Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Little Chef – San Diego
Little Chef - San Diego
Photo from Little Chef
Little Chef at a glance
San Diego Ocean Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 60 of the guests
#674 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#23 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
5.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
397
Reviews
45.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Good ambience
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Poor value
The restaurant Little Chef is a Chinese Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, offering a cozy and casual atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a convenient meal or a relaxed dining experience, this establishment caters to your needs with ease.
Overview: Introducting Little Chef
Little Chef offers a mixed experience, where many appreciate the generally pleasant atmosphere and the helpful service from staff members. Guests often find the location convenient and the setting clean, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, concerns frequently arise regarding the overall value, with some finding prices a bit high for what’s offered. The main dishes also receive varied feedback, suggesting inconsistency in the kitchen’s output.
Average
5.2
out of 10
397
Reviews
45.8%
Satisfaction
195
negative
20
neutral
182
positive
Little Chef earns an overall score of 5.2, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 45.8%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 397 customer remarks, with 182 positive and 195 negative comments. The most discussed aspect is Food (5), which, despite its high volume of feedback, lands in the average range.
Service (6.2) and Ambience (6.5) fare slightly better, often described as pleasant. However, Value (3.8) is a clear area for improvement, frequently cited as a drawback.
What people like
- Helpful, friendly staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Perceived high prices
- Limited seating options
Little Chef presents a somewhat inconsistent dining option. While you might find the service welcoming and the setting agreeable, the culinary experience and overall cost can be a gamble.
With a recommendation score of 5.2, it’s a place that might satisfy for a quick, casual meal if expectations are managed, but it’s not likely to be a standout choice for those seeking exceptional food or great value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Little Chef
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Many diners have praised the food, with 132 positive remarks highlighting flavorful and fresh dishes, especially the Kung Pao chicken and orange chicken. Guests often appreciate the large portions and quality of ingredients, finding some offerings genuinely authentic food. However, the food experience is a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5 and a customer satisfaction of 43.7%.
With 154 negative comments, common complaints include flavorless and bland Chinese food, often described as greasy or having soggy textures.
Food
302
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
154
negative
16
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Large portions
- Flavorful dishes
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland/no flavor
- Greasy food
- Soggy textures
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive. While the Chinese food wasn't the absolute best, it was still good. A great aspect of this place is the ability to get your food and walk to the beach to enjoy an ocean side meal.
- fried ricethe fried rice was nice and moist.
- portionsportions are a lot bigger than if you were just doing takeout
- Kung Pao chickenKung Pao chicken with steamed rice, and it was absolutely delicious
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found it to be a place with good Chinese food. The portion sizes were large, which was great because I enjoyed it so much that I ate there two days in a row.
- beef and broccolibeef and broccoli and the Rangoon and both really good!
- food qualityThe food was excellent in both quality and quantity!
- orange chickenThe dish also offered a good balance of veggies and meat, thanks to the broccoli base. I also enjoyed other dishes like the Mongolian beef, orange chicken, and a customized cashew fried rice with pineapple. The food quality was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive with a score of 5.
- beef chow meinbeef chow mein 😋 and it was delicious
- wonton soupwonton soup was just what I needed
Frequently criticized
- foodI had expected to pick up our Thanksgiving meal from an actual restaurant, but instead, it was collected from a food delivery pickup kitchen (like UberEats or DoorDash) in Barrio Logan. The food arrived cold and did not taste good, which unfortunately ruined our Thanksgiving plans.
- orange chickenorange chicken and it tasted like it’s been frozen for a while
- fried riceMy husband and I had the worst meal we have ever experienced here. The chicken was grey and the fried rice was dry and tasted like nothing. I felt like I was conned.
- beefThe beef can definitely do some work. It tasted like it was microwaved
- chickenThe soup was pure grease, not broth, and everything in it was inedible. This included the pea pods, the single piece of pork, the single shrimp, the blob of chicken, and the vegetables. To make matters worse, I specifically asked for no celery, yet it was included.
- food qualityMy experience ordering from this restaurant via Uber Eats has been mixed. On two separate occasions, ordering from different locations, the food quality was inconsistent. The first time, I ordered orange chicken and it tasted as if it had been frozen for a considerable amount of time.
- shrimpdidn't incorporate the shrimp into the party
- riceMy experience was frustrating because my order was incomplete; they forgot the rice. When I called the restaurant, there was no way to remedy the situation, leaving me with Chinese food but no rice.
- Chinese foodThe orange chicken was very weird. I felt ashamed by the quality of the food, and I believe this is the worst Chinese food in all of San Diego. I returned twice, and both times it was a $30 mistake!
