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oChef » El Viejon – San Diego
El Viejon - San Diego
Photo from El Viejon
El Viejon at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#276 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Seafood Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
353
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Friendly service
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Bad parking
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant El Viejon Seafood, a vibrant seafood restaurant in San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood, invites you to experience a taste of the ocean. You’ll find a casual and cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal.
What truly sets this spot apart is its fantastic late-night food offerings, ensuring your cravings are satisfied long after the sun sets. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy delicious dishes.
Overview: Introducting El Viejon
El Viejon offers a vibrant culinary experience, particularly noted for its `fresh food` and flavorful seafood dishes. Many guests appreciate the `friendly staff` who often provide helpful suggestions, contributing to a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding `waiting time` during peak hours and the occasional challenge with `parking`. While the overall experience is often enjoyable, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
353
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
71
negative
16
neutral
266
positive
El Viejon generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 7.7. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 75.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a considerable volume of feedback, with 266 positive remarks outweighing 71 negative ones across 353 total comments. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.4), frequently praised for its freshness and vibrant flavors.
Service also performs well at (6.9), often described as attentive and helpful. While Value (6.5) and Ambience (6.2) are considered average, they contribute adequately to the overall dining experience, though some specific points within these categories draw mixed reactions.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful seafood
- Friendly, helpful service
- Relaxed, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long waits for service
- Difficult parking access
- Inconsistent dish quality
If you prioritize fresh, flavorful seafood and appreciate attentive service, El Viejon is certainly worth considering. The overall experience is generally positive, making it a solid choice for those seeking a lively meal, especially if you’re not in a rush.
With a strong recommendation score of 7.9, El Viejon comes across as a place that delivers on its core offerings. Just be prepared for potential waits and plan your parking ahead, and you’ll likely have a satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Viejon
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a 8.4 score and a fantastic 85.6% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the delicious tacos, especially the octopus and fish varieties, along with the fresh ceviche and flavorful guacamole. With 196 positive remarks out of 229 total, its clear the huge flavors and generous serving portions are a hit.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 26 negative comments noting occasional issues like mediocre food quality, too much salt, or seafood that wasnt as fresh as expected. Some found certain items, like the seafood tower, underwhelming due to ingredients like imitation crab or pre-cooked octopus.
Food
229
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
196
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Fresh ceviche
- Huge flavors
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Rubbery seafood
- Imitation crab
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed great, affordable, fresh food, specifically Mexican seafood. I had the Ahi and smoked fish tacos, which were fabulous!
- guacamoleTheir guacamole is served in a molcajete and super fresh and citrusy.
- FoodFood:5
- seafoodThe dish was bursting with bright tangy flavors, perfectly balanced with a fresh zesty kick that danced on my taste buds. The seafood was impeccably fresh, and the citrusy marinade had just the right amount of acidity to make every bite refreshing and memorable. It was such a delightful introduction to ceviche, and I’m already looking forward to having it again!
- octopusthe octopus is soft and flavorful
- octopus tacoThe shrimp taco was plump and juicy with a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the vibrant toppings, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a creamy sauce that tied it all together. The octopus taco was a standout with tender, perfectly cooked octopus that had a slight char and a smoky depth I couldn’t get enough of. The combo taco was the best of both worlds, blending the textures and flavors in a way that felt indulgent yet balanced.
- tacosFantastic tacos! Loved the octopus, Ensenada, and enchilado.
- cevicheThese fries were truly amazing, and the portion sizes were definitely worth the price. My husband tried the ceviche and declared it the best he's ever had. This place really delivers on its promises.
- fish tacoalong the pork belly taco, fish taco and cheese birria nachos
- freshWe were obsessed with the smoked fish taco and the shrimp tostada. Everything tasted super fresh and delicious. This is a solid Mexican seafood restaurant to go to if you’re looking to try something new!
