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oChef » Sabores Colombianos – San Diego
Sabores Colombianos - San Diego
Photo from Sabores Colombianos
Sabores Colombianos at a glance
San Diego East San Diego
- 🥘 Colombian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#414 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Colombian Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
453
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Sabores Colombianos is a delightful Colombian Restaurant located in the vibrant East San Diego neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quiet meal.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options, small plates, or just a quick bite, this spot offers a taste of Colombia. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner here.
Overview: Introducting Sabores Colombianos
Sabores Colombianos offers a taste of home with its authentic cuisine, often praised for generous portions and fresh flavors. Many appreciate the warm Colombian hospitality from the staff, making for a welcoming experience, complemented by a cozy atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding hygiene and the overall cleanliness of the dining area. The parking situation can be challenging, and the waiting time for service has occasionally been a point of frustration for guests.
Good
7.2
out of 10
453
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
112
negative
28
neutral
313
positive
Sabores Colombianos holds a respectable 7.2 overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a 69.1%, which is a mixed bag, suggesting some areas could use attention.
This slight divergence hints that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves feeling less than fully content. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 453 customer opinions.
The Food (8.1) is clearly the star here, receiving excellent marks and being the most frequently discussed aspect. Ambience (6.7) also scores well, contributing positively to the experience.
However, Service (5.9) falls into the average range, and Value (4.2) is a significant concern, rated as poor. Out of 453 opinions, 313 were positive, while 112 were negative, highlighting these contrasting experiences.
What people like
- Authentic Colombian flavors
- Generous food portions
- Welcoming, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Slow service
- Hygiene concerns
With a 7.4 recommendation score, Sabores Colombianos is worth considering if you prioritize authentic, generously portioned Colombian food. It’s a place where the culinary experience often shines, offering a genuine taste of the region in a generally welcoming setting.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and occasional service delays. If you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal with pristine surroundings, you might find it less suitable.
It’s best for those who value flavor and quantity over all else.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sabores Colombianos
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 81%. Out of 268 comments, a whopping 217 praise the authentic flavors, freshness, and delicious seasoning. Guests consistently rave about the large portions, making every meal a satisfying experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark. A smaller number of 35 comments point to occasional issues with flavor, particularly with some soups not being hot enough, and concerns about the texture of certain meats like chimichurri or shredded beef.
Food
268
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
35
negative
16
neutral
217
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Colombian flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Freshly prepared dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Dry or tough meat
- Soup temperature issues
Often praised
- foodI cannot say enough good things about this place! The service was great, food AMAZING. We stayed 30 minutes after closing and we kept asking for the check, boxes, and cups, and she just kept helping us with everything we needed.
- Colombian foodThe location is beautiful, cozy, and easy to find. While parking can be a couple of blocks away depending on the day, the rich Colombian food is definitely worth the walk afterward! The staff is super-friendly and super-young, seeming like honest, good, hardworking entrepreneurs.
- empanadasYou can truly taste the freshness and authentic flavors in every dish. As someone from Colombia, I can attest that their empanadas are just as good as the original ones back home. My top entree recommendations are the bandeja paisa, patacón con todo, and mojarra frita.
- portionsIt's a normal-looking place that seems popular with Colombian people. The dishes were good and the portions were generous. I particularly enjoyed the bandeja mini paisa, which featured a piece of tasty thin steak, a fried egg, and sausage.
- bandeja paisaMy go-to dishes are always the bandeja paisa, sobrebarriga, and calentao, and they never disappoint. The bandeja paisa is hearty and perfectly balanced, the sobrebarriga is tender and full of flavor, and the calentado is pure comfort food done right. The sides are just as incredible.
- FoodFood:5
- buñuelosI ordered empanadas, which are normally re-fried to warm them up, but these were way too fried and hard to bite. I ordered buñuelos, which are a type of cornstarch bread, and they were good. I ordered sobrebarriga (flank steak), which is supposed to be soft and juicy, but it was very dry and hard to chew.
- Bandeja PaisaI was really surprised with the delicious Colombian food. The portions were generous, with my Bandeja Paisa being enough to feed two people. The chicharrón was terrific – crunchy, tasteful, and simply delicious.
- ajiacoOn a recent visit, I ordered the Ajiaco and Jugo de Mora for a total of $35. While the soup was good, I wished it was served hotter. Later, I tried the Bandeja Paisa and an Arepa con Queso for $28, which seemed quite expensive for a single person.
- arepasThe arepas we're so delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food - Colombian food is delicious. Here no se que paso
- empanadasla calidad de empanas que hay en colombia son ejores de las que ofrecen
- flavorno.flavor at all!
- AjiacoI ordered an Ajiaco and a meat dish. The meat was okay, but the Ajiaco was terrible; I couldn't eat it. The bill was expensive, and it left a very bad taste because they never brought us the drinks.
- SancochoI asked for Sancocho, which is a flavorful slow-cooked soup. In this restaurant, it was like hot water with added ingredients; the beef in the soup was okay, and I had to add a lot of salt for a little flavor. I ordered empanadas, which are normally re-fried to warm them up, but these were way too fried and hard to bite.
