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oChef » Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food – San Diego
Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food - San Diego
Photo from Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food
Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food at a glance
San Diego Oak Park
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#418 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
585
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Good atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Parking challenges
The restaurant Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food in San Diego’s vibrant Oak Park neighborhood offers a unique American dining experience. You can look forward to an evening filled with delicious food and the lively ambiance of live music.
This casual yet trendy spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full meal, you’ll find something to savor here at Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food LLC.
Overview: Introducting Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food
Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food offers a compelling blend of flavors that many patrons find truly satisfying. The flavor of the dishes often receives high praise, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
You’ll likely appreciate the vibrant VIBE and the welcoming atmosphere that accompanies your meal. However, it’s worth noting that some aspects, particularly concerning value and customer service consistency, have drawn criticism.
While the food often hits the mark, be prepared for potential concerns regarding prices and occasional wait time issues that might affect your overall visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
585
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
147
negative
29
neutral
409
positive
Overall, Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food achieves a respectable 7.2 out of 10, reflecting a generally good impression among diners. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 69.9%, which sits at the higher end of the mixed range, indicating that while many are pleased, there’s still room for improvement to reach excellent satisfaction.
The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Food (7.7), which garners the most positive feedback, and its Ambience (7.3), contributing to a pleasant setting. Service (6.3) is perceived as average, with a mix of positive and negative experiences.
The primary area for development is Value (4.4), which is considered below average. These insights are drawn from 585 customer comments, with 409 positive remarks balancing against 147 negative ones.
What people like
- Flavorful, well-cooked food
- Engaging atmosphere
- Friendly, personable staff
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent service
- Location and parking issues
If you prioritize flavorful, well-prepared food and an engaging dining atmosphere, Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.5 suggests that many leave feeling positive about their experience, particularly regarding the culinary offerings.
However, if value for money and consistent service are your top priorities, you might find aspects of your visit less satisfying. It’s a place that delivers on taste and vibe, but you should manage expectations regarding pricing and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75.4%, many diners rave about the deliciousness. Out of 403 comments, 304 were positive, praising items like the Mac-n-cheese, chicken, and flavorful food, often highlighting the generous portions and home-cooked taste.
However, not every bite is perfect. There were 76 negative remarks, with some experiences mentioning food being cooked in old grease, soggy batter, or even over-salted. A few unfortunate incidents even reported food poisoning, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation or freshness.
Food
403
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
76
negative
23
neutral
304
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful food
- Generous portions
- Home-cooked taste
What people don't like
- Old grease taste
- Food poisoning
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodAs someone who grew up on Southern food, my experience at this restaurant was unfortunately not what I expected. While the food was hot and the fry batter was seasoned, and the collard greens were properly cooked down, several aspects fell short. The chicken was small for the price point, and the batter was disappointingly soggy with a lot of fat.
- collard greensAs someone who grew up on Southern food, my experience at this restaurant was unfortunately not what I expected. While the food was hot and the fry batter was seasoned, and the collard greens were properly cooked down, several aspects fell short. The chicken was small for the price point, and the batter was disappointingly soggy with a lot of fat.
- mac and cheeseMy experience was incredibly positive; they were incredibly helpful and punctual. We ordered two trays of wings, a tray of shrimp, yams, mac and cheese, and collard greens. By the time the event was done, there was nothing left, which speaks to how incredible the food was.
- chickenfish and chicken, both were seasoned and cooked to perfection
- rice and gravychicken strips with rice and gravy and macaroni and cheese and I'll just say YUMMMM!!!
- shrimpMy experience was incredibly positive; they were incredibly helpful and punctual. We ordered two trays of wings, a tray of shrimp, yams, mac and cheese, and collard greens. By the time the event was done, there was nothing left, which speaks to how incredible the food was.
- FoodFood was so good I ordered enough for dinner
- Mac and cheeseThe fried fish with greens and Mac and cheese, everything was delicious
- flavorThe flavooorrrrrr. It was my first time and Everything was CRAZY good.
- greensThe fried fish with greens and Mac and cheese, everything was delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodI had the unfortunate experience of eating at this food truck. The staff were incredibly rude, the food was terrible, and it was overpriced. If I could give zero stars, I would.
- chickenThe chicken I ordered was cold and seemed like it has been sitting out for a while. The chicken was dry, and the sauce was barely noticeable and lacked any seasoning.
- greensgreens tasted like it was from the bottom of the pot tasted burnt
- breadingThe dishes are overpriced, especially considering the seemingly dirt-cheap ingredients. They use the same breading for everything, making chicken taste like fish and fish taste like tenders – there's no difference in taste, only texture. The brand's claim of serving soul food is misleading, as it's not southern at all.
- catfishThe catfish had a weird film on it, and it was burned
- food poisoningI got food poisoning from this place.
- fried chickenThe fried chicken was greasy, overcooked on the outside, and dry on the inside.
- sidespaid extra for sides I have not received
- yamsMy yams was hard, and not cooked
- 2 pc catfishThe grease was definitely old and it affected the taste of the fish.
