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oChef » Fortunate Son – San Diego
Fortunate Son - San Diego
Photo from Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#625 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
869
Reviews
50.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant decor
- Large portions
- Standout dishes
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Flavor inconsistency
- Billing concerns
The restaurant, a vibrant Chinese Restaurant in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood, invites you to experience its trendy atmosphere. At Fortunate Son, you’ll discover a menu rich with delicious options, including popular vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a casual late-night bite, this spot offers a welcoming environment for everyone. You can enjoy small plates, fine wine, and beer, making it a perfect destination for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its appealing decor and vibrant vibe. Guests frequently appreciate the generous portions and find certain dishes quite satisfying, suggesting a kitchen that sometimes hits its stride with care.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Many diners encounter significant wait times and report issues with attentiveness, while the overall flavor of some dishes has drawn criticism.
Parking and noise levels also present challenges for a comfortable visit.
Average
5.7
out of 10
869
Reviews
50.7%
Satisfaction
368
negative
60
neutral
441
positive
Fortunate Son lands with an overall 5.7 score, placing it squarely in the average category, supported by a mixed 50.7% customer satisfaction. This reflects a dining experience that has its high points but also notable areas for improvement.
With 869 customer opinions, there’s a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. The Ambience (7.4) stands out as a strong point, often described as beautifully decorated, though noise can be an issue.
Food (5.7) receives an average rating, with some dishes praised for generous portions, while others are found lacking in flavor. Value (4.9) and Service (4.7) both hover in the average range, indicating that while some find it affordable, others encounter issues with pricing and attentiveness, especially concerning long waits.
What people like
- Appealing interior design
- Generous food portions
- Specific dish quality
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Inconsistent food flavor
- Fraudulent billing issues
Fortunate Son presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize a visually engaging setting and generous servings, particularly of certain praised items, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential challenges with service and the overall consistency of the menu. With a 5.9 recommendation score, it’s clear this spot isn’t a universal hit.
Consider your priorities: if a lively atmosphere and ample food outweigh potential service hiccups and variable dish quality, you might find it suitable. Otherwise, you may want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fortunate Son
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Many diners found the food to be quite enjoyable, with 243 positive remarks among 490 total comments. Guests often praised the `generous portion sizes`, `delicious food`, and specific favorites like `Honey Walnut Shrimp` and `General Tsos Chicken`. While the overall score for food sits at an 5.7 and customer satisfaction is 49.6%, theres a good base of tasty options.
However, 206 critical observations point to some inconsistencies. Concerns frequently arose regarding `food quality`, `oily fried rice`, and dishes being either too `salty` or `bland`. Some experiences suggest the food can be a mixed bag, indicating areas where improvement is needed to elevate the dining experience.
Food
490
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
206
negative
41
neutral
243
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Generous portion sizes
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Oily or greasy dishes
- Bland or too salty
Often praised
- foodUnlike the goupy syrupy mess that you can find at a lot of budget Chinese places, the sauce in the Kung Pao was really reasonable on the salt and sugar and you can taste each individual chunk of ginger or garlic. It seemed to me like the food was prepared by somebody who really cared about making each ingredient shine. I’ll definitely come back when I’m in the area.
- portionsI was so hungry that I didn't get any pictures of the food, but I'll definitely do that next time. If you're looking for delicious Asian cuisine at a reasonable price with large portions, this is the place to go. The crab ragoons were amazing, the honey walnut shrimp are a must-have, the green beans were cooked to perfection, and the fried rice was simply outstanding.
- Chinese foodThe staff was awesome, providing excellent service. I'm not a senator's son, but this was a great place to get some Chinese food. Out of the dozens of honey walnut shrimp I've had in my life, Fortunate Son HANDS DOWN has the best I've ever had.
- fried riceWe enjoyed the tofu, green beans, cauliflower, and cucumber salad without any modifications. The fried rice was also delicious, though we did need to specify it was for vegans. My feedback for the restaurant is to consider making the cabbage, bok choy, and mushrooms vegan-friendly, as they are currently cooked in animal broth, which was disappointing.
- menuThe restaurant offers family-sized portions but be aware of the small tables; if you don’t enjoy playing Jenga, I wouldn’t recommend ordering too much. The staff were more than accommodating, and the menu was simple to navigate. The taste was pretty good, and I recommend the green cabbage and the dandan noodles.
- orange chickenAlthough the restaurant had a long wait, we were able to order from the same menu at the bar next door and enjoy fun cocktails. We tried the lo mein, orange chicken, fried rice, and egg rolls, all of which were delicious.