- arepasthe arepas tasted like old grease
- beansin stead of soup te dan frijol veryyy mal
- beertienen que trabajar en la cerveza. La que pedimos estaba un poco caliente
- chimichurriI particularly enjoyed the bandeja mini paisa, which featured a piece of tasty thin steak, a fried egg, and sausage. My only complaint was that the chimichurri was not as crispy as it was hard, and the fat part was still very chewy.
- drinksThe meat was okay, but the Ajiaco was terrible; I couldn't eat it. The bill was expensive, and it left a very bad taste because they never brought us the drinks. We ordered one passion fruit juice, and they brought us a pitcher for $17.
If you're craving authentic Colombian flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few dishes might have inconsistent seasoning or temperature, so choose wisely to ensure a delicious experience.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers, about 53 out of 106 total opinions, highlighted the friendly staff, great attention, and stellar service, often praising the Colombian hospitality. Specific mentions of staff like Stephanie and Christian also point to some truly dedicated individuals.
However, with 46 negative opinions, theres definitely room for improvement. Common frustrations include long waiting times, poor communication, and instances of inattentive staff. Some even mentioned issues with the owner's attitude and a general lack of table service, contributing to a customer satisfaction rate of 50%, which is quite mixed.
Service
106
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
46
negative
7
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick order
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor communication
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great helpful staff and service. I particularly loved their bunuelos (cheese fritters) for a snack.
- ServiceWhat an incredible place and they served us right away. I recommend La bandeja paisa and a guanábana juice.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great helpful staff and service. I particularly loved their bunuelos (cheese fritters) for a snack.
- attentionthe attention super friendly
- ChristianChristian aunque muy joven estás haciendo un muy buen trabajo
- Colombian hospitalityThe food was incredibly delicious and fresh. The service was amazing as well, with servers providing perfect Colombian hospitality. They even played music from our country throughout our meal, which we loved!
- StephanieStephanie, she was really welcoming, warm and friendly
- amount of people servedMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with the food, which was very authentic and delicious. The amount of people they served was amazing. I only wish they were closer to me in Denver!
- attitudewith an excellent attitude and a smile
- drink orderWe were greeted as soon as we walked in and invited to sit wherever we wanted. The server took our drink order and delivered our drinks quickly. Then he took our food order and we waited about 10 minutes or so.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. The waitress took a long time to attend to us, and I did not like the service she provided. Consequently, we did not leave a tip.
- waiting timeI ordered 10 empanadas an hour in advance, and when I went to pick them up, they were just being assembled. What a damn hunger, and they make me wait. 😠
- napkinsI had to get up to ask for napkins
- waitressMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. The waitress took a long time to attend to us, and I did not like the service she provided. Consequently, we did not leave a tip.
- waterWe possibly won't return and I don't recommend it. I had to get up to ask for salt, napkins, they don't offer water, and I had to clean the table myself, etc.
- businessatrienda bien su negocio, cuídelo
- clean tableWe possibly won't return and I don't recommend it. I had to get up to ask for salt, napkins, they don't offer water, and I had to clean the table myself, etc.
- cleaning under nailsWhen ordering, I had to get up to find her and tell her we were ready, while she was on her phone 📞 🤦🏽♂️. While we were giving our order, she was cleaning under her nails in front of us. The food was so-so.
- communicationThe communication was terrible
- cookWhat I didn't like was that the cook was without a mask, laughing loudly, and spitting on my food. In these times, masks are used for safety, both for them and for the customers, to make them feel comfortable.
If you're willing to roll the dice, you might encounter some wonderfully friendly and attentive staff. But be prepared for potential long waits or communication hiccups, as the service experience can be quite inconsistent.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Ambience
57
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereCompany, atmosphere, and music made it feel like you were on the streets of Colombia.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicThey played music from our country the entire time
- placeThe place is small and cozy
- PlaceWhat an incredible place and they served us right away. I recommend La bandeja paisa and a guanábana juice.
- art and colorsLove the art and colors of the place.
- classic Colombian musicalways classic Colombian music playing
- clean placeVery clean place
- cozyThe atmosphere is cozy and feels like home
- cute little spotsuch a cute little spot
Frequently criticized
- hygienehuge hygiene issue they have
- parkingparking is a bit rough
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambiencedefinitely no ambience for sit down
- atmospherethe place if it lacks giving it a bit more atmosphere
- cleanlinessNot scratching their heads, not touching their mouths. I found it very dirty. I think more people see this but stay quiet out of embarrassment.
- cross-contaminationCross contamination at its finest
- dining areaDining area is def small
- dirtyeverything looked so dirty
- greasepolluting our sidewalk and drain with their grease
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found reasons to cheer! Many appreciate the generous portion sizes, often feeling they get more than their money's worth. Terms like price, prices, fair trade-off, and pricing frequently pop up in positive feedback, suggesting that for some, the cost aligns well with the quality and quantity received.
However, the overall sentiment around value is quite challenging, with a score of just 4.2, placing it in the average to poor range. Customer satisfaction is also low at 22.7%, indicating significant room for improvement. Out of 22 opinions, there are 13 negative remarks compared to only 5 positive ones.
