Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Emerald – San Diego
Emerald - San Diego
Photo from Emerald
Emerald at a glance
San Diego Serra Mesa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#703 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#27 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
4.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
532
Reviews
35.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Swift service
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Billing issues
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant, a Chinese eatery in San Diego’s Serra Mesa neighborhood, invites you to discover a truly authentic experience. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
What truly sets this spot apart is its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Emerald provides a comfortable setting with excellent table service.
Overview: Introducting Emerald
Emerald offers a dining experience with notable highs and some significant lows. Many patrons appreciate the quality of the food and the generally swift, attentive service from the staff.
The setting often contributes to a pleasant visit, making it suitable for various occasions. However, the restaurant faces consistent criticism regarding its prices and certain billing practices.
While the Cantonese fare is often praised, these concerns about value and occasional service issues can detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal, leading to varied customer opinions.
Average
4.6
out of 10
532
Reviews
35.3%
Satisfaction
308
negative
36
neutral
188
positive
Overall, Emerald holds a 4.6 score, placing it in the average range, reflecting a balanced view from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 35.3%, which is considered poor, indicating that a significant portion of guests leave less than fully pleased.
This divergence suggests a complex dining experience. The Food (5.8) receives the highest marks, often described as delicious, with Ambience (5.8) also performing reasonably well.
However, Service (3.8) is moderate, and especially Value (2.7) shows areas for improvement. These insights are drawn from 532 customer comments, with 188 positive and 308 negative observations.
What people like
- Delicious Cantonese food
- Professional, swift service
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable billing practices
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent service quality
Emerald presents a compelling case for its Cantonese cuisine, particularly if you prioritize taste and a generally pleasant setting. However, be mindful of the pricing structure and potential service inconsistencies, which can impact the overall experience.
With a recommendation score of 4.7, it suggests that while some find it worth a visit, it might not be a universal fit. Consider Emerald for its culinary strengths, but approach with an awareness of its noted drawbacks.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
248
94.8%
- $$
- Pacific Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
114
84.2%
- $$
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
404
79.7%
- $$
- Kearny Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
500
80.2%
- $$
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.6
out of 10
out of 10
367
74.1%
- $$
- Mira Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
7.3
out of 10
out of 10
357
73.4%
- $$
- Clairemont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Emerald
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Alright, let's dive into the food! With a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at 51.4%, the culinary experience here seems to be an average, mixed bag. Out of 220 opinions, 113 were positive, often praising the authentic Cantonese cuisine and freshly prepared Dim Sum.
Many found the dishes to have excellent taste and appreciated the wide variety. On the flip side, 91 negative opinions highlight some areas for improvement. Concerns included food being too salty, instances of mediocre food, and issues with food quality control.
Some even mentioned an old oil taste, suggesting a lack of consistency in the kitchen.
Food
220
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
91
negative
16
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese
- Excellent taste
- Freshly prepared
What people don't like
- Hair in food
- Too salty
- Poor quality control
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere, both rated a 5 out of 5. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5 out of 5.
- dim sumIt's been over 8 years since I last dined here, and I'm now in SA, TX. The food is still good, but I miss the old days of the food cart servers who would bring around choices of dim sum to pick and point. The price has definitely doubled.
- Dim SumGood variety of Dim Sum
- FoodFood:5
- Peking duckMy husband and son enjoyed the food they ordered, but the overall experience was not so positive. We ordered the stuffed eggplant ($9.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was so delicious! It's a perfect place to go as a group and try a bunch of dishes and dim sum. The lazy Susan makes it so easy to share.
- Dim sumMy friends took me here, and I can confidently say it's the best Dim sum I've ever had. The staff were incredibly friendly, always happy to chat and explain everything.
- Singapore Noodleshighly recommend the Singapore Noodles
- portionsthe portions are really big
- Broccoli with Oyster Saucethe food was tasty!
Frequently criticized
- foodBased on the food and experience I don't believe we would be dining there again.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I found it to be the worst place to have dim sum. The prices were way overpriced, and there was no service at all.
- food qualityfood was mediocre. Half the stuff is good. Half not good.
