Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Olleh CONVOY – San Diego
Olleh CONVOY - San Diego
Photo from Olleh CONVOY
Olleh CONVOY at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#526 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Korean Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
452
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious BBQ
- Quick service
- Lively ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Automatic gratuity
- Loud, smoky
- Staff attitude
The restaurant, a vibrant Korean Restaurant in San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. At Olleh CONVOY, you’ll discover a lively spot perfect for enjoying delicious all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ.
This trendy and casual eatery offers a fantastic atmosphere where you can gather with friends and family for a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Olleh CONVOY
Olleh CONVOY offers a vibrant dining experience, often praised for its good ambiance and lively K-pop BGM, creating an energetic atmosphere. Many find the AYCE feast to be a substantial and satisfying option, providing generous portions that are well-regarded.
However, some guests have noted challenges with loud music and occasional poor ventilation, which can impact comfort. Service experiences vary, with some encountering bad attitude from staff, while others appreciate the attentiveness.
Good
6.7
out of 10
452
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
137
negative
20
neutral
295
positive
Olleh CONVOY achieves a respectable 6.7 overall score, reflecting a generally positive but somewhat mixed experience for diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 65.3%, indicating that while many leave content, there’s a notable portion with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 452 customer remarks, with 295 positive observations outweighing 137 negative ones. The Food (7.9) clearly stands out as a strong point, receiving high praise from patrons.
Service (6.1) and Ambience (5.9) hover in the average range, suggesting areas for potential refinement. However, Value (3.9) appears to be a significant concern for some, often cited in discussions about the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious Korean BBQ
- Attentive, quick service
- Lively K-pop ambiance
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity fees
- Loud, smoky atmosphere
- Inconsistent staff attitude
Olleh CONVOY earns a solid 7.1 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a worthwhile spot for many. If you prioritize flavorful Korean BBQ and a lively atmosphere, this restaurant could be a great fit for your next meal out.
However, be mindful of potential automatic gratuity and the energetic, sometimes loud, environment. For those seeking a vibrant dining experience with good food, it’s certainly worth considering, but manage expectations regarding value and noise.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Olleh CONVOY
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 80.7% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the many choices available, the quality of meats, and the great variety of sides, often noting perfectly cooked meats. With 163 positive remarks, its clear the culinary experience is a big draw.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller group of 29 opinions mentioned concerns like limited amount of food for some items, subpar meat quality in certain instances, limited banchan choices, and even issues with the fire being too weak' for grilling. These suggest there might be some inconsistencies.
Food
202
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
29
negative
10
neutral
163
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality meats
- Great side variety
- Many food choices
What people don't like
- Subpar meat quality
- Limited banchan
- Weak grill fire
Often praised
- foodthe food and atmosphere are simply outstanding
- Korean BBQMy experience at this restaurant was sumptuous and among the best Korean BBQ I've had. As a gringo who lived in Seoul, I have a good sense of authentic Korean BBQ, and this place is extra yummy.
- FoodFood:5
- kimchi fried riceI love the pickle radish and kimchi fried rice there
- meatsThe corn cheese was a little let down since that's usually my favorite side. All the meats were really good and I would definitely come back for more.
- pork bellyGo to for me and the fam is Galibi and pork belly
- sideshappy they had good sauce choices and sides
- steamed eggI'll definitely remember to try the jumuluk next time. The sides I enjoyed the most were numerous, including the steamed egg, rice, teokkboki, sesame ball, japchae, rice paper, thin radish, garlic, onion, and pa mu chen (green onion salad). I particularly enjoyed the Honey pork bulgogi, Shrimp, Marinated top blade, Regular top blade, and Garlic pork belly.
- AYCE Korean BBQReally yummy AYCE Korean BBQ
- brisketIt's a great place to show off your chef skills and enjoy good company over a grill. I really enjoyed the ribeye, tiger shrimp, and brisket. The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, rated 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
Frequently criticized
- side dishesthe side dishes are small and a bit lacking in variety
- Butter Garlic Shrimpget the Butter Garlic Shrimp then
- all you can eatadvertised an all you can eat shrimp special
- banchan choicesThe banchan choices were limited and bland
- bean pastethe bean paste was runny and tasted too fermented
- bean sproutsIt's an excellent AYCE Korean BBQ. I wish they had the bean sprouts as a small dish. The service was quick, and they were accommodating even though I was dining alone during peak hour.