Frequently criticized
- foodMediocre food. Stuffing food but bunch of items doesn’t make it tasty
- Ahi tuna(frozen/thawed)Ahi tuna
- aguachilaThe aguachila was severely undercured and slimy
- campechanacampechana Would fill a kid
- chicken and tunathere's only chicken and a few bits of tuna. I didn't ask for pollo asada fries
- el viejon friesthey actually do indeed have fries called "el viejon fries"
- food qualityvery poor the food quality
- freshnessNothing seemed fresh
- horchata drinkTasted the horchata drink not that great
- imitation crabIt's baffling that they would include imitation crab
If you're craving authentic Mexican seafood with bold flavors and a wide selection of tacos and ceviches, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a satisfying culinary experience awaits.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It looks like the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.1%. Many guests raved about the excellent service and friendly staff, highlighting how they offered great suggestions and made the experience truly wonderful. With 37 positive comments out of 56 total, theres definitely a lot of appreciation for the teams efforts.
On the flip side, some diners faced challenges. Frequent concerns included wait time and slow service, with a few reporting horrible customer service or issues with their order. There were also mentions of problems with the host and tables being given away, pointing to occasional inconsistencies in managing busy periods.
Service
56
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great suggestions
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceThe food was good; it was worth the wait, but I think next time I would reconsider due to having to go with patience to queue. The service was good.
- staffThe birria sounded good, and I look forward to trying it next time. The great ambiance and very friendly staff also contributed to a wonderful experience.
- ServiceService:5
- care about their customersThe staff were super friendly and provided great suggestions that enhanced my meal. It's evident they genuinely care about their food and their customers. I will definitely be back with friends next time!
- customer serviceI would definitely recommend just going! The service was also awesome; the staff provided amazing customer service in both English and Spanish 😃🇺🇸🇲🇽.
- excellent servicethis restaurant has an excellent service
- experienceIt was a great experience
- managermanager ask how was food, we are coming back soon
- rewards programnow it works
- suggestionsgave great suggestions that made the meal even better.
Frequently criticized
- waiting timewaited at the counter for 15 min just to order
- customer serviceVery horrible customer service!
- serviceservice was a significant letdown (rated 1/5)
- businesslack of care to uphold a reputable business
- hostthe host told us they weren’t supposed to sit there but did nothing to accommodate us
- orderHow can someone mess up an order so bad
- refundHad to fight for a refund
- seat availabilitywait longer for another seat to become available
- table given awayturn around and give that table to someone else
- waitbe ready to wait a little
If youre looking for genuinely friendly staff and helpful suggestions, youll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for potential waits or occasional hiccups with orders and seating, especially during busy times. Its a place worth trying, but maybe not if youre in a rush.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, many guests really enjoyed the overall vibe, with 26 positive remarks highlighting the great music, clean environment, and inviting ambiance. People loved the reggaeton music and found the place to be very clean, even the toilettes! It seems the restaurant aims for a pleasant setting, contributing to a generally positive experience.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, as reflected in the 25 negative comments and a customer satisfaction of just 45.6%. The main sticking points revolve around difficult parking and limited seating, with many finding the place too small and busy. Some even felt the music was too loud for the compact space, making the overall score an average 6.2.
Ambience
57
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great music
- Clean environment
- Good vibes
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Limited seating
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was relaxed and inviting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- musicThe music was a vibe the entire time.
- MusicMusic was music-ing
- ambianceGreat ambiance
- cleanVery Clean!
- great placeOverall it's a great place.
- inside of the restaurantInside of the restaurant was very nice.
- parkingPlenty of parking
- reggaeton musicreggaeton music! Head boppin
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking:There are like 4 different parking signs up. All different qr codes, super sketchy so we used the city one
- ParkingParking is horrible on a Sat at noon time
- seatingI was so excited to hear they opened a spot on Convoy. The only downsides were the parking situation, as there's a nearby paid parking structure, and the super minimal seating. It's a very small place that fills up quickly, which is why I took one star off.
- parking lotthe parking lot full had to look for a place on the street
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphere4 stars on the atmosphere because the music is loud for such a small place
- busyGets busy
- crystal globeThe '60s-style crystal globe in the center, constantly spinning, made me feel dizzy
- high foot traffictable in the back where there was high foot traffic
- musicthe music is loud for such a small place
If you don't mind a bit of a hunt for parking and potentially cozy seating, the lively music and clean atmosphere could make for a fun visit. However, if easy access and spacious dining are priorities, you might find it a bit frustrating.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests are pleasantly surprised, noting that the portion sizes often justify the price and that the food is worth the price or even affordable. With 7 positive remarks out of 11 total discussions, theres a good buzz. The overall score for value is 6.5, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction sits at 63.6%, indicating a mixed but somewhat positive experience.