- Peking DuckThe first thing out was the Peking Duck
- food temperatureeverything was a different temperature
- lobsterThe lobster was missing the most important parts. It did not have two claws. Small lobster.
- porridgeWhile the service was quick and the restaurant was very busy, the payment process was problematic. The dim sum was fine, but I wasn't a fan of the turning ribs or porridge. However, the steamed shrimp dumplings were great.
- riceFor the price of their items, they should definitely be including rice. Especially considering I already regret ordering it as their sweet and sour chicken tastes the same as any other, only way more expensive.
- Cantonese roasted meatsCantonese roasted meats are supposed to be a classic feature of Cantonese cuisine, but they weren’t good
- Char Siumuch better version of Char Siu
If you're seeking a wide variety of authentic Cantonese dishes and freshly prepared dim sum, you might find some real gems here. However, be aware that experiences can be inconsistent, so temper your expectations regarding overall taste and quality control.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for service here leans negative, some diners did experience bright spots. Guests occasionally praised the friendly people and attentive staff, noting that food came out quickly and highlighting instances of great customer service. These positive remarks, though fewer, show that good interactions can happen.
However, with a score of just 3.8 and a low customer satisfaction of 27.2% based on 125 comments (86 negative vs. 34 positive), service clearly needs attention. Many reported rude workers, slow and disorganized experiences, and missing items or forgotten orders. Issues like unexpected service charges and staff being inattentive also frequently popped up.
Service
125
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
86
negative
5
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow, disorganized service
- Hidden service charges
Often praised
- serviceThis pleasant setting, paired with delicious Cantonese fare, makes Emerald ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxing evening out with friends and family. I must also commend their staff, who are professionally trained and provide swift, attentive service. Last but not least, the family set menu pricing is exceptionally reasonable compared to other Chinese restaurants in the Convoy district.
- ServiceService:4
- StaffStaff loves to chat and explain
- staffThis pleasant setting, paired with delicious Cantonese fare, makes Emerald ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxing evening out with friends and family. I must also commend their staff, who are professionally trained and provide swift, attentive service. Last but not least, the family set menu pricing is exceptionally reasonable compared to other Chinese restaurants in the Convoy district.
- came out quicklyit came out quickly
- card machinethere was a machine there and it worked.
- customers servicegreat customers service
- familiar facesgood to see so many familiar faces still working there
- friendly peoplefriendly people
- ordering on a sheetYou order on a sheet so that part is nice.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the food itself wasn't excessively slow or bad, it was definitely not worth the price, especially considering nearby establishments offer similar items for about $2 less. In summary: cash only, extremely horrible service, our order was 'forgotten', and it was overpriced. I strongly advise going elsewhere!
- staffThe guy that “ helped us “ skinny guy with glasses . Accused us when leaving not giving a tip . Was forcing us to pay for tip . Saying you no pay tip why ? We don’t have to pay tip ? Under California law . And telling us out the door , “ screw you I don’t want to see you again , don’t come back to the restaurant “
- waiterthe waiter always look at me make me feel uncomfortable
- cashiercashier became so rude and unfriendly
- customer serviceEmerald used to be a great restaurant with great customer service
- managerThe manager did not want to do anything else other than that.
- order sheetThe guy with the blue hair came back and asked us to do the order over and recircle the menu items because he lost it.
- service staffservice staff had the gall to refuse to take back items
- waitCan't wait + 20 minutes to correct
- Service ChargeThis was the first time I heard about Service Charge
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially challenging service experience. While some find the staff friendly and quick, the overwhelming feedback points to significant issues with attentiveness, organization, and even rudeness. It might be a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests found the atmosphere quite pleasant, noting the quiet noise level and tasteful décor. Theres often ample space between tables and even private rooms for groups, making it a good spot for gatherings. With an average score of 5.8 and mixed customer satisfaction at 56.1%, it seems theres a decent foundation here, supported by 32 positive remarks.