- cucumber saladThe cucumber salad was the best thing we had
- green beansgreen beans — all of which were very good
- honey walnut shrimpThe menu offers typical Chinese fare. We ordered the crab rangoon, honey walnut shrimp, and chicken lo mein. The tables can be tight inside.
- FoodFood was tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile the staff were incredibly nice and attentive, the food itself was disappointing. In fact, I felt that Panda Express does just about everything better. Additionally, there were no cocktails available, and the menu desperately needs a significant overhaul.
- fried riceUnfortunately, both chicken dishes lacked flavor and felt subpar, as if something was missing. The rice was greasy and not flavorful at all. This restaurant is a step above Panda Express, but not by much.
- orange chickenboth had the orange chicken and general Tso and the fried rice. Both chicken dishes lacked flavor
- egg rollsegg rolls (which we hadn't ordered) tasted as though they were wrapped in cardboard
- chickenWhen the food finally arrived, it was pretty mediocre and not worth the price or the wait. The Kung Pow Chicken, in particular, was mostly onions and green bell peppers, with a minuscule amount of chicken. I regret not sending it back to have chicken added.
- noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. The rice was mushy and the noodles in the dan dan dish were overcooked and soggy. Although the waiter noticed we barely touched our plates and kindly removed them from the bill, the food itself was a significant letdown.
- riceit's extra. I mean if I'm paying 20 bucks for a salty entree, include the rice.
- food qualityThis experience was so bad though that I won't be returning. Please hire better cooks and improve the food quality. Honestly, I’d rather eat at a humble hole-in-the-wall spot with good food than overpay for something that ends up in the trash.
- lo meinWe ordered egg rolls, General Tso's chicken, cucumber salad, and lo mein. The chicken was dry and didn't taste great, the lo mein was extremely bland, and the egg rolls were also bland and not crispy. The cucumber salad was the best item we had, and the portions of the main dishes were large enough to share.
- menuWe ordered off of a very small menu
If youre seeking generous portions and classic Chinese-American dishes, you might find some delicious gems here. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some dishes can be overly oily, bland, or salty. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed picture, with an average score of 4.7, yet customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 35.9%. Many guests, however, did praise the attentive staff, good service, and friendly staff who were often described as accommodating and timely, especially for reservations and pickups. Out of 192 total opinions, 69 highlighted positive interactions.
Conversely, a significant number of experiences (112 negative opinions) pointed to issues like excessive wait times, rude hostess interactions, and generally poor service. Guests often reported long waits for tables, inattentive servers, and problems with order accuracy or communication, suggesting there's definite room for improvement in consistency.
Service
192
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
112
negative
11
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Timely service
- Helpful with reservations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff/hostess
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe Szechuan Green Beans were a standout dish. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5, and the food received a 4 out of 5. For dinner, the price per person was between $20–30, and there's a paid parking lot available.
- staffThe staff were more than accommodating
- ServiceService itself was rated a 5 out of 5
- serverDrop dead gorgeous! LOL, my server had purple hair and a beautiful personality. Spirits are high at Fortune Son!
- waitThe food was so good and the prices were reasonable. We made a reservation for a weeknight at 9: 30 PM, so there was no wait. Parking was also not too bad, with a public lot conveniently located right behind the restaurant.
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The interior was beautiful and the servers were very kind, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. I enjoyed the General Tso's chicken and Dan Dan noodles, which tasted good.
- waiterThe fried rice was very good as well. Our waiter was awesome and very attentive. We will definitely be coming back.
- waitressThis was my first time dining here. The waitress was respectful, though she did miss a few things, which wasn't a major issue. I'm giving this restaurant one star due to fraudulent charges and the unavailability of a supervisor.
- RestRest everthing was great
- Service and EnvironmentService and Environment was very, very good
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe place is really cute, but we had a horrible experience with the service. They barely came to our table to ask if we needed something and looked at us with a bad attitude.
- waitIt's a truly authentic Chinese restaurant that many people are waiting for. There is usually a wait of over an hour, but this restaurant is worth it. The Szechuan Green Beans were a standout dish.
- hostessthe hostess said an hour wait to 1.50 wait, then she told them I have a two top that just opened up outside and sat them outside
- waiting timeWe step back out, stand near what looked like a host stand, and finally the host shows up — only to ask, in the most dismissive tone possible, “Are you waiting for a table? ” We said yes, and without even making eye contact, he mumbled, “Yeah… two and a half hours. ” Look, if you’re going to make people wait that long, at least pretend you want them there.
