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oChef » Friend’s House – San Diego
Friend's House - San Diego
Photo from Friend’s House
Friend's House at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#578 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 Korean Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
605
Reviews
57.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Friendly staff
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Interior comfort
- High pricing
The restaurant Friend’s House, a Korean restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood, offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for your next meal. You’ll find it’s a casual and trendy spot where you can enjoy everything from small plates to hearty dinners.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or late-night food, this welcoming establishment caters to your preferences, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Friend's House
Friend’s House offers a mixed experience, often praised for its authentic feel and the generally friendly service. Many patrons find the food satisfying, with generous portions and traditional flavors.
However, the dining experience isn’t without its drawbacks, as some visits are impacted by inconsistent service and an occasionally uncomfortable environment. While the culinary offerings can be a highlight, certain aspects, like the overall value, have left some diners wanting more.
It’s a place with clear strengths in its core offerings, but also areas where the experience can fall short for some guests.
Good
6.3
out of 10
605
Reviews
57.9%
Satisfaction
205
negative
50
neutral
350
positive
Friend’s House registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer feedback, gathered from 605 reviews, shows a Customer Satisfaction of 57.9%, indicating a mixed reception.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a significant portion of diners leave feeling less than fully satisfied. The experience isn’t poor, but it’s not consistently good either.
Delving deeper, Ambience stands out with a respectable (7.3), suggesting a pleasant setting for many. Food follows closely at (6.3), often praised for its authentic flavors, though some find it lacking.
Service scores an average (6.1), with experiences varying from attentive to neglectful. Value trails at (5.3), indicating that some diners feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Authentic Korean flavors
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Uncomfortable interior conditions
- Perceived high pricing
Friend’s House presents a bit of a gamble. If you prioritize an authentic atmosphere and potentially generous portions of Korean fare, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for service that can be hit or miss, and consider the potential for an uncomfortable dining environment, especially on warmer days. The Recommendation Score of 6.5 reflects this balanced outlook.
Ultimately, Friend’s House could be a decent option for a casual meal, particularly if you’re seeking specific Korean dishes and don’t mind a few rough edges. Just manage your expectations regarding service consistency and the overall comfort of your visit to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Friend's House
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 6.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.1% across 354 reviews. Many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Korean food, highlighting generous portions and well-seasoned dishes. With 202 positive remarks, popular items like the Army Stew, bulgogi, and spicy chicken often receive praise for their great taste and quality.
However, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with 116 negative remarks pointing to bland or overly salty flavors, tough meat, and unauthentic kimchi. Some also noted mushy rice or dishes that felt uninspired, like instant ramen-style noodles, leading to disappointment regarding overall food quality.
Food
354
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
116
negative
36
neutral
202
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious well-seasoned food
What people don't like
- Salty or bland dishes
- Tough meat quality
- Unauthentic side dishes
Often praised
- foodSHE'LL KEEP FEEDING YOU 😵. But actually great food. Recommend the pork belly.
- banchanI very much enjoyed my first visit here. The service was very attentive and generous with their banchan (side dishes). Our waiter gave us dessert on the house, which was appreciated.
- Korean foodMy husband and I consider this our favorite place to eat Korean food. We've tried many other Korean restaurants, but none have been as well-seasoned as this one.
- portionsI had this before I went to a spa and I wish I did the opposite. The portions are so big I had to take some home. 10/10.
- army stewordered the army stew and squid with noodles and I have to say the portions are huge
- bibimbaprecommend their bibimbap
- kimchithe best kimchi in San Diego
- kimchi jjigaeMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a very typical spot for the area. I enjoyed the good kimchi jjigae and mandu. While the menu is rather limited compared to larger Korean restaurants, the service was fast and friendly, and the prices were reasonable.
- side disheseverything in there is so authentic even the side dishes
- tofu soupThey offer very friendly service. On one occasion, I forgot to pick up the rice for my tofu soup order, and they called me right away to remind me. I highly recommend this place, especially for their army stew.
