Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » WaBa Grill – San Diego
WaBa Grill - San Diego
Photo from WaBa Grill
WaBa Grill at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#8 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Fusion Restaurant out of 5 in San Diego
Excellent
9.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
349
Reviews
95.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Food
Frequently criticized
- Parking
- Restroom Issues
The restaurant WaBa Grill in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood offers a delightful fusion dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
This spot is known for its commitment to healthy options, ensuring you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromise. It’s a welcoming place where you can easily find something delicious and nutritious.
Overview: Introducting WaBa Grill
WaBa Grill generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall positive environment.
However, some visits have noted challenges with parking and occasional cleanliness issues, particularly with restrooms or dirty tables. There have also been isolated concerns regarding food consistency, like rancid rice.
Excellent
9.3
out of 10
349
Reviews
95.4%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
333
positive
WaBa Grill earns an impressive overall 9.3 out of 10, reflecting a consistently strong performance. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 95.4%, indicating that the vast majority of diners leave pleased.
With 333 positive comments against only 11 negative out of 349 total customer observations, the feedback paints a very favorable picture. Digging into the specifics, Food (9.0) stands out as a primary strength, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
Service (9.6) is also exceptionally well-regarded, with staff often highlighted for their attentiveness. The Ambience (8.8) contributes positively to the dining experience, while Value (8.6) is considered quite reasonable, making it a solid choice for many.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Quality food
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Parking difficulties
- Restroom issues
- Food inconsistencies
WaBa Grill generally delivers a very satisfying experience, making it a strong contender for a reliable meal. With a solid 9.1 recommendation score, it’s clear that many patrons find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its consistent food quality and attentive staff.
If you prioritize friendly service and well-prepared dishes, this spot is likely to please. While minor issues like parking or occasional food inconsistencies might arise, they don’t seem to detract significantly from the overall positive impression.
It’s worth trying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on WaBa Grill
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 93.6% customer satisfaction! Based on 132 positive remarks out of 141 total pieces of feedback, diners consistently rave about the freshly grilled chicken, great tasting food, and the use of healthy and simple ingredients. Many appreciate the customizable options and the overall quality that makes every meal a delight.
However, it's not all perfect, as 6 negative comments point to a few areas needing attention. Some guests encountered issues with the teriyaki sauce quantity, while others reported missing veggies from their orders. A more serious concern involved rice being described as rancid or slimy, which is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Food
141
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Freshly grilled chicken
- Great tasting food
- Healthy ingredients
What people don't like
- Rancid rice
- Missing veggies
Often praised
- foodIt was an excellent restaurant to spend a pleasant time and forget about work. The food was very tasty. I must highlight that our waitress, Mia, provided excellent service and was very attentive to everything.
- chickenI loved how tender the chicken was; it's great to have something delicious and healthy to eat. Eloise helped me choose the sauce for my bowl, and I totally recommend the garlic serrano.
- dinnerMe encanto la cena
- dishesI was served by Mia, who has a lot of charisma. She is kind, helpful, and explains the dishes perfectly. Truly, with such well-trained staff, one returns without a doubt.
- food flavorMuy buen sabor en los platillos recomendados
- food qualityAlthough there was a long wait for my food, I understood that this meant my chicken was being freshly grilled. The food quality was excellent, and I was very satisfied with my meal. The service was also good, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
- steakMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful! The Waba Bolw was delicious, and the steak had a fantastic flavor. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, enhanced by the relaxing music.
- 3 taco dishor the 3 taco dish.
- Fam Size Mealordered a Fam Size Meal
- Spice dishThanks for the recommendation of the Spice dish to the cook Kristian, we will return to try more. Thanks for the good service in general to the restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- riceAll the rice we received was rancid. It was slimey and smelled like rotten eggs. Those who ate the rice got extremely sick.
- teriyaki sauceI tought teriyaki sauce was serve by them not two packets, need three to four to make it tasty.
- veggiesI was asked if I wanted veggies and said yes but didn't get any.