- FoodThis Food left a bad taste
If youre looking for generous portions and dont mind a bit of inconsistency, this spot might be worth a try for some classic Chinese dishes. However, be aware that the flavors can be hit-or-miss, and some experiences point to significant quality issues.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the friendly and helpful staff, like MaryAnne and Paula, for their speedy service and even remembering extra sauces. With 34 positive remarks out of 56 total, its clear many appreciate the effort, contributing to a 60.7% customer satisfaction rate. However, there are definitely areas for improvement.
With 21 negative remarks, some guests have faced poor customer service, rudeness, and frustrating issues like missing items or slow delivery. The inability to remedy problems or receive basic sauces, napkins, and utensils' can be a real letdown, contributing to an average service score of 6.2.
Service
56
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Speedy service
- Extra sauces provided
What people don't like
- Missing order items
- Poor customer service
- No sauces, napkins
Often praised
- serviceThe service was on point
- ServiceService:5
- cashierThe cashier with blue hair was very nice and helpful
- customer serviceThe customer service at this restaurant was great
- workerthe worker sol was very helpful
- EmployeesEmployees are friendly
- MaryAnneIt's well worth it! So stop by; MaryAnne will always say hi, and I'm looking forward to seeing you again. Much love to you💞💕 from your Tucson's friends💞💕
- MaryAnne & All her staffMiss MaryAnne & All her staff
- PaulaPaula was so nice
- deliveryI believe this was probably the worst Chinese food I have ever had. While the food was delivered quickly, it was completely flavorless. I ordered simple items, the special fried rice and won ton soup, and both were not appetizing.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:2
- Uber Eats appUber eats app is designed to rip you off
- answersGot BELITTLING answers (by a middle-aged white women at the cashier)
- correctionwent back for them to correct it and it was worse
- customer servicePoor customer service!!!!!
- deliveryI totally dislike the food. To top it off, they took forever for delivery, and I ended up going hungry that night.
- fortune cookiesno fortune cookies
- missing itemreport the missing item for refund
- orderthis order is not listed under orders
- ownerThis used to be my favorite restaurant in OB. It seems the Chinese owner must have sold it to an American couple. Now, the food is no longer the same, which is what a shame.
If youre looking for friendly and speedy interactions, youll often find it here, especially with specific staff members. However, be prepared for a mixed bag, as some experiences include frustrating issues like missing items or less-than-helpful problem resolution. It might be worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite pleasant, with many appreciating the location and easy access, especially if youre looking for a low-key Chinese spot or a place near the beach. Based on 17 comments, with 11 positive remarks, guests often find it a clean looking place with a decent atmosphere, contributing to a generally positive experience. However, the ambience isnt without its quirks.
While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 64.7%, some of the 5 negative comments point out issues with the atmosphere itself. A common gripe is the use of plastic containers for takeout, and the lack of a proper place to sit for those hoping to dine in, which can be a bit of a letdown.
Ambience
17
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location access
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Clean looking place
What people don't like
- Plastic to-go containers
- No place to sit
- Worsening atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere was also quite pleasant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- beachate at the beach
- clean looking placeClean looking place however the food I ordered
- easy accessLove the location easy access
- localflavorful, friendly, fresh, great value, local
- locationLove the location easy access
- low-key ChineseAs someone who fancies themselves an American Chinese food expert, I can confidently say this General's Chicken is top-notch. Seriously, if you need low-key Chinese in San Diego, this place is it.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- placesadly this place is getting worse
- place to sitthere is not place to sit
- plastic containersinstead of the plastic. Please change to paper!
- to-go containerswish they would use normal Chinese takeout to go containers instead of the plastic
If youre after a casual, easy-to-access spot for takeout, especially near the beach, this place could be a good fit. Just be prepared for a more functional, low-key vibe and dont expect a sit-down dining experience, as seating is limited and containers are plastic.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found some bright spots. Some felt the prices were reasonable and even great, mentioning great value overall. Based on 5 positive opinions out of 22 total, it seems a small group appreciated what they got for their money.
However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture. With a score of just 3.8, indicating poor value, and customer satisfaction at a low 22.7%, many felt it was a waste of money. A significant 15 negative opinions highlighted concerns about expensive food, overpriced items, and even rip off tactics, suggesting the price often didn't match the portion or quality.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Overpriced food
- Rip-off tactics
Often praised
- priceGreat price
- pricesThe prices were great
- great valueflavorful, friendly, fresh, great value, local
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, especially considering the price. I don't mind paying almost $9 for soup, but this was unacceptable. The soup was pure grease, not broth, and everything in it was inedible.