However, the experience isn't always perfect. Several guests struggled with limited parking and found the restaurant could get quite loud and noisy, especially on weekends or with large groups. Issues like dirty floors or unpleasant restrooms also popped up in the 22 negative comments, suggesting some areas could definitely use a refresh to enhance the overall feel.
Ambience
57
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious dining
- Private rooms
- Tasteful decor
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Loud environment
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were both rated a solid 4
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- space between tablesLocated in the heart of San Diego’s Pan-Asian district on Convoy, this restaurant offers exquisite and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The décor is tastefully appointed, featuring elegant Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and the restaurant boasts clean, beautiful carpeting with ample space between tables, ensuring patrons’ privacy. This pleasant setting, paired with delicious Cantonese fare, makes Emerald ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxing evening out with friends and family.
- Free parking lotFree parking lot
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- carpetingLocated in the heart of San Diego’s Pan-Asian district on Convoy, this restaurant offers exquisite and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The décor is tastefully appointed, featuring elegant Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and the restaurant boasts clean, beautiful carpeting with ample space between tables, ensuring patrons’ privacy. This pleasant setting, paired with delicious Cantonese fare, makes Emerald ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxing evening out with friends and family.
- dining roomExpansive dining room
- décorLocated in the heart of San Diego’s Pan-Asian district on Convoy, this restaurant offers exquisite and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The décor is tastefully appointed, featuring elegant Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and the restaurant boasts clean, beautiful carpeting with ample space between tables, ensuring patrons’ privacy. This pleasant setting, paired with delicious Cantonese fare, makes Emerald ideal for a casual lunch or a relaxing evening out with friends and family.
- inside of the restaurantinside of the restaurant is nice and clean
- lazy Susanwith a lazy Susan it makes it so easy to share
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere seemed run down
- Crowded on weekendsCrowded on weekends
- acousticsAcoustics were terrible
- bathroombathroom was dirty
- business grouploud business group there of nearly 100 people
- dirty dishesthe dishes are dirty
- disposable cupswater is now served in disposable cups
- dustel polvo
- floorsMy daughter fell at the establishment because the floors were wet, soapy and without signage. The personnel was very dismissive and unforthcoming with information.
- limited parkingI also had to approach the server for our check. Several points detracted from the experience: it's cash only, an 18% service charge was automatically added for our party of 3 (which we felt was unwarranted given the subpar service), there is limited parking, and we faced a 25-minute wait. Additionally, they charged $0.
Overall, if you're seeking a pleasant, spacious setting with good parking, especially for a group or in a private room, this place could be a good fit. Just be mindful that during peak times, it can get quite loud, and parking might be a challenge, so plan accordingly.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
A few diners found some bright spots regarding value, appreciating certain deals and noting that family set menu pricing could be quite fairly priced. There were 9 positive remarks out of 130, highlighting reasonable prices for specific offerings and even complimentary tea in some cases. It seems a select few felt the food was indeed worth its cost.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 109 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt overpriced dishes and unexpected charges like Auto Grat or service fee were common. The cash only policy also frustrated many, leading to an overall poor value score of 2.7.
Customer satisfaction is a mixed 69%, but the sheer volume of complaints suggests this area needs serious attention.
Value
130
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
109
negative
12
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Food worth price
- Reasonable prices
- Family set value
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Cash-only policy
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- pricesThe Dim sum on Sunday mornings is just great. I go there very often, and the prices are very reasonable.
- pricetheir food is worth the price they're charging you
- complimentary teatea should be complimentary
- dealImperial Mandarin down the street is a better deal.
- fairly pricedQuick and fairly priced
- family set menu pricingI must also commend their staff, who are professionally trained and provide swift, attentive service. Last but not least, the family set menu pricing is exceptionally reasonable compared to other Chinese restaurants in the Convoy district.
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price of their items, they should definitely be including rice. Especially considering I already regret ordering it as their sweet and sour chicken tastes the same as any other, only way more expensive.
- cash onlyI also had to approach the server for our check. Several points detracted from the experience: it's cash only, an 18% service charge was automatically added for our party of 3 (which we felt was unwarranted given the subpar service), there is limited parking, and we faced a 25-minute wait. Additionally, they charged $0.
