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oChef » San Wo – San Diego
San Wo - San Diego
Photo from San Wo
San Wo at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#569 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#13 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
493
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Flexible payments
Frequently criticized
- Poor hygiene
- Inconsistent service
- Cash/digital only
The Chinese restaurant San Wo in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood is your go-to spot, especially when you’re looking for delicious late-night food. San Wo Chinese Restaurant offers a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite.
This welcoming eatery ensures you have plenty of options, from satisfying small plates to full meals, all designed to hit the spot.
Overview: Introducting San Wo
San Wo presents a straightforward dining experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the generous portions and flavorful dishes, making it a go-to for satisfying Chinese cuisine.
However, guests should manage expectations regarding the general atmosphere, which some find less inviting. While the staff is often described as friendly and accommodating, there are instances where service falls short.
The restaurant has also adapted its payment options, which is a positive for many, though some traditional methods are still not accepted, impacting overall convenience.
Good
6.4
out of 10
493
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
147
negative
52
neutral
294
positive
San Wo holds an overall restaurant score of an average 6.4, suggesting a generally acceptable experience. Customer satisfaction is a mixed 59.6%, indicating that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion identifies areas for improvement.
This assessment is based on 493 customer remarks, comprising 294 positive and 147 negative observations. The Food (6.6) stands out as the strongest aspect, frequently praised for its quality and substantial portions.
Value (6.1) also performs reasonably well, often highlighted for affordable pricing. However, both Ambience (6.2) and Service (6.0) hover around average, with specific feedback pointing to concerns about cleanliness and occasional inconsistencies in staff interactions.
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
- Flexible payment options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Subpar ambience/hygiene
- Cash/digital payments only
San Wo offers a compelling option for those prioritizing substantial, flavorful Chinese cuisine at a reasonable cost. While the culinary experience is often satisfying, be prepared for an environment that is more functional than fancy, and service that can be a bit of a mixed bag.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, it’s a place worth considering if you’re seeking good food and value, and can overlook some rough edges in the dining environment or service consistency. It’s particularly suited for takeout or casual meals.
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Verdict: Our expert take on San Wo
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 indicating its solidly average, and customer satisfaction sitting at 65.2%. Based on 299 comments, many folks rave about the authentic Chinese food, especially the delicious BBQ pork and roasted duck, often highlighting the generous portions and variety of dishes like honey walnut shrimp and wonton noodle soup. However, 87 comments point to some inconsistencies.
Some found the food quality to be lacking, with dishes described as bland, soggy, or even overcooked. There were also mentions of unfresh ingredients and a general lack of flavor in certain items, suggesting that not every dish hits the mark.
Food
299
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
87
negative
17
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Delicious BBQ meats
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, soggy dishes
- Overcooked, rubbery food
Often praised
- foodIf you enjoy Korean BBQ, I highly recommend this place. I deliver 3-4 orders daily, and it's clear this restaurant is renowned for its delicious and amazing food. The fact that I've delivered the same dish to the same customers five days a week speaks volumes about their very faithful following.
- portionsMy experience at Sam Woo, located next to 99 Ranch on Clairmont Mesa, was that of a decent, authentic Cantonese restaurant in San Diego. While it doesn't offer an elegant atmosphere or classy service, it makes up for it with big portions and prices that don't reflect the typical "California premium. " For a Chinese restaurant in the US, I'd rate it a strong B+.
- FoodThis place is as good as Sam Woo!
- duckespecially their duck, I didn't like duck but when I tried theirs, I started to like it
- portionMy experience at this restaurant was one of unbeatable value. If you're craving Chinese food that is decent, with huge portions, and at a low price, this is the spot. The food is decent, and they really pack the takeout container full.
- roasted duckThe roasted duck is so delicious and flavorful!!
- breakfast menuI absolutely loved the breakfast menu
- BBQ PorkThey now accept Venmo for payments, which is an improvement from their previous cash-only policy. We enjoyed the Hot and Sour Soup, Singapore Noodles, Eggplant Hot Pot, BBQ Pork, and Honey Walnut Shrimp. The cost was just under $25 per person, and we even had lots of leftovers to take home.
