Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
oChef » Clara’s Kitchen – San Diego
Clara's Kitchen - San Diego
Photo from Clara’s Kitchen
Clara's Kitchen at a glance
San Diego Emerald Hills
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#43 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
149
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Soul Food
- Great Value
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Home Location
- Hygiene Issues
- Cold Dishes
The American Restaurant, Clara’s Kitchen, in San Diego’s Emerald Hills neighborhood, invites you to a truly special dining experience. This Clara’s Kitchen (Soul Food) Micro-enterprise Home Kitchen, known for its vibrant live music, sets the perfect mood for your evening.
You’ll discover a menu rich with comforting Soul Food, promising a delightful meal in a casual setting. It’s an ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Overview: Introducting Clara's Kitchen
Clara’s Kitchen offers a heartfelt culinary experience, often praised for its authentic soul food that reminds patrons of home cooking. Many appreciate the generous portions and feel they receive their money’s worth.
The positive feedback frequently highlights the delicious flavors and comforting dishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere for many diners. However, some experiences with Clara’s Kitchen have been less smooth.
While many commend the customer service, there are instances of reported unprofessionalism during ordering. Additionally, some customers were surprised by the home-based location, expecting a traditional restaurant setting.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
149
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
133
positive
Clara’s Kitchen generally earns high marks, with an overall Restaurant Score of 8.9, placing it firmly in the excellent category. This positive sentiment is echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 89.3%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 149 customer comments, with 133 expressing positive experiences and only 13 noting issues. The culinary offerings truly stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (9.3), reflecting its central role in customer delight.
Patrons also find the Value (9) to be excellent, feeling their money is well spent. While Ambience (8.6) is rated well, the Service (8) also receives a good score, though it shows a slight dip compared to other aspects, suggesting some room for consistency.
What people like
- Authentic Soul Food
- Great Value
- Warm, Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Unexpected Home Location
- Hygiene Concerns
- Cold Food Issues
Clara’s Kitchen comes with a strong recommendation, boasting a Recommendation Score of 9.1. If you’re seeking authentic, comforting soul food and appreciate generous portions, this spot is certainly worth exploring.
It offers a unique, home-style dining experience that many find deeply satisfying. However, be prepared for a non-traditional setting and understand that service experiences can vary.
While the food and value are consistently praised, those expecting a conventional restaurant environment or flawless service might adjust their expectations. It’s a place for those who prioritize flavor and a personal touch.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Clara's Kitchen
Food (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93%, its clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 100 total mentions, a whopping 93 rave about the delicious offerings.
Guests particularly love the otherworldly smothered neckbones and spinach, the creamy mac and cheese, and the perfectly seasoned fried chicken wings, often describing it as incredible soul food. However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, with 4 mentions highlighting some areas for improvement. A few guests noted issues like cold food, tough Chitterlings, or specific concerns about the dressing.
While these instances are rare, they are worth keeping in mind.
Food
100
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious soul food
- Excellent flavor
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Tough Chitterlings
- Hair in food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the best REAL soul food that I have tasted in a long time. I highly recommend you try it.
- greensThe food was great, with everything seasoned perfectly. I especially enjoyed the Catfish, Mac & cheese, greens, and garlic mash potatoes. The Cajun spice chicken was also amazing.
- soul foodEverything was super delicious and flavorful! It truly felt like I was eating at my aunt's house, who always made amazing soul food. While she was out of the peach cobbler and cornbread dressing, based on what I did try, I'm super excited to order again soon to try those and other entrees.
- catfishthe best part is the catfish. You have to try the catfish
- peach cobbler" I'll definitely be back for more. The peach cobbler was so good it "gave me the Itis. " The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, making for a great overall experience.
- dirty ricedirty rice and greens…. AND shrimp pancit!!!!
- lemon pepper chickenlemon pepper chicken with potato salad and Mac and cheese and she gave me a mashed potato and everything was awesome!
