Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Panda Express – San Diego
Panda Express - San Diego
Photo from Panda Express
Panda Express at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#693 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#25 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
4.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
250
Reviews
41.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Fast service
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Service lapses
- Inconsistent quality
The Chinese Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Mira Mesa neighborhood offers a perfect spot for a quick bite. Here, you’ll find a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, Panda Express provides a convenient and satisfying dining experience. You can easily grab your favorite dishes for takeout or enjoy them right there.
Overview: Introducting Panda Express
Panda Express offers a convenient option where the price often feels right for a quick meal, and many appreciate the food consistency across visits. However, experiences can vary, with some finding the overall quality a bit of a mixed bag.
While the staff often receives praise for their efficiency and friendliness, there are instances where service falls short. Similarly, while some dishes are well-regarded, concerns about portion size and the freshness of certain items do arise.
Average
4.9
out of 10
250
Reviews
41.2%
Satisfaction
135
negative
12
neutral
103
positive
Overall, Panda Express garners a 4.9 out of 10, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at a 41.2%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 250 customer remarks, with 103 positive observations balanced against 135 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, Value (5.9) and Ambience (5.8) are perceived as average, suggesting they meet basic expectations without excelling.
Food (4.9) also lands in the average range, while Service (4.6) is noted as slightly below average, pointing to areas where improvements could be considered.
What people like
- Good value for money
- Quick service efficiency
- Specific flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Unresponsive service issues
- Variable food quality
If you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal, Panda Express could be a reasonable choice, especially given its 5.3 recommendation score. It often delivers on convenience and value, making it suitable for a fast-food experience when you know what to expect.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both service and food quality, particularly regarding portion sizes. It’s a place that can satisfy a craving, but it might not always impress if you’re looking for a consistently polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express
Food (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners have found plenty to enjoy, with 44 positive remarks highlighting aspects like the overall food taste and flavor. Guests frequently praise the portions for being fantastic and appreciate the quality of meat and vegetables. Many describe the dishes as tasty, exceptional, and consistently fresh, hot, and filling, making for a satisfying meal.
However, the experience isn't always perfect, with 57 negative comments indicating a mixed bag. The overall score for food sits at an average 4.9, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 40.4%. Common complaints revolve around portion size being too small or stingy, food sometimes being cold, and concerns about quality and freshness, with some finding dishes bland or old.
Food
109
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
57
negative
8
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great taste and flavor
- Consistent food quality
- Fresh, hot, and filling
What people don't like
- Small, stingy portions
- Food often cold
- Bland or old taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Panda was great for a fast food spot. The prices are reasonable and the food is tasty. The service is quick and checkout is easy.
- Orange ChickenMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their fresh Orange Chicken, which I visited around lunchtime to enjoy. While the food was excellent, be prepared for a bit of a wait.
- Bourbon Chickenand the Bourbon Chicken. They are so flavorful!
- Kung Pao ChickenI love the Kung Pao Chicken
- beef sideThe beef side is a dollar extra but worth it
- black pepperLots of black pepper.
- black pepper chickenBlack pepper chicken here is above average.
- charNice char.
- flavorThe staff was welcoming, they smiled, greeted us, and were all super helpful. The food was half the price of our usual go-to restaurant, and Panda Express offered more flavor. Everyone was happy; the food was fresh, hot, and filling.
- food consistencyvery consistent which a lot of authentic chinese restaurants are lacking
Frequently criticized
- foodThe blandest, most tasteless "Chinese" food
- chickendont have to serve the right amount of chicken
- chow meinthe chow mein was old, dry and nasty
- orange chicken3 pieces of orange chicken
- portion sizeWhat a disappointment when I opened the box. Maybe 4 bites of kung poa chicken and 6 of chicken and green beans.
- portionsportions are absolutely hilarious
- Egg Rollsthey gave me no sweet and sour sauce.
- Family Feastwanted to order a Family Feast
- Lazy prepLazy prep can't even cut the onions right
- RiceThey gave me no no Rice.
If you're looking for a quick, flavorful bite and catch them on a good day, the food can be quite satisfying. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, especially regarding portion sizes and freshness, which might leave you wanting more.
