Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Jaws Topokki – San Diego
Jaws Topokki - San Diego
Photo from Jaws Topokki
Jaws Topokki at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#470 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Asian Restaurant out of 5 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
50
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tteokbokki Gimbap
- Inviting Atmosphere
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Long Waits
- Disappointing Dishes
The restaurant Jaws Topokki is a casual Asian restaurant located in the vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or to enjoy a variety of small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a casual dinner, this eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Its convenient location and diverse menu make it a popular choice for those seeking authentic flavors in a laid-back setting.
Overview: Introducting Jaws Topokki
Jaws Topokki offers a casual dining experience with an inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the careful packaging for takeout and the generally attentive staff.
It’s often a reliable choice for specific comfort food items, making it a frequent stop for some. However, the culinary experience can be a mixed bag.
While some dishes like gimbap receive praise, there are concerns about cheap ingredients in other offerings. Some find the overall recipe lacking, suggesting an inconsistent kitchen.
Good
6.9
out of 10
50
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Jaws Topokki earns a respectable 6.9 overall, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66%. This suggests that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion has reservations.
These insights are drawn from 50 customer observations, with 33 positive remarks and 13 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.5) stands out as excellent, providing a comfortable setting.
Service (7) is also rated well, reflecting efficient operations. The Food (6.8) is considered good, but its score is slightly tempered by varied opinions.
Value (6.3) also falls into the good category, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious Tteokbokki, Gimbap
- Casual, inviting atmosphere
- Attentive staff, good packaging
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Long waiting times
- Some dishes disappointing
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Jaws Topokki is worth considering, especially if you’re seeking specific comfort foods like their well-regarded tteokbokki and gimbap. The inviting atmosphere and efficient service contribute positively to the experience, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and the possibility of longer waiting times. If you prioritize a quick, reliable meal and are open to exploring their popular items, it could be a good fit.
Otherwise, manage expectations regarding the broader menu.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jaws Topokki
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Lets talk food! Many diners have found some real gems here, with 20 positive comments among the 34 total. The gimbap , tteok-bokki , and bulgogi rice bowl are frequently praised for their delicious flavors and satisfying portions.
And for a refreshing sip, the shikhae slush comes highly recommended! While the food scores a 6.8 overall, landing it in the good category, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 58.8%. Some dishes, like the Korean sausage and fish cake soup , didnt quite impress, with mentions of blandness or being watery.
The chicken teriyaki rice bowl also received criticism, and the jaws slushy seems to be a miss for many.
Food
34
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Gimbap
- Excellent Tteok-bokki
- Refreshing Shikhae Slush
What people don't like
- Bland Korean Sausage
- Watery Fish Cake Soup
- Poor Chicken Teriyaki
Often praised
- foodThe food over here was pretty good
- gimbapThis is one of our go-to places for comfort food, specifically for their good gimbap (we usually order the Bulgogi and tuna) and tteok-bokki with a mild spice level. The restaurant is conveniently located inside H-mart and generally has decent wait times.
- Teppoki and friesTeppoki and fries are delicious!
- TteokbokkiTteokbbokki is the best.
- bulgogi rice bowlThe bulgogi rice bowl at $12 tastes good
- chickenchicken is good for less than $5
- fried setsI highly recommend getting the shikhae slush and skipping the jaws slushy. It's a good idea to share one teokbokki and then load up on the fried sets.
- go-toit's still our go-to, any day!
- kimbapThe kimbap was also good too
- portionIt came in a big bowl so you might be able to share it with 3 people.
Frequently criticized
- Korean sausageThe Korean sausage was a little bland for me.
- cheap ingredientsyou can tell they use cheap ingredients
- chicken teriyaki rice bowlI ordered just a chicken teriyaki rice bowl. 40 minutes later, I finally received a soggy little handful of chicken pellets and watered down rice.
- fish cake soupWatery cheap fish cake soup
- fried veggiesSoggy fried veggies
- jaws slushyskip the jaws slushi
- limited selectionsbut there were limited selections
- recipetheir recipe is also not good
- rose topokkithe rose topokki I ordered was a little too hot
- tteokbokkiThe tteokbokki was very meh
If you're looking for solid gimbap or tteok-bokki , this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some other menu items might be hit-or-miss, so stick to the popular favorites for the best experience.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at a respectable 75%, its clear many diners are pleased. Out of 8 customer remarks, 6 highlighted positive experiences, often praising the quick service, decent wait times, and how nicely they package orders.
The staff also frequently gets a shout-out for being attentive. However, its not entirely without its hiccups. The remaining 2 comments did touch on some areas for improvement, specifically mentioning concerns about staff training and occasional long waiting times.
While many appreciate the speed, a few experiences suggest there might be inconsistencies in how quickly orders are handled or how well the team is prepared.
Service
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Attentive staff
- Nice packaging
What people don't like
- Undertrained staff
Often praised
- serviceThe Korean sausage was a bit bland for my preference. The packaging was done very nicely, and the service was quick. Overall, I would return specifically for the tteokbokki, but not for the other two items.
- packagingThey package it very nicely
- staffthe staff was very attentive
- wait timesThis is one of our go-to places for comfort food, specifically for their good gimbap (we usually order the Bulgogi and tuna) and tteok-bokki with a mild spice level. The restaurant is conveniently located inside H-mart and generally has decent wait times. The food and service both received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4.
