Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ly Heng – San Diego
Ly Heng - San Diego
Photo from Ly Heng
Ly Heng at a glance
San Diego City Heights
- 🍚 Cambodian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#172 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Cambodian Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
301
Reviews
85.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Affordable Dining
- Warm Service
Frequently criticized
- Extended Waits
- Limited Parking
- Simple Decor
The restaurant Ly Heng is a delightful Cambodian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant City Heights neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a truly authentic culinary experience here, perfect for a casual meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, offering a refreshing complement to your dining adventure. Whether you’re looking for healthy options, small plates, or just a quick bite, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Ly Heng
Ly Heng offers a compelling dining experience, particularly for those prioritizing substance over flash. While the food consistently receives high marks for its quality and generous portions, guests often appreciate the low prices and the genuine feel of a family owned restaurant.
It’s a place where the culinary offerings truly shine. However, potential visitors should be aware of certain practicalities.
Finding parking can be a challenge in the area, and the overall atmosphere is more functional than luxurious. Despite these points, many find the warm welcome from the owners and the delicious meals make it a worthwhile stop.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
301
Reviews
85.4%
Satisfaction
32
negative
12
neutral
257
positive
Ly Heng earns a solid overall restaurant score of 8.2, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.4%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 301 customer opinions, with 257 positive remarks outweighing 32 negative ones, suggesting a generally well-received establishment.
The restaurant’s strengths are clearly in its Food, which scores an excellent (8.8), and its Value, rated as good (8.3). However, the Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.4) are perceived as average.
While the food and value consistently impress, the more practical aspects of the dining experience present a mixed picture.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Great value for money
- Warm, family feel
What people don't like
- Potential long waits
- Challenging street parking
- Modest, simple decor
If you’re seeking exceptional Cambodian cuisine and great value, Ly Heng is certainly worth considering. The focus here is squarely on the plate, delivering flavorful dishes that often exceed expectations for the price point.
Just manage your expectations regarding the setting and the pace of service. With a recommendation score of 8.5, Ly Heng is a strong contender for those who prioritize authentic flavors and affordability.
It’s a place to visit when you’re in no rush and are looking for a satisfying meal rather than a polished, high-end experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ly Heng
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, get ready for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.9%, diners are consistently raving. Based on 212 opinions, with a strong majority of 199 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the authentic Cambodian flavors, especially the delicious Phnom Penh noodles and rich bone broth.
Expect generous portion sizes and expertly crafted dishes that are both fresh and flavorful. However, a handful of the 6 negative comments suggest a few minor hiccups. Some found the Bee Sates flavor reminiscent of peanut butter, while others noted occasional concerns about shrimp freshness or a dish missing some flavor.
A few even described the Phnom Penh noodles as a bit strange' or not as fatty as expected, indicating some dishes might not suit every palate.
Food
212
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
6
negative
7
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cambodian flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious bone broth
What people don't like
- Bee Sate flavor issues
- Shrimp freshness concerns
- Some dishes lack flavor
Often praised
- foodBoth the crispy egg noodle dish and the Mongolian beef dish were just cooked to perfection.
- bone soupI had the best shaking beef in town. Additionally, they offer complimentary bone soup with any rice entree, which is a great bonus. What else can you ask for?
- portionsthe portions were very big
- bone brothcome with a healthy side of bone broth n some bone, with meat for ya to gnarl on.
- brothThe broth they have made my eyes roll back from how amazing it tasted!
- fried calamariThe fried calamari was not greasy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Thai teamakes the BEST Thai tea in San Diego
- house fried riceThe food is also DELICIOUS! I definitely recommend the stir fry noodle with egg noodles and beef, and the house fried rice is a heaping plate of flavor. It’s a small family owned restaurant and they deserve every star, definitely bring your family and friends here :)
- menuEverything we ordered was cooked to order, fresh, and delicious 😋. I will for sure be back to try more items on the menu. Please make sure to tip generously or accordingly.
- noodlesMy experience at Ly Heng was truly memorable. I was particularly impressed with their standout Phnom Penh dry noodles, which offered a perfect balance of savory minced pork, tender liver slices, and springy noodles. The accompanying fragrant broth served on the side was a delightful touch.
Frequently criticized
- Bee SateBee Sate and do be completely honest it tasted like peanut butter
- Phnom Penh noodlesPhnom Penh noodles is a bit…strange
- dish flavorI felt it was missing some flavor
- fattyit's not as fatty
- foodHe refused, stating he was too busy. They also mentioned they don't serve certain kinds of food. It was a truly horrible place.