Service (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Its a bit of a mixed bag here, with an average score of 4.6, though customer satisfaction is unfortunately poor at 38.9%. Despite this, many customers (44 out of 113 opinions!) have highlighted the friendly staff, their amazing accuracy, and the speed of service.
Positive mentions often praise outstanding customer service, welcoming employees, and efficient management teams. However, there are definitely areas for improvement, with 67 negative comments. Common complaints revolve around inconsistent customer service, including rude or impersonal employees, long wait times, and issues with order accuracy, especially for online pickups.
Some experiences also pointed to unprofessional management and a general lack of clear communication.
Service
113
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
67
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Good order accuracy
- Efficient, quick service
What people don't like
- Rude, impersonal staff
- Long wait times
- Poor online pickup
Often praised
- serviceThe prices are reasonable and the food is tasty. The service is quick and checkout is easy.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! The staff are doing an incredible job, processing orders in-person and called-in, and restocking dishes as people move through the line. The accuracy is amazing, and it's usually delivered with a smile 😁.
- customer serviceGreat customer service and nicest team I’ve ever met!
- Panda Express AppPanda Express App, which was super easy to navigate
- Panda Express rewards programI was particularly impressed with the outstanding customer service provided by Keys. She was very helpful in explaining the Panda Express rewards program and guided me through the setup process. I highly recommend this place!
- Panda staffHighly recommended. Great Job Panda staff!
- accuracyThe accuracy is amazing
- cashiercashier was on training, but executed the line effectively
- checkoutThe prices are reasonable and the food is tasty. The service is quick and checkout is easy.
- clean up the messable to clean up the mess I made effortlessly and efficiently
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey didn't notify me about anything. I called the service number five times, and they never answered me. I am very disappointed about the service and this situation is completely unacceptable.
- customer serviceThe dining atmosphere was further disrupted by a worker taking a loud, speakerphone call inside the restaurant, which was audible even over the kitchen noise. I was not impressed with customer service and the employees' practices during my visit.
- ordergiven the wrong even after I specifically said what was my order
- staffAdditionally, the phone number provided is consistently out of service when I try to call. This location has terrible staff and poor management.
- cashierCashier saw me staring directly at my mobile order, phone in hand, waiting to get my food, but still called the next person in line.
- employeesThe employees were all gabbing to each other and straight up rude
- managementAdditionally, the phone number provided is consistently out of service when I try to call. This location has terrible staff and poor management.
- waiting timeMy husband arrived at 11:40 AM. When they finally found my order, they just started putting it together.
- workersworkers at this location don't know how DoorDash and other apps work
- Asian serverthe girl refused to give me a couple nuggets of egg
When it comes to service, you might experience a fantastic, speedy team, but be prepared for potential frustrations like long waits or less-than-friendly interactions. Its not consistently bad, but its far from consistently great, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
Many customers have found the ambience to be quite pleasant, often highlighting the impressive cleanliness and the generally friendly environment. The atmosphere is frequently described as lively and inviting, with the added bonus of plenty of parking. Based on 17 comments, the overall sentiment leans towards a somewhat positive vibe, reflected in a score of 5.8 and a customer satisfaction of 47.1%.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some patrons have found the location to be less than ideal, and the noise level can be a significant issue, with some describing it as loud and obnoxious, especially with a disruptive bell ring. There are also frustrations about tables not being open for dining in, which can certainly impact the overall atmosphere negatively.
Ambience
17
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless cleanliness
- Inviting atmosphere
- Convenient parking
What people don't like
- Excessive noise
- Disruptive atmosphere
- Closed dining area
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was lively and inviting
- cleanlinessgreat job of keeping the place clean
- environmentThe environment and staff were extremely friendly
- magnificent establishmentI was in a critical state, but Panda Express came to my rescue. I feel an immense debt to this magnificent establishment and can never repay it. The least I can do is offer them a well-deserved 5-star review.
- parkingPlenty of parking
- simplicityI like the simplicity
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere while dining in was ruined by one of the workers taking his break inside the restaurant on his phone call with the speaker blaring
- bell ringmake a point out of this with a bell ring
- locationThis location sucks
- loud and obnoxiousThey are so unbelievably loud and obnoxious.