- billI told the waiter I was only going to pay half the bill because that is all it was worth.
- pricesprices are pretty high here
- service chargeAs other patrons have noted, this establishment adds an 18% service charge and then presents a bill that also requests a tip. As a long-time patron, I will no longer be patronizing this establishment due to these shady practices.
- service feecharge for 17% Service fee on top of the 15% Tip
- tipWhile the food quality was neither excellent nor terrible, falling into a mediocre category, the billing practices were quite concerning. We were obligated to leave an 18% tip and were mandatorily billed. The restaurant seemed very cunning; they provided a receipt for signing that allowed for additional tips.
- pricingWe paid more than AYCE pricing per person for 5 dim sum dishes
- 20% tipThere’s a 20% tip included in the final check
- gratuityafter getting the bill with an 18% gratuity immediately added up justified why I should be writing this review.
If youre looking for consistent value, this spot might be a gamble, given the many complaints about unexpected fees and high prices. While some find specific items reasonable, be prepared for potential cash only' policies and automatic gratuity that could impact your final bill.
How are the prices at Emerald?
On average, you’ll spend around 48 per person, based on 84 guests. That places this Chinese Restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For San Diego, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Interestingly, while the average is 48, the pricing isnt all clustered there; we see a good mix of both more budget-friendly options and some premium experiences on offer.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good range, so you can likely find something to fit your budget, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more elaborate meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Emerald
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Slow Service, Disorganized Takeout
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to slow and disorganized service. My take-out order took an hour, and the food arrived at different times, resulting in everything being a different temperature before it even left the restaurant. For $100 for 3 adults, this was not a cheap meal.
- service1
- take-out order1
- food temperature1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Food, Poor Service & Dirty Bathrooms
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food quality was good, especially the dim sum. However, the service seemed to be severely lacking, with staff being short-handed.
This resulted in no one refilling tea and water, the kitchen being unable to complete orders, and difficulty finding staff to take our order. We also noticed the bathroom was dirty. Food arrived in batches, which further indicated the short staffing.
We even had to get our own take-away containers. It's important to note that this is a cash-only establishment, and with items being expensive, like the rice congee at over $18 for 4 servings, be sure to have large bills.
- food quality9
- dim sum9
- cash only6
- staff2
- kitchen3
- menu3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Delicious Food, Long-Time Favorite
My experience at this restaurant has been incredibly positive over the past 15 years. The food is very, very delicious, and I wholeheartedly recommend the entire menu. I was particularly impressed with the seasame ball, which they prepare using fresh oil, resulting in no fried oil smell.
Thank you for the wonderful experience!
- food10
- seasame ball10
- fresh oil10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food tasted great, and it arrived quickly. The service was attentive, and the prices were very reasonable.
I highly recommend this place!
- food9
- service9
- prices9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Dim Sum and Dishes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried their dim sum and many other delicious dishes, all of which had an excellent taste. They have never let us down, and I highly recommend this place.
- dim sum9
- delicious dishes10
- excellent taste10
What Emerald offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- 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
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Emerald Chinese Cuisine offer for your visit?
At Emerald Chinese Cuisine, you can enjoy flexible dining with options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, the restaurant provides a restroom and accepts reservations, ensuring a smooth experience. You’ll also find high chairs available, making it a good choice for families with kids.
How accessible and convenient are the service and parking options at Emerald Chinese Cuisine?
Emerald Chinese Cuisine offers convenient service options like no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. Parking is a breeze with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall dining experience like at Emerald?
Emerald generally offers an average dining experience with a restaurant score of 4.6. While the Food (5.8) and Ambience (5.8) are well-regarded, Service (3.8) is moderate, and Value (2.7) is a notable concern.
Are there any common issues customers face regarding pricing?
Yes, many customers express concerns about the value, citing high prices, automatic service charges, and mandatory tips, which can lead to a perception of poor value.
How is the service at Emerald?
Service at Emerald receives mixed feedback. While some praise the professional and swift staff, others report issues with staff attitude, forgotten orders, and aggressive handling of tips.