Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Ben & Esther’s – San Diego
Ben & Esther's - San Diego
Photo from Ben & Esther’s
Ben & Esther's at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- šæ Vegan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21ā$30
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#93 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Vegan Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
486
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vegan Delights
- Great Service
- Pleasant Vibe
Frequently criticized
- Order Issues
- No Indoor Seating
- High Cost
The restaurant Ben & Esther’s in San Diego’s Mid-City neighborhood offers a truly unique vegan dining experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This vegan restaurant is known for its diverse menu, featuring healthy options, small plates, and delicious coffee. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dessert, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings in a quiet and welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Ben & Esther's
Ben & Esther’s offers a delightful experience, often praised for its delicious plant-based dishes and exceptional service. The cozy atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant visit, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some patrons have noted occasional order inaccuracies and found the overall value to be a point of consideration, suggesting a mixed experience for some aspects.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
486
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
46
negative
13
neutral
427
positive
Ben & Esther’s earns a solid overall score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 87.9%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 486 customer remarks, with 427 positive observations outweighing 46 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out with an impressive Food score (8.8), which is clearly a highlight.
Ambience (8.5) and Service (8.4) also perform well, contributing to the pleasant environment. However, the Value score (5.9) suggests that while the quality is there, some customers perceive the pricing as less competitive.
What people like
- Delicious vegan food
- Attentive, fast service
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent order accuracy
- Limited seating options
- Perceived high prices
For those seeking well-prepared plant-based options, Ben & Esther’s presents a compelling choice. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, it’s clear that many find the food and overall experience quite satisfying, making it a worthwhile visit.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in order fulfillment and the limited seating. If you prioritize excellent vegan fare and a pleasant setting over budget-friendliness or extensive dining space, this spot could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ben & Esther's
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, earning an excellent 8.8 score and delighting customers with an excellent 91.5% satisfaction rate, based on 324 positive remarks. Guests rave about the delicious `vegan deli sandwiches`, `bagels`, and the classic `Reuben`, often praising the `matzo ball soup` too. While overwhelmingly positive, a small number of 26 comments noted some issues.
A few found dishes `salty`, and there were occasional complaints about `stale bagels` or `missing toppings` on orders, with some wishing for more vegetables in the `matzo ball soup`.
Food
354
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
324
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious vegan options
- Excellent bagel variety
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent bagel quality
- Salty dishes
- Missing order items
Often praised
- foodI honestly donāt even know where to start ā that was the best vegan meal Iāve had in a while! The staff was sweet and attentive, the service was very fast, the prices are fair and the food is INSANE. I had The Reuben with a pickle spear and now all I want to do is order literally every other item off the menu.
- bagelsMy experience at this restaurant was so GOOD! You know itās a quality deli when they run out of most bagels by late morning š. As a vegan, places like this are a dream!
- ReubenI visited yesterday for lunch and ordered a Reuben. While I probably should have chosen something healthier, I couldn't resist because their Reubens are DELICIOUS. It was my birthday, so I decided to splurge.
- sandwichesWhile they offer a few tables outside, there is no seating inside. It's a great place to grab sandwiches for a picnic.
- FoodWhen I say everything was delicious, I mean 'everything!'
- lox bagelThe lox bagel is seriously the bagel of my dreams
- pastriesEverything here is vegan, including the pastries
- potato saladpotato salad. Everything was perfect.
- veganThis place is so cute and homey! Iām a sucker for anything vegan and it was so great to stop here after a long drive!
- vegan foodDelicious vegan food for nonvegans and vegans alike
Frequently criticized
- bagelsShe has had wonderful experiences in the past, however today we used Uber Eats for a small order. The bagels were small & stale, and they screwed up the order for both of us. She asked for an everything bagel but got poppy seeds, which are a huge no-no.
- availabilityalways out of everything
- bagel sandwichesReceived cold, not crunchy, clearly not toasted bagels both times. Did not make for a good sandwich.
- breadthe bread was all in crumbles
- everything bagelThe bagels were small & stale, and they screwed up the order for both of us. She asked for an everything bagel but got poppy seeds, which are a huge no-no. The toppings on both and extra items on mine were missing and wrong.
- extra itemsShe asked for an everything bagel but got poppy seeds, which are a huge no-no. The toppings on both and extra items on mine were missing and wrong. My morning was not fun.
- imitation turkeytasted the turkey imitation and ding ding dign!!
- kosher supervisionWhen searching for kosher food on Google, this restaurant may appear as a potential option. However, it's important for customers to be aware that there is no onsite kosher supervision. Additionally, a reminder that vegan is not automatically kosher is crucial for those seeking strictly kosher meals.
