Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Marketplace – San Diego
Marketplace - San Diego
Photo from Marketplace
Marketplace at a glance
San Diego Mission Valley
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#318 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#13 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
220
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Quality food
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- High prices
- Noisy environment
The restaurant Marketplace, also known as Marketplace CafĂ© at Nordstrom, is a welcoming American Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Valley. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, it offers a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or a solo refresh. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or small plates, you’ll discover something delicious here.
Overview: Introducting Marketplace
Marketplace offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings and attentive service truly stand out. Many guests consistently praise the food quality and the attentive staff, making meals here a pleasant affair.
It’s a spot that aims to deliver on taste and hospitality. However, it’s worth noting that some aspects of the atmosphere and value have drawn mixed feedback.
While convenient, concerns about cleanliness and occasional noise levels suggest there’s room for refinement in the overall dining environment.
Good
7.6
out of 10
220
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
40
negative
12
neutral
168
positive
Marketplace achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.6 , indicating a good performance across the board. This is well-supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.4% , which also falls into the good category.
There’s a clear alignment between these metrics, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. Looking closer, Service shines with an excellent (8.2) score, while Food is also highly regarded at a good (7.9).
However, Ambience (6) and Value (5.4) are more in the average range, suggesting areas where experiences can vary. These insights are drawn from 220 customer opinions, with 168 positive remarks against 40 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent, attentive service
- Delicious, quality food
- Convenient, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Perceived high prices
- Noisy, crowded setting
If you prioritize excellent Service and consistently good Food , Marketplace is a solid choice. The staff’s attentiveness and the quality of dishes like the tomato soup or portobello mushroom ravioli are frequently highlighted, making it a worthwhile visit for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the Ambience and Value aspects. While convenient, some find it can be noisy or feel a bit pricey for what’s offered.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.9 , it’s generally well-received, but managing expectations on these points will ensure a better experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- American Restaurant
9.6
out of 10
out of 10
73
100%
- $
- Core-Columbia
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
149
89.3%
- $$
- Emerald Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
80
90%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
507
83%
- $$
- Point Loma
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
511
82.6%
- €€
- Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
72
86.1%
- $$
- Little Portugal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Marketplace
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high marks, boasting a score of 7.9 and a strong 80.7% customer satisfaction. Based on 119 opinions, with 96 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the generous amount of food, the delicious portobello mushroom ravioli, and the unforgettable signature cake, with the tomato soup often highlighted as a must-try. Still, its not always perfect.
Out of 17 negative comments, some guests mentioned a "limited menu" and occasional slip-ups like a "cold dish" or "overcooked salmon. " A few also felt the overall "food quality" wasnt always up to par, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
119
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tomato soup
- Fresh, quality food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Limited menu options
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional cold food
Often praised
- foodThe service was excellent, and our waiter, Guillermo, was fantastic and very personable. They offered delicious and fast options. I will definitely eat here again if/when I visit California again.
- tomato soupthe tomato soup is among the best I've ever eaten
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was positive overall. The food was of good quality, and the staff were excellent. However, it can get a little noisy, which might be an issue for those who are hard of hearing.
- Boston cream cakeFor desert we shared the Boston cream cake, and had a wonderful strong coffee.
- coffeeand had a wonderful strong coffee.
- portobello mushroom ravioliI highly recommend a portobello mushroom ravioli delicious
- tomato basil soupmy favorite tomato basil soup. it was as good as I remembered
- 1/2 size of everythingorder 1/2 size of everything on the menu
- Boston cream pierecommend the Boston cream pie for dessert
- Cesar saladand Cesar salad
Frequently criticized
- Nordstroms qualityNot Nordstroms Quality I remember
- bug in filetfound a bug in our filet
- chicken noodle soupThe soup was not chicken noodle and only a few tiny pieces of chicken
- clam chowderVery disappointing portion, not worth the $6 I paid.
- coconut cakecoconut cake is too sweet for my taste
- coffeethe coffee could use some improvement
- dishthe dish was cold
- food displayno food behind the plastic/ glass available except for names
- food qualityfood quality seems different
- limited menuMy experience at this cute cafe was mixed. While the atmosphere was pleasant, the menu was limited, and the service was slow. It felt a little too busy for the quality of the experience.