Frequently criticized
- foodAwful food, not a proper representation of Korea at all
- side dishesOverall quality and taste were a miss, including the side dishes.
- Korean foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the garbage Korean food. The meat was trash and the flavors were incredibly boring.
- food qualityMuch better food quality and they know what they’re actually doing and talking about.
- kimchirequested more kimchi but were served side dishes without it
- tofu soupthe tofu soup. I don't think ours had one grain of salt in it. It was terribly tasteless.
- ban chansban chans were a bit lacking
- eggEgg was fully cooked for the Bibimbap
- ingredientsA lot of the things in the ramen were also prepackaged
- meatbarely any meat in anything we ordered
If youre looking for a hearty Korean meal with generous portions and dont mind a bit of hit-or-miss on certain dishes, this spot could be worth a try. However, be aware that some items might lack flavor or authenticity, so choose wisely.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have found a lot to love! With 88 positive remarks, guests frequently praised the friendly service, attentive staff, and overall great service. Many highlighted the excellent service and the teams willingness to go the extra mile, making for a welcoming experience.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 66 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. The service score sits at an average 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a rather mixed 56.4%. Common complaints revolved around waiting time, slow service, and at times, a nonexistent service feeling, often attributed to being understaffed.
Service
156
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
66
negative
2
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, great service
- Quick to seat
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow, ignored service
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a great place with great vibes and friendly service. The food was very good, although the ban chans, apart from the kimchi, were dry and lacked flavor.
- staffthe staff are all extremely friendly and kind
- ownerLastly, the Korean Appetizer Plates are bomb 💣🔥. The owner is friendly and so are the wait staff. There's an outdoor area that I hope they keep because the open air vibe is so nice.
- serverthe server did the best he could to accommodate
- ServiceThe server was around if we needed anything
- friendly serviceThey have very friendly service
- great serviceAuthentic flavors, great service and just a nice chill spot
- serversThe servers were incredibly amazing, attentive, and professional
- DianaDiana was very kind and friendly
- Friendly staffsFriendly staffs and great service!
Frequently criticized
- serviceService is sub par. I had to go up to the counter 5 times as there really wasn't any service coming to our table.
- staffstaff decided to go to other tables and take their orders before my party
- waitressShe said yes they still have it. I ordered that and when my dish came it was a completely different dish. When I asked the waitress if it was a different dish she starts arguing with us
- serverShe never once came by to check on us, refill our water or our side dishes.
- utensilsNo any service at all. Food are coming but no any utensils on the table. Really bad experience.
- waitthey took a long time after sitting us to ask if we wanted anything to drink
- water refillsOne poor waitress was running around serving the entire floor while the owners meandered around the kitchen. We waited so long for them to take our order and received no water refills.
- workera worker sat in the front of the restaurant for our entire meal and had a loud conversation on speaker phone.
- attentiveit wasn't attentive
- bad serviceNever have I had a bad service in that restaurant until today.
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, others have experienced significant delays and feeling overlooked. If youre patient and the restaurant isnt too busy, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential wait times.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and a solid 75% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the welcoming atmosphere, cozy vibes, and nice seating options, including a pleasant patio space. With 51 positive remarks out of 68 total observations, it's often described as an authentic and friendly place for families and friends.
However, not every experience is perfect. Some diners noted issues like an uncomfortable hot interior due to a lack of air conditioning, making it difficult to stay. There were also mentions of loud conversation disrupting the peace and occasional concerns about parking or hygiene, though these were less frequent, with 14 negative comments.
Ambience
68
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Cozy, authentic vibes
- Nice seating options
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable heat indoors
- Tight parking
- Unhygienic concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food and atmosphere used to be excellent.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a great place with great vibes and friendly service. The food was very good, although the ban chans, apart from the kimchi, were dry and lacked flavor.
