Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Moobongri Soondae – San Diego
Moobongri Soondae - San Diego
Photo from Moobongri Soondae
Moobongri Soondae at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- ๐ฅข Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21โ$30
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#226 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Korean Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
163
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Soups
- Great Service
- Customer Care
- Hearty Portions
Frequently criticized
- Noise Level
- Water Cost
- Missing Items
- Sundae Inconsistency
The restaurant, Moobongri Soondae (๋ฌด๋ด๋ฆฌ ์๋๊ตญ ์๋์๊ณ ), is a beloved Korean restaurant nestled in the vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite, this spot offers a genuine taste of Korean cuisine. It’s a place where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a comfortable setting, making it a go-to for many locals.
Overview: Introducting Moobongri Soondae
Moobongri Soondae generally offers a satisfying experience, particularly for those craving hearty Korean soups. While the food consistently earns high marks for its rich flavors and generous portions, the overall ambience might be a bit bustling for some.
The establishment also shines in its customer care, demonstrating a willingness to address concerns professionally. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and the perceived value for the substantial meals provided.
However, some have noted minor issues like additional costs for basic items or occasional inconsistencies. Despite these small points, the restaurant maintains a positive reputation for its core offerings and responsive approach.
Good
7.9
out of 10
163
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
24
negative
11
neutral
128
positive
The restaurant achieves a solid overall score of 7.9, placing it firmly in the ‘good’ category, which aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rating of 78.5%. These insights are drawn from 163 customer observations, comprising 128 positive and 24 negative remarks, indicating a generally favorable perception.
Delving into specifics, Food stands out with an impressive (7.9), frequently praised for its taste and quality. Service also performs strongly at (8.3), reflecting a positive interaction with staff.
While Ambience (6.6) and Value (6.4) are considered good, they suggest a more moderate experience compared to the higher marks for food and service.
What people like
- Delicious, rich soups
- Attentive, professional service
- Responsive customer care
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Occasional noise level
- Charge for water bottle
- Missing condiments
- Sundae flavor inconsistency
Moobongri Soondae is a dependable choice for those seeking authentic and flavorful Korean soups, backed by attentive service. With a strong 8.1 recommendation score, it’s clear that many find the experience worthwhile and plan to return.
If you prioritize delicious, hearty meals and appreciate good customer service, this spot is certainly worth considering. Just be mindful that the atmosphere can be lively, and some minor details might vary, but the core dining experience remains a draw.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Moobongri Soondae
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, with a 7.9 score and 80.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a good experience for most. Out of 123 comments, a strong 99 praise the delicious flavors, generous portions, and rich broths, especially in their diverse soup offerings. Many also rave about the tasty kimchi and kkakdugi, making for a satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 16 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few found the sundae less flavorful or overcooked, and there were rare but serious concerns about meat quality and even mold in condiments. Missing essential items like spicy paste or salted shrimp also caused frustration for some diners.
Food
123
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful soups
- Generous portions
- Tasty kimchi
What people don't like
- Mold in condiments
- Missing condiments
- Poor meat quality
Often praised
- foodIt really showed that they care about their customers and are willing to correct and improve when something goes wrong. Iโm very satisfied with the food this time and will definitely come back again. Thank you for the great service!
- meatMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the soondae soup. It was amazing, packed with so much meat, and the soup itself was incredibly rich and delicious. I would for sure go back again.
- kimchiAll the soups are tasty, but the Yukgaejang is the best. The kimchi and kkakdugi are also amazing. Wishing the best to Mubongri Sundae Guk, our family's favorite!
- brothThis was my first visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Sundae Guk. It was packed with plenty of meat, and the broth was rich and delicious without any gamey smell. The kimchi and kkakdugi were also incredibly tasty.
- Sundae GukI had the most delicious Sundae Guk in a long time. It's always reliable to eat at Mubongri Sundae Guk~ Other family members had Yukgaejang, Pork Back-bone Stew, and Gomtang, and everyone said it was delicious while eating.
- kkakdugiThe taste was perfect, making me so happy! The kimchi and kkakdugi are also incredibly delicious; I suspect they are made in-house. Please maintain the same taste as yesterday.
- soupsMost importantly, the food is incredibly delicious! All the soups are tasty, but the Yukgaejang is the best. The kimchi and kkakdugi are also amazing.
- Spicy Soondae SoupSpicy Soondae Soup is really good
- YukgaejangMost importantly, the food is incredibly delicious! All the soups are tasty, but the Yukgaejang is the best. The kimchi and kkakdugi are also amazing.
- beef back rib soupI always order the number 9 which is the beef back rib soup
Frequently criticized
- sundaeI ordered the Sundae Guk Jeongshik, which was a generous portion. While the sundae itself in the Sundae Guk Jeongshik wasn't as flavorful as the one in LA, the internal organs were tastier than the LA branch. I'm not sure why, but the internal organs in San Diego's Mubongri were tastier, and the sundae in LA's Sundae Guk was better.
