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oChef » Mien Trung – San Diego
Mien Trung - San Diego
Photo from Mien Trung
Mien Trung at a glance
San Diego Linda Vista
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#273 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#43 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
442
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Limited parking
The restaurant Mien Trung is a welcoming restaurant located in the Linda Vista neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With healthy options and coffee available, it’s an ideal spot whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. Enjoy a casual setting that feels just right for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Mien Trung
Mien Trung offers a distinct dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes, particularly the rich broth in its signature soup. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a cherished, family-owned establishment.
However, potential diners should be aware of certain practicalities. The establishment operates on a cash only basis, and finding convenient parking can sometimes be a challenge.
Despite these points, the overall culinary experience remains a draw for many.
Good
7.7
out of 10
442
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
60
negative
47
neutral
335
positive
Mien Trung garners a solid 7.7 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 75.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These assessments are drawn from a substantial body of 442 customer remarks, with 335 positive observations outweighing 60 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an excellent (8.3).
Service also performs well at a good (7.6), suggesting attentive interactions. However, Ambience (6.5) and Value (5.8) fall into the average range, indicating areas where experiences are more mixed for some visitors.
What people like
- Flavorful, complex dishes
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Reasonably priced options
What people don't like
- Cash-only payment
- Limited parking
- No air conditioning
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Mien Trung is certainly worth considering if you appreciate authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. It delivers a satisfying culinary experience, particularly for those seeking well-prepared dishes.
However, be prepared for a cash-only transaction and potential parking challenges. If these practicalities don’t deter you, you’ll likely find a rewarding meal here, especially if you prioritize taste and friendly interactions over modern conveniences.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mien Trung
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a strong 87.7% customer satisfaction. With 250 positive remarks out of 285 total, many diners rave about the authentic Vietnamese food, especially the delicious Bun Bo Hue and flavorful chicken wings. The rich, aromatic broth is consistently praised, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, a smaller group of 24 diners had less stellar experiences. Some found specific dishes, like the shrimp & pork noodle soup, disappointing due to issues with pork quality and an off-tasting soup broth. A few also noted a small menu selection, suggesting that while the highlights are strong, some other offerings might not be as consistent.
Food
285
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
24
negative
11
neutral
250
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese food
- Excellent Bun Bo Hue
- Flavorful broth
What people don't like
- Some dishes disappointing
- Limited menu options
- Off-tasting soup broth
Often praised
- foodThe owner and family were incredibly friendly, and I appreciated that I could ask them questions about the food. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the casual atmosphere. I would highly recommend people to give it a try.
- Bun Bo HueThe mother of the child even mentioned I'd likely never find something like it in San Diego because it's made with love. Today, my husband surprised me by getting me the soup 🥰, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended!
- bun bo huebun bo hue and both were as good as expected
- brothThis is the only place for the best Bun bo Hue! The broth has so much body and complexity with lemongrass undertones and a variety of sliced meats. Their chicken wings are great too!
- Bún Bò HuếKnown for their Bún Bò Huế, this place has been around for decades now and still one of the best.
- Bun RieuBun Rieu (crab noodle) every time for me
- chicken wingschicken wings which are so flavorful and crunchy
- Bun bo HueI came back with friends for Bun bo Hue, Hen xuc banh trang, and Fried chicken. We were so full!
- Bún Bò Huế Spicy Beef Noodle SoupRecommended dishes:Bún Bò Huế Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
- Foodfood here is incredible!
Frequently criticized
- Bun RieuThe bun rieu was my least fav
- Bún Bòbún bò and bún chả cá are not kid friendly (spicy)
- Bún Chả Cábún bò and bún chả cá are not kid friendly (spicy)
- FoodDidn’t enjoy the meal at all
- Pho Duyen Mai food qualitiesPho Duyen Mai food qualities have been not up to standard
- authenticIt is no where near authentic
- bamboo shootsthe bamboo shoots were sour
- bold fish smellsea foods there are very bold very strong fish smell
- bun rieuThe entire meal was a disappointment
- don't serve phofew Vietnamese restaurant that don't serve pho
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese flavors, particularly Bun Bo Hue and tasty chicken wings, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few specific dishes might be inconsistent, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a satisfying culinary experience awaits you.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 76.4%, its clear many guests have had great experiences. Reviewers frequently praise the friendly staff, the owner, and the family who run the place, noting the quick service and attentive approach in 42 positive remarks.