- ambianceAuthentic feel and ambiance.
- restaurantThe service is excellent and the food is on the same level. The restaurant is simple, but the warmth of its service and its intention to help you choose your dish is appreciated. Without a doubt, 5 stars.
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a great place with great vibes and friendly service. The food was very good, although the ban chans, apart from the kimchi, were dry and lacked flavor.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DecorationsThe place had a good feel to it with decorations
- NK MUSICNK MUSIC (which I LOVE)
- aestheticplace also had quite a nice aesthetic
- authentic feelLove this place. Authentic feel and ambiance.
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ParkingParking can be limited
- air conditioningI particularly enjoy their bibimbap, and their kimchi jjigae is delicious without being overly spicy. My only significant issue is their lack of air conditioning. We visited yesterday when it was 88°, and with no air conditioning, an exposed kitchen, and table-top grilling, the interior temperature soared to nearly 100°.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere could have been a bit better, but the sun was in our eyes almost the entire time I was eating
- conversationhad a loud conversation on speaker phone. It was a slow lunch period and that’s all you could hear.
- disgusting and unhygienicThis is so disgusting and unhygienic
- exposed kitchenMy only significant issue is their lack of air conditioning. We visited yesterday when it was 88°, and with no air conditioning, an exposed kitchen, and table-top grilling, the interior temperature soared to nearly 100°. The sweltering heat made it impossible for us to stay for a meal.
- interiorThe interior needs big improvement too
- interior temperatureinterior temperature to nearly 100°
- old photosthey haven’t taken down the old photos of the dishes they no longer have
If youre seeking a generally pleasant and welcoming spot with cozy, authentic vibes, this place is often a good choice, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating. Just be aware of potential heat issues indoors during warmer weather and consider parking options beforehand. Its worth trying for its overall inviting feel.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While the overall score hovers at an average 5.3, many guests felt it was definitely worth it, praising the fair prices and noting the good quality for what you pay. There's a sense that the price per person offers decent value for money, especially when compared to other dining options.
However, the customer satisfaction tells a different story, sitting at a rather low 33.3%. Based on 9 negative comments out of 27 total, a significant number of diners found the food price too high, feeling it was a waste of money and that they could get better food elsewhere. Some even mentioned unexpected extra charges, making them feel it was not worth the price at all.
Value
27
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
9
negative
9
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Waste of money
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- pricesmore reasonably priced than other restaurants
- fair pricesThe service was great, and the food was excellent. I also appreciated the fair prices. They easily accommodated our group of 9 people.
- pricethe price is more reasonable
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- qualityExpect to pay for the quality you are getting
- value for moneyDefinitely good value for money
- worth itfeel it's worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price was too high considering what you get.
- bang for your buckYou can get the bang for your buck elsewhere
- better food elsewhereFor the same priced meal you could get better food elsewhere
- extra chargesstill charged us an extra $3
- food pricefood is stupidly overpriced
- moneyI just feel like I wasted my money on dinner
- waste of moneyThis place is a complete waste of money.
If you're seeking top-tier value, this might be a gamble, as customer satisfaction is quite low despite an average score. It seems some find the quality justifies the cost, but many feel the prices are too high for what you receive. Proceed with caution, especially if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Friend's House?
On average, you’ll spend around $29 per person – based on what 95 guests have shared. That puts this spot comfortably in the $21–$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant in San Diego, thats a solid mid-range price point, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
When we look at what people usually spend, most diners cluster in the $11–$30 range, with a strong concentration right around that $21–$30 mark. Its definitely not a budget spot, but it’s also not breaking the bank for most.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Korean Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, not being overly cheap but also not venturing into premium territory for most dishes. It seems like a reliable choice for a satisfying meal without a huge splurge.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Friend's House
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Birthday Dinner!
Our daughter's birthday was made incredibly special as the staff sang to her in Korean. The food was delicious, and the service was exceptional. We will definitely be back.
