Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Cocina 35 Brunch – San Diego
Cocina 35 Brunch - San Diego
Photo from Cocina 35 Brunch
Cocina 35 Brunch at a glance
San Diego Midway District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#518 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#75 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
640
Reviews
62.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- Loud noise
- Service issues
The restaurant Cocina 35 Brunch in San Diego’s Midway District offers a delightful dining experience. You’ll find a casual and cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their great coffee.
With options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, it’s a versatile spot. They also feature small plates and a full bar with hard liquor, wine, and cocktails.
Outdoor seating is available, and you can even bring your dog to enjoy the patio.
Overview: Introducting Cocina 35 Brunch
Cocina 35 Brunch offers a lively experience, often praised for its `vibrant vibe` and generally well-received dishes. Many guests appreciate the effort put into the `presentation` of their meals and the overall festive atmosphere, making it a popular spot for celebrations.
The staff often receives commendation for being `welcomed` and attentive. However, be prepared for a bustling environment, as the `atmosphere` can be quite `loud`.
While many find the `portions` generous and the experience `worth it`, some guests have expressed concerns regarding the overall `price` and occasional inconsistencies in the food’s temperature.
Good
6.7
out of 10
640
Reviews
62.5%
Satisfaction
203
negative
37
neutral
400
positive
The restaurant holds a `Restaurant Score` of `6.7` out of 10, placing it in the average to good range. However, `Customer Satisfaction` stands at `62.5%`, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
This divergence suggests that while many find aspects of their visit commendable, a significant portion also encounters areas needing improvement. These insights are drawn from a substantial 640 customer remarks, with 400 positive observations and 203 negative ones.
Delving deeper, `Food` (7.4) and `Ambience` (7.6) emerge as strong points, consistently earning good marks from diners. `Service` (5.7) is perceived as average, suggesting room for greater consistency.
The `Value` (4.3) aspect, however, leans towards average or even poor, indicating that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Flavorful food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Inconsistent service
- Cold food issues
Cocina 35 Brunch is a destination for those seeking a vibrant and energetic brunch experience with generally satisfying food. If you appreciate a lively setting and generous portions, and are prepared for a potentially bustling environment, it could be a good fit for your next outing.
With a `Recommendation Score` of `7`, this establishment is worth considering, especially for celebratory occasions. However, to ensure a smoother visit, it’s advisable to make reservations and manage expectations regarding noise levels and occasional service fluctuations.
Be mindful that while portions are often large, some find the overall pricing on the higher side.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cocina 35 Brunch
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 73.5%, the culinary experience here is generally good. Many rave about the delicious chilaquiles, generous portions, and authentic Mexican food, with 189 positive remarks out of 257 total.
The cafe de olla also gets a special shout-out! However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners noted issues with food being served cold, a lack of flavor in certain items, or poor preparation like soggy chilaquiles and overcooked meat.
These points, mentioned in 53 negative comments, suggest theres still room for consistency.
Food
257
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
53
negative
15
neutral
189
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Chilaquiles
- Authentic Mexican Flavor
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Lack of flavor
- Poor preparation
Often praised
- foodWe had a reservation, so there was no real wait time. The ambience is very unique, and the food is very good with great plate options. The aguas are delicious, and my favorite is the Horchata!
- chilaquilesI ordered the Sinaloense breakfast combo plate, and for the first time in years, I finished every last bite. Everything was delicious: the chilaquiles were so tasty, the tamale de elote was super soft and sweet, the machaca was delicious, and the frijoles were wow! I also enjoyed the Mimosa Flights, with all the flavors being amazing.
- drinksI personally enjoyed the chilaquiles, while my family ordered a variety of other plates, and all the food was amazing. The drinks were great, and the orange juice was fresh. The atmosphere was a bit loud and festive, and it's not the cheapest option, but you definitely get what you pay for here.
- portionsthe portions are pretty big and very filling
- FoodFood and service are exceptional
- dishesThe service was excellent and the food was top-notch quality! Our dishes and drinks were delicious, and the portions were generous, ensuring we received great value for our money. We enjoyed the Mercado Chiliquilies with added eggs, Cajeta French toast, orange juice, horchata, and Mexican Mocha.
- cafe de ollatheir cafe de olla was strong and good
- coffeeThe place is very pretty, ideal for breakfast with friends and taking nice photos! The atmosphere is warm, and the coffee is really good.
- good foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with good food and an outstanding venue. The service was friendly, and I would definitely return.
- presentationYou can tell they really care from the presentation
Frequently criticized
- foodI have read about the same issue in other reviews but wanted to try it myself as I never go based on others' experiences. Now I can confirm: the food is cold and not good.