If youre after a meal with generally good quality and some truly delicious standouts like their famous tomato soup, youll likely leave happy. Just manage your expectations regarding menu variety and be prepared for a rare off-note in dish consistency.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 82.8%, its clear guests are generally well taken care of. Out of 64 comments, a whopping 53 praise the friendly staff, efficient line, and great service, often described as attentive and fast.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. A small handful of 8 negative remarks point to occasional slow service and waiting time, with a few even mentioning bad attitude from staff. While these instances are few, they suggest there's still a little room for improvement to ensure every guest has a smooth experience.
Service
64
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Bad attitude
Often praised
- serviceno disappointment as far as the service
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer great market to table dishes, and the staff is wonderful and attentive. I especially appreciate that they always do special orders for all kinds of diets.
- serverMonica, our server was fabulous and so attentive and kind
- FranciscoFrancisco help me with my order, he’s just the best
- Pabloabsolutely loved our server Pablo!!
- Panchoour server Pancho. He had a great attitude
- acceptable serviceMy experience at this restaurant offered good food and acceptable service, even though it is cafeteria style. The atmosphere tends to be noisy and crowded.
- another serveranother server came up to us and apologized
- assistancehad someone to assist
- attentiveMy business partner usually doesn't eat lunch here because he doesn't care much for salad, but with this new burger option, it looks like we will be dining here more often, especially now that restaurant restrictions have been lifted. As for the service, it's like Nordstrom – their servers are the best and always so attentive.
Frequently criticized
- servicedisappointed in the service
- employeesemployees have a bad attitude
- female staff memberThis person has absolutely no manners
- offer free saladthey did was offer us free salad
- slow serviceMy experience at this cute cafe was mixed. While the atmosphere was pleasant, the menu was limited, and the service was slow. It felt a little too busy for the quality of the experience.
- wait staffThe wait staff on the other hand is lacking
- waiting timeIt's wasn't quick.
Overall, you can expect a generally positive experience with the service here. While there might be an occasional hiccup, the staff's attentiveness and efficiency are frequently highlighted, making it a good bet for a pleasant visit.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the vibe here, with 16 positive remarks out of 30 total. People loved the beautiful cafe and the view of the mountains, often finding it a chill atmosphere or a lively atmosphere despite the bustle. The convenience and comfortable seats also added to a pleasant experience, contributing to an overall score of 6.
However, it's not all sunshine, with 12 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Many found the place noisy and crowded, often feeling too busy, making conversation difficult. Concerns were also raised about cleanliness, with mentions of worn seats and dust, suggesting a need for a refresh.
This contributes to a customer satisfaction of 53.3%, indicating a mixed experience for many.
Ambience
30
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful cafe views
- Chill, lively atmosphere
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Noisy, crowded atmosphere
- Cleanliness issues
- Worn seating
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was great
- environmentthe clean well-lit environment was relaxing
- New Yorker experienceUm tĂpico lugar para ter uma verdadeira experiĂŞncia NewYorker.
- beautiful cafeBeautiful cafe.
- chill atmosphereit has a very chill atmosphere
- convenienceLove the convenience while family's out for shopping
- convenientit's really convenient if you are shopping and get hungry
- cute cafeMy experience at this cute cafe was mixed. While the atmosphere was pleasant, the menu was limited, and the service was slow.
- marketplaceTem de tudo aqui no Marketplace.
- noiseMy experience has consistently been positive. I love the noise, which creates a lively atmosphere. The food is always good, and the service is excellent.
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessthe overall cleanliness of the cafe should be addressed
- cleanliness of the cafearen't up to standards on the cleanliness of the cafe.
- dustWayyyyy too much dust that is close to or above where customers are eating
- maneuvering with traysmaneuvering with trays is challenging
- noise levelthe noise level was very difficult to have conversation
- noisyA little noisy
- noisy and crowdedMy experience at this restaurant offered good food and acceptable service, even though it is cafeteria style. The atmosphere tends to be noisy and crowded. They have tried to maximize the space, but maneuvering with trays can be challenging, especially when leading a blind person and carrying packages.
- ragEmployee left rag next to our table
- really busyit can get really busy on the weekends
- refreshThis place is in desperate need of a refresh
If you enjoy a lively, bustling spot with a nice view and dont mind some noise, you might find the ambience quite enjoyable. However, if youre seeking a quiet, pristine environment, you might want to consider other options, especially during peak times.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience quite positive, noting that the price was often worth it given the quality and service. With 3 positive remarks, many felt the prices were not bad either, especially considering what they received. However, the value proposition isnt universally loved.
