Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Mendocino Farms – San Diego
Mendocino Farms - San Diego
Photo from Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms at a glance
San Diego Mission Valley
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 100 of the guests
#340 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#14 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
669
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Friendly staff
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Slow service
- Ambience issues
The restaurant Mendocino Farms, a popular sandwich shop in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood, invites you to discover a fresh approach to your midday meal or evening bite. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
With a focus on healthy options and a variety of choices, this spot ensures there’s something delicious for every palate, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Overview: Introducting Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its fresh and flavorful food. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall positive atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the portions, occasionally finding them small for the price. While service is often good, there have been instances of longer wait times, particularly during busy periods.
Good
7.5
out of 10
669
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
132
negative
36
neutral
501
positive
Mendocino Farms holds a solid 7.5 overall score, reflecting a generally positive reception. With 74.9% customer satisfaction, it’s clear many diners leave content.
This feedback comes from a substantial 669 opinions, with 501 positive remarks outweighing 132 negative ones, providing a robust picture of the restaurant’s performance. Digging deeper, Food (8.1) stands out as a strong point, consistently earning high marks for its quality.
The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively to the experience. While Service (6.3) is generally seen as average, and Value (5.7) is perceived similarly, these areas still contribute to the overall good impression.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portions, pricey
- Inconsistent service speed
- Ambience issues (music, temp)
Mendocino Farms generally delivers on its promise of fresh, quality food, making it a solid choice for a meal. With a 8 recommendation score, it’s certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize taste and a pleasant setting.
However, be mindful of potential wait times during peak hours and manage expectations regarding portion sizes and pricing. If you’re seeking a reliable spot with good food and don’t mind the occasional service hiccup, it’s a worthwhile visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Sandwich Shop
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
702
97.3%
- $$
- Little Italy
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
220
92.7%
- $$
- Kearny Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
466
88.8%
- $$
- University City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
484
87.6%
- $$
- Otay Mesa West
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
781
84.9%
- $$
- Pacific Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Sandwich Shop
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
408
86.8%
- $$
- University City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Mendocino Farms
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rating of 84.6%, the culinary experience here is generally good. Out of 396 customer opinions, a whopping 335 praise the fresh, delicious, and healthy options, highlighting the wide variety and quality of the menu.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 45 comments mention concerns like small portions, scant meat in some sandwiches, or occasional careless preparation. Some found certain items overly salty or bread to be stale, suggesting a few areas for improvement.
Food
396
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
45
negative
16
neutral
335
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious flavors
- Wide variety
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Scant meat
- Poor preparation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the ginger turmeric drink. However, the portions were quite small, which was a bit disappointing given the price.
- sandwichesevery person loved it! We had quite a variety too and literally everything was literally!
- FoodFood was just as perfect
- sandwichI don't know how to describe it other than delicious and fresh! It's a delightful change to your average sandwich. The food received a perfect 5/5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5/5.
- saladsI feel like food always tastes better when you know it's "good for you" and fueling our body. This is literally the only place where I would WANT to order a salad - that's how good they know how to make their salads! Mendocino Farms is a great place for healthy meals; we often cater our company lunches from here.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was impressive, marked by outstanding customer service and excellent food quality. I sampled the chicken ceasar, pork belly bahn mi, and the impossible taco salad, all of which were superb.
- not so fried chicken sandwichWhomever made the first not so fried chicken sandwich must have had the most satisfying chefs kiss
- breadGreat ingredients and bread
- flavorThe flavor of the food was amazing
- fresh ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed tasty and quick salads and sandwiches made with super fresh ingredients. The parking was easy, and the service was great.
Frequently criticized
- sandwichthe sandwich was 12.35 didnt come with a side and barley any meat
- breadThe bread was not fresh which took away from the overall enjoyment
- pork bellythe pork belly was surprisingly tough
- portionskinda small portions
- ChickenChicken was very thin.
- Chimichurri Steak Sandwichthe sandwich on the other hand I think it was missing something
- Chimichurri Steak and Bacon sandwichI used to be hooked on the Chimichurri Steak and Bacon sandwich
- Farm ClubThe Farm Club was also very, very salty today
- Guyaba LemonadeThe drinks I had Guyaba Lemonade, it was a little too sugary
- Impossible Burgerthe impossible burger is gone!
If you're looking for a place with generally fresh, delicious, and varied food options, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies in preparation, so manage your expectations for certain items.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction at 54.4%. Many customers, based on 92 positive remarks, rave about the friendly staff, great service, and efficient service, often highlighting how employees accommodate substitutions and are a pleasure to talk to. However, there's definitely room for improvement, as indicated by 67 negative comments.
Common frustrations include slow service, long wait times, and issues with incompetence or even a rude worker. Some experiences point to a lack of sense of urgency during busy periods.