- BBQ porkBBQ pork and walking chicken are amazing!
- Chinese BBQMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I believe it's the best Chinese BBQ in San Diego. They offer a great selection of BBQ meats, including BBQ duck and whole pigs, alongside traditional Chinese dishes.
Frequently criticized
- foodAs I was about to pay for my order, I witnessed 2 roaches climbing up the wall. This sighting was so disturbing that I immediately refused the food and walked out. I felt like throwing up after seeing them and am glad I didn't consume anything.
- food qualityThe food quality has declined so badly
- riceMy experience at this restaurant was the worst meal I ever had. The food was cold and the rice was not fresh. It seemed like everything was about to be trashed at the end of the night.
- FoodFood:1
- chow meinMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I expected fresh, hot food to go at 10 am, but the chow mein was subpar and the eggplant was overcooked. The charsui pork lacked flavor and authenticity, leading to a feeling of very sloppy Chinese cooking.
- wontonsIt was wontons instead of dumplings.
- 3 item comboeverything tasted like it was drowned in soy sauce
- BBQ pork fried noodlesthe problem with this dish was the stale tasting BBQ pork
- BBQ qualitydon’t know what good BBQ is supposed to be
- BBQ soupBBQ soup through Uber eats. They called me back and they didn’t have it
If you're after authentic Chinese comfort food, especially BBQ meats and generous portions, this spot could be a satisfying choice. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in quality, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 and a customer satisfaction of 54.2%. With 45 positive comments out of 83 total, many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting the ladies who provide good service. The convenience of quick take-out and the addition of Venmo & Zelle for payments are also frequently praised, showing a real effort to accommodate customers.
However, with 27 negative comments, there are some areas for improvement. Some experiences mention slow service or waiting time, and a few customers have encountered rude staff or an attitude. The payment policy of only accepting cash or Zelle/Venmo has also been a point of contention for some, leading to frustration.
Service
83
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
27
negative
11
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick take-out
- Accepts Venmo/Zelle
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Service can be slow
- Cash/Zelle only payment
Often praised
- serviceService was excellent and the waitstaff was attentive and very friendly
- staffI enjoyed the sweetness along with the texture of the beans. The prices are reasonable, the restaurant is clean, and the staff is very friendly! Be prepared with payment, they don't accept credit cards.
- ServiceBehind the counter employee service is good
- CashierCashier is a nice lady
- Venmo & Zellethey now accept Venmo & Zelle so for lazy me that rarely carries cash, that's a big plus!
- Venmo and Zellestarted accepting venmo and zelle
- Venmo for paymentsthey have added Venmo for payments.
- Zelle/VenmoHappy they take Zelle/Venmo now
- alter ingredientseasy to work with if you wish to alter your ingredients
- call aheadcalled ahead to order drinks
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was delightfully aloof, adding an air of indifference
- staffI was in a hurry and unfortunately forgot to leave a tip, with my total meal value being less than $30. To my surprise, I was chased and stopped by the staff even after leaving the premises and was requested to top up the tip. This was absolutely ridiculous!
- ServiceService:2
- Zelle, Venmo or Cashonly accept Zelle, Venmo or Cash
- arrogant older ladyan arrogant older lady came over
- attitudehis words with so much attitude
- cash or Zellethey don't take credit card, only cash or zelle
- cash tipsthey want you to pay cash tips
- discriminationthat's discrimination Sad but true
- eat at the tableMy experience at this restaurant was awful. The staff was rude and they didn't even let us eat at the table. We had to take our food to go, and they didn't even include napkins.
If you prioritize generally friendly staff and quick takeout, especially if you're ready to pay with Venmo or Zelle, this place is worth a try. Just be prepared for potential variations in service speed and payment options, as these can sometimes be a sticking point.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests appreciate the restaurants atmosphere, often describing it as spacious, clean, and cozy, making it a great spot for family dinners. The location and ample parking options also receive praise, with some loving the interior decoration. Out of 41 comments, 19 highlighted these positive aspects, contributing to a decent overall impression.
