Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » GuilTea Cravings – San Diego
GuilTea Cravings - San Diego
Photo from GuilTea Cravings
GuilTea Cravings at a glance
San Diego University View
- 🍜 Taiwanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#300 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Taiwanese Restaurant out of 5 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
400
Reviews
78.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious desserts
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Unpleasant odors
The Taiwanese restaurant, GuilTea Cravings, invites you to discover a delightful culinary experience in San Diego’s vibrant University View neighborhood. You’ll find yourself drawn in by its reputation for a truly great tea selection, perfect for any palate.
This spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors and unwind. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxing meal, GuilTea Cravings promises a memorable visit with its unique offerings and inviting ambiance.
Overview: Introducting GuilTea Cravings
GuilTea Cravings offers a pleasant experience, often highlighted by its delightful `macarons` and unique beverages. The `friendly staff` contribute to a generally `chill atmosphere`, making it a comfortable spot for a casual visit.
Many appreciate the clean interior and cute `decor`. However, some patrons have encountered occasional `waiting times` and inconsistencies in service, alongside concerns about `cigarette smoke` near the entrance.
A few reports also mention issues with the internal temperature, suggesting some atmospheric quirks.
Good
7.6
out of 10
400
Reviews
78.3%
Satisfaction
71
negative
16
neutral
313
positive
GuilTea Cravings generally earns a good overall score of 7.6, with customer satisfaction also rated as good at 78.3%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 400 customer observations, comprising 313 positive remarks against 71 negative ones.
The `Food` (8) stands out as a particular strength, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and variety. The `Ambience` (7.5) also contributes positively, often described as a comfortable setting.
While still good, `Service` (6.8) and `Value` (6.7) receive slightly lower, yet respectable, scores. While the staff are often praised, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in service delivery, and value is generally considered fair.
What people like
- Delicious desserts and drinks
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Comfortable, chill atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service inconsistencies
- Unpleasant odors
- Crowded periods
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and a relaxed vibe, GuilTea Cravings is certainly worth considering. With a solid recommendation score of 7.9, it generally delivers on its promise of enjoyable treats and a pleasant environment.
However, be mindful of potential service delays or occasional atmospheric quirks. For those prioritizing consistent, swift service above all else, you might find minor frustrations, but for a casual treat, it’s a reliable choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on GuilTea Cravings
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a solid good customer satisfaction of 82.4%. Many patrons rave about the delicious Macarons, the rich Basque cheesecake, and authentic Vietnamese food, with keto options also receiving praise. This positive sentiment is echoed in 210 positive remarks out of 255 total customer comments.
However, not everything is perfect. A smaller number of customers, 34 to be exact, have pointed out issues like inconsistent boba quality, overly salty bagels, and occasionally stale cookies. Some also noted a lack of taste in certain dishes, suggesting some items might need a bit more attention to detail.
Food
255
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
34
negative
11
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious macarons
- Great cheesecakes
- Tasty Vietnamese food
What people don't like
- Poor boba quality
- Stale baked goods
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- macaronsMy experience at this tea spot in Clairemont was wonderful. They offer a good selection of drinks and are known for their very good macarons and fluffy homemade cheesecakes. It's a great place for a casual outing.
- drinksOther drinks are very unique and equally as good
- foodthe food was generally good
- cookiesTheir cookies you can tell are fresh made
- macaroonsthe macaroons and banana pudding are pretty dang tasty
- cheesecakeI go in often to get their cheesecake
- coffeeThe coffee is strong but tastes great!
- keto cheesecakeenjoyed a keto cheesecake
- ube cheesecakegreat spot for a treat, whether it's ube cheesecake
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- drinksThe cookies were stale and hard as rocks, and had a slight fishy flavor YUCK! I order the same drink every time -the fruity pebbles boba drink- but the drinks were carelessly made with the press lids coming off (which I didn’t see the first time until after getting in my car and spilling it on myself), and they keep tasting weirdly sour, like they used old or expired ingredients or something. Then to top it off, the people were not very polite, and I was honestly starting to feel like more of a burden than a welcome customer… I’ve never had these experiences until recently, which is why I’m giving 3 stars.
- House fried riceHouse fried rice is very poor quality.
- bagleThe bagle is so salty I honestly can not eat it
- foodThis place used to be so good. However, in the last few months of this year, I've been given food that was burnt and drinks with Boba so hard. It makes me sad because this used to be my favorite, but now every time I try to give it another chance, something is wrong.
- Bobadrinks with Boba so hard
- Gua Bao BunsGua Bao Buns and Pork steamed Buns about 2 weeks ago. And they were super hard on the outside.
- Pork steamed BunsGua Bao Buns and Pork steamed Buns about 2 weeks ago. And they were super hard on the outside.