- ServiceService was absolutely horrific. I had to ask 4 different servers to bring utensils and a plate
- wait timeFortunate Son is a very cool-looking place to eat, but the rest of the experience leaves something to be desired. Despite making our reservation a month in advance for Christmas Day, we waited over an hour for our food. We were informed about the long wait after being seated, and while our servers were nice, the extended wait made the table a little uncomfortable.
- customer serviceSadly, the service we experienced was bad, from the host to the waitress and server. I really wanted to give this place a 5-star rating, but customer service is huge for me.
- long waitthere was a long wait, no biggie. But we got skipped.
- orderI was on the phone trying to get through and I literally ran to the take out window and got there at 11: 28pm (they close supposedly at 11: 30pm) only to be told, rudely I might add, that there was nothing left (what does that even mean?) and I could not order. Besides that the food is bomb.
- reservationsmade reservations 3 weeks in advance to try this place and was left extremely disappointed
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially long waits and inconsistent service, though some guests do rave about the staff. It might be worth a try if youre patient, but don't go in expecting flawless attention.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.7%. With 115 positive remarks out of 152 total, guests adore the decor and atmosphere, often praising its fantastic vibe and whimsical look. Many also appreciate the best playlist, contributing to a truly engaging and memorable setting.
However, its not all smooth sailing, with 32 negative remarks out of 152 total. Some guests found parking to be a challenge and noted limited seating with tiny tables. The music was occasionally described as loud, and even dusty decor' was mentioned, impacting the overall comfort for a few visitors.
Ambience
152
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
32
negative
5
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning decor
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Great music selection
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe Szechuan Green Beans were a standout dish. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5, and the food received a 4 out of 5. For dinner, the price per person was between $20–30, and there's a paid parking lot available.
- decorThey were busy but timely! I loved the decor in the restaurant it's definitely a place where you can sit and take selfies with beautiful backgrounds!
- ambiancethe restaurant was decorated beautifully. The ambiance was just as I hoped.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibethe vibe is also really cool
- ambiencerecommend to try this place due to the ambience
- musicThe music the food the service and atmosphere YES!
- date nightperfect for a date night
- interiorThe interior of this place is beautiful.
- placeIf you're looking for good Chinese food, I would avoid this establishment. The owners should invest in their cooks, as it's a beautiful place with horrible food.
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking in this area sucks. All street parking.
- musicThe music was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other
- atmosphereThe decor was also noted as being deeply decorated, consistent with other CH restaurants. However, the atmosphere was unnecessarily loud, a common trait for CH restaurants, and received a lower score. The meal was dinner, with a price range of $30–50 per person.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- AtmosphereNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- Christmas Daytrash experience on Christmas Day
- ParkingParking was not ideal
- arrangementsthe arrangements are close and a bit uncomfortable
- bathroomthe bathroom however is yet to be discussed. They literally have legit money that made up the floorboards
- decor from the ceilingthe decor from the ceiling is covered in dust.
If you're seeking a visually stunning and vibrant spot with a great playlist, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential challenges with parking and possibly a lively, louder atmosphere, especially if you prefer quiet dining.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems many diners found some real gems here! With 14 positive remarks out of 35 total comments, guests often praised the affordable and reasonably priced options. Many felt they got great value and a good bang for their buck, especially with generous portions, making the effort worthwhile.
However, the overall score of 4.9 (which is average) and a 40% customer satisfaction rating suggest a mixed bag, with 18 negative comments raising concerns. Several patrons felt the food was pricey and overpriced, citing issues with portion sizes relative to cost. There were even serious complaints about fraudulent charges, which is definitely a red flag.
Value
35
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Fraudulent charges
- Hidden costs
Often praised
- pricesthe prices and portions are also really good
- priceI was so hungry that I didn't get any pictures of the food, but I'll definitely do that next time. If you're looking for delicious Asian cuisine at a reasonable price with large portions, this is the place to go. The crab ragoons were amazing, the honey walnut shrimp are a must-have, the green beans were cooked to perfection, and the fried rice was simply outstanding.
- affordablefood is delicious and affordable
- bang for your buckit’s a great bang for your buck
- billShe did take some things off our bill and discount the rest
- effortI would definitely recommend a visit if you're ever in the area. The only drawbacks are that the wait can be long and seating is limited, but I feel that it's worth the effort.
- great valueWe ordered Fried rice, Orange chicken, Egg Rolls, and deep fried tofu. The portions were very large and offered a great value. The interior decor was also well done.
- inexpensiveIt’s really inexpensive
- valueGood value
Frequently criticized
- priceNot worth the price or the wait in any capacity
- dishesThe dishes are on the pricier side
- $40 worth of foodDisappointed, I figured I’d at least eat the fried rice… until I noticed a pool of oil sitting at the bottom. It was really disappointing to throw away $40 worth of food that clearly wasn’t edible. Does this place have ambiance?