- food10
- service10
- birthday10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Value with Some Hits and Misses
I was really happy that there was no wait time on a Friday night at 7: 00 p. M. The place also had a nice aesthetic, and we were able to get a table in the outdoor space.
The food was actually pretty good, and the service was also decently fast. The Kimchi pancake was extremely large, and we certainly appreciate that! It was definitely good value for money.
The flavor was exceptional – soft and light with a pleasant kimchi taste that wasn't too overpowering. It was a bit oily, though, so I had to press out some of the oil with paper towels. The Spicy chicken entree was really nice, not too spicy, and included veggies, which I appreciated.
The sauce was delicious, but the only downside was that there weren't many large pieces of chicken, making it hard to distinguish between chicken and rice cakes. My friend and husband definitely enjoyed the Beef bulgogi; I only tasted a little, and it was good. I was really excited about the Hot Stone Bibimbap, but it didn't quite deliver.
The rice on the side was fairly crispy, which was nice, but overall, I felt it was missing something. However, the Bibimbap sauce they provided on the side was a 10/10!
- wait time10
- aesthetic8
- service7
- chicken pieces4
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Comforting Korean Food on Convoy
My experience at Friend's House has been consistently positive for comforting Korean food. I highly recommend their short rib soup, which is both light and tasty, and the hot stone bibimbap is a must-try. The service is also great; they are always attentive, refilling our banchan and Korean corn tea.
I definitely recommend this spot on Convoy!
- short rib soup9
- hot stone bibimbap10
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good Banchan, Decent Korean Fare
My experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with some standout elements and areas for improvement. The banchan were good, offering a nice start to the meal. The tofu stew was alright, not exceptional but satisfactory.
While the bulgogi was not bad, I have had better versions elsewhere. As expected for this type of restaurant, it did leave me feeling quite gassy afterwards. Overall, the food was good, and I would consider coming back.
- banchan8
- tofu stew6
- bulgogi6
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Visit Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Disappointing Korean Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was okay, considering the price and portion size. My friend recommended it for good food, but I was left with only two positive takeaways: the service (somewhat) and the candies offered near the front. Upon arrival, I was initially confused by the menu prices, thinking we were overcharged, but the staff quickly clarified, making it understandable.
I don't mind paying for good food, as long as the taste justifies it, and I appreciate transparency, especially with online ordering. The staff member kindly offered more candy, which was a sweet gesture, though I forgot to take more. A near mistake with the order bag was caught just in time.
The ambiance was chill, tidy, and semi-busy. However, upon getting home, my friend noted the soup portion was smaller than before. While I appreciated the variety of sides compared to other Korean spots, they weren't necessarily better.
The sausages in the rice cake dish were disappointing, tasting like a budget store brand. The sauce was good but too watery, and the soup was pretty good, reminiscent of homemade. Overall, I would not recommend this place as you can find better value elsewhere.
- price5
- service7
- candies8
- portion size3
- sausages2
- bang for your buck3
What Friend's House offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and service features can you expect at Friend's House Korean?
At Friend’s House Korean, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, the restaurant offers no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional dine-in service. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the San Diego weather.
Does Friend's House Korean provide accessible features and family-friendly amenities?
Yes, Friend’s House Korean is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For families, you’ll find it’s good for kids, with high chairs readily available to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones.
How does Friend's House generally rate?
Friend’s House holds a 6.3 overall score, indicating an average experience. Food leads with a (6.3), followed by Ambience (7.3), Service (6.1), and Value (5.3).
What do customers appreciate most about Friend's House?
Many customers praise the friendly service and the authentic feel of the place. The food, particularly the generous portions and specific dishes like bibimbap, often receives positive remarks.
Are there any common issues at Friend's House?
Some patrons have noted inconsistent service, with long waits or lack of attentiveness. Concerns about the ambience, such as lack of air conditioning and difficult parking, have also been raised.