- loxskip the lox...tasted like fishy carrots
- matzo ball soupthe matzo ball soup which I thought could use more vegetables
If you're looking for fantastic vegan deli fare, especially `bagels` and `Reubens`, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few items might be overly `salty` or occasionally inconsistent, but the overall experience is highly praised.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at 83.6%, its clear that most folks have a good experience. Many rave about the friendly staff, especially shout-outs to Mya for a Greatest Customer Service Experience and the overall Energy being off the charts.
Out of 73 total comments, 61 were positive, highlighting helpful and attentive employees. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There are 11 negative comments that point to some bumps in the road.
A few customers encountered poor service, issues with order cancellation, and frustration when modification requests were refused. Some even described the customer service as extremely poor, indicating a need for more consistency across the board.
Service
73
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional customer service
- Quick order readiness
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Refused modifications
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen was a pleasant surprise. The delicious plant-based dishes, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional service far exceeded my expectations, making it a seamless and satisfying experience. I was particularly impressed by their thoughtful portability options and the vegan fare that's perfect for both breakfast and lunch.
- staffI honestly donāt even know where to start ā that was the best vegan meal Iāve had in a while! The staff was sweet and attentive, the service was very fast, the prices are fair and the food is INSANE. I had The Reuben with a pickle spear and now all I want to do is order literally every other item off the menu.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceIrene helped us, good customer service and friendly atmosphere.
- Customer Service ExperienceGreatest Customer Service Experience
- EnergyEnergy Off The Charts
- Maya and crewMaya and crew are awesome!
- MyaMya For the Greatest Customer Service Experience
- careamazing care provided to my food
- cashierThe cashier was super helpful and patient
Frequently criticized
- orderShe has had wonderful experiences in the past, however today we used Uber Eats for a small order. The bagels were small & stale, and they screwed up the order for both of us. She asked for an everything bagel but got poppy seeds, which are a huge no-no.
- Ireneshe said, "Well, you should have got it toasted then!" Then she started yelling at me.
- customer serviceWhile we usually call to modify orders, today's experience was far below our usual expectations. As individuals working in the service industry, we found this to be extremely poor customer service.
- manager informationUNBELIEVABLE! Also, they refused to give me any information to whom I could contact as a manager and laughed again when I asked. My family will NEVER go there again!
- modification requestsrefused to modify our sandwiches
- order cancellationwe unfortunately had to cancel our order
- poor servicenever experienced this poor of service
- special request optionshould at least have an option to make a special request
- staffShe then told the person that made my sandwich that I said that his sandwich was bad. And then they all started laughing! I NEVER said anything other than the bread was dry and crumbling.
- unavailableit appears unavailable
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally great service and a friendly vibe, youll likely be pleased. While there are occasional hiccups with specific requests or order issues, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. It's definitely worth a visit for the good service, but be prepared for a slight chance of minor order frustrations.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 8.5 and boasting a 85.4% customer satisfaction! Many folks, 35 out of 41 comments, rave about the cute and homey feel, often calling it a great place with a chill atmosphere. Guests love the outdoor seating and appreciate the free parking lot, making it super convenient.
However, a few voices (3 comments) point out some minor snags. While outdoor seating is a plus for many, some found it only a little and wished for seating inside. There was also a specific mention of music with cuss words impacting the experience for one guest.
Ambience
41
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, homey vibe
- Great atmosphere
- Convenient parking
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inappropriate music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen was a pleasant surprise. The delicious plant-based dishes, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional service far exceeded my expectations, making it a seamless and satisfying experience. I was particularly impressed by their thoughtful portability options and the vegan fare that's perfect for both breakfast and lunch.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingThe food is rated a 5 out of 5, and the service also received a perfect 5. The restaurant offers plenty of parking in a free parking lot, making it very convenient. For vegetarians, the menu is all vegetarian and they are highly recommended.
- placeI enjoyed the Reuben and a half sour pickle, both of which were outstanding. My to-go order was ready promptly, the register person was nice, and the place was clean and attractive. A month later, I've returned twice and can confirm it's consistently 5 stars.
- aestheticaesthetic is clean
- cuteThis place is so cute
- energyjust good energy all around
- exterior seatingI had The Reuben with a pickle spear and now all I want to do is order literally every other item off the menu. They have exterior seating, so you can bring the pup along as well. Canāt recommend enough - thank you š„Æš±āØš
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- great placeAll around, great place
Frequently criticized
- music with cuss wordsall we can hear is music with cuss words
- outdoor seatingThereās only a little seating outside.
