Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Qué Sazón – San Diego
Qué Sazón - San Diego
Photo from Qué Sazón
Qué Sazón at a glance
San Diego Old Town
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#151 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
244
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh, delicious food
- Clean, cozy
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Qué Sazón is a Mexican restaurant located in San Diego’s historic Old Town neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot offers a welcoming environment with diverse options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, making it a great stop for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Qué Sazón
Qué Sazón offers a mixed experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and the overall clean and cosy atmosphere. Many appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant visit.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding slow service during busy periods, which can impact the overall flow of a meal. While the food is frequently described as delicious and made with fresh ingredients , there are occasional remarks about certain items not meeting expectations.
The price point also draws varied opinions, with some finding it quite reasonable for a quick bite, while others feel it leans towards the higher side.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
244
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
23
negative
10
neutral
211
positive
Qué Sazón generally earns a solid 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a positive dining experience for many. This is further supported by a strong 86.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 244 customer observations, with 211 positive remarks outweighing the 23 negative ones, painting a clear picture of overall approval. Diving deeper, the Food (8.6) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
The Ambience (8.4) also contributes significantly to the pleasant experience, often described as clean and inviting. While Service (7.8) is generally well-regarded, some comments suggest occasional inconsistencies.
The Value (6.9) score indicates it’s generally fair, though it’s the area with the most mixed feedback.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, Qué Sazón is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize flavorful, fresh dishes and a welcoming environment. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal where the food quality often shines, making it a reliable option for many.
However, be mindful of potential wait times and the limited seating, particularly during peak hours. If you’re seeking a quick grab-and-go or a relaxed, unhurried experience, Qué Sazón could be a good fit, but plan accordingly for parking and seating.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Qué Sazón
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 89.6%, its clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 154 comments, a whopping 138 rave about the "delicious" and "fresh ingredients, " praising the "authentic Mexican food" and "bold flavors" that truly hit the spot.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments mention some minor hiccups. A couple of folks found the "tortas" werent always the best, while others noted a spicy serrano sauce that was a bit much. There were also isolated mentions of hard churros and unripe mango, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
154
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent tortas
- Hard churros
- Unripe fruit
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this family-run place was great for a quick lunch. The staff was very friendly, and the food was awesome for the price. I enjoyed the large watermelon water and the shrimp/mango ceviche torta, all for $12.
- tortaThe torta is big enough for 2 people to share
- chicken tortaone chicken and one lomo(pork) tortas. They were yummy
- hot dogsThe dog was absolutely massive and well worth the price.
- nachosYou can tell they use fresh ingredients. I tried the Mexican hot dog with bacon and their nachos, and both were good.
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican hot dogYou can tell they use fresh ingredients. I tried the Mexican hot dog with bacon and their nachos, and both were good.
- ceviche tostadasenjoy so fresh ceviche tostadas
- chicken tortasI would sell my soul for one of the chicken tortas
- deliciousabsolutely delicious and refreshing
Frequently criticized
- area optionsLots of better options in the area
- churrosthe churros were hard
- cup of cornthey have me a cup of corn
- fruit dessertordered a fruit dessert and they have me a cup of corn
- mango cevichethe mango was not ripe, hard with no flavor
- spicy serrano saucea little to spicy for a lightweight like me
- takeaway drinkslow service if you want anything quicker than 20-30 minutes when it's just a takeaway drink
- tortasnot the best tortas
- watermelon juicesorry I am just not a fan
If youre looking for genuinely tasty and fresh Mexican fare, especially ceviche and tortas, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a rare miss, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full of flavor.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 81.6%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many of the 31 positive comments praise the friendly staff and ladies behind the counter for their excellent customer service and speed in preparing orders, even accommodating special requests.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A few of the 7 negative remarks point to potential issues with wait time and slow service. Some customers reported waiting 20-30 minutes for takeaway drinks or finding the staff working at a snails pace, ' suggesting that while often fast, consistency might sometimes be an issue.
Service
38
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceFood, service and atmosphere wonderful
- staffThe area is very clean and it's conveniently located in Old Town. The staff made the drinks very fast, which was appreciated.
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the people watching location and the friendly staff. The food was delicious; I particularly enjoyed the mango ceviche tostada and the chamango drink.
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- ladies behind the counterthe ladies behind the counter are so nice
- ladies taking orderThe chamango was sooooo good, and the cucumber & pineapple agua fresca was refreshing. The ladies taking our order and preparing our food were very kind and sweet. If you're exploring Old Town San Diego, go to Que Sazon!
- ladyThe lady was very friendly
- mobile ordersmobile orders possible
- ownerThe owner was friendly and willing to help
Frequently criticized
- serviceguaranteed slow service if you want anything quicker
- wait time20-30 minutes when it's just a takeaway drink
- exchangedid not offer to exchange $8.75 for cup of corn
- waiting timeLots of people in line waiting for food
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, especially if you value friendly interactions and quick order fulfillment. Just be aware that on occasion, you might encounter a longer wait, particularly during busy times.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a solid 8.4 and leaving 86.1% of customers feeling good about their visit. Many describe it as a cute little spot and a hidden gem, appreciating its clean atmosphere and cozy, friendly vibe. With 31 positive remarks out of 36 total, its clear most folks enjoy the setting.
However, a few points could use a little polish. There were 3 negative comments, mainly concerning "parking" difficulties and a scarcity of "spots to sit. " One person even mentioned the "place a mess, " suggesting occasional tidiness issues.