- bulgogiThe kalbi and bulgogi were poor quality meat
- butterasked for butter to cook with
- corn cheeseCorn cheese was a little let down
- deeply disappointedoverall I was deeply disappointed
If you're looking for a place with a wide selection of good quality meats and sides, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistencies in meat quality or grill performance, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed picture, though it leans towards the positive. Out of 162 total comments, 94 positive opinions frequently highlight the attentive and speedy staff, with many guests feeling genuinely welcomed and experiencing top-notch service. The overall score for service is an average 6.1, reflecting a decent, if not outstanding, performance.
However, 63 negative opinions indicate there's room for improvement. Some patrons encountered staff with a bad attitude, noted general inattentiveness, and reported poor customer service, particularly concerning wait times and handling large parties. Customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 58%, suggesting that while many are pleased, a notable portion of diners faced challenges.
Service
162
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
63
negative
5
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, quick staff
- Great server recommendations
- Efficient grill changes
What people don't like
- Rude, inattentive staff
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceWe ordered three meats, and it was incredibly filling. The service was fast once we managed to get a table. I recommend coming early as the line gets packed.
- staffthe staff is very attentive and quick to serve. They are also very nice!
- wait timeThey're constantly checking in on us and asking if we were going for more. (5/5) Atmosphere: Just like any other KBBQ, but usually less busy and always < 35 mins wait time. It's a great spot that not many know about.
- ServiceService:5
- serverThe service was exceptional; they were truly on it, with a person for almost everything. Our server was really good and attentive, especially when changing out our grills and checking if we wanted to order more. I will definitely come back to try this again.
- attentivevery attentive and helpful!
- great serverAbby is a great server here
- servers and bussersThe servers and bussers check on you always and clean as they go.
- speedserved so fast
- waitThe wait on a Saturday at 4 was not long
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was on par with other AYCE places, perhaps a step down from Manna. I recently visited with a party of 6, and the service was just plain bad. The host acted like a bouncer at a nightclub, and our server, a young person with a bad attitude, would walk away mid-order.
- hostthe host tried stealing them. The host said they didn’t
- serverThe server was a kid with a bad attitude
- waiting timeit would take a while to receive what we asked for
- attentiveMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and the staff were nice, but they were not very attentive. I constantly had to flag someone down to bring us more meat.
- attitudegiving attitude, intentionally or unintentionally
- customer servicethe customer service is bad
- hoursHours need to be changed. it said it closed at 11pm, just to find out it closes at 8:30pm
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marred by the comically rude staff. With so many good choices on Convoy, I don’t understand the appeal of treating your customers like cattle.
- BAD ATTITUDEBAD ATTITUDE!
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly attentive and quick staff, or face some frustrating delays and less-than-friendly interactions. If you're willing to take that chance for potentially great service, it could be worth a visit, but be prepared for possible inconsistencies.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Diving into the atmosphere, it seems this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 53.6% and an average score of 5.9. Many folks really dig the lively experience, praising the fun Atmosphere and good vibes, especially with the energetic K-pop BGM and the satisfying sound of meat sizzling. Its often highlighted as a fantastic place for a big group of friends to enjoy good company, and the availability of parking is a big win, with 30 positive comments out of 56 total.
On the flip side, the ambience isnt without its snags. Some guests found the room could get quite smoky due to ventilation issues, leaving them smelling like BBQ. The music can also be a bit too loud for comfortable conversation, and finding a parking space can be a real headache, particularly on busy nights.
A few even noted concerns about cleanliness, like a slippery floor or greasy table, accounting for 24 negative observations.
Ambience
56
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively K-pop BGM
- Great group atmosphere
- Convenient parking
What people don't like
- Smoky dining area
- Loud background music
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was nothing to complain about but certainly good enough to go out on a date night.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- K pop musicK pop music in the background
- K-pop BGMThe free-flow perks were amazing, with over 10 refillable banchan sides, plus the viral kimchi stew and gooey corn cheese. The vibe overload with K-pop BGM and the symphony of meat sizzling created pure Seoul energy! For $34.
- ambianceGood ambiance
- big group of friendscome here with a big group of friends
- experienceIt was a very pleasant experience
- free parking lotFree parking lot
- good companyenjoy good company over a grill
- less busyusually less busy
Frequently criticized
- atmospheretodo demasiado lleno todo el tiempo
- musicthe music was loud
- parkingparking can suck especially on the weekend
- smokeway more smoke compared to manna
- ventilationventilation is not good enough
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- dining experienceIt seemed the wait staff, perhaps tired or stressed, was taking it out on customers with an attitude. Overall, it was a very poor customer service and an unpleasant dining experience.
- floorThe floor was very slippery.
- griller cleanlinessdon’t clean under the griller was tooooo much oil
- guestsThe staff was nice. However, the music was loud, and this was amplified by the chatter of other guests. It was not pleasant to leave the restaurant with ringing ears.