- mac and cheeseMac and cheese and cornbread are our 2 favorite sides
- FoodFood:5
- Cajun spice chickenCajun spice chicken was amazing
Frequently criticized
- ChitterlingsThe Chitterlings were tough
- dressingThe dressing had tons of ground beef 🥩
- foodthe food was cold
- mac and cheesedog hair in my mac and cheese
If youre craving truly delicious, home-cooked soul food, this spot comes highly recommended. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat, despite a few isolated concerns. It's definitely worth a visit to experience the incredible flavors for yourself.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, Clara's Kitchen generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 78.4%. Out of 37 comments, 29 rave about the excellent, pleasant, and top-tier customer service. Many feel like family, highlighting the kindness and professionalism of staff like Clara and the owner, who often greet you with a smiling face.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 8 comments noting some areas for improvement. A few customers encountered unprofessional and rude customer service, particularly concerning the tone during phone orders. There were also some frustrations with the ordering system, suggesting a need for more consistent business presentation.
Service
37
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Professional owner
What people don't like
- Rude customer service
- Unprofessional tone
- Ordering system issues
Often praised
- serviceClara herself was professional, timely, and friendly. I was very impressed with the service and highly recommend trying it.
- ClaraClara is so kind and communicative
- RozRoz is ever so sweet, professional., and engaging!!
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe customer service is top tier
- ownerRos, the owner, was wonderful to talk to
- RosRos is the nicest ever
- TalentGirl... you have Talent
- dine ini have dine in it is always so Pleasant
- familymade to feel like we were family
Frequently criticized
- business presentation' I clarified if it was indeed Clara's Kitchen, and she replied meanly, 'I own that. ' Given this lack of professionalism and the owner's apparent disregard for how she presents the business, I decided not to proceed. It's also worth noting that this is a home-based business, which I was unaware of beforehand.
- customer serviceMy experience at Clara's Kitchen was quite disappointing due to the extremely unprofessional and rude customer service I encountered when trying to place an order. Upon calling, a lady answered with a simple 'hello' in an unpleasant tone.
- ordering systemordering system was not working right
- packagingThe mac and cheese is amazing and the dressing was delicious. I wasn't the biggest fan of the packaging, but with a simple, polite request to have everything packaged separately, I'm in love. Definitely will be a repeat customer!
- professionalism' I clarified if it was indeed Clara's Kitchen, and she replied meanly, 'I own that. ' Given this lack of professionalism and the owner's apparent disregard for how she presents the business, I decided not to proceed. It's also worth noting that this is a home-based business, which I was unaware of beforehand.
- serviceTerrible service
- take out onlyNo where does it say take out only
- toneMy experience at Clara's Kitchen was quite disappointing due to the extremely unprofessional and rude customer service I encountered when trying to place an order. Upon calling, a lady answered with a simple 'hello' in an unpleasant tone. When I inquired if it was Clara's Kitchen, she responded rudely, stating it was 'not sure what she said.
With mostly good service, Claras Kitchen often makes you feel like family, thanks to its kind staff. However, be aware that some customers have encountered unprofessional phone interactions or issues with the ordering system. Its worth trying for the personal touch, but keep these points in mind.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a 8.6 score, the atmosphere really shines, and a fantastic 87.5% customer satisfaction backs that up. Guests rave about the overall atmosphere and especially love the comfortable outdoor space.
It seems the restaurant location is also a breeze to find, according to 7 positive remarks. However, theres a minor point about the location that might catch you off guard. One comment mentioned it felt less like a traditional restaurant and more like someones house, which could be a unique, or perhaps confusing, first impression.
Ambience
8
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Comfortable outdoor space
- Easy to find
What people don't like
- Unconventional location
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both rated a 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor spacethe outdoor space is comfortable
- restaurant locationThe Cajun spice chicken was also amazing. Ordering online was incredibly easy and the restaurant was not hard to find at all.
