Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Swami’s Del Sur – San Diego
Swami's Del Sur - San Diego
Photo from Swami’s Del Sur
Swami's Del Sur at a glance
San Diego Black Mountain Ranch
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#533 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#76 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
355
Reviews
63.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Atmosphere
- Food quality
- Service
Frequently criticized
- Billing
- Service inconsistency
- Seating
The restaurant, Swami’s Del Sur, located in San Diego’s Black Mountain Ranch neighborhood, is a casual spot known for its great coffee. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
With healthy and vegetarian options, it caters to diverse tastes, making it a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in San Diego.
Overview: Introducting Swami's Del Sur
Swami’s Del Sur offers a generally pleasant experience, often highlighted by its relaxing atmosphere and a clean restaurant environment. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and consistently fresh food, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
Good
6.6
out of 10
355
Reviews
63.4%
Satisfaction
104
negative
26
neutral
225
positive
Swami’s Del Sur earns an overall 6.6 score, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 63.4%. This assessment is drawn from 355 customer observations, comprising 225 positive remarks against 104 negative ones, indicating a noticeable number of areas needing attention despite a majority of favorable comments.
What people like
- Relaxing, clean atmosphere
- Fresh, delicious food
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Bill splitting issues
- Inconsistent service
- Limited indoor seating
The individual topic scores reveal that Ambience (7.1) is a strong point, often described as comfortable and clean, while Food (6.7) generally meets expectations for freshness and taste. Service (6.6) is considered average, with some staff members receiving high praise, though consistency can be an issue.
However, Value (4.3) stands out as a weaker area, with concerns about pricing and billing practices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Swami's Del Sur
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Food
193
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
55
negative
14
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- foodThis was our first time at the Del Mar location of Swami's, and we are very familiar with the chain, having visited locations in Encinitas Inland, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido. We love virtually everything on their menu. This visit to the Del Mar location did not disappoint us either.
- FoodFood has always been fresh and delicious
- breakfastIf you want a good breakfast
- flavorsthe flavor is very similar to the ones you may eat in Mexico
- foodswe both liked the foods we ordered
- servingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for brunch. The servings are really full, and it's clear they've improved significantly since they first opened. The service is great, and I particularly enjoyed the Lobster Benedict, which was delish with the right amount of hollandaise and flavorful lobster meat.
- ABC omeletsplit the ABC omelet
- Avocado veg toastIt was yummy & rich in nutrients
- Belgium strawberry waffleordered Belgium strawberry waffle and absolutely loved it
- Bloody Mary'sReally good Bloody Mary's, too!
Frequently criticized
- foodZero star for food
- coffeeCoffee taste fairly bad
- potatoesThe potatoes that came with the food I ordered looked a bit dirty
- pancakespancakes are often burnt
- vegan foodIf you are a vegan, do not eat here. They advertise vegan food, but they have no idea what they're doing. I'm sure it's fine if you don't have dietary restrictions, but if you're a vegan, your food will be trash.
- Eggs Benedictthis rendition was a disappointment
- English muffinEnglish muffin lacked the expected toasty warmth
- FoodFood:1
- Huevos Rancherosmy son’s Huevos Rancheros was cold
- OJover $6 for a 12oz cup of OJ seems steep
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Overall, the service here offers a decent experience, landing a score of 6.6, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 60.7%. Many guests, based on 54 positive remarks, frequently praise the attentive and friendly staff, with specific servers like Antonio and Karelly often highlighted for their politeness and knowledge. People appreciate being attended to quickly, contributing to many memorable visits.
However, with 28 negative comments, its not always a perfect picture. Some diners encountered issues with waiting times, both for seating and for their server, and occasionally didnt receive all items requested or ordered. There are also mentions of management concerns and instances of staff insensitivity, indicating areas that could use more attention.
Service
89
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
28
negative
7
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Order errors
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceWhile it wasn't an extraordinary culinary experience, it certainly got the job done. The service was solid throughout my visit.
- staffthe staff were all very friendly and attentive
- serverCan’t say enough good things about our server, Antonio.
- serversEvery server is so nice and fun to talk to.
- waiterOur waiter was the same waiter that remember seeing at Carlsbad so it was nice and he was great.
- AntonioAntonio was attentive, friendly, helpful- you name it.
- Jose, Nayeli and AntonioJose, Nayeli and Antonio definitely made it a memorable morning
- KarellyKarelly was my server and she was really great!
- QR codecheck out is easy with a QR code on the receipt to pay
- ServerServer was nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceZero star for non -existent service
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The waiter complained about his day as soon as we sat down and mentioned he had two hours left on his shift. We also didn’t receive some items we requested or ordered, and the waiter didn’t acknowledge this.
- FOH staffseen and ignored by FOH staff
- ServiceService:2
- attentionhe never checked on us to see if we need anything
- closing timecutting off seating 75+ minutes before you close
- greeting guestsat least greeting you guests is customer service 101
- items requested/ordereddidn’t get some items we requested/ordered
- lady serverthere’s this lady server coming to our table saying she might have to split the 2 tables
- managementneeds a management that respects it's customers
If youre seeking generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely have a pleasant experience, especially with specific standout servers. Just be prepared for potential wait times or occasional order hiccups, as consistency can be a bit mixed.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The atmosphere at this spot generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 75.9%. Many guests raved about the overall ambience and atmosphere, often praising the pet friendly and kid-friendliness aspects. The outdoor seating patio and convenient parking options also received lots of love, appearing in 44 positive comments.
However, there are a few areas that could use a little polish. Some guests noted issues with the restroom situation, particularly the inconvenience of only one restroom. On a hot day, the patio area could become uncomfortable, and a few observations mentioned dirty tables or limited Inside seating.
These points were brought up in 12 comments.