- seating insidethere isnāt any seating inside
If youre looking for a cute, cozy spot with a great outdoor vibe and dont mind potentially limited indoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. It's perfect for a relaxed meal, especially if you appreciate a quiet, clean environment and easy parking.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found their experience to be quite positive, noting that the generous portions often made the prices feel worth it. Several folks appreciated the reasonable prices for a full meal, especially with good deals available. Out of 18 total opinions, 7 leaned positive, highlighting these aspects.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 38.9%. Many customers felt it was a little pricey, wishing the price was cheaper, especially when some items didn't quite live up to the premium cost. There were 6 negative opinions, suggesting value can be inconsistent.
Value
18
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Prices often worth it
- Reasonable meal deals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Quality inconsistent
- Sides underwhelming
Often praised
- pricesI honestly donāt even know where to start ā that was the best vegan meal Iāve had in a while! The staff was sweet and attentive, the service was very fast, the prices are fair and the food is INSANE. I had The Reuben with a pickle spear and now all I want to do is order literally every other item off the menu.
- mealget a meal with a bagel sandwich of your choice, a side and a drink for around $15
- worth itBut so so worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, their side options were just okay, feeling underwhelming in both flavor and portion. The place charges a premium for all their food, and the quality doesn't always feel worth it. Despite these drawbacks, itās definitely worth a visit, and supporting vegan businesses is always a plus!
- priceyAnd it is a little pricey
- refundonly got a refund for half of it
If you're looking for generous portions that make the cost feel justified, you might find good value here. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on some items, as the overall customer satisfaction suggests it can be a bit of a gamble for your wallet.
How are the prices at Ben & Esther's?
Youāre looking at roughly $22 per person ā reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $21ā$30 category. For a Vegan Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at $22, it’s interesting to note that a good chunk of diners (61 out of 94!) actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11ā$20 range. This suggests you can definitely enjoy a meal here without hitting the higher end of the spectrum, though there are options for those looking to splurge a little more.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Vegan Restaurant. With many options available in the $11ā$20 range, it offers good value, while still catering to those who want to spend a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ben & Esther's
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food, Will Return!
My first time at this restaurant was a great experience. I ordered the RZA and my companion ordered the egg, cheese and sausage. Both dishes were delicious.
The service and atmosphere were also excellent, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating. I would definitely return!
- RZA9
- egg, cheese and sausage9
- service10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Consistently Out of Stock
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently frustrating due to their lack of available items. On my last several visits, they literally had no bagels or soup. It felt like a complete waste of time.
- bagels1
- soup1
- availability1
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Vegan Options and Chill Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for its vegan food options. The employees were chill, and the aesthetic was clean. I really enjoyed the food, and it's a great spot if you love a good deli!
- vegan food options10
- employees9
- aesthetic8
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Vegan Deli Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was so GOOD! You know itās a quality deli when they run out of most bagels by late morning š. As a vegan, places like this are a dream!
The food was rated a 5, and the service was a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 3, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. It's a great spot for breakfast.
- bagels9
- vegan options10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Tasty Sandwiches, Underwhelming Sides
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I found the sandwiches to be great and very tasty, even large enough that they can be shared. However, their side options were just okay, feeling underwhelming in both flavor and portion.
The place charges a premium for all their food, and the quality doesn't always feel worth it. Despite these drawbacks, itās definitely worth a visit, and supporting vegan businesses is always a plus!
- sandwiches9
- food quality6
- vegan businesses8
- side options4
- portion4
- price4
What Ben & Esther's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Ben & Esther's?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot at Ben & Esther’s, ensuring usually plenty of parking for your visit.
Does Ben & Esther's offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, Ben & Esther’s is a vegan restaurant providing a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options, alongside healthy choices and small plates.
How does Ben & Esther's generally perform?
Ben & Esther’s holds a strong overall score of 8.6, reflecting a Customer Satisfaction of 87.9%. Its Food (8.8) is highly rated, supported by good Ambience (8.5) and Service (8.4), though Value (5.9) is a weaker area.
What kind of food can I expect at Ben & Esther's?
You can expect a variety of delicious plant-based dishes, including popular Reubens, lox bagels, and other vegan sandwiches and pastries. Many customers praise the quality of the vegan options.
What are some common customer concerns at Ben & Esther's?
While generally positive, some customers have noted occasional order inaccuracies and found the pricing to be on the higher side. Seating is also limited, with no indoor options.