Frequently criticized
- locationit's not a restaurant it's someone's house
Overall, the ambience here is a strong point, scoring 8.6 and enjoying 87.5% customer satisfaction. If you appreciate a good atmosphere and comfortable outdoor seating, you'll likely enjoy your visit. Just be prepared for a potentially unconventional location that might feel more residential than commercial.
Value (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are getting their moneys worth. Based on 4 positive remarks, diners consistently praise the price per person as reasonably priced, feeling its "worth every penny" and delivers fantastic "moneys worth" for delicious, home-cooked meals.
Interestingly, our analysis found absolutely no negative feedback regarding the value here. With zero negative comments among the 4 opinions, it seems customers are universally delighted with what they pay versus what they receive. There are simply no reported downsides or areas for improvement when it comes to the pricing and perceived worth.
Value
4
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Reasonably priced
- Great money's worth
What people don't like
Often praised
- money's worthIt's the best place in San Diego. There isn't really any other good soul food like this, but best believe you're going to get your money's worth. This kitchen is not your typical restaurant; it's home-cooked food, and it was the best I've had in a long time.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- reasonably pricedI died and went to heaven with every bite; it's so good. It's real food, reasonably priced, and made with love. I highly recommend you come try her food; you won't be disappointed!
- worth every pennyWorth every penny
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your dollar goes far, this is it! Customers rave about getting incredible, home-cooked quality without breaking the bank. You can confidently expect to get excellent value and leave feeling completely satisfied with your investment.
How are the prices at Clara's Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in this sweet spot, though there are definitely options for those looking to spend a bit less or splurge a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Diego?
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without being overly expensive, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Clara's Kitchen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Soul Food Ever!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the best REAL soul food that I have tasted in a long time. I highly recommend you try it.
You are guaranteed you will be back.
- soul food10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
10
Best Soul Food in Town!
OMG, this is the best soul food in the city! A must-try, you don’t want to miss out on this good eating!
- soul food10
- good eating10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Pork Neck Bones!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! I ordered the pork neck bones, greens, and dirty rice. Everything was absolutely delicious.
I highly recommend this place!
- pork neck bones10
- greens10
- dirty rice10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The food was so good, and Clara can truly cook! I ordered the lemon pepper chicken with potato salad and mac and cheese, and was delighted to also receive mashed potatoes – everything was awesome!
I also tried my friend's peach cobbler, which was fantastic. To top it all off, the sweet tea was great. I will definitely be back for sure!
- food10
- lemon pepper chicken10
- peach cobbler10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
1
Terrible Service and Cold Food
My experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was served cold, and to my disgust, there was dog hair in my mac and cheese. I will never buy anything from this establishment again.
- service1
- food1
- mac and cheese1
What Clara's Kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Clara's Kitchen?
At Clara’s Kitchen, you can look forward to a casual atmosphere perfect for dinner or a quick bite. They offer live music to enhance your visit, and you can even enjoy their great dessert options. Whether you prefer to dine-in, get takeout, or use curbside pickup, they have you covered.
Does Clara's Kitchen accommodate families and offer convenient services?
Yes, Clara’s Kitchen is good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot. You’ll find free street parking available, and they accept reservations for your convenience. Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi, and you can pay with credit or debit cards.
What is the overall rating for Clara's Kitchen and what aspects contribute to it?
Clara’s Kitchen holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.9. This is largely driven by excellent Food (9.3) and great Value (9). Ambience (8.6) and Service (8) also contribute positively to this high rating.
What kind of food does Clara's Kitchen offer and is it considered good value?
Clara’s Kitchen is highly regarded for its authentic soul food, with many customers praising its delicious and flavorful dishes. Patrons consistently feel they get their money’s worth, indicating excellent value for the quality and portion sizes.
Are there any common concerns or things to know before visiting Clara's Kitchen?
Some customers have noted that Clara’s Kitchen operates from a home-based location rather than a traditional restaurant, which can be unexpected. While often friendly, there have been occasional reports of inconsistent customer service experiences.