- Viet ice coffeeThe Viet ice coffee is too sweet
- avocado bagelthey only had hard avacados
- avocado bagle seasoningthe avocado bagle barely has any seasoning sprinkled on it
If you're looking for delightful macarons, fantastic cheesecakes, or tasty Vietnamese dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some of the boba drinks and certain baked goods might be a hit or miss.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
It seems the service here is quite a talking point, with a 6.8 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.9%. Many customers rave about the "friendly staff" and "great service, " often highlighting specific individuals like "Vivian" or "Destinee" as "gracious hosts" who are "responsive and helpful. " Out of 85 comments, 56 were definitely on the sunny side!
However, not every experience is perfect. There are 27 negative comments pointing to some bumps in the road, particularly concerning the "kiosk" and "ordering system" which some find "awkward" or "depersonalizing. " A few folks also encountered "rude attitudes" or frustrating "waiting times, " suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
85
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful team
What people don't like
- Awkward ordering system
- Rude attitudes
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a great boba tea location with a chill atmosphere and good service. I would definitely recommend their chamango drink.
- staffthe staff were incredibly friendly and always seemed bubbly
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicemost unbelievable customer service here
- ownerThe owner at the front counter was incredibly kind and attentive
- DestineeDestinee was amazing. Made the experience an absolute joy
- MariahThey offer a huge selection of macarons, which were delightful. The service was exceptional; Mariah helped us out and she was completely amazing to deal with. We will definitely be back!
- ParkingParking is very easy in free large parking lot
- RochelleRochelle was super helpful and patient with us
- VivianVivian is so nice and accommodating.
Frequently criticized
- attitudeMy experience at the restaurant was marred by poor service. The girl at the front made our drinks wrong and then had an attitude with us like it was our fault lol. Not even a “sorry!
- orderI placed an order for pickup and was told it would be ready in 15 minutes. Unfortunately, 20 minutes later, they couldn't find my order and stated it would take another 10 minutes. I ended up canceling the order.
- servicePrior review: If service within a reasonable amount of time is important to you, this may not be the right place for you. Even with only 4 other people in the place on a Friday afternoon, nobody helped me within 15 minutes.
- waiting timetold it be ready in 15 minutes. 20 minutes later
- care or concernshows the lack of any care or concern for a customer
- customer serviceHorrible customer service
- depersonalizingHowever, the ordering system is quite awkward; I sometimes wish I could order directly from a person instead of using a kiosk. While the kiosk is convenient to an extent, it also feels strangely depersonalizing. The interior has been significantly improved since they opened, with the addition of fake plants, benches, and neon lights, making it a chill spot to hang out.
- friendly🤗💗👍 2023 Update: This establishment went way downhill and all the wonderful girls who used to work there don’t anymore. 😣 It’s just not friendly anymore and the food doesn’t taste the same.
- girl who helped usThis was not a great start. To make matters worse, the girl who helped us seemed utterly annoyed that we were asking to buy things. She didn't offer a 'thank you' or even respond to my thanks for her help, making her seem very unfriendly.
- horrible attitudethe worst part about it is the horrible attitude
Service here can be a bit of a roll of the dice. You might encounter incredibly friendly staff and quick help, making your visit a joy. But be aware that some guests have faced frustrating ordering systems and occasional rude attitudes, so prepare for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and strong customer satisfaction at 81.6%. Many guests rave about the cute `decor`, `rustic vibe`, and inviting `atmosphere`, often highlighting the `clean` interior and comfortable `seating`. With `lovely music` and even `books & board games`, it’s seen as a `chill spot` with convenient `parking`, drawing 40 positive remarks out of 49. However, it's not all sunshine and roses.
A few of the 8 negative comments mention issues like `heat inside` the restaurant, making it uncomfortable. Some also found it `crowded` at peak times, and there were unfortunate instances of `cigarette smoke` smell. A couple of people also felt the `bathrooms` could use a bit more attention, despite the overall cleanliness.
Ambience
49
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute decor
- Chill atmosphere
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Too hot inside
- Can get crowded
- Smoke smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a great boba tea location with a chill atmosphere and good service. I would definitely recommend their chamango drink.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- parkingPlenty of parking in the shopping center
- cleanInside the restaurant is clean
- interiorspruce up the interior since they’ve opened
- bathroomthe bathroom was clean which is a plus
- books & board gameshas books & board games
- chill spotit’s a chill spot to hang out
- clean insideNice and clean inside
- decorThe decor is so cute.
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsthe bathrooms are ok to use but could be more cleaner
- cigarette smokeI visited to pick up some cheesecake and macaroons for my husband’s birthday. Unfortunately, I had to walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke from someone sitting right outside the front door, and then the inside of the restaurant also smelled like smoke. This was not a great start.
- crowdedTheir boba is consistently tasty and fresh, and the people who work there are so kind! There is a nearby school, so my tip would be to not come around 2pm-3pm since it gets a little crowded.
- heat insideIt’s extremely hot inside; it feels about 97 degrees
- parkingParking is an issue because of the MMA gym a few doors down.
