Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Kinchana – San Diego
Kinchana - San Diego
Photo from Kinchana
Kinchana at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#45 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#12 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
149
Reviews
95.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Unique atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Misleading promotions
- Unclear signage
The restaurant Kinchana in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood offers a casual yet trendy spot for you to enjoy a meal. As a restaurant, it provides a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
You’ll find a relaxed setting where you can unwind and savor your experience, making it an ideal choice for your next outing in San Diego.
Overview: Introducting Kinchana
Kinchana offers a distinctive dining experience where you can enjoy genuinely hella good food. Patrons frequently praise the inventive menu, especially the burgers and wings, complemented by an impressive array of sauces.
The atmosphere also stands out, providing a unique vibe that includes classic N64 games. While the friendly staff consistently earns high marks for their attentive service, some past event promotions have been described as misleading promotion.
Additionally, finding the place can be a slight challenge due to its exterior signage outside.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
149
Reviews
95.3%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
142
positive
Kinchana truly shines, earning an impressive overall score of 8.9 and an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 95.3%. This strong performance is backed by 149 customer opinions, with a remarkable 142 positive remarks against just 5 negative ones.
It’s clear that this establishment consistently delivers on its promises. The Food (9.3) is a particular highlight, frequently described as exceptional, followed closely by the engaging Ambience (8.6).
Service (8.4) also receives high praise for its attentive and passionate staff, while Value (8.4) is considered quite reasonable, especially with convenient parking options.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Unique gaming atmosphere
- Friendly, passionate service
What people don't like
- Misleading event promotions
- Exterior signage unclear
Kinchana presents a compelling package for those seeking flavorful food and a distinctive, fun atmosphere. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.9, it’s certainly a place worth considering if you appreciate creative dishes and a playful environment.
While past event communication issues are noted, they don’t detract from the core dining experience. If you’re looking for a spot with great food, a cool vibe, and attentive service, Kinchana is a solid choice that delivers on its promises.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kinchana
Food (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here is clearly a showstopper, earning an excellent score of 9.3 and boasting an impressive 95.9% customer satisfaction. With 70 positive remarks out of 73 total, diners rave about the creativity and deliciousness. Standouts include the kimchi smash burger, praised for its amazing flavors, and the fresh and flavorful Fusion burgers that keep people coming back for more.
However, there was one minor point of contention among the 73 opinions. A single negative comment highlighted an issue with food samples, where an advertised event didnt deliver the expected tasting options. While not a reflection on the menus quality, its worth noting if youre attending a special event with specific expectations.
Food
73
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative fusion burgers
- Fresh, flavorful dishes
- Delicious wings
What people don't like
- Misleading food samples
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fire! The space was immaculate, making it a perfect place to get some hella good food and chill. I highly recommend the carnitas; they were so good they will change your life.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the top burgers, which were absolutely amazing. I also highly recommend getting the wings – they were fire!
- burgerThe prices were good and the quality of the food was excellent. I'd recommend trying it if you're in the mood for a burger or chicken sandwich but want something a bit different. They have ALL the sauces, which is fantastic!
- wingsbest wings I’ve had in a long time
- FoodFood:5
- curry friescurry fries were amazing
- great foodIt's a truly unique spot where you can sit down with your 10-year-old son, play Mario Kart on N64, and enjoy delicious Tajin dry rub chicken wings and really balanced, tasty Fusion burgers. It's such a dope spot with great food. If you were born between 1980-1990, you're definitely going to love it here.
- kogarashi burgerhad the kogarashi burger and it was amazing
- ALL the saucesThey have ALL the sauces
- Asian/Mexican hot saucesall the Asian/Mexican hot sauces were great additions
Frequently criticized
- food samplesUnfortunately, the experience felt like false advertising. There were no actual food samples as advertised; the event primarily focused on viewing the space and purchasing from their menu. While I didn't expect a full meal, I did anticipate at least a few tasting options, especially given the event's promotion.
If youre after creative, delicious food with amazing flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there was a minor hiccup regarding advertised food samples at an event, it doesnt detract from the overwhelmingly positive experience of their main menu offerings.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 88%, its clear guests are loving their experience. Based on 22 positive remarks, folks consistently praise the friendly and passionate staff, great service, and quick wait times, often highlighting the owners dedication.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A few experiences, totaling 3 negative remarks, point to issues with event promotion feeling misleading, leading to a disappointing experience for some. It seems some promotions didnt quite match the reality, which is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Service
25
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, fast service
- Passionate owner support
What people don't like
- Misleading event promotion
- Disappointing event experience
Often praised
- serviceThis place is dangerously close to my house, which is both a blessing and a curse! The food was rated a 5, service a 5, and atmosphere a 5. It was a lunch meal, and the price per person was $10–20.
- staffWhile I didn't expect a full meal, I did anticipate at least a few tasting options, especially given the event's promotion. The staff was friendly, and the space itself is nicely decorated with a unique vibe. They did have a beer truck offering samples and later provided chips and salsa, seemingly in response to the attendees' expectations for food samples.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe food was amazing, and the service was excellent. The owner is so cool and creates an amazing experience for all. I love that they support the arts and open up their doors for stand up comedy!