However, its not all sunshine. A few of the 9 negative comments point to concerns about the owner's behavior, with some mentioning dishonesty and a strict no return policy. While these instances are fewer, they suggest some guests had less than ideal interactions regarding service issues.
Service
55
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Family-run atmosphere
What people don't like
- Rude owner
- No returns
- Dishonesty issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their Bún Bò Huế Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, which is a decent sized portion that consistently leaves me feeling full. The service is great, and they feature Vietnamese culture on TV. It's a nice small place, but it's important to note that they only accept cash.
- ownerI recommend trying the clam appetizer and the coffee. The owner is extremely friendly.
- ServiceService:4
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their Best Bun Bo Hue in San Diego county. The establishment is small, but the staff are friendly and serve great hot food. It's important to note that they are cash only.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff asking if we need recommendations.
- attentionatención excelente
- center tableasked to move to the center table. Nice preemptive move
- familythe family that owns it is extremely nice
- family owned and runFamily owned and run. Super friendly.
- friendly servicesFriendly services
Frequently criticized
- ownerWe told the owner and he did nothing.
- dining experienceworst dining experience ever
- dishonesty and shadynessdishonesty and shadyness of this place
- no return policyYou CANNOT RETURN even it was BAD
- out ofWhat the other two wanted to eat they were out of
- owner behaviorowner was swatting flies and picking his nose
- pack it homeHe also told me to pack it home
- waterthey still forget to give me water
Overall, if you value friendly, quick service from a family-run spot, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be mindful that a few past guests have noted concerns about the owners demeanor or policies, so it's worth keeping in mind.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Stepping into this restaurant, many find a charming hole-in-the-wall vibe, often described as a hidden gem with a casual atmosphere. Reviewers frequently praise the authentic touch of Vietnamese music and TV featuring cultural clips, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The cleanliness and family-owned feel also earn high marks, contributing to the 29 positive remarks about the setting.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 54.7% and an average score of 6.5. A common concern among the 14 negative comments is the tricky parking situation. Additionally, the lack of AC can make it feel like a sauna, and some have noted a strong cleaning product smell or other strong odors, suggesting the interior could use an upgrade.
Ambience
53
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
14
negative
10
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic "hole-in-wall" charm
- Lively Vietnamese atmosphere
- Clean and family-owned
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- No AC
- Strong smells
Often praised
- atmosphereThey provide nice catering sizes for many of their dishes, which has been a great way to bring some good food for potlucks, although you will have to bring your own pot for the soup-based dishes. The atmosphere is very reminiscent of visiting your old grandma's house. They're always blasting loud Vietnamese music and playing clips of Viet food being prepared on the TV, really bringing a nostalgic atmosphere to older times in Vietnam.
- hidden gemTruly a hole in a wall hidden gem
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:3
- TV featuring Vietnamese culturethey have TV on featuring Vietnamese culture
- Vietnamese musicThey're always blasting loud Vietnamese music and playing clips of Viet food being prepared on the TV really bringing a nostalgic atmosphere to older times in Vietnam.
- casual atmosphereenjoyed the casual atmosphere
- clean insideBut it's clean inside.
- cleanlinessLugar limpio
- family owned restaurantThis is a hole in the wall place, but in the best sense. It’s a small family owned restaurant where quality is the main priority. My boyfriend, a bun no hue fanatic, absolutely loves this place and used to frequent this establishment weekly.
- family-owned restaurantFamily owned restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe food is still good, but with their penchant for increasing prices, I’ll probably go here less. It's cash only, and parking is scarce. 3.
- ParkingParking is a bit limited
- building upgrade/remodelthe building needs a major upgrade/remodel
- cleaning product smellthe cleaning product smell is too strong
- no A/CThere's no A/c so don't eat hot food items during the day.
- no ACyou will probably feel like you're in a sauna as they don't have AC
- parking lotHowever, it's important to note that you need to bring cash. Parking can be difficult during busy hours due to the small parking lot.
- placethe place is small
- sanitationunsure about the sanitation
- smellsmell of fish sauces and other smelly sauces
If youre seeking an authentic, no-frills hole-in-the-wall experience with a lively Vietnamese atmosphere, this spot could be a delightful find. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and the possibility of a warm interior due to no AC. Its a trade-off for the unique charm.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers are pleasantly surprised, often highlighting the reasonably priced dishes and even calling it the cheapest bún bò in town. With 14 positive remarks out of 49 total, guests frequently praise the great price for what they receive, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious diners. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.8, and customer satisfaction is quite low at a poor 28.6%.
