Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Cali Baguette Express – San Diego
Cali Baguette Express - San Diego
Photo from Cali Baguette Express
Cali Baguette Express at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#243 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
456
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Banh Mi
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inaccurate Hours
- Food Inconsistencies
- No Restroom
The restaurant Cali Baguette Express is a welcoming Vietnamese Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Mira Mesa neighborhood. You’ll find a casual and quiet spot perfect for enjoying healthy options, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This popular eatery offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a friendly setting, making it a great choice for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Cali Baguette Express
Cali Baguette Express offers a generally positive experience, particularly noted for its `crusty baguettes` and flavorful banh mi. Many appreciate the `friendly staff` and the warm, welcoming feel of the place, often described as a comfortable `mom and pop shop`.
However, some diners have noted issues with `incorrect charges` and a credit card minimum, impacting the overall value perception. While service is often praised, occasional negative `customer service` experiences and inaccurate operating hours have been mentioned.
Good
7.9
out of 10
456
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
66
negative
20
neutral
370
positive
Cali Baguette Express achieves a solid `Restaurant Score` of `7.9`, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of `81.1%`, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 456 customer observations, with 370 positive remarks outweighing 66 negative ones. Digging deeper, `Food` leads the way with an impressive score of (8), consistently praised for its quality and flavor.
`Service` also performs well at (7.8), often highlighted for its efficiency and friendly interactions. The `Ambience` (7.6) contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting, while `Value` (7.5) remains a strong point, making it an appealing choice for many.
What people like
- Delicious Banh Mi & Baguettes
- Friendly, Consistent Service
- Great Value
What people don't like
- Inaccurate Operating Hours
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- No Restroom Access
Cali Baguette Express stands out as a reliable spot for satisfying Vietnamese sandwiches, particularly if you appreciate a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and friendly staff. With a strong `Recommendation Score` of `8.2`, it’s clear many patrons find it a worthwhile visit for its core offerings.
If you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly meal with consistently good banh mi, this place is a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in other menu items and verify their operating hours before heading over to ensure a smooth experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cali Baguette Express
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 82.7%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 312 opinions, a whopping 258 rave about the delicious banh mi, fresh baguettes, and vibrant flavors, often noting the fresh ingredients.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 42 comments point to some areas for improvement, mentioning issues like skimpy portions of meat and veggies, occasional soggy baguettes, or dishes that lacked flavor. It seems consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Food
312
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
42
negative
12
neutral
258
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Banh Mi
- Fresh Baguettes
- Vibrant Flavors
What people don't like
- Skimpy portions
- Soggy baguettes
- Lacking flavor
Often praised
- foodI had my favorite Bahn Mi, which I paired with a Vietnamese coffee. The service was fast and the food was delicious. I could eat and drink this every day.
- banh miMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for the banh mi. They make great and tasty banh mi, with cheap baguettes that are fabulous and affordable. I got the lemongrass beef and bbq pork banh mi, which were amazing.
- breadThe highlight here is the bread, which has that classic baguette crustiness
- baguetteMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for the banh mi. They make great and tasty banh mi, with cheap baguettes that are fabulous and affordable. I got the lemongrass beef and bbq pork banh mi, which were amazing.
- egg rollsegg rolls are crunchy outside and soft & flavorful inside
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was great. I enjoyed yum and great inexpensive sandwiches served by friendly staff. I particularly liked the lemon grass beef, the pork, and the egg sandwiches.
- baguettesMy experience at this restaurant has been fantastic, especially for their fresh Baguettes 🥖. This place has become my go-to for buying baguettes. I’d give them 6 stars ⭐️ if I could!
- BBQ porkI had the BBQ pork - it's basically two sandwiches
- Banh MiMy husband had a big beef lemongrass baguette sandwich, which was so big but he finished it. This was hands down the Best Banh Mi I’ve ever had in San Diego! Our friends recommended their foods, and they were right about their Banh Mi being pretty good.
- banh mi sandwichesMy experience at Cali Baguette Express was fantastic! They offer a mouthwatering selection of banh mi sandwiches, expertly crafted with crusty baguettes. Each sandwich is filled with a variety of savory ingredients, including grilled meats and pickled vegetables, complemented by tangy sauces.
Frequently criticized
- baguetteThe baguette sadly is also not as crusty as it used to be
- breadI've given them multiple chances, but the food quality remains poor. The sandwiches are mostly bread with very little meat and vegetables. To make matters worse, the pandan dessert I received was spoiled; the first bite of the sponge cake had a foul smell and a nasty taste.