However, the ambience isnt without its challenges, reflected in a 6.2 score and 46.3% customer satisfaction. Some found the washroom hygiene lacking, with mentions of dirty bathrooms and even roaches. Others noted the atmosphere could be unpleasant, bright, or loud, with limited seating and occasional difficulties with parking space, suggesting it could use a revamp.
These concerns appeared in 12 comments.
Ambience
41
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
12
negative
10
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
- Ample free parking
- Good location
What people don't like
- Dirty washrooms
- Unpleasant atmosphere
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereOur experience has been consistently good, with the food rating a solid 4. The parking is plentiful, and the atmosphere is also rated a 4. The price per person for dinner is between $30–50.
- parkingOur experience has been consistently good, with the food rating a solid 4. The parking is plentiful, and the atmosphere is also rated a 4. The price per person for dinner is between $30–50.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Parking optionsPlenty of parking
- dining experienceYou can't go wrong with their drinks either! The dine-in experience is a bit expensive, but that's expected for a lovely dining experience. Take-out is just as good though!
- family dinnersIt's a great place for family dinners
- interior decorationToo many restaurants have fallen to changing their menu and interior decoration to follow trends and losing out on good flavors.
- locationThe location is good
- restaurantI enjoyed the sweetness along with the texture of the beans. The prices are reasonable, the restaurant is clean, and the staff is very friendly! Be prepared with payment, they don't accept credit cards.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmospherethe atmosphere and service were rated 1
- ambiencethe ambience is not pleasant
- bathroomsIt's described as bright, loud, and featuring cheap dishes. Additionally, the bathrooms are something to avoid if possible. It's not a place I'd recommend for those with modern expectations, but for someone who can overlook some niceties, you can get some very tasty and authentic Chinese comfort foods.
- hygienehygiene is so so
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- revampit could use a revamp
- roachessaw 2 roaches climbing up the wall
- seatingThe staff were notably friendly. While dine-in is available, the seating is limited. They offer free parking, but it can get hectic on busy days, making parking somewhat difficult to find.
- washroomDirty washroom hence -1 star
So, whats the verdict on the ambience? If you prioritize a clean, cozy, and spacious atmosphere with good parking, you might find it quite pleasant. However, be prepared for potentially challenging washroom conditions and a lively, sometimes loud, environment that might not suit everyones taste.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
Lets talk value! This place lands an average score of 6.1 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%. On the bright side, many customers rave about the reasonable prices and great value, often highlighting the generous portions that make it an affordable Chinese food option.
These positive sentiments appear in 35 remarks. However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. Some customers feel its overpriced or that theyre being overcharged for the amount of food.
A significant point of contention revolves around payment, specifically the lack of credit card acceptance, which can be a real hassle for some. These concerns are noted in 21 pieces of feedback.
Value
70
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
21
negative
14
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value/prices
- Generous portions
- Venmo/Zelle accepted
What people don't like
- No credit cards
- Can be overpriced
- Forced tipping
Often praised
- priceNestled in 99 Ranch Market, I discovered some of the Best Chinese Food in all of San Diego. My dining experience was delightful, with genuinely incredible food and generous portions offered at an incredible price. Please note, they only accept cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
- pricesI enjoyed the sweetness along with the texture of the beans. The prices are reasonable, the restaurant is clean, and the staff is very friendly! Be prepared with payment, they don't accept credit cards.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was one of unbeatable value. If you're craving Chinese food that is decent, with huge portions, and at a low price, this is the spot.
- VenmoThe fare, service, and atmosphere were all pretty standard, nothing particularly stood out. A key point to note is that they don't take credit cards, but Venmo works as an alternative payment method.
- price pointIf you are looking for incredible value for Chinese takeout, the combo plates are your choice. They are loaded up, pretty tasty, and a great price point.
- Venmo and ZelleI think they accept Venmo and Zelle now
- affordable Chinese foodThe staff and owner have remained the same, contributing to a familiar and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great place for affordable Chinese food.