- tablesthey still did not open the tables to eat inside
If youre looking for a clean place with good parking and dont mind a potentially lively, sometimes noisy, environment, it might be worth a visit. However, if a quiet, serene dining experience is a must for you, you might want to consider other options.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers are quite pleased, with 7 positive remarks out of 11 total. Folks love that the price is often cheap and reasonable, making it a great option for family meals or when youre looking for a good price per person between $1–10. Many found the food to be tasty and filling, often at a much lower cost than usual. However, its not all smooth sailing, with 4 negative comments highlighting some bumps.
Customers occasionally felt charged like bigger plates or encountered issues with the price on the app being higher, or having to pay full price when expecting a special offer. The value scores an average 5.9, and satisfaction is a mixed 63.6%, suggesting some inconsistency.
Value
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, tasty food
- Great family value
- Low cost per person
What people don't like
- Pricing inconsistencies
- App price issues
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this Panda Express was extremely good! I found Panda Express to be extremely cheap yet it tastes very good. It's a great option for a dinner with a price per person between $1–10.
- pricesMy experience at Panda was great for a fast food spot. The prices are reasonable and the food is tasty. The service is quick and checkout is easy.
- familyMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, marked by good food that's cheaper to feed a big family with. They are always on point.
- foodThe food was half the price of our usual go-to restaurant
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- charged like bigger platesthey charge like a bigger plates!!
- full pricepay full price which is about $20.00 more
- price on the appprice on the app was higher than the normal price
- special offerrunning a special on that which is half price
If you're looking for an affordable meal, especially for a family, this place often delivers great value. Just be mindful of potential pricing inconsistencies, like app prices or special offers, to ensure you get the best deal.
How are the prices at Panda Express?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 41 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right in this sweet spot, with a few finding even cheaper bites and just a couple opting for something a bit pricier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot of being accessible without compromising on value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Service and Atmosphere!
I don’t usually write reviews, but my experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. The service was outstanding, and the environment and staff were extremely friendly and helpful, especially CJ! The food was also great, earning a perfect score.
- service10
- environment10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Portion Sizes
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the portion sizes. They fill the meat portion of the tray with chow mein, which makes it seem like they are not serving the right amount of chicken. This practice felt like a way to skimp on the actual meat.
- meat portion2
- chicken2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Friendly Staff, Effective Service During Rush
My experience at this restaurant was marked by amazing customer service. The entire staff seemed genuinely friendly with everyone. I visited during a rush hour, and although the cashier appeared to be in training, she executed the line effectively.
Her teammates were also really helpful, ensuring a smooth experience despite the busy period.
- customer service10
- staff10
- cashier8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food and Even Better Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was great, and the service was even better. Although it's quite a detour from my daily commute, it's definitely worth it.
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Manager saved the day!
I ordered catering in-person today, needing it for pickup in the late afternoon, just 2-3 hours after ordering. Although the team accidentally missed the order, the manager quickly intervened and arranged for it to be completed in about 10 minutes. The team showed good leadership and worked well together to cover up the mistake.
- manager9
- team8
- order2
What Panda Express offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Panda Express in Mira Mesa offer?
At Panda Express in San Diego’s Mira Mesa, you’ll find comprehensive accessibility. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. You can dine with ease knowing these amenities are available.
Is Panda Express in San Diego suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Panda Express is a great choice for families. You’ll discover a dedicated kids’ menu, making mealtime fun for the little ones. High chairs are also available, and the restaurant is generally considered good for kids, ensuring a pleasant family dining experience.
How does Panda Express generally perform according to customer feedback?
Panda Express holds an overall score of **4.9** out of 10, indicating an average performance. Customers rate its **Value** at 5.9, **Ambience** at 5.8, **Food** at 4.9, and **Service** at 4.6, suggesting a generally consistent, mid-range experience across these areas.
Is Panda Express considered a good value for money?
Many customers find Panda Express to offer good value, often describing it as cheap and a good option for feeding a family. However, some have noted concerns about being charged higher prices for certain items or through the app.
What are common issues customers experience with service and food at Panda Express?
Service can be a mixed bag, with some reporting quick and friendly staff, while others encounter unresponsive service, incorrect orders, or rude employees. Food quality can also vary, with complaints about blandness, dry items like chow mein, and inconsistent portion sizes.