A major sticking point, mentioned in 13 negative comments, is the cash only policy. Guests also expressed frustration over noticeable price increases and outdated menu prices, with some feeling they were even overcharged.
Value
49
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
13
negative
22
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Cheapest Bún Bò
What people don't like
- Cash only payment
- Frequent price hikes
- Billing discrepancies
Often praised
- pricethe price is $8 a bowl. You can’t beat it
- pricesMy favorite is the #2. Keep in mind that it's cash only, but the prices are really affordable.
- ATMcash-only ATM located up front
- cheapCheap, but they accept cash only.
- cheapest bún bòit's also the cheapest bún bò in town
- good priceI highly recommend asking them to hold the spice, as it was too spicy for me. While other dishes were a bit inconsistent, they were generally okay and offered good price. The atmosphere and service were rated a 4, indicating a pleasant dining environment and attentive staff.
- great priceat a great price
- reasonable priceYou can even order it ahead to bring home, though you'll need to bring your own pot. While we've often gotten bun bo hue for home, they also offer a good selection of dishes at a really reasonable price. The restaurant can get busy, so I recommend going earlier in the day.
- reasonably pricedfood was also reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- cash onlythis place is a cash only business
- priceRecently, they renovated the seatings, so the interior looks better. I’ve been coming here for years and I’ve noticed they have been steadily increasing their price, especially over the past couple of years. The price of the Bun Bo Hue and other main dishes have gone up a whopping 100%!
- billdouble check the bill
- cashBRING CASH
- cash only businessthis is a cash only business
- cash only placeshady practices. Overcharged me on my small bowl
- changedoublecheck the change
- menu pricesDon’t call it inflation; not many places double their price on most of their dishes. They stopped updating their menu prices because they change it frequently. The food is still good, but with their penchant for increasing prices, I’ll probably go here less.
- paymentshortchanged me on my payment
If youre looking for an affordable meal and dont mind paying with cash, this spot could be a good fit. Just be aware of potential price changes and double-check your bill, as the value experience can be a bit of a mixed bag for some.
How are the prices at Mien Trung?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits at 22, most diners actually spend a bit less, typically in the 11 – 20 € range. A few higher-end experiences pull that average up, suggesting a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in San Diego. Youve got options whether youre looking for a more casual bite or something a little more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mien Trung
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Hidden Gem of Asian Food!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. I had one of the best Vietnamese meals I've ever tasted, and I've had plenty. All the noodle soups are incredible.
The salads are fresh and very tasty. This place is a hidden gem of Asian food in San Diego!
- food10
- noodle soups10
- salad9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful Vietnamese with Great Options
My experience at this wonderful Vietnamese restaurant was fantastic! They offer a variety of great options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We tried their highly-rated bun bo hue noodle soup, bo luc lac, and crispy fried chicken wings.
The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. The atmosphere was pleasant with moderate noise, and parking was plentiful and free. I would definitely recommend this place.
- variety of options9
- bun bo hue noodle soup10
- bo luc lac9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Vietnamese Flavors, Felt Like Home
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I felt completely at home while dining here, and in all honesty, it reminded me of my roots back in Vietnam. The food was authentic and tasted surreal.
I would definitely return again.
- food10
- authentic dishes10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was truly amazing. I loved the food, the atmosphere, and the service. Specifically, I enjoyed the Vietnamese coffee and the bun bo hue, which I found to be the best in town!
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Vietnamese Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. If you're looking for a perfect Vietnamese taste, this is the best place. I highly recommend the bun bo hue and fried chicken wing.
They also provide good service to customers. If I could, I would give them 10 stars.
- Vietnamese taste10
- bun bo hue10
- fried chicken wing10
What Mien Trung offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Mien Trung Restaurant?
When you visit Mien Trung Restaurant, you’ll find convenient parking options. There is free street parking available, as well as a free parking lot. You can usually expect plenty of parking spaces.
Is Mien Trung Restaurant accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Mien Trung Restaurant is designed with accessibility in mind. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom for your comfort.
What is the overall assessment of Mien Trung?
Mien Trung holds a good overall score of **7.7**. Its **Food** is highly rated at (8.3), and **Service** is good at (7.6). **Ambience** (6.5) and **Value** (5.8) are considered average.
Does Mien Trung accept card payments?
No, Mien Trung operates on a cash-only basis, which is a frequent point mentioned by customers regarding their experience.
Is parking readily available at Mien Trung?
Parking can be limited or scarce, especially during busy hours, so planning your visit accordingly is advisable.