- wait timeNo wait
- cool peoplerun by cool people
- friendly stafftopped by the friendly staff
- great serviceAmazing flavors and great service.
- local businessSupport a local business
- passionate staffpassionate staff
Frequently criticized
- event promotionfelt like false advertising
- experienceit was a disappointing experience overall
- promotionDespite these efforts, it was a disappointing experience overall. I would have been happy to support the business, but not under misleading promotion. It felt like a waste of time to drive out for something that did not match what was advertised.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a great time here. Just be sure to double-check any specific event promotions to avoid potential disappointment, as the regular service is clearly a highlight.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre immediately greeted by an incredibly inviting atmosphere! With an excellent 97.8% customer satisfaction and a good score of 8.6, its clear why so many love the laid back vibe and chill section. Guests rave about the retro entertainment options like N64 games and the record collection, plus fun comedy night events, based on 45 positive remarks.
However, it's not entirely perfect. The only minor hiccup, noted in just 1 comment out of 46, is that the signage outside can be a little difficult to spot, making it a bit of a hidden gem for first-timers.
Ambience
46
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Laid back vibe
- Retro N64 games
- Comedy night events
What people don't like
- Poor exterior signage
Often praised
- atmosphereThis place is dangerously close to my house, which is both a blessing and a curse! The food was rated a 5, service a 5, and atmosphere a 5. It was a lunch meal, and the price per person was $10–20.
- vibeThe vibe is great too
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceWhile I didn't expect a full meal, I did anticipate at least a few tasting options, especially given the event's promotion. The staff was friendly, and the space itself is nicely decorated with a unique vibe. They did have a beer truck offering samples and later provided chips and salsa, seemingly in response to the attendees' expectations for food samples.
- Goldeneye on the N64play some Goldeneye on the N64
- Mario Kart on N64play Mario Kart on n64
- Nintendo 64 gamesThey have ALL the sauces, which is fantastic! The atmosphere was also a highlight, with classic Nintendo 64 games available to play. The food and service both received a perfect score.
- Open Mic ThursdayOpen Mic Thursday and comedy night top it all off
- Parking optionsFree street parking
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- signage outsidesignage outside makes this place a little difficult to spot
This place truly shines with its unique, relaxed atmosphere and fun entertainment, making it a fantastic spot to hang out. While finding it might be a slight adventure due to the signage, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. If youre looking for a chill vibe with retro games and cool events, its definitely worth a visit.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 100%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 5 positive opinions, many rave about the prices being super reasonable price and good.
Plus, youll find Free street parking and Plenty of parking, which is always a bonus! What's even better is that out of all the feedback, there were absolutely no negative comments about the value. This means you can expect a consistently positive experience without any hidden surprises or disappointments regarding cost or parking convenience.
Value
5
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Free parking
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesThe prices were good
- Free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- super reasonable pricegreat taste for a super reasonable price
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this is definitely it. You can expect great taste at reasonable prices, plus the added convenience of ample free parking. Its a solid choice if value is high on your list.
How are the prices at Kinchana?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, all 17 reviews fall squarely into this $11–$20 range, so prices are very consistent here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair for what youre getting. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kinchana
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Neighborhood Spot with Delicious Food
This is such a great place to have in the neighborhood. The food is made with love and flavor. The tacos and wings are a perfect addition to the menu.
I also dig the loft area for movies, games and a good hang.
- food9
- tacos and wings9
- loft area8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Wings and Friendly Service!
My experience at this amazing neighborhood spot was fantastic! I had the best wings I’ve had in a long time. The service was consistently friendly and fast, making it a great place for lunch.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- wings10
- service10
- service speed10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Passionate Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly fresh and delicious, with the burgers being of high quality and the new wings being the best in the neighborhood. The staff were passionate and contributed to a great atmosphere.
I highly recommend bringing friends and dining in to fully enjoy the casual waiting space.
- fresh food10
- passionate staff10
- Burgers9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Burgers, Wings, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, especially the burgers and wings. The service was also top-notch, with the owner going above and beyond to support customers and the community.
We had no wait time and there was plenty of free street parking available.
- burgers10
- wings10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The food was amazing, and the service was excellent. The owner is so cool and creates an amazing experience for all.
I love that they support the arts and open up their doors for stand up comedy! It's a great venue. I 1000/10 recommend this place.
- food10
- service10
- owner10
What Kinchana offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Kinchana?
When you visit Kinchana, you’ll find convenient free street parking, and there’s usually plenty of parking available for you.
Is Kinchana accessible for all guests?
Yes, Kinchana is designed to be accessible for all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot for your convenience.
What makes Kinchana's food stand out?
Kinchana’s food is frequently praised for its inventive flavors, with customers highlighting the excellent burgers, wings, and a wide selection of unique sauces.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Kinchana?
Kinchana offers a unique and engaging atmosphere, featuring classic Nintendo 64 games like Mario Kart, and even hosts events like Open Mic Thursdays and comedy nights.
How does Kinchana score overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Kinchana achieves an overall score of 8.9, with Food leading at (9.3), followed by Ambience (8.6), Service (8.4), and Value (8.4).