Many customers felt the experience was expensive, citing extra charge issues and high bill totals, leading to a perception of poor value for money.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Fair pricing for some
What people don't like
- Perceived as expensive
- Unexpected extra charges
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- PricesPrices are amazing for the amount of food
- fair trade-offit's a fair trade-off
- priceThe food was delicious and incredibly fresh, truly making me feel like I was eating in Colombia. The portion sizes were generous, more than proportional to the price. We ordered the 'picada' for four, but it could have easily served six people.
- pricesAnd the prices are good for the quality of the food
- pricingthe pricing couldn’t have been more perfect
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was OK, but it felt kind of expensive considering the overall offering. As someone with exposure to South American, specifically Colombian cuisine, I found this place to be more suited for takeout.
- billThe bill was expensive
- bill $435 totalmaking our bill $435 total
- expensiveTo make matters worse, each plate was delivered one at a time over a 60-minute period, and I had to get up multiple times to request plates, cups, and other necessities. The food was terrible and expensive. To cap off the evening, a tip of $63 was automatically added, bringing our total bill to $435.
- extra chargeConsequently, we did not leave a tip. After paying and leaving, an additional charge of $20 appeared on my card. Basically, they stole from us.
- pricesthe prices are crazy insane
- tip of $63tacked on a tip of $63
- value for moneyel valor del producto es muy costoso
If youre looking for generous portions and dont mind potentially higher prices, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as many customers felt the cost didn't match the overall offering, making it a risky choice for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Sabores Colombianos?
You’re looking at roughly $32 per person – reported by 83 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Colombian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average lands here, it’s interesting to see that a good number of guests actually spend less, with the largest group falling into the $21–$30 range, balanced out by some higher spenders.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 83 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
For a Colombian Restaurant in San Diego, we feel the pricing is quite reasonable. It hits that sweet spot for a mid-range experience, offering good value, especially since many diners find great options at slightly lower price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sabores Colombianos
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Colombian Gem in San Diego
My experience at this restaurant was truly special. From the moment I walked in, I felt the warmth and care that goes into everything they do. The food is authentic Colombian food, and you can taste that in every bite.
My go-to dishes are always the bandeja paisa, sobrebarriga, and calentao, and they never disappoint. The bandeja paisa is hearty and perfectly balanced, the sobrebarriga is tender and full of flavor, and the calentado is pure comfort food done right. The sides are just as incredible.
The arepas con queso are soft and cheesy, the buñuelos are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the empanadas are next-level — especially when paired with their ají sauce. That sauce is unreal. You can tell the food is made with love, tradition, and pride.
Everything feels homemade and welcoming, and that’s what makes this place stand out. If you’re looking for true Colombian food in San Diego, and a warm, homey atmosphere, this is the spot. Highly recommend.
- authentic Colombian food10
- bandeja paisa10
- sobrebarriga10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Homey Restaurant with Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this lovely, homey restaurant was exceptional. The food was made with love, and the large portions ensured we left more than satisfied. The flavor was outstanding!
We visited with a group of 8, and everyone left very happy and full. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- large portions10
- flavor10
1
Polluting Sidewalk and Horrid Smell
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the grease polluting our sidewalk and drain. It made the sidewalk slimy and the smell was horrid, leaving stains. The overall atmosphere was unacceptable.
- grease1
- sidewalk1
- smell1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Excellent food, worth the wait
My experience at the restaurant was with a group of 3-4 people. The food was excellent, receiving a perfect score of 5. The atmosphere was also highly rated at 5.
While the wait time for the food was a bit longer than expected, it was ultimately worth it. The service was rated 4, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- food10
- wait time6
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Colombian Flavors and Impeccable Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It truly brings you closer to Colombia with its delicious seasoning that captures native flavors. The service was impeccable, making the overall experience very enjoyable.
Thank you so much! 🥳🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴
- delicious seasoning10
- native flavors9
- service10
What Sabores Colombianos offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Sabores Colombianos?
At Sabores Colombianos, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they offer no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and traditional dine-in service.
Is Sabores Colombianos a family-friendly and accessible restaurant?
Yes, Sabores Colombianos is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for younger guests. Additionally, the restaurant is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
How does Sabores Colombianos generally rate among customers?
Sabores Colombianos holds an overall score of **7.2**, indicating a good experience for many. The **Food** (8.1) is highly praised, while **Ambience** (6.7) is also well-regarded. However, **Service** (5.9) is average, and **Value** (4.2) is a notable concern.
What can I expect from the food at Sabores Colombianos?
Customers frequently praise the authentic Colombian flavors and generous portions, with dishes like **bandeja paisa** and **empanadas** often highlighted. While some find the food delicious and fresh, a few opinions mention a lack of flavor or issues with specific dishes like **Ajiaco** or **Sancocho**.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks at Sabores Colombianos?
Yes, some customers have raised concerns about high prices, occasional slow service, and issues related to hygiene or cleanliness. **Parking** can also be a bit challenging in the area.