- shrimpsshrimps aren’t fresh
If you're seeking authentic Cambodian comfort food with generous portions and excellent flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Despite a few minor flavor preferences, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a consistently delicious dining experience.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 and customer satisfaction hovering around 59.1%. Many guests rave about the nice service and the friendly staff, often highlighting the attentive nature of the people serving food and the welcoming presence of the owners. Some even noted a no wait time for their meals, appreciating the hustle of the team.
However, you might need to manage your expectations, as a significant number of opinions (14 out of 44 total) point to issues like wait times, with some experiencing slow service during busy hours. There are also mentions of problems with phone service and even instances where customers were refused to seat or have their orders taken, which can be quite frustrating.
Service
44
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Nice owners
- Decent food wait
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Refused seating/orders
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant itself appeared clean, and they offer a variety of Asian dishes, from soups to noodles and rice. The service was good; the girl was nice, and the food arrived in a decent wait time, hot and fresh. I ordered the rice noodle dish with tofu.
- staffthe staff were incredibly attentive and friendly
- ownersThe owners were incredibly sweet
- wait timethe food came out at a decent time wait
- Good serviceGood service too!
- ServiceThe service and atmosphere were also excellent
- chef’s knife skillsI was also impressed by the chef’s knife skills!
- cookthe cook is a good person n cook
- family feelAll the food is fresh and was absolutely delicious, and the drinks were perfectly crafted. Sam, thanks for making my family feel right at home. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience.
- food timeThe good has always came out in a good time
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy four stars are mainly for the food. I never expect great service when I go to Asian restaurants; I go there for the food. This place is my absolute favorite for Chinese/Cambodian food in all of San Diego, but trust me, it is the longest I've ever waited for food in my life.
- waitBE PREPARE TO WAIT, like for AWHILE like 30 minutes + for food.
- takeoutyou can't order takeout for some reason
- cookask the cook if he was willing to cook my food. He said no
- kitchenKitchen cant keep up during busy hours
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. Upon walking in, they refused to take my order or seat me. Despite there being only two diners present, the staff had to ask the cook if he was willing to prepare my food.
- phone serviceif you wanna order by phone they never pick up
- seatingrefused to ... seat me
- waiting timelongest place I've waited for food in my life
If youre not in a rush and value friendly interactions, youll likely appreciate the service here. However, be prepared for potential long waits or slow service, especially during peak times, and don't rely on phone orders.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a 6.5 score and 56% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the cozy, at home feeling, often describing it as a hidden gem with a quiet atmosphere thats easy to talk in. Customers also frequently praise the restaurant cleanliness, contributing to 14 positive remarks out of 25 total.
However, the ambience isnt without its drawbacks, as 10 negative comments highlight. The biggest concern seems to be parking, with many mentioning limited street parking as a challenge. Some also noted the lack of fancy decor and a few even found the atmosphere to be hot, suggesting it's not for those seeking luxury.
Ambience
25
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- At home feeling
- Quiet dining
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- No fancy decor
- Hot atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- AtmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also excellent
- ambianceThe ambiance was both elegant and inviting
- at home feelingwith an at home feeling
- convenient locationA very convenient location right in the middle of City Heights
- easy to talkThe atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the service was equally excellent, also rated 5/5. We experienced no wait time and enjoyed a quiet dining environment, making it easy to talk. The food quality was outstanding, earning a perfect 5/5.
- family owned restaurantsmall family owned restaurant and they deserve every star
- hidden gemThis spot is definitely a hidden gem
- parkingParking is good nearby
- placeDon’t see a good and down to earth place like this
Frequently criticized
- parkingno parking lot so you have to find a spot in the street which is limited
- ParkingI can't really explain how delicious it is, you just got to come here and try it. Parking is a challenge since it's all street parking in City Heights so don't bring your nice car. Will definitely go back again.
- atmosphereIt was hot
- fancy decorIf you're not looking for fancy decor, but for quality and very tasty, close to traditional Khmer Food, this is the spot. Highly recommend!
- for sale signFor those who prefer rice, the ginger chicken is a great option. However, there's a for sale sign, so it might not be around for long.
- placeAt first glance, the place isn't very attractive because it lacks any minimal luxury. However, the food is tasty, the portions are abundant, and the value for money is more than correct.
- street parkingit's all street parking in City heights
- tablesmany tables not yet cleared
If youre looking for a clean, quiet, and homey spot without the frills, this place could be a great find. Just be prepared for a potential parking adventure, as thats the main hurdle for many diners.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a great score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%, its clear guests are thrilled. Many rave about the reasonably priced dishes, finding great value for money and low prices that are easy on the wallet.