If you're craving comforting, flavorful soul food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in preparation, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had a genuinely positive experience, with 70 positive opinions out of 121 total. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff, great customer service, and exceptional hospitality, often praising the Chef and his wife for their personable approach and the team's overall professionalism. However, with 47 negative opinions, the service experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 6.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.9%.
Some have encountered rude service, bad attitudes, and long waiting times, with a few noting unprofessionalism and issues with communication or order accuracy.
Service
121
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
47
negative
4
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great customer service
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional attitudes
Often praised
- customer serviceThe blue koolaid is super bomb too. The staff has always been nice and provides great customer service. I normally get the same thing: the catfish basket with greens & rice/gravy.
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! From their food truck days to their support at Pride weekend and now their new restaurant, the food is consistently amazing and served fresh. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- ServiceService:5
- staffThey were incredibly responsive and accommodating of our organization's security policies. On the day of the event, the staff was super friendly, and the food was DELICIOUS. Many employees opted for the full dinner meal, with some even returning for a second serving.
- peopleThe people there are super friendly and very accommodating
- Chef Buddashoutout to Chef Budda
- Chef and his wifeChef and his wife are so personable
- Instagram updatesIt's convenient that they have a wide range of areas throughout San Diego. I always check their Instagram because they are so good at updating their current location. Make sure you tip!
- assistanceHe kindly assisted with our menu choices and answered any questions
- chef and his staffThe chef and his staff are great
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceThe food was honestly mid, nothing special, but I did enjoy it and finish it all, especially the dirty Mac. I think the customer service can be worked on. I was with my sister-in-law, and we initially went to a pho spot but decided to come to this food truck instead.
- serviceexpected way better quality and service
- wait timeEven after calling to inquire about the opening time, we were told 1 PM, but they didn't open until 1: 06 PM. This entire situation was super annoying and unprofessional.
- staffI had the unfortunate experience of eating at this food truck. The staff were incredibly rude, the food was terrible, and it was overpriced. If I could give zero stars, I would.
- waiting timeThe breading was thick and bland — no real seasoning or crunch, just oily and heavy. I waited over 30 minutes for my order, which might’ve been fine if the food was worth it, but it definitely wasn’t. Even the sides were underwhelming — cold fries and a tiny portion of coleslaw that tasted store-bought.
- Customer service experiencethe lady taking orders needs to be more Customer service experience
- alternative solutioninstead of it being suggested to me
- attitudeWe ordered for pickup, and while I admit I could have prevented the next issue by opening my email, I didn't. However, I don't feel that excuses the attitude I was met with. For online orders, an ID is required for pickup, which makes sense for payment confirmation.
- attitudesEspecially after waiting for over 45 minutes, I would expect a little positivity. As a member of the Black community, we deserve better than overly seasoned food and bad attitudes.
- communicationhave not been contacted since nor have i heard anything back
The service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly friendly and helpful staff, or you could face long waits and less-than-stellar attitudes. If you're willing to take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot scores a solid 7.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 73%. Many guests, 27 out of 37 reviews, absolutely loved the welcoming atmosphere, good tunes, and clean space. They raved about the positive vibes and music, making it a lively place to be.
However, 10 opinions pointed out some drawbacks. Some felt the vibes were kind of wack, often due to the challenging location, sometimes in a gas station, and the lack of a proper place to sit. Parking can also be a real headache, making access a bit tricky.
Ambience
37
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Good music
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Challenging location
- Limited seating
- Parking issues
Often praised
- atmosphereI had been seeing posts on Instagram for some time, but my schedule finally permitted me to go. My entire family and I thoroughly enjoyed the food and service. I ordered the fish, wings, shrimp, Mac and Cheese, and greens.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- TVsthey had great TVs inside and had football playing while I waited.
- VIBEThe flavor is above all, the friendliness of everyone working there is top notch and the VIBE! All about the vibes! I literally order everything on the menu every time I eat there, well, every side at least, and I choose my own proteins each time depending on my diet lol.
- busyThe prices are a little high. Despite these issues, the restaurant was well organized and very busy, indicating good service and atmosphere.
- cleanlinesswalk in is clean
- food truckHighly recommend trying this! It's a food truck, but I can't tell you how worth it that it is.
- good tunesalways playing good tunes
- locally owned and operated small businessLocally owned and operated small buisness!!
- musicthe music added a cool vibe
Frequently criticized
- parkingMy first time here, and the food was very good 👍🏽. While the location isn't the best and there's nowhere to park, the staff was friendly and trying their best. The service was excellent, and the food quality was top-notch.
- locationit was hard to find, The location was different
- closed signthere’s a closed sign on the door
- gas stationalso in a gas station
- no place to sitonly no place to sit and eat
- truckI tried to come and make an order today, but when I showed up, there was no truck to be found. I called and was informed they’re closed today.
- vibesbut the vibes are kind of wack
If youre looking for a lively spot with good music and a welcoming feel, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potential challenges with parking and seating, as it's often a food truck setup.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners feel theyve hit the jackpot! Many rave about finding fresh, home-cooked food at a reasonable price, noting its worth every dollar and that the prices are quite fair. There are even mentions of a military discount making things sweeter.