- meatThe meat was very crumbly and had a sour smell
- Bahn mi sandwichesThe Bahn mi sandwiches could stand to have a little more meat
- Bahnmithe Bahnmi lacked flavor and barely had any filling
- Beef stewBeef stew a bit sweet for me and the fam
- Cajun shrimp bowlThe disappointment was the bowl(Cajun shrimp bowl)
- avocado shakeI also got avocado shake and I didn’t really love it
- bbq sandwiches2 bbq sandwiches and no taste at all
- beef cutbeef cut was the cheapest it was full of nerves
If you're craving a fantastic banh mi with fresh baguettes and vibrant flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few experiences mention inconsistent portions or occasional flavor issues, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets chat about the service here! Overall, its looking pretty solid with a score of 7.8, which is definitely in the good range. Customer satisfaction also backs this up, sitting comfortably at 75.3%, indicating a generally positive experience.
With 64 positive sentiments out of 85 total, many folks rave about the friendly service, excellent hospitality, and the wonderful staff and owner. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 15 instances where things could have been better.
Some customers noted issues with staff behavior, customer service, and even the service lady being less than pleasant. A few also pointed out inconsistencies with hours, which can impact the overall service experience.
Service
85
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Inconsistent opening hours
- Unpleasant staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceI had a delicious banh mi and enjoyed the drinks. It's definitely a go to in Mira Mesa with great consistent service(:
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was great. I enjoyed yum and great inexpensive sandwiches served by friendly staff. I particularly liked the lemon grass beef, the pork, and the egg sandwiches.
- ServiceFast, fresh, and seriously satisfying
- customer serviceThe lovely lady who has been running the front counter for years is always so friendly and polite. She's a breath of fresh air in a world where customer service is lacking. My favorite is the bbq pork banh mi with pate added and a Thai tea to go with it.
- cashierThe cashier was very helpful and informative
- ownerThe owner, or the nice lady who is always there—I think her name is Kim—is so sweet and nice.
- JohnJohn, who has helped me a couple of times, is nice too.
- Kimwe come to chat with Kim
- customersYou can really tell they care about their customers
- excellent hospitalitythe cashier had excellent hospitality
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceWorst of all, the customer service. The lady at the cashier was condescending.
- serviceThe service was the worst I’ve ever experienced
- apologyapology with attitude
- beef sandwichhear the beef sandwich offered to the lady
- cashierThe same" cashier lady" charges more every time
- guy who took my orderThe guy who took my order could not be bothered
- hoursI love this place, but please fix your hours. I drove by 6: 30 am twice this week and you guys were closed.
- opening hoursdo NOT open at 6:15 am like the hours say
- orderthey mass up my oder
- service ladyService lady is not pleasant
If youre looking for a place with genuinely kind and efficient staff, youll likely be very pleased here. While a few experiences suggest some minor hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment is positive, making it a good bet for friendly and quick service.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 82.1%, the ambience here is generally good. Many of the 23 positive remarks out of 28 total rave about the quaint and welcoming vibe inside, the homey atmosphere, and the availability of outdoor seating.
Guests also appreciate the cleanliness and comfortable, mom-and-pop shop feel. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few of the 4 negative remarks highlight some practical concerns.
Some visitors found the atmosphere not as enjoyable, and more importantly, there were mentions of no AC and the lack of a restroom for customer use. These are definitely points to consider if comfort is a top priority for you.
Ambience
28
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, homey vibe
- Outdoor seating available
- Clean, comfortable space
What people don't like
- No AC
- No public restroom
Often praised
- atmosphereWarm, welcoming, and super tasty. Felt like eating at a friend’s house.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placegood Vietnamese hole in the wall eatery vibes
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- cleanlinessit's clean and fun to eat at
- establishmentThis is a wonderful establishment.
- mom and pop shopnice mom and pop shop it feels like
- no frills placeNo frills here--absolutely none
- outdoor bench seating areathey have a cute outdoor bench seating area
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was not as enjoyable
- acNo ac
- restroomno restroom to use.
If youre looking for a cozy, welcoming spot with outdoor seating and a homey feel, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that it might disappoint if youre expecting air conditioning or a public restroom. It's a charming no-frills spot, but plan accordingly.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.6%, most folks are thrilled with the outstanding prices and affordable price tags. Many find it a perfect choice for a budget-friendly meal, praising the generous portions and great taste for the cost.
Out of 31 comments, 25 remarks highlight this excellent value. However, a few experiences suggest keeping an eye on things. There have been some concerns about the bill and charges being incorrect, and a couple of mentions about prices increasing.
Also, be aware of a potential credit card minimum. These 5 negative remarks out of 31 total point to minor inconsistencies rather than widespread issues.
Value
31
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great affordable prices
- Excellent budget meals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Check your bill
- Credit card minimum
- Prices increased
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for the banh mi. They make great and tasty banh mi, with cheap baguettes that are fabulous and affordable. I got the lemongrass beef and bbq pork banh mi, which were amazing.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was phenomenal, especially considering the fantastic prices. Everything felt homemade or from scratch.
- price per personThe service was good, and the food was also good. I had lunch as a takeout order, and it was very affordable, costing between $1–10 per person.