If youre looking for delicious, healthy, and customizable meals, this place is definitely worth a try, as most customers have fantastic food experiences. Just be sure to double-check your order for all components and perhaps inquire about the rice if youre concerned.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9.6 and an outstanding customer satisfaction rate of 97.6%! Based on 161 positive remarks out of 165 total, guests consistently rave about the staffs attentiveness, super friendly service, quick delivery, and overall professionalism. Many individual team members, like Valerie, Mia, and Adolfo, received special shout-outs for their exceptional care and warm smiles.
While the service is overwhelmingly praised, there were a couple of minor points. One comment mentioned "poor customer service" in the context of an unpleasant bathroom experience, suggesting it was more about the overall environment than the staffs direct interaction. Another opinion noted that the team could definitely use one more person, hinting at potential understaffing during busy times, but this was a rare observation.
Service
165
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Understaffed
Often praised
- serviceI love coming here because, in addition to the food being very delicious, the service is excellent and the people are very friendly. In my experience, Mía has always received me wonderfully and with unparalleled treatment.
- ValerieMy wife and I had the pleasure of meeting one of the workers, Valerie, who truly made our visit special. Valerie had a very positive attitude, and the customer service was great. We will definitely be going back.
- staffI highly recommend this place 💯! The staff were very friendly, and the place was very clean. Mrs.
- customer serviceMy wife and I had the pleasure of meeting one of the workers, Valerie, who truly made our visit special. Valerie had a very positive attitude, and the customer service was great. We will definitely be going back.
- attentionWe really enjoyed the food; it was a pleasant experience. Above all, Susy's attention was exceptional. We will definitely return.
- attitudeTeam member Jhoanna has a great attitude
- peopleI love coming here because, in addition to the food being very delicious, the service is excellent and the people are very friendly. In my experience, Mía has always received me wonderfully and with unparalleled treatment.
- AdolfoFui atendida por Adolfo muy atento y educado
- EloiseEloise me ayudó a escoger la salsa
- JohannaSpecially Johanna who remembers recurring customers
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceThe smell was overwhelming and suffocating — instead of covering bad odors, it seemed like they were performing some kind of ritual to sanctify the restroom. Between the poor customer service and the intolerable bathroom experience, I would not recommend this location.
- one more personcould definitely use one more person working here
If youre looking for a place where the staff goes above and beyond, youre in for a treat here. Expect a warm welcome and efficient service that makes your visit enjoyable. While there might be rare moments of busyness, the overall experience is definitely worth trying.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.8 and customer satisfaction soaring at an excellent 92.1%, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Many of the 35 positive opinions highlight the quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and good environment, often mentioning the music as a delightful touch.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 38 total opinions, 3 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about dirty tables, an unpleasant restroom, and difficult parking, which could definitely dampen the overall experience for some visitors.
Ambience
38
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean environment
- Quiet atmosphere
- Relaxing music
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Unpleasant restroom
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI received excellent service from Victoria, who was very kind and had a positive attitude. The food and atmosphere were also great, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- placeEloise provided excellent service, being very patient and kind while explaining the menu. Overall, it's an excellent place with great food and service.
- cleanlinessMy experience at the restaurant was super clean, super fast, and the food was super good. Valerie, who works at the Clairemont location across from Kaiser hospital, was professional and friendly, and super attentive!
- environmentI always appreciate that amazing environment.
- ambienteUn ambiente excelente
- experienceWe really enjoyed the food; it was a pleasant experience. Above all, Susy's attention was exceptional.
- good environmentmaking such a good environment for my family
- locationQuality location!
- musicwith its relaxing music
- place cleanlugar limpio
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- restroom” They clearly assumed I didn’t understand Spanish, which made the situation even more disrespectful. On top of that, the restroom was extremely unpleasant. Instead of being a clean bathroom, it felt more like a “meditation center, ” with four incense sticks burning at once.
- tablesevery table available was dirty.
If you're seeking a spot with a great vibe, clean surroundings, and relaxing music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that parking might be a bit tricky, and you might want to quickly check your table and the restroom upon arrival.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 5% of the guests
Talk about getting your moneys worth! Customers consistently rave about the "prices" here, calling them "very reasonable" and "fair, " with many exclaiming its such a good price. With an excellent 100% customer satisfaction and a strong score of 8.6, firmly in the good range, its a favorite for "reasonable and great tasting food.