Out of 24 customer remarks, 8 were positive, highlighting a sense of satisfaction with their money spent. On the flip side, the overall sentiment for value is quite mixed, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 33.3%. A significant 14 negative comments highlight overpriced items and portion sizes deemed too small for the cost.
Frustration also arises from delivery apps pricing discrepancies, with some feeling taken advantage of. The score for value is an average 4.4, indicating clear room for improvement.
Value
24
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every dollar
- Reasonable prices
- Military discount
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Tiny portion sizes
- Delivery app markups
Often praised
- priceI found the best food in town here. If you're looking for fresh, well-seasoned, home-cooked food at a reasonable price, this is definitely the place to be. The customer service was great, and the people were wonderful.
- every dollarWorth every dollar to me
- military discountThey offer military discount
- moneyWorth the wait and the money
- pricesthe prices we're reasonable
- worth every dollarit’s worth every dollar
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price, I expected way better quality and service
- overpricedit was overpriced
- pricesPrices are a little high
- pricingridiculous pricing $25 for my meal alone smh a waste of money!
- delivery apps pricinglisting every item for $4 more on delivery apps should be a crime
- item pricingSome items are $6 more than if you would just go pick it up
- ownerthis owner is clearly a scammer trying to take advantage of people
- portion sizesthe portion sizes were tiny for the price
If youre looking for a deal, this spot is a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices reasonable and the food worth it, many feel its overpriced, especially with delivery apps. Consider picking up your order to potentially save some cash, but be prepared for potentially small portions.
How are the prices at Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 91 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, while this restaurant is in a good mid-range spot, many diners in the market tend to spend a bit less, with a big cluster around the 21-30$ mark. However, there are also plenty of options that go much higher!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Diego.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in this range. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank, sitting nicely above the budget options but below the high-end experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Mixed Experience with Catfish and Sides
My experience involved ordering the 2 pc catfish with 2 sides, specifically macaroni and potato salad. Unfortunately, the grease was definitely old and negatively impacted the taste of the fish. On a positive note, the macaroni was good and the cornbread muffin was good.
The potato salad was just okay, and the famous blue drink was just ok. Due to the issues with the fish, I wouldn’t return. However, the lady at the register had good customer service skills.
- macaroni8
- cornbread muffin8
- potato salad5
- 2 pc catfish2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Food Despite Great Service
We visited from New Orleans on 12/26 and ordered the Big Greedy platter, which included dirty Mac, gravy and rice, yams, two Kool-Aids, and an extra piece of catfish for about $60. The vibe was nice and the customer service was 10/10. However, I think the food would have been amazing if they had changed the grease.
The food was dark and the grease tasted OLD. We were initially planning to visit on Christmas Day, but they were closed. Due to the food quality, I don’t think I’ll try again!
- vibe10
- customer service10
- Big Greedy platter6
- food2
- grease1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Tasty Shrimp, Sweet Sides, Dry Mac & Cheese
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. Parking was almost none, making it difficult to find a spot. While dine-in is available, I noticed many people were picking up their orders.
I ordered the chicken wings and shrimp combo. The shrimps were huge and tasty, and the chicken wings and shrimps had a nice crunch. However, the beans and ground beef were too sweet for my preference, though they did have a nice flavor.
The macaroni and cheese was dry. Overall, the shrimp and chicken wings were the highlights.
- shrimps9
- chicken wings8
- beans and ground beef6
- parking2
- macaroni and cheese3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Food, Nice Atmosphere, Reasonable Prices
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the chicken tenders, though the shrimp wasn't as enjoyable. I'm not a big fan of catfish.
The presentation was great, and the quantity on the big plate could easily feed 3 to 4 people. The atmosphere was absolutely nice, with TVs and music creating a pleasant environment. For the current times, the prices were reasonable.
I would definitely go there again.
- chicken tenders8
- presentation9
- quantity9
- shrimp4
- catfish3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely the Best Food!
My experience at this restaurant was bombastic! Their food is truly the best. I especially loved the cantaloupe water and the sweet potatoes.
You can’t go wrong with any of the protein options; literally everything is good, though those are just my personal favorites. It's a locally owned and operated small business. Yum yum yum!
- cantaloupe water10
- sweet potatoes10
- protein options10
What Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food?
You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere at Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food. It’s a great spot to enjoy live music and catch up on sports, making it perfect for a relaxed outing with friends or family.
Does Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food offer family-friendly amenities and convenient parking?
Yes, Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. You’ll also find wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, with free street parking and a free parking lot usually available.
How does Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food generally rate?
Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food holds a 7.2 overall score, with its Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.3) being particular strengths. Service (6.3) is average, while Value (4.4) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food?
Many customers praise the flavor and seasoning, highlighting dishes like mac and cheese , chicken , and shrimp as delicious and well-prepared.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or service?
Some patrons find the prices to be high for the portion sizes , leading to concerns about value . Additionally, wait time and customer service consistency have been mentioned as areas needing attention.