- chilaquilesWe ordered a Sinaloan sampler plate to share, which included chilaquiles, machaca, refried beans, and a sweet corn tamale. The dish was served quickly with a beautiful appearance, but unfortunately, everything was cold, with the machaca being refrigerator cold. We complained to the server, and about 15-20 minutes later, they brought us a new plate with the exact same issues: everything was cold, the machaca was straight from the fridge, the refried beans were thin and runny like soup, and the tamale was one of the worst I've ever had.
- eggsUnfortunately, I was very disappointed. The chilaquiles had very little sauce and no flavor, and the eggs were tasteless too. The coffee, however, was delicious; I had way too much of that 😆 to compensate!
- flavorit has no flavor
- pulled porkMost of that was overcooked and must have been against the side of the pot because it was burned
- AmericanoOrdered an Americano and was told I ordered a drip coffee
- French toasther franch toast were fríos
- Mexican foodnot good selection for Mexican food
- Sinaloan sampler platedish was served quickly with beautiful appearance but everything was cold
- agua fresca flightMy husband had the agua fresca flight and did not like it.
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions, especially chilaquiles, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on temperature or seasoning. So, manage your expectations for every single item.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, experiences here are quite a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 47.6%. Many guests, across 108 positive remarks out of 227 total, praise the friendly staff and great service, often highlighting attentive servers and fast food delivery. Specific mentions of staff and friendly service show a welcoming atmosphere.
However, an almost equal number of 105 negative comments point to significant issues. Common complaints revolve around long wait time and slow service, with some encounters involving rude staff or unattentive employees. This suggests that while some experiences shine, others fall short, particularly concerning efficiency and professionalism.
Service
227
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
105
negative
14
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast food delivery
- Seamless order process
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Rude, inattentive staff
- Poor reservation system
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great atmosphere, the great service, and the great food & drinks. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to go back.
- staffCocina 35 Brunch was 100% worth the ~20 minute in line. First off, I just want to say all of their staff did an excellent job at making us feel welcomed. Jesi, in particular, made the entire experience much more worthwhile.
- ServiceService and atmosphere were also top shelf.
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to our amazing waitress, Mia. She literally matched our energy and was a delight to have as a server. She deserves a huge shoutout 👏.
- wait timeWe waited in line for a little while until I figured out I could reserve a table while in line on their ‘OpenTable’ website. After that, we jumped first in line into the reservation line and were seated within 2 minutes. Thank you Cocina 35 and Gracias también a ti Jesi!
- friendly serviceDefinitely recommend adding eggs, it makes them extra special. I also loved their coffee, friendly service, and the cozy atmosphere. Can’t wait to come back and try more dishes!
- great servicewe receive a great service today
- managerEvery employee we interacted with exuded kindness and genuine hospitality, creating an atmosphere that was both warm and welcoming. It's rare to witness a manager who is so actively involved with both the staff and guests, but the manager with short hair was exceptional. She not only supported her team but also ensured every guest felt taken care of.
- reservationThis is a great spot for birthday celebrations as they will make that occasion feel extra pleasing with their vibrant vibe and engaging the entire restaurant in participating. A pro tip is, make a reservation online as you will get seated sooner. We waited in line for a little while until I figured out I could reserve a table while in line on their ‘OpenTable’ website.
- reservationspush reservations (which fair, you weren’t able to make reservations on the weekend before so that’s nice)
Frequently criticized
- serviceI had to ask again if I could please have one, and she seemed visibly annoyed to get it. Poor communication, unhelpful service, and a missed opportunity to make a holiday special. Sadly, this experience left a really bad impression.
- waiting timequoting us 2 1/2 hours when they were quoting 1hr or less
- reservationmade reservation for 10:30, called after 11
- serverOur drinks and food came out promptly. After our server asked if we needed anything else when our food arrived, we didn't receive further assistance until a different employee brought us our check. We weren't asked if we wanted to order any more drinks, etc.
- customer serviceemployees no longer care for customer service
- waitThey have a lot of variety and many drinks and mixed drinks to choose from, even wine. Great service, but sometimes there is a long wait and may need to make a prior reservation. Not too pricey but not cheap.
- wait timetold wait time was 45mins. After an hour, we were told we were next.. another 30mins went by
- employeeOur drinks and food came out promptly. After our server asked if we needed anything else when our food arrived, we didn't receive further assistance until a different employee brought us our check. We weren't asked if we wanted to order any more drinks, etc.
- reservationsWe drove all the way from Poway to Liberty Station expecting a long wait but at least the chance to dine. When we arrived, we were turned away and told they were only accepting reservations. We later learned that all three locations had the same policy that day, and again, none of this was communicated publicly.