Ambience
58
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pet-friendly atmosphere
- Kid-friendly environment
- Great outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Limited restroom access
- Uncomfortable hot patio
Often praised
- atmosphereRelaxing atmosphere with a woodsy vibe
- restaurantRestaurant was clean, bright and comfortable
- locationThe coffee this spot serves is also awesome! Combined with good service, a good location, and good tasting food, I'll definitely be back again!
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Kid-friendlinessMultiple options for kids
- ParkingA lot of parking space available
- Seating outsideSeating outside with the heaters was great and comfortable
- ambiencethe ambience was awesome
- breakfast and lunch spotour favourite breakfast and lunch spot
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Inside seatingMy experience was a pleasant brunch, though the outdoor patio could benefit from fans or misters given the heat. Inside seating is very limited.
- atmospherethe cold empty atmosphere
- dirty tablesTables were dirty
- hot airwhich was transferring the very hot air to us
- hot dayit was hot to be under a hot sun
- one restroomone restroom is kind of lean
- outdoor patiooutdoor patio could use some fans/misters in this heat
- patio areawe went to the patio area, besides a black shade
- reception areaThe reception area is ridiculous small
Overall, if you're seeking a place with a pleasant vibe, especially for families or pet owners, and appreciate outdoor seating, this spot is a solid choice. Just be aware that on very hot days, the patio might lack adequate cooling, and restroom access can be limited.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found a silver lining, noting an excellent $ to quality ratio and appreciating the decent prices, often falling in the $10–20 price per person range. Based on 3 positive comments, it seems some diners are quite pleased with what they get for their money. However, the overall sentiment paints a more challenging picture.
With a score of 4.3 (which is average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 20%, many of the 9 negative remarks highlight concerns about rising prices and feeling pushed into paying more. Issues like bill splitting, potential overcharging, and extra food charges are frequently mentioned, suggesting that while some find the prices decent, others feel they are high for the quality.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent quality ratio
- Decent price range
What people don't like
- Bill splitting issues
- Risk of overcharging
- High prices for quality
Often praised
- $ to quality ratio$ to quality ratio is excellent
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesdecent prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesespecially considering the prices
- split the billBEWARE if you are trying to split the bill because you will end up overcharged
- bill splittingBEWARE if you are trying to split the bill
- food extracalculated one food extra
- overchargedyou will end up overcharged
- tip optionsfeeling of being pushed to paying that
If you're looking for a straightforward meal and are mindful of your bill, you might find the prices decent. However, be cautious if you plan to split the bill or are sensitive to price increases, as these are common pain points that could lead to disappointment.
How are the prices at Swami's Del Sur?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 66 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$30 range, showing a nice cluster around the average, but there are also a few who go for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range restaurant, offering good value for what you’re likely to spend.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Swami's Del Sur
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Brunch with Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken enchiladas and the mimosa flight, and both were really good. The service was amazing, and my server, Karelly, was really great.
The atmosphere was also a highlight. I will definitely continue to come back!
- chicken enchiladas9
- mimosa flight9
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Beware of Bill Splitting!
My experience at Swami's was a mixed bag. While the food was good and the people working there were nice, the bill splitting process was a significant issue. I strongly advise against using the QR code option to split your check.
The app incorrectly split a $100 bill into four uneven amounts ($35, $23, $22, and $9. 50). Even though we all had credit card charges, the manager couldn't void the transaction to restart because the system showed we still owed $28.
00. Attempts to resolve this with customer care were unhelpful, as they directed me back to the restaurant. Ultimately, I ended up paying $58 for just a latte and avocado toast, which is unacceptable.
So, while the food and staff are pleasant, BEWARE of the bill splitting feature as it can lead to overcharging.
- food8
- people working7
- bill splitting2
- split the bill2
- overcharged1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Swami's Del Sur: A Favorite Spot!
My experience at Swami’s Del Sur was fantastic! The chorizo hash is one of my all-time favorites, and the green omelette is delicious. The staff is always so friendly and attentive.
It's one of my favorite spots to eat!
- chorizo hash10
- green omelette9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Swami's: A Long-Standing Favorite!
Swami’s in Del Sur is the best! They have had a great side patio since before COVID. It has been our go-to place for breakfast, lunch, etc.
For many years. Check it out!
- side patio10
- Dietary restrictions8
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Meal and Service at Swamis Cafe
My experience at Swamis Cafe in Del Sur was excellent. The staff was terrific, as usual, and the food was delicious. We shared the ABC omelet and the multigrain pancake.
I would highly recommend Swamis Cafe in Del Sur.
- staff10
- food10
- ABC omelet9
What Swami's Del Sur offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Swami's Del Sur?
At Swami’s Del Sur, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere with options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even dessert. They offer table service and seating, with outdoor seating also available for you to relax.
Is Swami's Del Sur family-friendly and accessible?
Yes, Swami’s Del Sur is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. It’s also pet-friendly with dogs allowed. The restaurant ensures accessibility with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
What is the overall standing of Swami's Del Sur?
Swami’s Del Sur holds an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average experience. Its strongest areas are Ambience (7.1) and Food (6.7), while Service (6.6) is average, and Value (4.3) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Swami's Del Sur?
Customers frequently praise the relaxing and clean atmosphere, often noting the comfortable seating and woodsy vibe. The food is consistently described as fresh and delicious, with many positive comments about specific dishes. Additionally, the staff is often highlighted for being friendly and attentive.
Are there any common concerns at Swami's Del Sur?
Some patrons have experienced issues with bill splitting, leading to overcharges. Service can be inconsistent, with instances of inattentive staff or non-existent service. Furthermore, the indoor seating is often described as limited, and the outdoor patio can be uncomfortable without fans or misters on hot days.