Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Chef’em Mariscos – San Diego
Chef'em Mariscos - San Diego
Photo from Chef’em Mariscos
Chef'em Mariscos at a glance
San Diego Miramar
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 4 of the guests
#355 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#36 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
115
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh Tacos
- Great Service
- Quality Ingredients
Frequently criticized
- Long Waits
- Portion Concerns
- Menu Gaps
The restaurant Chef’em Mariscos in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood is a Mexican Restaurant where you can enjoy a casual atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering a taste of authentic Mexican flavors right here in the city.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking for delicious food in a laid-back setting.
Overview: Introducting Chef'em Mariscos
Chef’em Mariscos offers a culinary experience where the focus is clearly on the food’s quality and flavor. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and distinct taste profiles, making it a notable spot for those seeking specific dishes.
While the quick service is often highlighted, some patrons have noted considerable wait times during busy periods. There’s also a mixed perception regarding portions and overall value, suggesting some items might not meet every expectation.
Good
7.4
out of 10
115
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
79
positive
Chef’em Mariscos generally earns a solid 7.4 overall, indicating a good dining experience for many. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.7%, suggesting that while the restaurant performs well in several areas, there are aspects that leave some patrons wanting more.
This perspective comes from 115 customer observations, with 79 positive remarks balancing against 28 negative ones. The Food is a clear highlight, scoring well at (7.6), and is the most discussed aspect.
Service also performs commendably at (7.2), often described as friendly and efficient. While the Ambience (6.5) is considered average, the Value (5.8) presents a more divided opinion, with some finding it reasonable and others feeling certain items are less substantial for the cost.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful tacos
- Exceptional customer service
- Good ingredient quality
What people don't like
- Extended wait times
- Inconsistent portion value
- Specific food disappointments
If you’re seeking a spot known for its flavorful tacos and attentive service, Chef’em Mariscos is certainly worth considering. The 7.4 recommendation score reflects a generally positive experience, especially for those who prioritize taste and a welcoming interaction.
However, be prepared for potential waits, particularly during busy periods, and manage expectations regarding portion sizes for certain items. It’s a place that shines for its core offerings, but might not satisfy every craving or budget equally.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chef'em Mariscos
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 72%. Many diners, 59 out of 82, rave about the thoughtfully made dishes, amazing tacos, and overall freshness and quality. It seems theyre doing a lot right in the kitchen!
However, not every dish is a home run. Some of the 18 negative comments point to concerns about "portions" not matching the price, and a few found certain items like a "burrito" to be "tasteless" or even "fishy. " Its a mixed bag for some specific items.
Food
82
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Amazing tacos
- Excellent quality
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Tasteless burrito
- Fishy taste
Often praised
- fish tacosFish tacos are fresh & absolutely incredible, bursting with flavor
- fish tacoCan't beat the taste of Fish and chicken taco elsewhere. Fish taco at $1.50, no where you'll find this taste at this price.
- tacosThe customer service was quick and amazing. I've tried their fish and shrimp dishes, including burritos, tacos, and tostadas, and I frequently return for them.
- fish and shrimp tacosThe fish and shrimp tacos are extremely fresh!
- qualityquality is always top notch
- Duck foot + MariscosDuck foot + Mariscos is brilliant
- Fish tacosFish, surf & turf and Gobernador tacos stood out
- Gobernador tacosFish, surf & turf and Gobernador tacos stood out
- Shrimp friesShrimp fries are probably our favorite
- Surf & Turf tacosFish, surf & turf and Gobernador tacos stood out
Frequently criticized
- Mariscosthey have no Mariscos like ceviche or cocktails
- Shrimp BurritoAfter ordering a Shrimp Burrito, I was not impressed. Almost thought I was served a fish burrito as the shrimp is served fried. I expected larger portions for the price which was disappointing as my total came out to around $20 for one burrito.
- beansthey don't use beans as this is an American food truck
- beef burritobeef burrito and it was only beef wrapped in a flour tortilla
- breading and tortillasThe fish tacos were not good; they oddly used arugula for the vegetables, and the fish had a heavy, frozen taste. The breading and tortillas were also subpar. However, the 8 lemon pepper wings were much better and served as the redeeming factor in this meal.
- burritotheir disgusting 🤢 burrito
- fish tacosfish tacos - not good, weirdly they chose arugula for the veg and the fish didn't taste fresh
- fishynot fishy at all
- food cartjust your average food cart
- friesnormal, basic fries. The fries themselves were just basic
If youre looking for fresh, quality tacos and ceviche, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some burritos or portion sizes might not always hit the same high notes. Overall, its a good bet for a tasty meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the amazing service and excellent hospitality, often highlighting the friendly staff and quick, amazing customer service. With a 7.2 score, it's generally considered good, and there are 15 positive remarks praising the team, especially Chef Emre, for their exceptional care. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 68.2%, indicating a mixed experience for some.
A few guests noted issues like orders taking awhile, slow service, and long wait times, with 6 comments mentioning frustrations around the ordering system and dine-in only policy.
Service
22
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing service
- Friendly staff
- Caring Chef Emre
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Dine-in only
Often praised
- serviceThe service is fantastic
- staffvery friendly staff
- Chef EmreChef Emre has an excellent attitude
- customer serviceCustomer service is top chart.
- exceptional serviceexceptional service for their customers.