- $30 mistakeboth times were a $30 mistake
- bank account chargecharged my bank account $70 plus $43 cancellation charge
- cancellation feestill charged me $43 cancellation fee
- double orderaccidentally placed a double order for $50.10 delivery
- expensive foodthrowing away expensive food away because I can't eat it.
- mealsmost meals are Over $10
- pay cashI have been coming from East Chula Vista for over 20 years to eat here. Yes, it is an inconvenience to have to pay cash and there is no place to sit, especially since these days new generations don’t carry cash. Some of the food is very authentic and it will be a bit different based on what style of Chinese you have eaten before.
- plateFor $14/ plate I expected more
- pricesprices are about 1.5x higher
If youre looking for good value, this might not be your best bet. The overwhelming feedback suggests prices often dont align with expectations, leading to disappointment. Proceed with caution, as many found it to be an expensive mistake.
How are the prices at Little Chef?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 60 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $23, a good number of guests actually spend less, with many prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. This means you can likely find both budget-friendly and slightly more premium options on the menu.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 60 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant, especially since the data shows there are options for various budgets. It seems like a good spot to get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Chef
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Bland Chinese Food, Disappointing Experience
My experience at Little Chef was disappointing. I used to think they were good, but it's definitely gone downhill. I spent over $100 on takeout via Uber Eats, and the food was the most bland Chinese food I've ever had.
Even accounting for the lack of MSG, there was zero flavor. My won ton soup had no won tons, and the rice smelled like cardboard.
- bland Chinese food2
- zero flavor1
- won ton soup2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
My experience ordering takeout was largely negative. We ordered General Tso's chicken, white rice, cream cheese wontons, and soup. Unfortunately, there was very little to no sauce on the chicken, and the egg blossom soup was described as 'gnarly'.
The wontons were just 'mid', and the rice was fine. We ended up throwing most of the food out. To add to the disappointment, our order was missing utensils, soy sauce, and fortune cookies.
I'm still hungry, but I'm not willing to eat that again.
- wontons5
- rice6
- sauce on the chicken2
- egg blossom1
- utensils1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Extremely Bland and Mushy Chicken Dish
I'm the type of person who will eat anything because I spent money on it. My experience with the chicken and veggies was incredibly disappointing. I've NEVER seen or eaten anything more bland and mushy.
I'd give this dish a negative 10. There was absolutely no flavor. I had to throw it away.
- chicken and veggies1
- bland and mushy1
- no flavor1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Awesome Service, Delicious Food!
After a wonderful beach day, I took the bus and trolley from downtown San Diego to find some wings to take home. I stumbled upon this establishment and was immediately impressed by the young lady at the counter, who was AWESOME 👌 👏 👍. She could have sold me anything, but as a senior with limited income, I stuck to my budget.
I ordered the lunch SPECIAL BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN WITH NOODLES for $15. 35 and the SWEET CHILI GLAZED WINGS (8 HUGE ones) for $15. 99.
By the time I got home, my food was still hot and fresh. The chicken and noodles were SO GOOD, with big, plump, and juicy mushrooms. The chicken pieces were large and plentiful 😀 😋.
The wings were big, though a bit too sweet for me initially, but a packet of chili sauce made my tongue do the tango 😋. I will definitely come back and THANK YOU for the large portions! I will definitely be recommending this place to anyone who asks where to get good Chinese food 😀.
- young lady at the counter10
- lunch SPECIAL BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN WITH NOODLES9
- SWEET CHILI GLAZED WINGS7
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Fried Rice Surprise: Mostly White Rice!
I was visiting from out of state and just got into the city, looking for something to eat. I didn't expect anything extravagant. However, upon opening the fried rice, I was surprised to find that only the top quarter was actually fried rice; the rest was white rice.
It was a very strange experience!
- fried rice2
- white rice2
What Little Chef offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Counter service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options does Little Chef Chinese Take-Out (Ocean Beach) offer?
You can enjoy convenient no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, or takeout. Dine-in service is also available if you prefer to eat on-site.
Is Little Chef Chinese Take-Out (Ocean Beach) accessible for everyone?
Yes, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring ease of access for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Little Chef?
Little Chef has an overall score of 5.2 and a customer satisfaction of 45.8%, indicating a mixed reception. While service (6.2) and ambience (6.5) are generally appreciated, food (5) is average, and value (3.8) is a notable concern.
Are there any specific dishes or aspects of the food that stand out positively?
Positive comments often highlight dishes like Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli, and beef chow mein, with many appreciating the generous portion sizes and overall food quality.
What are the main drawbacks or complaints about Little Chef?
Common complaints include inconsistent food quality, with some dishes arriving cold or tasting frozen, and concerns about high prices, leading to a perception of poor value.