Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Flame Broiler – San Diego
Flame Broiler - San Diego
Photo from Flame Broiler
Flame Broiler at a glance
San Diego Civita
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#657 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Korean Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Average
5.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
299
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Quick Service
- Easy Parking
Frequently criticized
- Dirty Environment
- Service Issues
- Decreased Value
The restaurant Flame Broiler in San Diego’s Civita neighborhood offers a delightful Korean dining experience. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal, this spot has you covered.
You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. With options for outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery, it’s incredibly convenient for your busy schedule.
Overview: Introducting Flame Broiler
Flame Broiler offers a quick meal option where the food often hits the mark, praised for its fresh ingredients and flavorful magic sauce. Many appreciate the fast service and the convenience of a healthy choice.
However, some experiences at Flame Broiler are marred by issues with cleanliness in the dining area, and occasional poor service can detract from the meal. There are also concerns about inconsistent portion sizes and value.
Average
5.4
out of 10
299
Reviews
49.2%
Satisfaction
126
negative
26
neutral
147
positive
Flame Broiler registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.4, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 49.2%, suggesting a mixed experience for many diners.
With 147 positive remarks against 126 negative ones out of 299 total opinions, the sentiment is quite balanced, reflecting both commendable aspects and areas needing attention. Diving deeper, Food stands out as the strongest aspect with a score of (6.2), often praised for its freshness and flavor.
However, Service (4.2) and Value (5.3) hover in the average range, indicating room for improvement in consistency. The Ambience (3.9) is noted as a weaker point, often cited for cleanliness concerns, which can impact the overall dining impression.
What people like
- Flavorful Food Options
- Fast Service
- Plenty of Parking
What people don't like
- Poor Cleanliness
- Inconsistent Service
- Shrinking Value
With a Recommendation Score of 5.7, Flame Broiler presents itself as a decent option for a quick meal, especially if you prioritize fresh, flavorful food. It’s a place that can satisfy a craving for healthy fast food, particularly when the service is on point.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in cleanliness and service, which might detract from the experience. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills meal and are near a location with good parking, it’s worth a try, but manage expectations regarding the overall dining environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Flame Broiler
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners (105 positive remarks out of 177 total) find it a delicious and filling meal, often highlighting it as a great option for healthy fast food. Youll frequently hear praise for the crisp veggies and the much-loved Magic Sauce that elevates many dishes. The overall customer satisfaction for food is a mixed 59.3%, with a score of an average 6.2, suggesting a generally favorable experience.
However, not all experiences are glowing, with 51 negative remarks pointing to some concerns. Some customers have noted disappointing portions due to shrinkflation, while others have encountered dry and chewy meat or soggy vegetables. There are also comments about the food being bland without sauce, suggesting consistency issues.
These points indicate that while theres much to enjoy, there's also room for improvement in execution and value.
Food
177
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
51
negative
21
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious healthy food
- Crisp fresh veggies
- Magic Sauce praised
What people don't like
- Portions often disappointing
- Meat can be dry
- Veggies sometimes soggy
Often praised
- foodI ordered the chicken veggie bowl on brown rice, and he had a mini chicken bowl. The service was very fast, and the food was hot and fresh, and incredibly tasty. There was a plenty of chicken, mixed veggies, and delicious brown rice.
- magic sauceThere was a plenty of chicken, mixed veggies, and delicious brown rice. Although I was initially hesitant to try the hot sauces, the "magic" sauce was perfect for me; it was a mild, teriyaki-like sauce with soy sauce. (My food was quite bland without sauce, so I recommend topping your meal with one of their sauce choices.)
- tofutofu to be absolutely worth the extra 10-minute wait
- veggiesThe veggies are not mushy, but crisp.
- FoodFood:5
- Magic Saucegood to go with the Magic Sauce
- chickenThe chicken had that hint of grilled meat taste
- half and half bowlsthe half and half bowls are the best I've had in awhile and full of flavor
- healthy fast foodGreat healthy fast food option
- mealIt was still delicious and I enjoyed my meal a lot.
Frequently criticized
- meatUpon arriving home, I discovered that 75% of my bowl was rice, which I specifically requested none of. The remaining 20% was cabbage and only 5% was meat. I had ordered half spicy Korean chicken and half beef bulgogi, but I received regular chicken and beef bulgogi.
- chickenThis place advertised how healthy they are and how their chicken has no hormones.