Out of 20 comments, 18 highlight the generous portions and overall affordability. However, its not all perfect. A couple of guests, 2 out of 20, noted that some prices were above average, specifically mentioning the seafood mix as being on the expensive side.
While generally affordable, it seems a few specific items might stretch the budget a bit more than expected.
Value
20
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
- Low prices
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
Often praised
- priceI was surprised by the noodle's shape, which resembled bean sprouts – a unique presentation I hadn't encountered before. While the portion size was good for the price, the dish itself was just alright. It looked oily with soy sauce, and I felt it was missing some flavor.
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced, and flavors were delicious.
- 10 bucks dealMy noodle side of soup and drink was 10 bucks deal
- amazing pricesamazing prices
- cheap priceits all for a pretty cheap price
- dealDare anyone to find a better deal
- low pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise, largely driven by a friend's recommendation about the great tasting food and low prices. I was not disappointed.
- pricesThis was my first time trying Cambodian cuisine, and my experience at this restaurant exceeded all expectations. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the prices were very fair. The staff were incredibly nice and helpful.
- quantity for the priceGood quantity for the price, worth a visit
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the tons of delicious food offered at a reasonable price. The service was very nice, and the Vietnamese coffee was really good.
Frequently criticized
- pricesAbove average prices
- seafood mixexpensive side at $20 for seafood mix
If you're looking for fantastic bang for your buck, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most dishes offer incredible value and generous portions, making it a true gem for budget-conscious diners. Just be mindful that a few specific items, like the seafood mix, might be pricier than the rest.
How are the prices at Ly Heng?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 20 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cambodian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (15 out of 20) find themselves in this $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Cambodian spot in San Diego. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ly Heng
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Generous Portions and Tasty Dishes
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The beef plate was tender and delicious. I also enjoyed the stir fried noodles, which were good.
The meal comes with a complimentary beef soup, which is a nice touch and good, so I'd advise against ordering an additional soup. The portions are big, so it's a good idea to order one less dish than the number of people dining.
- beef plate8
- beef soup7
- stir fried noodles7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Broth, Tender Beef, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The broth was incredibly delicious, and they certainly did not skimp on the tender beef in it. The portion size was generous.
The owners were very nice, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. I loved it so much that I returned the next day for lunch. The food quality is a definite 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also great at a 4 out of 5.
- broth10
- tender beef10
- portion9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Must-Try Cambodian Noodles!
This is one of the very few Cambodian restaurants in San Diego. The Phnom Penh noodles are a staple and a must-get. The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the service was equally excellent, also rated 5/5.
We experienced no wait time and enjoyed a quiet dining environment, making it easy to talk. The food quality was outstanding, earning a perfect 5/5.
- Phnom Penh noodles10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
5
Mixed Feelings on Phnom Penh Noodles
I am skeptical about giving this review. Their Phnom Penh noodles were a bit strange, featuring chicken, chả lụa, and bò viên 🤐. The mì xào giòn was good, but the shrimps weren’t fresh.
It's also on the expensive side at $20 for the seafood mix.
- mì xào giòn7
- Phnom Penh noodles3
- shrimps3
- seafood mix4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Great Serving Size!
I randomly walked into this place while I was working nearby and was amazed by the food. It was so delicious and the serving size was good.
- food10
- serving size8
What Ly Heng offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- 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
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Ly Heng Restaurant accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Ly Heng Restaurant is fully accessible for you, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. When it comes to parking, you’ll find free street parking available, though it can sometimes be a bit difficult to find a space. Plan a little extra time to secure your spot.
What dining options does Ly Heng Restaurant offer, and is it suitable for families?
Ly Heng Restaurant provides a range of dining options for you, including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable table service and seating. It’s also a fantastic choice if you’re dining with children, as the restaurant is good for kids and offers high chairs to ensure a comfortable experience for your little ones.
What is the overall dining experience like at Ly Heng?
Ly Heng offers a good overall dining experience with a restaurant score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 85.4%. The Food (8.8) and Value (8.3) are highly rated, while the Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.4) are considered average.
What are the main strengths of Ly Heng?
Customers consistently praise Ly Heng for its excellent food quality, with dishes often described as ‘cooked to perfection’ and ‘delicious.’ The restaurant also stands out for its great value, offering ‘low prices’ and ‘good quantity for the price,’ making it an affordable dining option.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Ly Heng?
Visitors should be prepared for potential long wait times for food, as some experiences mention it being the ‘longest I’ve ever waited.’ Parking can also be a challenge due to ‘street parking’ limitations, and the restaurant’s ‘atmosphere’ is generally described as modest and lacking ‘fancy decor.’