- affordable pricehealthy food for such an affordable price
- budgetI actually almost choked on the rice paper wrapping and found them really bland without the sauce. However, it is pretty good if you’re on a budget. I also ordered an avocado shake and I didn’t really love it, so I’d recommend not getting one.
- budget-friendly meala quick, budget-friendly meal
Frequently criticized
- billBe careful with your bill when checking out
- chargesVery often the charges are incorrect
- credit card minimumthey've got a credit card minimum of $10
- priceThe disappointment was the Cajun shrimp bowl. It was pricey for what it came with. The shrimp was dry, rubbery, and there were very few in the bowl.
- pricesPrices have increased an eye popping amount
Overall, if you're looking for a delicious and genuinely affordable meal, this place is a strong contender. Most customers rave about getting great food for a fantastic price, making it ideal for a budget-friendly outing. Just double-check your bill and be mindful of the credit card minimum to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Cali Baguette Express?
On average, you’ll spend around $13 per person – based on 89 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners keep it budget-friendly, with a big chunk spending $1–$10 or $11–$20. So, while the average is $13, there are plenty of options for a lighter wallet.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value, especially with many options available at the lower end of the spectrum.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cali Baguette Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Decent Budget Banh Mi with Room for Improvement
Cali Baguette Express is a mid-sized, unassuming, and no-nonsense shop in Mira Mesa, offering a value-oriented spot for fresh-daily Banh Mi 🥖. The foundation of their Banh Mi is strong, with sandwiches built on thinner French baguettes that boast a shiny crust and a moist, chewy crumb. The Chicken Banh Mi ($7.
95) was a highlight, with the lemongrass flavor really shining through in the chicken slices. The Tofu Banh Mi ($7. 45) is also a good value, containing a generous amount of rich, marinated tofu.
However, while the bread and proteins were good, the vegetables fell short. The pickled daikon, carrots, and jalapeños lacked crispness and acidity. Without that punch of acid and spice, the sandwiches were a bit flat.
For sides, the Spring Rolls with Shrimp & Pork had a soft and moist rice paper wrapper with great texture, but the pork flavor dominated the roll. If you prefer charbroiled pork in your spring rolls, you might want to skip this side. Overall, it's a decent place to pick up a quick, budget-friendly meal.
- Banh Mi8
- Chicken Banh Mi9
- Tofu Banh Mi8
- vegetables3
- pickled daikon, carrots, and jalapeños3
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Cali Special and Banh Mi!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely the best! We love getting the Cali special or the pork banh mi. Adding the meat pies and egg rolls is a must.
We also can't go wrong with the iced coffee or taro milk tea. But honestly, the main reason we come is to chat with Kim.
- Cali special10
- pork banh mi10
- meat pies9
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Bad Bread and Sour Meat Sandwich
This morning I bought 2 loaves of bread. When I ate them, the bread was really bad. I also purchased a grilled meat sandwich.
The meat was very crumbly and had a sour smell.
- bread2
- grilled meat sandwich1
- meat1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Outstanding Bread and Hot Sandwiches
My experience at this restaurant was marked by friendly service and outstanding bread. While some reviews have mentioned a lack of meat in their sandwiches, I did not experience this. Both my BBQ pork and baguette were served piping hot, arriving within three minutes of ordering.
- friendly service10
- outstanding bread10
- BBQ pork9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Bahn Mi Bread Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, primarily due to the freshly baked bread, which they make daily in-house. You can truly taste the difference; it's perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and soft on the inside. I was genuinely surprised by how good Bahn Mi bread can be!
The lemongrass beef was seasoned slightly better than the bbq pork, but both meats were well-seasoned, not fatty, and not burnt. The pickled and fresh veggies were all fresh and well-prepared. The portion size was just right, though I could have eaten more because it was so delicious!
I'm eager to try their bbq pork with pate and fried egg next time. I would recommend this place 100%!
- bread10
- lemongrass beef8
- bbq pork7
What Cali Baguette Express offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options are available at Cali Baguette Express?
At Cali Baguette Express, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. Additionally, you can arrange catering services for your events or grab a delicious dessert.
Is Cali Baguette Express suitable for families and pets?
Yes, Cali Baguette Express is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere for children. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it a great spot for pet owners.
What is the overall performance of Cali Baguette Express?
Cali Baguette Express holds a `Restaurant Score` of `7.9` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `81.1%`. `Food` scores highest at (8), with `Service` (7.8), `Ambience` (7.6), and `Value` (7.5) also performing well.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Cali Baguette Express?
Diners consistently appreciate the delicious banh mi and fresh, crusty baguettes. The friendly and efficient service, along with the affordable pricing, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
What are some potential concerns when visiting Cali Baguette Express?
Some customers have noted issues with inaccurate operating hours and occasional inconsistencies in food quality for specific dishes. The establishment also lacks a public restroom and air conditioning.