So, while largely charming, its not without its minor quirks.
Ambience
36
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean atmosphere
- Cozy hidden gem
- Great for people-watching
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
- Occasional mess
Often praised
- atmosphereFood, service and atmosphere wonderful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- amazing experienceIt was an amazing experience
- areaVery clean area
- big heartMy experience at this restaurant was AMAZING! It’s a little hole-in-the-wall with a big heart and bold flavors! It’s a MUST go to eat!
- cleanI enjoyed a hot dog and an agua fresca, which really hit the spot when I wasn't in the mood for a sit-down meal. The place was unassuming and clean.
- cleanlinessThe food was incredibly fresh and tasty. I was also impressed by how super clean the establishment was. The staff were very friendly, and they were amazing at handling special requests.
- cosy and friendly spotthis cosy and friendly spot was a great find
- cute little spotv cute little spot to sit and eat
- destinationDefinitely destination in town
Frequently criticized
- messyplace a mess
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- spots to sitVery few spots to sit down
If you're looking for a clean, cozy, and friendly spot away from the crowds, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and limited seating, especially during busy times.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers are pleasantly surprised, highlighting the affordable and reasonably priced options. With 11 positive comments, guests often found the prices fair, making it a great spot for an affordable lunch. The overall score for value sits at a good 6.9, indicating a generally positive experience.
However, the picture isnt entirely uniform. There were 4 negative comments, with some finding certain items a bit pricy or even feeling ripped off. This mixed feedback contributes to a customer satisfaction of 68.8%, suggesting that while many find it a good deal, value isnt universally consistent for everyone.
Value
16
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Reasonable lunch
What people don't like
- Pricy items
- Feeling ripped off
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this family-run place was great for a quick lunch. The staff was very friendly, and the food was awesome for the price. I enjoyed the large watermelon water and the shrimp/mango ceviche torta, all for $12.
- affordabilityfruit cups are fresh and affordable
- pricesthe prices are fair.
- affordableI ordered the fruit cup, which was packed with mango, watermelon, and pineapple, along with cucumber. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing, and also very affordable. The restaurant has a cozy sitting area that can accommodate about six people.
- affordable lunchWhat a find! Located in an area where they could easily charge outrageous prices for basic food, this oasis is the perfect spot for a quick and affordable lunch. They provide tasty and original recipes, making it a great value.
- reasonably pricedIts also very reasonably priced.
Frequently criticized
- price$17.xx out the door it was meh at best
- pricy foodVery touristy area with pricy food
- ripped offI got rip off
If you're looking for a place that generally offers good value, especially for lunch, this spot is worth checking out. While most find the prices fair, be mindful that a few items might feel a bit expensive, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Qué Sazón?
You’re looking at roughly 13 per person – reported by 35 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most guests are happily spending in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good number even finding great value in the $1–$10 range. It seems prices cluster nicely around the average, offering accessible options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value, especially with options available for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Qué Sazón
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
I really enjoy this place because the workers are always friendly, and they offer a variety of delicious foods that I love trying. The food, service, and atmosphere were wonderful. I will definitely be back.
- workers10
- variety of delicious foods10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Slow Service, Better Options Nearby
My experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely slow service. There were lots of people in line waiting for food, and the staff seemed to be working at a snail's pace. Given the wait and the overall experience, I believe there are lots of better options in the area.
- service1
- waiting time1
- area options2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Affordable and Tasty Lunch Oasis
What a find! Located in an area where they could easily charge outrageous prices for basic food, this oasis is the perfect spot for a quick and affordable lunch. They provide tasty and original recipes, making it a great value.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. It was very quiet, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. For vegetarians, it's a highly recommended spot with a large vegetarian selection.
- original recipes9
- affordable lunch10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Hidden Gem with Delicious Food!
This place is a little hidden gem! My experience was fantastic, especially with the ceviche tostada, which was so fresh and delicious. I also enjoyed the torta adobada; it was tasty and quite filling.
The beverages were fantastic too. The chamango was sooooo good, and the cucumber & pineapple agua fresca was refreshing. The ladies taking our order and preparing our food were very kind and sweet.
If you're exploring Old Town San Diego, go to Que Sazon!
- ceviche tostada10
- torta adobada8
- chamango10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cozy Spot with Spicy Chicken Tortas
Tucked away from the big crowds, this cosy and friendly spot was a great find. I had the chicken torta: tasty meat, fresh veggies, and just the right kick of spiciness. Really satisfying overall!
- cosy and friendly spot9
- chicken torta9
- tasty meat9
What Qué Sazón offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does Qué Sazón offer options for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, Qué Sazón provides a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can also find small plates and quick bites perfect for any craving.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Qué Sazón, and is parking available?
You can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience at Qué Sazón, with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Free street parking is usually plentiful, making your visit convenient.
How does Qué Sazón generally perform according to customer feedback?
Qué Sazón holds a strong overall score of **8.3** out of 10, with **86.5%** customer satisfaction. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (8.6) and **Ambience** (8.4), while **Service** (7.8) and **Value** (6.9) also contribute positively.
What do customers appreciate most about the dining experience at Qué Sazón?
Many customers highlight the delicious and fresh ingredients in the food, along with the clean and cosy atmosphere. The friendly staff also frequently receives positive mentions for their service.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by visitors to Qué Sazón?
Some visitors have noted slow service at times, especially for takeaway orders. Additionally, limited seating and challenges with parking are occasionally mentioned as minor inconveniences.