavily outweigh the negative. It's worth a try for the overall pleasant service.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers found the atmosphere quite pleasant, often describing it as a chill place with a quiet noise level, making it easy to talk. The convenience of its location and a generally clean feel, plus that inviting Italian pizza smell, really hit the spot for some, especially those supporting a mom and pop spot. With 11 positive observations out of 17 total, the ambience scores a respectable 6.8.
However, the overall customer satisfaction for the ambience sits at a more mixed 64.7%, largely due to some significant drawbacks. A few folks felt the atmosphere wasnt great, with one even noting the place might look crappy. More concerning, 4 negative comments highlighted issues like roaches and even a dead roach on the counter, ' which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience
17
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, chill atmosphere
- Convenient location
- Support local business
What people don't like
- Roaches reported
- Dead roach found
- Poor atmosphere
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Italian pizza smellThe service was fast and polite, allowing me to be on my way quickly. Although the restaurant was small, it had a real good Italian pizza smell upon entering, which led me to try the wings. They also offered a buffalo sauce, but I didn't try it.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- chill placeVery chill place
- cleansearching for a clean and fast service
- conveniencelike the convenience of the location
- local family owned businesssupport local family owned business
- locationconvenience of the location only being a block away
- mom and pop spota nice mom and pop spot
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the place is not the best.
- dead roach on counterthere was a dead roach on the counter
- placePlace might look crappy
- roachesplace has roaches there was a dead roach
If you're looking for a quiet, convenient spot with a local, family-owned feel, this place might work for you. However, be aware that serious cleanliness concerns, including roaches, have been reported, which could significantly impact your experience.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
It looks like the value here is generally quite good, with a solid 7.5 score and customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 75.9%. Many customers rave about the price, affordable good food, and finding a deal, often noting how well priced items are. Based on 22 positive remarks out of 29 total, guests consistently feel they get great food for their money, making it a worthwhile stop.
However, a few customers have encountered some bumps, with 4 negative comments highlighting unexpected price increase issues, menu prices being inaccurate, and even a service charge popping up. While not widespread, these experiences suggest some inconsistencies that could catch you off guard.
Value
29
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable good food
- Great prices
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Unexpected price increase
- Inaccurate menu prices
- Hidden service charge
Often praised
- priceIt's a very chill place, and they treat you well. Everything on the menu is good and well worth the price. Bien excelente este lugar.
- pricesThis is a great local spot that has become my go-to for good pizza and good prices. My wife also loves the tamales.
- dealif you are looking for a deal this is the best
- $7.508 BBQ chicken wings for $6.99 plus tax, about $7.50
- WELL PRICEDWELL PRICED AND GOOD SIZED
- affordable good foodaffordable good food is a major win
- cheapTamales were cheap and great!
- great pricesI had some of the best pizza, tacos, and tamales I've had in a while, and it's conveniently close to me. Not only is it close, but they also offer great prices and their customer service is unbelievable. I feel honored to support this local family-owned business 🤎🔥.
- meal dealsthe meal deals are at a decent price
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- $10.10left with no food and $10.10 of my money gone
- menu pricesPrices on the menu are inaccurate
- price increasesurprising $3 increase from the menu prices
- service charge60 cents service charge with your takout order
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this spot is definitely worth checking out for its generally great prices and tasty, affordable food. Just be mindful of potential menu discrepancies or unexpected charges, as a few folks have noted. Overall, its a solid bet for good value.
How are the prices at The Pizza & Tamales Factory?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 23 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Pizzeria, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners find themselves in this $11–$20 bracket, but there’s also a noticeable spread into higher price points, offering a range of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pizzeria, especially given the variety of spending options available. It’s a good spot for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Pizza & Tamales Factory
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Best Tamales in San Diego!
My absolute go-to for the best tamales in San Diego. I'm a huge fan of banana leaf tamales and this place never disappoints. Don't be weary of the name, they can actually master multiple things.
The owner is the kindest man and is very hard-working. You can taste the integrity in their food. My favorite are the green pork tamales in the banana leaf!
- tamales10
- banana leaf tamales10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Outta This World Flavors!
I popped into this restaurant midday on a Monday and was instantly greeted with a smile and recommendations. I ordered the milanesa torta and champurrado. OMG!
The flavors were outta this world! I also had the chance to taste the chili cheese tamale. 🔥.
It was so SO GOOD! I'm definitely coming back for more. I'd give it 6 stars out of 5 and highly recommend it!
- milanesa torta10
- champurrado10
- chili cheese tamale10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Pineapple Tamales Are Bomb!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The pineapple tamales were absolutely bomb, bringing back childhood memories for my friend who said they were as good as his mom used to make them. đź’Ł I tried all the flavors and I will definitely return for more.
The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive at 5/5. It was a quiet and comfortable setting, making it easy to talk. The overall experience was excellent.
- pineapple tamales10
- childhood memories10
- all flavors9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Mixed Feelings on Pizza and Wings
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The pizza was a bit too cheesy and greasy for my liking. However, the tamales were a pleasant surprise – they were big and tasted good.
On the other hand, the wings weren't cooked long enough and would have been better if the sauce was cooked into them. The customer service was good, with nice people. Overall, the food was just par.
- tamales8
- customer service8
- food5
- pizza3
- wings4
- sauce4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Mexican Food and Sweet Breads!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Cuban cake was the best I've ever had, and the sweet breads were a delight. It's truly the best place for Mexican food.
The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the food also received a perfect 5/5. Service was also rated 5/5, and the wait time was up to 10 minutes. The price per person is between $10–20, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- Cuban cake10
- sweet breads10
- Mexican food10
What The Pizza & Tamales Factory offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What payment methods are accepted at The Pizza & Tamales Factory?
For your convenience, The Pizza & Tamales Factory accepts a variety of payment options. You can easily pay with major credit cards, debit cards, and also utilize NFC mobile payments for a quick and secure transaction during your visit.
What are the parking and accessibility options at The Pizza & Tamales Factory?
Parking is convenient at The Pizza & Tamales Factory, with usually plenty of space available, including free street parking and a free parking lot. The restaurant is also fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot for all visitors.
How does The Pizza & Tamales Factory rate overall?
The restaurant holds a solid 7.8 score with 78.4% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.1) is a standout, followed by Value (7.5) and Service (7.1). Ambience (6.8) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about The Pizza & Tamales Factory?
Patrons frequently praise the delicious pizza and tamales, noting their great flavor and fresh crust. The establishment also receives high marks for its excellent value and affordable prices.
Are there any common concerns at The Pizza & Tamales Factory?
Some customers have noted issues with the general atmosphere, including cleanliness concerns like roaches . There are also occasional reports of food preparation inconsistencies, such as undercooked wings or incorrect orders, and menu prices not always being accurate.