" All 5 customer opinions were positive, with zero negative ones. Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback concerning value. Out of all the customer comments, not a single one mentioned any issues with pricing or perceived cost.
It appears that customers are entirely content with what they're getting for their money, leaving no room for improvement or criticism in this department.
Value
5
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Fair pricing
- Great value
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesuch a good price
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- reasonablemy to go spot for some reasonable and great tasting food
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this is it. The value here is consistently praised, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking reasonable prices without compromising on quality. You can confidently expect a great deal.
How are the prices at WaBa Grill?
On average, you’ll spend around $19 per person – from 74 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Fusion Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners are finding their perfect meal right in that $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Diego.
For a Fusion Restaurant, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It hits that sweet spot of being accessible yet offering a quality experience without being overly expensive.
Customer Reviews: what people think about WaBa Grill
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Delivery
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great First Experience at WaBa Grill!
My first time trying WaBa Grill via DoorDash was a positive experience! The food looked exactly like the pictures on the website, and the ingredients were fresh and cooked well. I particularly appreciated that the food wasn’t overly salty.
I will definitely be back!
- food appearance9
- ingredients9
- saltiness8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Service and Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the customer service was exceptional. I especially want to highlight Johanna, who is wonderful at remembering recurring customers and their specific order preferences.
- food9
- customer service10
- Johanna10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Mixed Experience with Chicken Bowl
My experience at the restaurant involved ordering the chicken bowl. While the chicken and white rice were tasty enough on their own, I was surprised that the teriyaki sauce came in packets, requiring three to four to achieve a desirable flavor. I also requested veggies with my order but did not receive them, though I was not charged for them.
The atmosphere and service were rated a 4 out of 5, and the food also received a 4. Parking was described as somewhat difficult to find.
- chicken bowl6
- atmosphere8
- service8
- teriyaki sauce4
- veggies3
- parking4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Service and Reasonable Prices
My experience at this restaurant was excellent, largely due to the great attitude and excellent customer service provided by team member Jhoanna. The food was good, and I will definitely recommend this place. The prices are very reasonable.
- attitude10
- customer service10
- food8
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service and Unpleasant Restroom
I had a very disappointing experience at Waba Grill. I asked in English if I could buy a large cup of ice, and I never once asked for it for free. The staff refused and responded in Spanish, saying: “We who work here have to pay for our things, so why should we give something to you?
” They clearly assumed I didn’t understand Spanish, which made the situation even more disrespectful. On top of that, the restroom was extremely unpleasant. Instead of being a clean bathroom, it felt more like a “meditation center, ” with four incense sticks burning at once.
The smell was overwhelming and suffocating — instead of covering bad odors, it seemed like they were performing some kind of ritual to sanctify the restroom. Between the poor customer service and the intolerable bathroom experience, I would not recommend this location.
- customer service1
- restroom1
What WaBa Grill offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options does WaBa Grill offer?
At WaBa Grill, you can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, and catering services. Seating is available for your convenience, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
Are there healthy and vegetarian choices available at WaBa Grill?
Yes, WaBa Grill prides itself on offering a range of healthy options, including delicious vegetarian and vegan choices. You’ll find something to suit your dietary preferences for a quick and nutritious meal.
What are the main strengths of WaBa Grill according to customer feedback?
Customers frequently praise the **excellent service** and the overall quality of the **food**, often highlighting the tender chicken and flavorful steak. The pleasant **ambience** and reasonable **value** are also well-regarded.
Are there any common issues or areas for improvement at WaBa Grill?
Some customers have noted challenges with **parking** availability and occasional concerns regarding **restroom cleanliness**. There have also been isolated reports of food inconsistencies, such as rancid rice or missing vegetables.
How does WaBa Grill score overall and across different aspects?
WaBa Grill achieves an excellent overall score of **9.3** with **95.4%** customer satisfaction. **Service** leads with a score of (9.6), followed by **Food** (9.0), **Ambience** (8.8), and **Value** (8.6).