- receipt inkReceipt ink is very spotty and difficult to read
- restaurant smellinside of the restaurant smelled like smoke
- tablet standon a very wobbly insecure stand so every tap makes it wobble
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a great vibe, cute decor, and a chill atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential crowding during peak hours and the occasional issue with indoor temperature or smoke smell, which are minor hiccups in an otherwise pleasant environment.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 6.7 score which is quite good! Many customers, in 7 positive remarks out of 11 total comments, found the pricing to be very reasonable. Folks often praised the spam musubi deal, nice discount, and overall great pricing, making it feel like a decent bang for your buck.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.6%, suggesting theres a little room for improvement. A couple of comments pointed out minor hiccups, like not being offered a $1 difference or an ignored free macaroon. ' While these are small details, they can impact the overall perception of value for some.
Value
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals offered
- Reasonable menu prices
- Good discounts given
What people don't like
- Missed price adjustments
- Free items overlooked
Often praised
- 2-for-5 dealtheir 2-for-5 deal on spam musubi
- PricesPrices are what you would expect
- nice discounthe gave me a nice discount
- priceit’s a very decent price
- pricesHighly recommend their chaffle and keto cheesecake. Other menu items are great too and prices are very reasonable. Seems like they hire a lot of high school kids but all of them have been super friendly and provide great customer service.
- pricingoverall great pricing
- spam musubi dealnice 2/$5 spam musubi deal
Frequently criticized
- $1 differencewas also never offered the $1 difference from them not having the avocado
- free macaroonignored the free macaroon the place offers
If you're looking for a place with generally fair pricing and some sweet deals, especially on items like spam musubi, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just keep an eye on your bill and any special offers to ensure you get every bit of value you expect.
How are the prices at GuilTea Cravings?
Expect to pay about $13 per person, based on 59 reviews. That places it in the $11–$20 category. For a Taiwanese Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
Most guests spend in the $1–$10 or $11–$20 range, showing prices are quite accessible and cluster around that average, offering a good mix of budget-friendly options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 59 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Taiwanese Restaurant. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about GuilTea Cravings
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Treats!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, even with a very large party arriving late at night. The team, particularly Destinee, was incredibly professional. They managed to get all our orders out tasting great and in a timely manner.
I highly recommend the green tea with sea salt foam and the macaroons!
- team10
- orders9
- green tea with sea salt foam10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Consistently Tasty Boba & Kind Service
My roommate and I come here all the time. Their boba is consistently tasty and fresh, and the people who work there are so kind! There is a nearby school, so my tip would be to not come around 2pm-3pm since it gets a little crowded.
- boba9
- people who work there10
- crowded4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great time, gracious host!
We arrived late with a large party after a wedding. Destinee was a very gracious host. We had a great time, and would definitely come back.
- large party8
- gracious host10
- great time9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Boba and Macarons!
Visiting from Swansboro, NC, my daughter and I stopped in for boba tea and ended up trying a few different things. The owner at the front counter was incredibly kind and attentive, making us feel truly welcomed. As a business owner myself, I recognize the importance of great customer service, and this place absolutely delivers.
The macarons were amazing; they completely changed my mind about them. My daughter loved the crispy tofu with the house seasoning, and our drinks were delicious. We will definitely be coming back every time we visit PB to see our son.
- owner10
- macarons10
- crispy tofu9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Tofu and Cheesecake!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! I had the tofu bites with the sweet chili sauce, and it was possibly the best tofu I’ve ever had. I also ordered the keto cheesecake, which I believe will rival any cheesecake.
I will definitely be back! Our server, Destinee, was amazing and made the experience an absolute joy.
- tofu bites10
- keto cheesecake9
- Destinee10
What GuilTea Cravings offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit GuilTea Cravings?
When you head to GuilTea Cravings, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. You can easily park with free street parking or utilize the free parking lot. This makes your visit hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your Taiwanese culinary experience in San Diego’s University View.
Is GuilTea Cravings accessible for everyone?
Yes, GuilTea Cravings is designed to be fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. Additionally, the restroom is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests in San Diego.
How does GuilTea Cravings generally perform?
GuilTea Cravings holds a good overall score of 7.6, with customer satisfaction also good at 78.3%. Its `Food` (8) is a strong point, followed by `Ambience` (7.5), while `Service` (6.8) and `Value` (6.7) are considered good but slightly lower.
What do customers particularly enjoy about GuilTea Cravings?
Many customers appreciate the `macarons` and `cheesecake`, along with unique `drinks`. The `staff` are often described as `friendly` and attentive, contributing to a generally `chill atmosphere` with cute `decor`.
Are there any common issues customers experience at GuilTea Cravings?
Some patrons have noted `service` inconsistencies, including `waiting times` and occasional unhelpful `attitude`. `Ambience` concerns like `cigarette smoke` near the entrance or `heat inside` have also been mentioned.