Service
169
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
67
negative
10
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great service
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Rude workers
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I found the atmosphere to be calm, complemented by great service. The tomato soup was exceptional, earning a perfect 10/10.
- staffI frequently cater from them for work events, and it’s always a hit. I also appreciate the seating area, the restrooms are always clean, and the staff is very friendly. Overall, it's a very pleasant experience with very delicious food!
- ServiceService here is always great
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was impressive, marked by outstanding customer service and excellent food quality. I sampled the chicken ceasar, pork belly bahn mi, and the impossible taco salad, all of which were superb.
- KatieMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic from start to finish. Katie went above and beyond to ensure our dietary needs were met, customizing our orders with kindness and patience. We both enjoyed the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, which was phenomenal even without dressing, boasting outstanding flavors and textures like the crunchy lettuce, refreshing jicama, and hearty quinoa.
- friendly staffimpressed by the friendly staff
- Wait timeWait time: Up to 10 min
- employeesThe employees are always friendly and helpful
- managerMike S. the manager makes ordering so easy
- peoplethe people is super nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn two separate occasions, I arrived to pick up my order only to find it wasn't ready. After waiting around for 10 minutes, I had to ask again, only to discover my sandwich had been sitting there getting cold. This indicates a clear issue with the service, specifically regarding the efficiency and accuracy of their to-go process.
- waiting timeInstead, I have had to ask for it, and every time, it's sitting on their back counter unaccounted for. If I didn't ask for my food, I'd be waiting forever for someone to notice that my order had not been delivered to me. Today, for example, I was given a pick-up time of 11: 55.
- customer serviceMaybe a discount on my next order? I don't know, but the customer service is terrible here.
- slowit can be slow
- wait timeThe decor is nice and the staff is friendly. My only recommendation is to order ahead, unless you have time to wait, as this place is always packed at lunch.
- QR code scanningScanning QR code table issue
- SkylerShe was rude to me and to others
- attentiveplease be attentive on our orders
- attitudeHer attitude was unfriendly and unprofessional
- bagsThe buzzers were supposed to notify us when our order was ready, but they never did. When I asked the waitress about the status, she pointed at the bags and said in a very rude voice, 'Well, there it is. ' The bags had been sitting on the counter for 15 minutes.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and dont mind potentially longer waits, it might be worth a try. However, if speed and consistent efficiency are your top priorities, especially during peak hours, you might find yourself a bit frustrated.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.6 and a solid 82.1% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the pleasant patio and outdoor seating, praising the overall cleanliness and relaxing vibe. With 64 positive comments out of 78 total, it seems most find the environment quite inviting.
However, a few concerns popped up among the 11 negative remarks. Some found the pop music too loud, while others mentioned screaming kids impacting the atmosphere. There were also comments about the indoor temperature being too cold and an unacceptable restroom situation.
Ambience
78
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant patio
- Immaculate cleanliness
- Relaxing outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud pop music
- Unacceptable restrooms
- Uncomfortable indoor temperature
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was truly a work of art! 🍑 The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5. I highly recommend this dish.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessThe sandwiches and potato salad were both incredibly flavorful. I also appreciated the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the establishment, and the efficient service. Considering the price, it's not expensive; $37 for two people is considered cheap these days.
- restroomsBoth came with a side of cut green apples and a drink, with my kids choosing Sprite. The restrooms were clean and the overall restaurant was clean. The fun cow decorations on the walls added a nice touch.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- parkingparking was super easy to find
- placeThis placed was slammed on a Thursday lunch
- accessible parkingI have only ordered to-go from this place and not dined-in, but it looks like a cute lunch spot. It's located right on the outskirts of Westfield mall, with plenty of accessible parking!
- ambianceGreat ambiance
Frequently criticized
- all-gender roomthe all-gender room was locked for a very long time
- bathroomAnd it was dirty
- cleanliness of the dining areathe cleanliness of the dining area
- indoor temperatureit was too cold inside to stay indoors
- kids gamesThey also don’t have any of the fun kids games.
- kitchendon't want to imagine what the kitchen looks like
- pop musicHowever, the atmosphere was negatively impacted by the music. I would advise against sitting anywhere near the food prep area, as they blast pop music, which competes with the already blasting restaurant pop music.
- restaurant pop musicHowever, the atmosphere was negatively impacted by the music. I would advise against sitting anywhere near the food prep area, as they blast pop music, which competes with the already blasting restaurant pop music.
- restroom situationthe restroom situation is unacceptable
- screaming kidsThe sunset view was beautiful, contributing to a lovely atmosphere. Minus the screaming kids, this spot is beautiful.