- entreeThe Kung Pao was literally all onion and Thai chilies with very few pieces of chicken. I still can't believe you can charge $16+ with tax for a single entree and not give rice. The Lo Mein was great, though.
- everythingoverpriced everything
- expensiveAnd very expensive.
- first responder discountor first responder discount
- fraudulent chargesone star for fraudulent charges
- fraudulently chargedDespite waiting a few days for management to respond, there was no reply. I had already paid a 20% tip, but was then fraudulently charged an additional 10%. I strongly advise keeping your receipts!
- military discountNo military discount
If youre on the hunt for potentially affordable options and dont mind double-checking your bill, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for some dishes to feel overpriced, and definitely keep an eye out for any unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Fortunate Son?
On average, you’ll spend around $32 per person – from 106 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is $32, most diners actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster of prices falling between $11 and $30. However, there’s also a mix of higher-end options for those looking to splurge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find a good meal whether you’re on a budget or looking for something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fortunate Son
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Dine-in Far Better Than Takeout
It's unfortunate, but true. Eating in at this restaurant is FAR BETTER than getting takeout. The portions are bigger and better when dining in.
We have tried takeout a few times and were dissatisfied, but when we are able to eat inside, the food is better.
- portions8
- food8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Walmart of Chinese Food
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. I found the food to be just okay, comparing it to the "dollar tree" of Panda Express, this place felt like Walmart. The price was high for what was offered; an appetizer, noodles, and a protein totaled $50.
The timing of the dishes was also an issue, with the noodles arriving first and the chicken much later. By the time the main protein arrived, the noodles were cold and we had already eaten half of them. For the price, I feel you can get more quantity with cheaper Chinese food options and receive almost the same quality.
There was nothing special about the experience.
- food5
- quality5
- price3
- noodles2
- chicken3
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Christmas Day Order Experience
I had a trash experience on Christmas Day. We placed an order directly from their website at 5 pm for a 7 pm pickup. Upon arrival, we were told the order wasn't even there and they offered to void it, with no other resolution.
It was a relief we checked, as everyone else was also waiting to have their names called. This was an absolutely terrible experience.
- order1
- pickup1
- Christmas Day1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Cool Atmosphere, Disappointing Food and Wait
Fortunate Son is a very cool-looking place to eat, but the rest of the experience leaves something to be desired. Despite making our reservation a month in advance for Christmas Day, we waited over an hour for our food. We were informed about the long wait after being seated, and while our servers were nice, the extended wait made the table a little uncomfortable.
When the food finally arrived, it was a bit bland and one-note, with the steamed rice being undercooked. Although we are vegetarian, we've had much better experiences at similar restaurants. The atmosphere was good, but the wait time and food quality mean we probably wouldn’t return.
We also wouldn’t recommend it to vegans or vegetarians due to the minimal amount of good options.
- atmosphere8
- servers7
- wait time2
- food quality3
- bland2
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Great Staff, Disappointing Food
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The staff were great, but unfortunately, the food was not so great. As a local who has eaten here a few times, I always end up being very disappointed.
☹️ I don’t understand how this place is still in business; I do believe it’s mostly hype. The egg rolls were dry and the portions were small. Additionally, it was very expensive.
- staff9
- food3
- disappointed3
- egg rolls3
What Fortunate Son offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and special dietary choices can you find at Fortunate Son Chinese?
At Fortunate Son Chinese, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. They also cater to various dietary needs, offering excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a selection of small plates perfect for sharing or sampling.
What kind of atmosphere and service options does Fortunate Son Chinese provide?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Fortunate Son Chinese. For your convenience, they offer outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. Free and paid street parking are available, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
What is the overall dining experience like at Fortunate Son?
Fortunate Son offers a mixed experience, with an overall score of **5.7** and **50.7%** customer satisfaction. While the **Ambience** (7.4) is often praised, **Food** (5.7), **Value** (4.9), and **Service** (4.7) receive average ratings, indicating areas for improvement.
Is Fortunate Son a good option for a date night?
Many customers find the **Ambience** (7.4) at Fortunate Son appealing and suitable for a date night, appreciating the decor and overall vibe. However, be aware that some guests have noted the atmosphere can be quite loud.
What are common concerns customers have about Fortunate Son?
Common concerns include significant wait times and inconsistent service quality. Some diners also report issues with the overall flavor of dishes and find the prices to be on the higher side, with a few mentioning fraudulent charges.