- staffThat lack of communication ruined what was supposed to be a special morning with our mom. To make matters worse, the staff wasn’t very attentive. While it was a nice touch to offer water and coffee for those waiting, there were no napkins.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While some guests rave about the friendly and fast attention, others face long waits and less-than-stellar interactions. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, with a 7.6 score and a solid 76.2% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the beautiful decor, inviting vibe, and overall cleanliness, often noting the convenient parking options. With 96 positive remarks out of 126 total, it's clear the atmosphere is a major draw.
However, not everyone finds it perfect. About 25 comments point to challenges like overly loud music and general noise levels, which can make conversation tough. Some also mentioned issues with wheelchair accessibility and occasional cleanliness concerns, particularly in restrooms or with sticky tables.
Ambience
126
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning, unique decor
- Vibrant, welcoming vibe
- Overall cleanliness
What people don't like
- Loud music/noise
- Accessibility challenges
- Occasional dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe drinks and dishes were fantastic, and the atmosphere was great for celebrating any events. It's important to note that the place is always packed and busy, and the atmosphere can be quite loud, but it's also super fun. My favorite dish is the chilaquiles, specifically La Bomba.
- decorI will definitely be back to share this unique experience with friends and family. The decor inside is so aesthetically pleasing. From the Japanese cherry blossom tree directly above us to the vibrant decor everywhere, including the restroom!
- restaurantThe restaurant is clean, and pleasant
- vibeFrom the Japanese cherry blossom tree directly above us to the vibrant decor everywhere, including the restroom! This is a great spot for birthday celebrations as they will make that occasion feel extra pleasing with their vibrant vibe and engaging the entire restaurant in participating. A pro tip is, make a reservation online as you will get seated sooner.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceEverything about this establishment is beautiful from the ambiance
- musicThe music added so much vibrance to the experience
- parkingplenty of parking available
- placeI recommend the "Enfrijoladas"! The place is very pretty, ideal for breakfast with friends and taking nice photos! The atmosphere is warm, and the coffee is really good.
- familyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly attentive to our needs, making it a great place to come with family. I highly recommend the cafe de olla, which was the best I've ever had.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere and collecting big bucks
- musicThe music inside the building was so loud we could not hear each other
- noisethe noise made conversation difficult
- Dirty TablesDirty Tables
- appearancesrestaurant was all about appearances
- feeling unwelcomedI felt unwelcomed
- floorThe floor under my table was also stick and wet.
- noise levelThe food was decent, but the mimosa flight was disappointing. The most significant issue was the atmosphere; it was extremely loud and overstimulating. Every few minutes, there were loud renditions of 'Happy Birthday' accompanied by cowbells, blasting music, and confetti cannons.
- paper allover the floorpaper allover the floor
- patioit was a bit cold in the patio
If youre looking for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy spot with great decor and dont mind a lively, potentially loud atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get busy and noisy, and if accessibility is a concern, you might want to call ahead.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to getting your money’s worth, some folks really appreciate the value here, finding the prices quite reasonable for what you get. While the overall score is an average 4.3, there are positive remarks about feeling like you definitely get what you pay for, with some even happy to find a BOGOF offer. However, the overall customer satisfaction for value is quite poor at just 23.3%, with many finding things quite pricey and expensive.
Out of 30 total observations, there were 20 negative remarks compared to only 7 positive, with many feeling it was a waste of money due to high prices.
Value
30
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great portion sizes
- Good value offers
- Normal prices
What people don't like
- Often too pricey
- Feels expensive
- Waste of money
Often praised
- pricesGreat food at normal prices
- BOGOF offerhappy to find a BOGOF offer
- money’s worthreceiving your hard earned money’s worth
- priceFor $20 I could have easily split this plate because it was just such a huge portion, worth every penny!
- valueyou definitely get what you pay for here
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceIt felt like we were scammed into ordering something we wouldn't have otherwise, under the impression it was a complimentary birthday treat. The food was decent, but not worth the price. There are better Mexican restaurants available.
- billThey also offered us water at that time. I felt rushed, and the bill was nearly $80 for both meals. I won't be going back.
- priceyFood is good but pricey
- Waste of timeWaste of time
- breakfastpoor quality breakfast was stupid expensive
- chilaquilesthe chillaquiles were a bit overpriced
- dishstill charged $27 for that dish
- expensivethis place is so expensive
- high pricesworried it would be high prices
- ice coffeeIce coffee was a steep at $9
If youre considering this place for its value, be aware its a bit of a mixed bag. While some find good deals, many feel the experience is quite expensive and not always worth the cost. You might want to look for specific offers or be prepared to spend a bit more.