Frequently criticized
- staffI don't typically care enough to leave negative reviews on restaurants, but this one was rough. The whole staff seems to be undertrained. I ordered just a chicken teriyaki rice bowl.
- waiting timeI ordered just a chicken teriyaki rice bowl. 40 minutes later, I finally received a soggy little handful of chicken pellets and watered down rice.
If youre looking for a place with generally quick and attentive service, youll likely be happy here. While there might be an occasional wait or a less-than-perfect staff interaction, the overall experience suggests a good effort. It's definitely worth trying, especially if you value efficiency and well-packaged takeout.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.5 and a phenomenal 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are loving the atmosphere. Based on 4 positive comments, people appreciate the ample food court tables and describe the overall atmosphere as casual and inviting.
The unique location within an H Mart also adds to the positive experience, making it an amazing spot to visit. Its quite rare to find a spot where the ambience receives such universal praise! With zero negative comments among the 4 pieces of feedback, it seems this establishment has truly nailed its environment.
There are simply no reported downsides to the setting, which is a testament to its welcoming and comfortable feel.
Ambience
4
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plenty of tables
- Casual, inviting vibe
- Unique H Mart setting
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was casual and inviting
- food court tablesI love how the food court has a lot of tables
- storeIt came super close to the ones I've had in Japan. The store is located in H Mart, which was my first time visiting, and it was amazing. The service was super quick.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a great, casual vibe and plenty of seating, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Its inviting atmosphere, especially within the H Mart setting, makes for a pleasant visit. You can expect a comfortable and universally praised environment here.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find the pricing here quite reasonable, often calling it a better deal, especially for the cheapest chicken option around. With 3 positive remarks out of 4 total, it seems many appreciate the cost-effectiveness, contributing to a 75% customer satisfaction, which is pretty good! However, the overall score of 6.3 (average) suggests a mixed bag.
One strong opinion labels it an overpriced spot, criticizing cheap ingredients and a poor recipe, which makes the value questionable for some.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheapest chicken option
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Cheap ingredients used
Often praised
- cheapest chickenBasically the cheapest chicken here
- dealIt’s a better deal in this food court
- pricingThe pricing is reasonable
Frequently criticized
- overpriced spotIt's evident that they use cheap ingredients and their recipe is not good. Honestly, the prepackaged tteokbokki you can buy at HMart is 10x better than this overpriced spot. I would avoid this location.
If youre hunting for the absolute "cheapest chicken" and reasonable pricing is your top priority, this spot might be a decent deal. However, be aware that some find it overpriced for the quality, citing cheap ingredients. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel you got your moneys worth.
How are the prices at Jaws Topokki?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 14 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Asian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 21, we see a good spread in what people spend. Many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, but there are also a few who opt for a more premium experience, spending in the $41–$50 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for an Asian Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, making it accessible while still allowing for a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jaws Topokki
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Value Chicken
My experience at the restaurant was centered around trying their chicken, which I found to be good for less than $5. I specifically asked for a side of chicken, noting it was basically the cheapest option available. The chicken was seasoned and deep-fried, which I understand might not be everyone's preference.
However, for not having eaten yet that day, this was a satisfying choice.
- chicken8
- cheapest chicken7
- seasoned and deep fried6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Bulgogi Rice Bowl Deal
My experience at this restaurant was positive, especially with the bulgogi rice bowl. For $12, it tasted good and looked appetizing. The rice in the bowl was also very good.
I found it to be a better deal compared to other options in this food court.
- bulgogi rice bowl8
- rice8
- deal9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Gimbap Ever!
My experience was hands down the best gimbap I’ve ever had. It came super close to the ones I've had in Japan. The store is located in H Mart, which was my first time visiting, and it was amazing.
The service was super quick. The rolls were made with love for sure.
- gimbap10
- rolls9
- service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good food, limited options
My experience at the restaurant was generally positive. The food was pretty good, although there were limited selections. I found the rose topokki to be a little too hot, but I still loved the taste.
The kimbap was also good. I appreciated that the food court has a lot of tables, which made for a comfortable dining experience.
- food8
- taste10
- kimbap8
- limited selections4
- rose topokki5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Rough Experience with Undercooked Food
I don't typically care enough to leave negative reviews on restaurants, but this one was rough. The whole staff seems to be undertrained. I ordered just a chicken teriyaki rice bowl.
40 minutes later, I finally received a soggy little handful of chicken pellets and watered down rice.
- staff2
- chicken teriyaki rice bowl2
- waiting time2
What Jaws Topokki offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Jaws Topokki offer for guests?
Jaws Topokki ensures a comfortable experience for all guests with comprehensive accessibility features. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their meal.
What dining and service options are available at Jaws Topokki?
At Jaws Topokki, you have several convenient options to enjoy your meal. You can choose to dine-in for lunch or dinner, grab a quick takeout, or have your favorite dishes delivered right to your door.
How does Jaws Topokki generally perform?
Jaws Topokki holds a good overall score of 6.9, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 66%. Its Ambience (8.5) is excellent, Service (7) is good, and both Food (6.8) and Value (6.3) are also rated as good.
What are the popular food items at Jaws Topokki?
Many customers enjoy the gimbap and tteok-bokki, often citing them as go-to comfort foods. The Teppoki and fries, bulgogi rice bowl, and chicken are also mentioned positively.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Jaws Topokki?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies in food quality, with certain dishes like the Korean sausage or chicken teriyaki rice bowl being less satisfying. There can also be concerns about longer waiting times.