With 3 negative comments, others felt it was pricey for a basic meal, citing small portions for the price and disappointment with items like a $6' clam chowder. This mixed sentiment is reflected in an average score of 5.4 and a customer satisfaction of 42.9%.
Value
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for quality
- Prices acceptable
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Portions too small
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- priceThe price was quite good given quality, porting and service.
- pricesThe prices were not bad either.
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- $6I ordered clam chowder to go, which cost $6 plus tax, and this is what I received. The portion size was very disappointing and not worth the $6 I paid. This was supposed to be the cup size.
- priceit's so pricey. I think for a bowl of soup and a salad I paid about $40
- pricey mealMy experience at this restaurant was that it was too pricey for a relatively basic meal. While the service and staff were fine, I would not return.
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you prioritize quality and service, you might find the prices acceptable. But if you're watching your budget closely or expect generous portions for your dollar, you might find it a bit steep.
How are the prices at Marketplace?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 24 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, the majority of diners stick to the 11 – 30 $ range, which means prices cluster nicely around that average, offering a consistent mid-range experience rather than a wild mix of cheap and premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its an American Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience youre getting. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value in the mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marketplace
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Nostalgic Tomato Basil Soup & Amazing Server!
I used to come here as a kid to get my favorite tomato basil soup. I returned to try it again with my boyfriend for the first time in years. Nothing changed, it was as good as I remembered.
Though the soup was good, I am writing this review for our server, Pancho. He had a great attitude and was so lively with a contagious smile. He was so kind and made our entire day in just that short amount of time.
He even had some funny jokes that we enjoyed. He was quick, did a great job, and made sure our experience went well. I left super happy after having a rough day.
I am grateful to have met such a kind person today.
- tomato basil soup9
- Pancho10
- great attitude10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Francisco Made My Day!
I love this place and have been coming here for a while. Today, Francisco helped me with my order, and he's just the best! He was super friendly and fast with my order.
He even made some suggestions for my future orders! He truly made my day happier!
- Francisco10
- order9
- suggestions9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Food and Excellent Service
My experience at this restaurant, located on the third floor of Nordstrom's, was fantastic. The service was very good, and the food was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the portobello mushroom ravioli, which was absolutely delicious.
The Chicken pen Any West was also very big, delicious, and crunchy. My only suggestion is that the ravioli should come with bread. The Boston cream cake was absolutely the best cake I have ever had in a restaurant.
It is worth checking out, wow!
- service9
- food9
- portobello mushroom ravioli10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious food with a great view
It's a little bit hard to find, but it's on the third floor of Nordstrom store. They have a generous amount of food. I highly recommend the portobello mushroom ravioli, which was delicious.
The signature cake is absolutely the best restaurant cake I have ever had; it's a must-try. The restaurant has a view of the mountains and a very chill atmosphere.
- generous amount of food9
- portobello mushroom ravioli10
- signature cake10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Must-try Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese!
This is a great place to relax after a long day of shopping. The tomato soup is an absolute MUST HAVE. I highly suggest ordering the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo – it's IMPERDIBLE (unmissable)!
- tomato soup10
- tomato soup and grilled cheese combo10
What Marketplace offers
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
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options does Marketplace Café at Nordstrom offer?
At Marketplace Café at Nordstrom, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences throughout the day. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with delicious dessert options. You can choose table service for a relaxed meal, or inquire about their catering services for your next event. Seating is readily available for your comfort.
Is Marketplace Café at Nordstrom accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Marketplace CafĂ© at Nordstrom is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For families, you’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and an overall environment that is good for kids, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
What is the overall verdict for Marketplace?
Marketplace scores a 7.6 overall, indicating a good dining experience. Service leads with an excellent (8.2), followed by Food at a good (7.9). Ambience (6) and Value (5.4) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Marketplace?
Customers frequently praise the attentive staff and the delicious food options, noting the good quality and specific dishes like the tomato soup and portobello mushroom ravioli.
Are there any common complaints about Marketplace?
Some patrons have raised concerns regarding cleanliness and the noise level within the restaurant. Additionally, a few opinions mention that certain items can be pricey .