If you're looking for a spot with a generally pleasant and clean environment, especially with great outdoor options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential noise levels and check the restroom situation upon arrival, as these were minor points of contention for some.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found it quite appealing, noting that it was often worth it and reasonably priced. Many appreciated the great value for generous portions, with some even calling the food affordable and justifying the cost with quality. Based on 10 positive remarks out of 26 total, the sentiment leans towards finding good deals here, especially for those seeking quality.
However, the overall score for value is an average 5.7, and customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 38.5%, suggesting a mixed bag. Many felt items were pricy, especially sandwiches, and disliked additional cost for things like chicken or overpriced small bag of chips. With 9 negative comments, some found it expensive when nothing else came with their meal, leaving them hungry.
Value
26
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions offered
- Quality justifies cost
- Often feels affordable
What people don't like
- Sandwiches feel pricey
- Sides are overpriced
- No included sides
Often praised
- priceNot crazy expensive. $37 for two people is considered cheap these days
- PriceSize Quality Price$!
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordablefood was excellent, and affordable
- great valuefind the location to be of great value
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced
- spendyIt's a little spendy, but that's quality
- worth itit was worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceit’s expensive considering NOTHING else comes with it
- additional costI placed a pick-up order for one of their salads and also added chicken, which was an additional cost. I was looking forward to my meal, only to find out they didn't include the chicken.
- sandwich that cost $14.35hungry after eating a sandwich that cost $14.35
- sandwichesSandwiches are just a little pricy
- small bag of chipscharging over $3 for a small bag of chips is kind of ridiculous
- tipthey expect a 20% tip
If youre looking for generous portions and dont mind paying a bit more for quality, you might find some good value here. However, be wary of pricy sandwiches and additional cost for sides, as many felt the overall experience didn't quite justify the expense.
How are the prices at Mendocino Farms?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 100 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners stick to this range, though a few venture into slightly higher-priced options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 100 reviews.
How this Sandwich Shop’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality Sandwich Shop in San Diego. It hits that sweet spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mendocino Farms
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Service, Good Food with a Few Tweaks
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I found the atmosphere to be calm, complemented by great service. The tomato soup was exceptional, earning a perfect 10/10.
However, the Chimichurri Steak Sandwich was a bit disappointing; it seemed to be missing something, perhaps a sauce, or the meat lacked flavor. The Guyaba Lemonade was too sugary for my taste, but the pomegranate lemonade was fantastic. Overall, it was a great first experience.
- atmosphere10
- service10
- tomato soup10
- Chimichurri Steak Sandwich4
- Guyaba Lemonade4
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was equally impressive. The staff were incredibly polite and nice, especially when my son asked for extra cheese; they responded so kindly.
I truly love the place itself.
- food10
- service10
- place9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Double Meat and Service
My experience at this restaurant has always been great, whether for dine-in or take-out. They actually provide double meat when you order it, unlike the other location in Downtown which claims to do so but doesn't. Because of this, I now go a little out of my way to visit this specific location to ensure I receive what I actually order.
The service and food are consistently great every time I've been.
- double meat10
- service9
- food9
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The food quality was perfect, and Andres provided excellent service. I highly recommend this place!
👍
- food quality10
- excellent service10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
A Showstopper Prosciutto & Chicken Sandwich
My experience at Mendocino Farms in Mission Valley was defined by the Prosciutto & Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich is a total showstopper, redefining what a deli sandwich can be. The combination of salty, savory prosciutto and tender roasted chicken, enhanced by a vibrant basil pesto, all pressed into a perfect ciabatta, was nothing short of brilliant.
It's the kind of sandwich that stays with you long after the last bite. The meal was fresh, sophisticated, and flawlessly executed. I highly recommend trying this sandwich!
- Prosciutto & Chicken Sandwich10
- salty, savory prosciutto9
- tender roasted chicken9
What Mendocino Farms offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at Mendocino Farms in Mission Valley?
At Mendocino Farms, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. For your convenience, curbside pickup and outdoor seating are also available, ensuring you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.
Does Mendocino Farms cater to specific dietary needs and what amenities are available for guests?
Yes, Mendocino Farms is well-equipped to handle various dietary preferences, offering healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. For amenities, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and high chairs for children. They also provide a kids’ menu, making it a great spot for families.
How does Mendocino Farms rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Mendocino Farms holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 74.9%. Its Food (8.1) is particularly well-regarded, followed by a pleasant Ambience (7.6). Service (6.3) and Value (5.7) are considered average.
Is Mendocino Farms a good place for fresh and healthy options?
Yes, many customers praise Mendocino Farms for its fresh ingredients and delicious salads and sandwiches. Opinions frequently highlight the quality and flavor of the food, making it a popular choice for healthy meals.
What are some common concerns customers have about Mendocino Farms?
Some customers have noted that portions can be small for the price, and service can occasionally be inconsistent or slow, especially during busy periods. There are also occasional comments about the indoor ambiance, such as music levels or temperature.