- affordable pricetheir food with affordable price
- cheapit's cheap, but it's better
- cheap eatgreat for a cheap eat
Frequently criticized
- credit cardsThe prices are reasonable, the restaurant is clean, and the staff is very friendly! Be prepared with payment, they don't accept credit cards. Cash, Zelle, and Venmo are accepted.
- overpricedOverpriced and not that much food for $30!
- pricesDo better. Also, your prices are too high for average food, just my 2 cents.
- $30 wastedA total of $30 wasted
- 15 to 20% tipsexpecting 15 to 20% tips on top of the increased price
- ATMThe service was delightfully aloof, adding an air of indifference to the whole experience. If you love being ignored and hunting for an ATM, this place is perfect for you! The food received a rating of 3, while the atmosphere and service were rated 1.
- amount of meatslightly expensive for the amount of meat that I got
- cash, Venmo, or ZelleOnly cash, Venmo, or Zelle accepted – because who needs convenience?
- dine-inThe dine-in is a bit expensive
- fried rice and milk teaI wasted $26 for a fried rice and milk tea.
If you're seeking generous portions at a reasonable price and are prepared for cash, Venmo, or Zelle payments, this spot could be a great cheap eat. However, if you prefer paying with credit cards or find some items overpriced, you might leave feeling a bit disappointed.
How are the prices at San Wo?
On average, you’ll spend around $21 per person – from 90 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is $21, most diners actually spend in the $11–$20 range, showing there are plenty of budget-friendly options alongside some higher-priced dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Diego. With options for both budget-friendly meals and slightly more indulgent dishes, it offers good value for different preferences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about San Wo
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the poor quality food. The wonton noodles were nasty; the soup was overly salty, and the noodles themselves were overcooked. Even the coffee was essentially pure sugar water.
Given such subpar food quality, I seriously question how this establishment can survive in San Diego.
- wonton noodles1
- soup2
- noodles1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Chinese Food with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place for authentic Chinese food. The service is fast and the food is great.
The prices are great, with items around $20 that can feed two people, making the portions generous. They even have a secret menu if you understand Cantonese. Highly recommended.
- authentic Chinese food10
- service9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Spacious, Delicious, and Friendly!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was spacious, clean, and cozy. The food was delicious and plentiful, offering a great variety.
The staff were incredibly attentive, cheerful, and thoughtful. Additionally, the parking was ample. I will definitely return to support them again!
👍👍👍👍
- atmosphere9
- food9
- food variety8
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
3
Chicken with Broccoli Not White Meat
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the chicken with broccoli. Normally, in Chinese restaurants, this dish is made with chicken breast. However, in this restaurant, it was not made with white meat only, which was a disappointing aspect of the food quality.
- chicken with broccoli3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Consistent Takeout Experience
We occasionally dine here. Most of the time, we order online and pick up for an eat-at-home experience. Our experience has been consistently good, with the food rating a solid 4.
The parking is plentiful, and the atmosphere is also rated a 4. The price per person for dinner is between $30–50.
- food8
- parking8
- atmosphere8
What San Wo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Does San Wo Chinese Restaurant offer options for vegetarians?
Yes, San Wo Chinese Restaurant provides a variety of vegetarian options on its menu. You can enjoy delicious plant-based dishes crafted to satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese flavors in a casual setting.
What are the parking facilities like at San Wo Chinese Restaurant?
You’ll find convenient parking options at San Wo Chinese Restaurant, including free street parking and a free parking lot. There’s usually plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for San Wo?
Customer satisfaction at San Wo is a mixed 59.6%, with an overall restaurant score of 6.4. While many customers appreciate certain aspects, there are also areas noted for improvement.
What are the payment options available at San Wo?
San Wo primarily accepts cash, Venmo, and Zelle. They do not accept credit cards, which is a point of feedback for some customers, though the addition of digital payment options is often seen as a positive.
How does San Wo score across different aspects of the dining experience?
San Wo scores highest in Food (6.6), followed by Ambience (6.2) and Value (6.1), with Service (6.0) being the lowest. This indicates that the food is generally well-regarded, while other areas are considered average.