However, not everyone agrees, as 3 negative opinions highlight concerns about the cost. Some found the experience very expensive, especially when considering the food quantity, with one diner feeling it was not worth paying so much for so little food for items priced at $30+. It seems while many find the value fair, a few feel the price point doesnt always align with what's received.
Value
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good portion sizes
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- High cost
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed great, affordable, fresh food, specifically Mexican seafood. I had the Ahi and smoked fish tacos, which were fabulous!
- $16It was really, really so fresh and flavorful and tasted so healthy. Definitely worth the $16; we got the bowl of fish ceviche to share for an afternoon treat and were surprised at how satisfied we were after.
- portion sizesportions justify the price
- price gougedon't price gouge their food
Frequently criticized
- $30+it was awful for $30+
- foodIt is very expensive and the food quality is very poor. It's not worth paying so much for so little food. There were only 3 to 4 shrimp in the cocktail.
- restaurantdo not recommend this restaurant very expensive
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While many find the portions and quality justify the cost, especially for specific dishes, be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey for what you get. It's a mixed bag, but generally leans towards being a decent deal if you choose wisely.
How are the prices at El Viejon?
You’re looking at roughly $36 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $36, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with many falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. But dont be fooled, theres also a premium mix, with some diners happily splurging much more, pulling that average up. So, it seems there’s something for various budgets here.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person at this restaurant, using the 77 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Diego, an average of $36 feels quite fair, especially since the spending distribution shows options for both more budget-conscious diners and those looking to indulge. We think it offers good flexibility for different occasions.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Viejon
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Smoked Tuna & Grilled Fish Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the smoked tuna and grilled fish tacos, and they were SO GOOD that I forgot to take a photo 😂. The dishes were packed with SO much flavor and had amazing seasoning.
I would definitely recommend just going! The service was also awesome; the staff provided amazing customer service in both English and Spanish 😃🇺🇸🇲🇽.
- smoked tuna10
- grilled fish tacos10
- flavor9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Meal in a Long Time!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Visiting from Chicago, this has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in this city.
I will definitely be back! We enjoyed the aguachiles verdes, oysters, al pastor taco, and taco de asad – yum yum yum! The music created a great vibe throughout the entire visit, and the service was both quick and professional.
- aguachiles verdes10
- oysters10
- al pastor taco10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Seafood Tacos and Friendly Service
My experience at Viejon Seafood was fantastic! I absolutely loved the fish taco, spicy octopus taco, and shrimp tostada. They were all incredible – fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made.
Each bite offered a perfect mix of spice and texture. The staff were super friendly and provided great suggestions that enhanced my meal. It's evident they genuinely care about their food and their customers.
I will definitely be back with friends next time!
- fish taco10
- spicy octopus taco10
- shrimp tostada10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Fantastic Cali Burrito, Fresh Ingredients
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I ordered their Cali burrito, and it was absolutely delicious. I could tell that the steak and all the other ingredients were very fresh.
I would absolutely recommend this place.
- Cali burrito10
- steak9
- ingredients9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Fish Tacos Around!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for their fish tacos. They are truly the best around and definitely worth a stop. The tacos come with little lime slices, and the fish is perfectly grilled.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, contributing to a great dinner experience.
- fish tacos10
- fish10
- atmosphere10
What El Viejon offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at El Viejon Seafood?
At El Viejon Seafood, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer lunch, dinner, and even brunch, with comfortable seating available. For those on the go, counter service is an option, and catering services are also provided. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
What convenient services and amenities does El Viejon Seafood provide?
El Viejon Seafood offers flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and even no-contact delivery for your convenience. You’ll also find a full bar onsite, perfect for enjoying hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. Restrooms are available for guests.
How does El Viejon generally perform?
El Viejon holds a good overall score of 7.7. Its Food is highly rated (8.4), with Service (6.9), Value (6.5), and Ambience (6.2) also contributing positively to the experience.
What kind of food can I expect at El Viejon?
You can expect fresh, flavorful Mexican seafood, with dishes like ceviche, octopus, and various tacos often receiving praise. However, some specific items have received mixed feedback regarding freshness or quality.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere?
The staff at El Viejon are generally described as friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is often lively with music, but some guests note that seating can be limited and parking challenging, which might lead to longer waits.