How are the prices at Cocina 35 Brunch?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 98 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 35, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix, with options for both a solid mid-range meal and a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 98 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good range, so you can tailor your spend to your appetite and occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cocina 35 Brunch
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Friendly Staff, Lovely Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very good, and the staff were friendly and bilingual. The atmosphere was great, with the option of indoor and outdoor seating, including an open-air dining room.
It's a place I'd recommend, especially for breakfast.
- food9
- staff9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Chilaquiles Shine, Service Falters
Cocina 35 offers an extensive chilaquiles menu, and the build-your-own option is highly recommended. We tried the carne asada chilaquiles; while the carne asada was overcooked, it was still well-seasoned. The salsa verde and chipotle crema were both flavorful with a mild, lingering heat.
Be aware that they do not offer a full bar, limiting drink choices to the menu. When we inquired about a custom dirty martini (vodka, olive juice, no vermouth) with a side of Bloody Mary juice, we were informed they only carry michelada juice. The bartender's response was rude and dismissive, with a lack of eye contact.
Our server eventually brought the manager, who kindly accommodated the request, though he noted this pairing might not be possible in the future. We also discovered that the "fresh" juice flight is not made in-house and contains added sugars. Overall, Cocina 35 excels at chilaquiles, but the specific bartender's service and beverage options need improvement.
- chilaquiles menu9
- build-your-own option10
- salsa verde8
- carne asada3
- full bar2
- bartender1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Fantastic Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. Our server was respectful, sweet, and ensured fast service.
The atmosphere was amazing. I wish I could post videos, but I did post a whole video on my TikTok page @lbbfcosmetics.
- food10
- service10
- fast service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Chilaquiles, Great Service
I recently tried this restaurant, posting a picture of my $31 meal. I've been waiting for so long to try this place because I love chilaquiles and heard it had the best. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.
The chilaquiles had very little sauce and no flavor, and the eggs were tasteless too. The coffee, however, was delicious; I had way too much of that 😆 to compensate! I'm giving them 4 stars because of the service; everyone was very nice, friendly, and attentive.
The restaurant is clean and pleasant. I'm hopeful that it was just a bad morning, but I will not be coming back.
- coffee9
- service10
- restaurant8
- chilaquiles2
- sauce2
- flavor2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Experience with iPad Incident
I’ve been eating at this place since the downtown location opened and it has always been a favorite of mine. Today, I decided to come here with just my son and I. My son needed to use the restroom, and considering it was just us two, I did not want him going alone.
We left his iPad behind to show we were still coming back to our table. Our table was a straight shot to the bathroom; we passed the kitchen, the checkout, and several staff, with no issues. We returned to our table after being gone approximately 3 minutes to find his iPad missing.
Shortly after, a server who wasn’t ours walked back to say she took the iPad because she thought we had left. I apologized for the confusion and explained we left the iPad for that very reason. Not once did this server apologize or seem sorry for assuming we had left without paying.
We weren’t even done eating. It was honestly a crappy experience overall to not be able to go eat somewhere in peace as a family of two. Maybe put up signs: single parents need permission to use the restroom?
The food was good (4/5), but the service was terrible (1/5) and the atmosphere was also rated low (1/5).
- food8
- iPad2
- iPad missing2
- crappy experience1
What Cocina 35 Brunch offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- 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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations for dining at Cocina 35 Brunch?
Yes, Cocina 35 Brunch accepts reservations for your convenience. It is recommended to make reservations, especially if you plan to visit for lunch or brunch, to ensure you secure your preferred seating.
What accessibility and parking options are available at Cocina 35 Brunch in San Diego?
Cocina 35 Brunch offers excellent accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. You’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cocina 35 Brunch?
Cocina 35 Brunch has a `Restaurant Score` of `6.7` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `62.5%`, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. `Food` (7.4) and `Ambience` (7.6) are strong, while `Service` (5.7) is average and `Value` (4.3) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Cocina 35 Brunch?
Customers frequently praise the `vibrant vibe` and `aesthetically pleasing decor`, making it a great spot for celebrations. The `food` is often described as `delicious` with `generous portions`, and many appreciate the `presentation` of the dishes.
What are the common complaints about Cocina 35 Brunch?
Some common complaints include the `atmosphere` being `loud` due to music and celebrations, leading to difficulty in conversation. There are also mentions of `inconsistent service`, `long wait times`, and issues with `cold food` or lack of `flavor` in certain dishes, alongside concerns about the `price`.