- cabbageI didn't really like the cabbage
- foodNot sure how people like this food at all
- magic saucethe sauce is gross too, taste like overpowering thick soy sauce
- riceCouldn't even give my friend half brown half white rice
- veggiesMultiple times, they got my order wrong. I ordered EXTRA veggies and ended up getting the complete opposite – literally 0 veggies. It's hard to understand how such a mistake can be made.
- EXTRA veggiesOrdered EXTRA veggies and ended up getting the complete opposite
- Magic Saucethe Magic Sauce tasted weird here.
- Spriteasked her for Sprite. She said it only comes in a can
If youre looking for a quick, generally healthy meal with tasty options like crisp veggies and their famous Magic Sauce, its worth a try. Just be mindful that portions might be smaller than expected, and some dishes could be a bit bland without sauce, so choose wisely.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, some diners have had genuinely pleasant experiences. Many appreciated the quick and fast service, often highlighting the friendliness of the staff and their efficiency. With 25 positive remarks, it seems some employees truly shine, making for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, leaning towards needing improvement, with a score of 4.2 and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 33.8%. A significant 47 negative remarks point to issues like rude service, problems with cashiers, and concerns about order accuracy and general customer service skills. It seems consistency is a real challenge here.
Service
74
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
47
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, efficient service
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Incorrect order issues
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- servicegive this place 5 stars for the food & service
- ServiceService:5
- being nicethank you being nice
- customer serviceReally good customer service
- employeeTheresa handled it well
- fast serviceFast (typicall 5-10 minutes from order to eating)
- friendliness of the staffthe friendliness of the staff behind the counter
- order accuracyThey also added green onion to my bowls for free, which I really appreciate. I specifically requested extra magic sauce, and my order arrived exactly as requested. The customer service was really good.
- ownershe was owner she feed the homeless dude that was wholesome
- pickup and take outI appreciated the option to order half and half bowls, which allowed for variety. To make the visit even smoother, I recommend calling ahead to avoid waiting in line for easy pickup and take out. The tofu is a great option, and the mini bowls are perfect when you desire a smaller meal.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe restaurant reeked of bleach, yet the table tops were dirty. To make matters worse, the service was poor; Kim didn't take my order correctly and then provided the wrong order number for my incorrect order. While I usually love Flame Broiler, this is a location I will try to stay away from.
- orderThe woman at the counter got our order wrong
- cashierMy experience at the restaurant involved witnessing an employee being rude and very unprofessional to the customer in front of me. I was surprised because the customer was being very patient and not even saying anything wrong; the cashier just looked not prepared to deal with any little inconvenience. Despite the service issue, the food was good 👍🏻.
- customer servicecustomer service was lucky to get a 3 star rating
- lady workinglady working at the cash register made a face and walked away
- bagging foodI had to reach over the counter and bag my own food
- cashier Kimberlythe cashier Kimberly first off did not greet me
- cupmade me give her back the cup which I HOPE she does not put back
- customer service skillshas 0 customer service skills
- employeewitnessed one employee being rude and very unprofessional
If quick service is your top priority and youre feeling lucky, you might have a decent experience. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as many customers have encountered rude staff and order issues. Its a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, theres a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning heavily towards needing improvement. Many customers appreciate the convenient "location" and the fact that its a favorite spot for some, with plenty of parking available. Despite these positives, the overall score for ambience sits at a rather poor 3.9, with customer satisfaction also quite low at 27.6%, based on 29 total comments.
However, the negative feedback, accounting for 18 out of 29 observations, paints a clearer picture. Many found the tables, counter, and sauce dispensers to be dirty, raising concerns about cleanliness and hygiene. There were also complaints about unpleasant bleach smell and the inside of the restaurant feeling dingy, making some feel unwelcomed.
Ambience
29
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Poor hygiene
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThis place is super close to wife work
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- favorite spotMy favorite spot by a mile
- locationGreat location too!
Frequently criticized
- tablesEverything was dirty(tables, trash can, counter, and the sauce dispensers were hideous)
- hygieneupped there hygiene, but they never have
- bleach smellit reeked of bleach
- chloroform smellDon’t like chloroform smell
- cleanlinessWhen everything looks dirty, it makes you feel like your food is going to be dirty as well
- counterEverything was dirty(tables, trash can, counter, and the sauce dispensers were hideous)
- deep cleaningworker started deep cleaning right after I settled to eat
- feeling unwelcomedI felt unwelcomed.
- hairnetsWorkers literally never have hairnets!
- inside of the restaurantthe inside of the restaurant is dingy
If a convenient location and ample parking are your top priorities, you might find something to like here. However, if cleanliness and a pleasant dining environment are crucial for you, be prepared for potential disappointment as these aspects frequently receive negative feedback.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Lets talk about value! While the overall score for this aspect sits at an average 5.3 and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 47.4%, there are definitely some bright spots. Many customers appreciate the affordable lunch options, often finding meals for under ten bucks that are considered cheap for what you get.