- experienceMy experience at Chef Emre's restaurant was fantastic. Chef Emre has an excellent attitude and genuinely cares very much about your experience with his food. I had the opportunity to try tacos from the em mariscos truck, and honestly, they were very yummy.
- guy workingThe guy working was kind
- hospitalityExcellent hospitality
- peoplePeople were nice too.
- quick and amazing customer servicequick and amazing customer service
Frequently criticized
- dine-in onlyAll orders to my understanding are dine-in only which I wanted to take mine to go
- orderdid not mention the wait would be over an hour
- slowquite slooooow, considering we were the only customer
- systemonly did a first in first out system
- take awhileIt can take awhile if they are busy
- wait timeWaited over 60 minutes
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and excellent hospitality, youll likely have a great experience. Just be prepared that during busy times, there might be a bit of a wait, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, it seems theres a nice little perk! Based on the 1 positive opinion, customers appreciate that the food truck is conveniently located in front of a bar. This setup contributes to a score of 6.5, which is pretty decent, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 50%.
While there arent any specific negative comments to highlight from the 2 total opinions, the mixed satisfaction suggests the ambience isnt blowing everyone away. Its not bad, but perhaps there's room to elevate the overall atmosphere beyond just the convenient bar access.
Ambience
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bar access
What people don't like
Often praised
- barThe food truck is in front of a bar, which is good
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
So, if youre looking for a place with a convenient spot next to a bar, the ambience here is a solid, if not spectacular, choice. Its worth checking out if thats what youre after, but don't expect a truly standout atmosphere based on the mixed feedback.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, but many guests found some real gems! Several folks raved about the "great price" and overall "value, " with some even calling their experience fantastic, especially noting how well-priced certain items were for the taste. Based on 4 positive remarks, theres definitely a sense of getting a good deal here.
However, the value proposition isn't universally loved, with an average score of 5.8. Others felt things were overpriced, finding portions too small for the cost, like a $20 burrito or $7 tacos. This mixed sentiment is reflected in the 44.4% customer satisfaction, indicating a need for improvement, especially given 4 negative opinions.
Value
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price points
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Portions too small
- Can be overpriced
Often praised
- great priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the awesome taste of the food and the great price. The customer service was quick and amazing.
- priceFish taco at $1.50, no where you'll find this taste at this price.
- pricedVery well priced
- valueQuality, value and amazing service!
Frequently criticized
- priceAlmost thought I was served a fish burrito as the shrimp is served fried. I expected larger portions for the price which was disappointing as my total came out to around $20 for one burrito. All orders to my understanding are dine-in only, which I wanted to take mine to go.
- overpricedOverpriced and quite slooooow
If youre looking for specific deals, you might find incredible value that truly impresses. However, be wary of other menu items, as many customers felt they were overpriced for the portion size. Its a place where you might score big or feel a bit disappointed, so choose wisely!
How are the prices at Chef'em Mariscos?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 4 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Based on the few reviews, most prices cluster around this mid-range, though there’s also a slightly higher option available. Just keep in mind, this is based on a limited number of reviews, but it gives us a good indication!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 4 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of the typical spending!
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Mexican spot, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. Its a good option if youre looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chef'em Mariscos
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Okay Tacos, Great Atmosphere
My experience at this food truck was a mixed bag. The food truck is conveniently located in front of a bar, which is a great setup if you're looking to pair your food with some drinks. The people working there were also very nice.
However, the tacos themselves were just okay. I ordered two fish tacos for $14, and I definitely felt that $7 per taco was too expensive. I believe there are better tacos available elsewhere for a more reasonable price.
- tacos5
- fish tacos5
- people8
- price3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Incredible Fish Tacos!
My experience at the restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The fish tacos were fresh and bursting with flavor. I want to give a huge thank you to the talented chef.
I can't wait to visit again soon!
- fish tacos10
- talented chef9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Mariscos Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I drove here because the menu stated they had Mariscos like ceviche or cocktails, but they had none. It turned out to be just an average food cart.
- Mariscos1
- menu2
- food cart2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Fish Tacos!
Visiting SD, I found this little spot for some fish tacos. I even forgot to get water at first, but they kindly gave me a bottle anyway. Oh, and the tacos were freaking delicious!
- fish tacos10
- water8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Disappointing Shrimp Burrito Experience
After ordering a Shrimp Burrito, I was not impressed. Almost thought I was served a fish burrito as the shrimp is served fried. I expected larger portions for the price which was disappointing as my total came out to around $20 for one burrito.
All orders to my understanding are dine-in only, which I wanted to take mine to go. Unless you are in the area, I would not recommend.
- Shrimp Burrito2
- portions3
- price3
What Chef'em Mariscos offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Chef'em Mariscos provide?
At Chef’em Mariscos, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with catering services also available. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What kind of atmosphere and menu items can you expect at Chef'em Mariscos?
Chef’em Mariscos provides a casual atmosphere perfect for families, as it’s good for kids. You’ll find a diverse menu including healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices. They also serve beer and cocktails, making it ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
How does Chef'em Mariscos generally perform?
Chef’em Mariscos holds an overall score of 7.4. Its Food scores well at 7.6, Service at 7.2, Ambience at 6.5, and Value at 5.8.
What do customers appreciate most about Chef'em Mariscos?
Patrons frequently praise the fresh and flavorful tacos, along with the friendly and quick customer service provided by the staff.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted extended wait times, particularly during peak hours, and occasional concerns about portion sizes or specific menu items like certain burritos.