If youre looking for a lively, K-pop-infused spot with good vibes and dont mind a bit of smoke or loud music, this place could be a fun experience, especially with friends. However, if quiet conversation, pristine cleanliness, and easy parking are top priorities, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
While the overall value score sits at a low 3.9 with only 25% customer satisfaction, a few bright spots emerged from 8 positive comments out of 32 total. Some guests appreciated the premium menu and AYCE feast, finding it budget-friendly and reasonably priced for the experience and generous portions. However, the majority of 21 negative comments pointed to significant concerns.
Many were frustrated by automatic 19% tip and gratuity fee issues, feeling it was greed or shady business. Others found the all-you-can-eat option pricey, especially with a 2-hour time limit and being forced to cook for myself.
Value
32
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good AYCE value
- Reasonable pricing
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- High prices
- Shady business
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the big portions for the price. We ordered three meats, and it was incredibly filling.
- AYCE feast$34.99 AYCE feast—we left stupidly satisfied
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- budget-friendlybudget-friendly Korean BBQ meal
- premium menuget the premium menu (currently $34/person) ... but worth!
- prices for AYCEThis was my first time ever having Korean BBQ, and it was a fantastic experience! They offer great prices for AYCE, and the food was incredibly tasty. I personally loved the chicken dumplings, the kimchi fried rice, and the beef bulgogi.
Frequently criticized
- billbrings me another one with a gratuity fee.
- gratuity feewith a gratuity fee. I asked him why and he said because we were a large party
- 2-hour time limit2-hour time limit to order things
- Automatic 19% tipAutomatic 19% tip tacked onto our bill
- all-you-can-eatall-you-can-eat is pricey
- auto gratuityforced to pay a a 15% auto gratuity
- automatic gratuitythey automatically charge gratuity for larger parties
- cook for myselfpaying $34 a plate to cook for myself
- extra chargecharged $20 extra
- gratuitycharges $27 for gratuity that was directly added
If youre considering this spot, be aware that the overall value is a mixed bag, leaning negative. While some find the premium menu or AYCE feast worth it, many are frustrated by automatic gratuity and perceived greed. It might disappoint if youre sensitive to unexpected charges or feel the price doesn't match the experience.
How are the prices at Olleh CONVOY?
You’re looking at roughly $50 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are indeed in that $31–$50 sweet spot, though a few venture into the higher price tags.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Korean Restaurant. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and the price distribution shows most guests find value there.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Olleh CONVOY
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Poor Service
I've been to this restaurant several times, and while the food is really good, the customer service is unfortunately bad. The servers barely smile, and they make you feel like they are paying for your food.
- food9
- customer service2
- servers2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Service, and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was delicious, with a plenty of meat selections. The ambiance was very pleasant, enhanced by the K-pop music playing in the background.
The service was prompt, and the staff were attentive. Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience.
- food8
- meat selections9
- ambiance8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Korean BBQ Experience
My experience at this restaurant was great. As it was my first time trying Korean BBQ, the waiter provided excellent recommendations for both drinks and food. All the staff were nice, and the selection of meats tasted great.
I would highly recommend this place.
- Korean BBQ9
- waiter recommendations10
- staff9
- Parking space3
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Consistently Amazing Service and Atmosphere
I celebrated my anniversary here for the fourth time, and the service was, as always, amazing. My server, Abby, and her colleagues were incredibly attentive on a Monday night. I truly appreciate that the service and atmosphere remain consistently excellent, regardless of the day of the week.
- service10
- staff10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Huge Portions, Quick Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely large portions. It's important to be mindful of ordering too much, as you might get full and be unable to finish it all, potentially incurring an extra charge of $20. The service was quick, which was a positive aspect of the visit.
- portions8
- service7
- extra charge3
What Olleh CONVOY offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- All you can eat
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and offerings are available at Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ?
At Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating. They also offer popular all-you-can-eat options and late-night food, complemented by a selection of beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages.
Does Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ offer accessible facilities and convenient parking?
Yes, Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot readily available when you visit.
How does Olleh CONVOY generally perform according to customer feedback?
Olleh CONVOY holds an overall score of 6.7, with customer satisfaction at 65.3%. Food scores highest at 7.9, followed by Service at 6.1, Ambience at 5.9, and Value at 3.9.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Olleh CONVOY?
Many customers praise the delicious and authentic Korean BBQ, including various meats like ribeye and pork belly, as well as popular sides like kimchi fried rice.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Olleh CONVOY?
Some diners have noted issues such as mandatory gratuity fees, a loud atmosphere with K-pop music, and occasional concerns about ventilation and parking.