Out of 19 total comments, 9 were positive, praising the good value for healthy, fresh, and fast food. However, the value isnt universally loved, with 10 negative comments out of 19 total. Many feel the costs are too high, citing shrinkflation and the need to pay extra for things like more meat.
Theres a sentiment that its not worth the money and that they might be overcharging, with some finding better value elsewhere.
Value
19
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch options
- Good value food
- Healthy, fast meals
What people don't like
- Shrinkflation concerns
- Rising costs
- Extra charges add up
Often praised
- priceI also learned from another reviewer that I can request less rice and more veggies. My lunch, including a drink, was under 10 bucks, and it was yummy, fast, and healthy! For me, it's a WIN WIN WIN.
- Affordable lunchAffordable lunch
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- cheapCheap ($7-12 based on size and protein options)
- cheap for what you getCheap for what ypu get
- under ten buckscosting under ten bucks
- valueGood value. Healthy, fresh and fast.
Frequently criticized
- $15 for a mealYou'd spend almost $15 for a meal.
- better valueI think I can get a better value somewhere else.
- costsCosts are up
- fountain drinkfountain drink cost MORE than a can
- money' There was nothing special about the plate; it was very simple. Overall, it's not a place worth the money.
- overchargingfor overcharging us
- pay extrahate having to pay extra for more meat.
- pricecharge you $8. NOT worth it
- shrinkflationShrinkflation is powerful here.
- valueIt's a shame because it used to be a meal that could easily serve two people. Their new tagline should honestly be, "Lite on Calories, Lite on Value! "
If you're looking for an affordable lunch and can find those budget-friendly deals, you might find good value here. However, be mindful of potential shrinkflation and extra costs that can quickly push your meal higher, making it feel less like a bargain.
How are the prices at Flame Broiler?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests are spending right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent mid-range offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Korean restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a win!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Flame Broiler
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Decline in Meat Quality
I used to go here all the time, but the past 4 or 5 times I’ve gone, the meat has come out so dry and chewy. I don’t even finish the bowl anymore. It's a real shame because my friends and I loved this place.
- meat2
- dry and chewy2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Tough Meat, Spicy Sauce, Awkward Portion
My experience at the restaurant involved some tough meat, which I don't think I would order again. The red sauce was quite spicy. I also found the portion sizes to be a bit awkward, wishing for an option in between the bowl and the plate.
- portion size5
- meat2
- red sauce4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Not the friendliest flame broiler
My experience at this flame broiler was not the best. I found the service to be sub par, and while the food was ok, it didn't stand out. Overall, it wasn't the friendliest flame broiler I've been to.
- food5
- service2
- flame broiler2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Order completely messed up
I wanted to praise the food, but my entire order was so thoroughly messed up that I can't. Upon arriving home, I discovered that 75% of my bowl was rice, which I specifically requested none of. The remaining 20% was cabbage and only 5% was meat.
I had ordered half spicy Korean chicken and half beef bulgogi, but I received regular chicken and beef bulgogi. When I called to request a refund, I was informed that the owner would call me. I will update this review once they contact me with a resolution.
- refund5
- order1
- rice1
- cabbage2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Instructions Not Followed, No Green Salsa
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They never ever give out the green salsa. It seems they do not know how to follow instructions, nor do they ever read them.
The service and food were rated a 1.
- green salsa1
- follow instructions1
What Flame Broiler offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Counter service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking and accessibility easy at Flame Broiler in Civita?
Parking is easy at Flame Broiler with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Flame Broiler?
At Flame Broiler, you’ll find a casual, trendy atmosphere with healthy and vegetarian options for a quick bite. Enjoy lunch or dinner with dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, or delivery. Counter service is also available for your convenience.
How does Flame Broiler generally perform according to customer feedback?
Flame Broiler holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.4, indicating an average performance. Its Food (6.2) is often well-received, while Service (4.2) and Value (5.3) are considered average. Ambience (3.9) is noted as an area needing improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Flame Broiler's food?
Customers frequently praise Flame Broiler’s food for being fresh, tasty, and a healthy fast-food option. The magic sauce and grilled chicken are often highlighted as flavorful components.
What are some common complaints regarding the dining experience at Flame Broiler?
Common complaints include issues with cleanliness in the dining area, dirty tables , and occasional poor service or wrong orders . Some also express concerns about shrinkflation and inconsistent portion sizes.