- Soondae soupI got the Soondae soup. I don't understand this dish.
- flavorless white brothit is still flavorless white broth.
- health hazardUnsanitary food is a health hazard
- meatthe meat was old and difficult to eat due to the smell
- moldfound a big colony of mold
- own water bottleSuggest to bring your own water bottle.
- portionsgenerous portions and a variety of side dishes
- saltleft out the salt
- salted shrimpleft out the salted shrimp
If you're craving hearty, flavorful Korean soups with generous portions and delicious banchan, this spot is generally a great bet. Just be aware that some specific items like the sundae can be inconsistent, and there have been isolated but serious issues with condiments, so a quick check might be wise.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
It seems like the service here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic 85.2% customer satisfaction. Many folks (23 out of 27 comments!) raved about the friendly staff and how the owner genuinely cares, especially when resolving issues with thoughtful apologies and quick solutions. However, a few customers (just 3 comments) did point out some minor hiccups.
There were instances of missing basic items like chopsticks, spoons, or condiments in takeout orders, and one person felt a cashier wasn't very helpful. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread problem.
Service
27
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Owner resolves issues
- Friendly staff
- Great service
What people don't like
- Missing utensils
- Unhelpful cashier
Often praised
- service10 of 10 service
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The staff were friendly and the food was delicious. I ordered the Sundae Guk Jeongshik, which was a generous portion.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff were friendly
- cashierCashier was nice
- condimentsBasic condiments (pepper, salt, salted shrimp) were well-provided.
- customer careI had been quite disappointed before, but their thoughtful response completely changed my impression. It really showed that they care about their customers and are willing to correct and improve when something goes wrong. Iโm very satisfied with the food this time and will definitely come back again.
- deliveryThe delivery arrived on time without any issues.
- explanationI visited the restaurant again today after a previous issue with my takeout order. The owner sincerely apologized for the mistake, clearly explained what had happened, and handled the situation very professionally. They were incredibly kind and immediately prepared the same dish we had ordered before (of course, free of charge!).
- great serviceThank you for the great service!
Frequently criticized
- cashiertook the container to the cashier, but all I got was how dry the shop is
- chopsticksEverything else was fineโpackaging was neat, and the food looked good. But they didnโt include chopsticks or a spoon, and they also left out the spicy paste, salted shrimp, and salt. Are you kidding me?
- spoondidnโt include a spoon
Overall, the service here is a strong point, especially with an owner who goes above and beyond to ensure customer happiness. While there might be a rare slip-up with takeout essentials, you can generally expect a friendly and attentive experience.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
The vibe here is a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some good points! Many folks appreciate the overall atmosphere and ambiance, with two positive remarks out of five total. The setup, like a food court, is often highlighted as being great for a quick and compact meal.
While the score for ambience sits at an average 6.6, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 40%. However, its not all sunshine and roses. The main point of contention, mentioned in one negative opinion, is the potential for noise.
While the food court style is convenient, it can sometimes lead to a less tranquil dining experience. So, if youre looking for a quiet, intimate spot, this might not be your first choice.
Ambience
5
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good for quick meal
- Compact setup
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- ambiancethe place is set up like a food court, so itโs good for a quick and compact meal.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- noiseIt can be a bit noisy, though.
If youre after a speedy, no-fuss meal and dont mind a lively buzz, the ambience here could work for you. But if peace and quiet are high on your list, you might find it a bit too loud for a relaxing visit.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
It seems the value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with some diners finding dishes hearty and delicious for the cost, even calling the price reasonable. Based on 4 positive observations, some felt the offerings were well worth the extra cost, with one even noting a dish provided free of charge. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy.
Conversely, 4 negative remarks mention prices that seemed significantly higher or a bit of a stretch, especially compared to other food court options, with one specific mention of a mandatory bottle charge. With an average score of 6.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50%, the overall value proposition is quite balanced.
Value
8
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value food
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Higher price point
- Mandatory bottle charge
Often praised
- costfor the cost, it is hearty and delicious
- extra costI always order the number 9, which is the beef back rib soup (๊ฐ๋นํ), and I add tendon to it. It is worth the extra cost every time! A must-visit spot for people who like Korean soups!
- free of chargeThe owner sincerely apologized for the mistake, clearly explained what had happened, and handled the situation very professionally. They were incredibly kind and immediately prepared the same dish we had ordered before (of course, free of charge!). I had been quite disappointed before, but their thoughtful response completely changed my impression.
- priceI highly, highly recommend this restaurant! The price is also reasonable~ Of course, I plan to visit again next time.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe kimchi and kkakdugi were also incredibly tasty. Although the price is a bit of a stretch, I have a 100% intention to revisit.
- buy one bottleU need to buy one bottle at $1.
- pricesthe prices seemed significantly higher
If youre looking for hearty and delicious food and dont mind potentially paying a little extra, you might find the value here acceptable. However, if youre very budget-conscious or expect typical food court prices, you might find the cost a bit high. Its a place where the value can be great for some, but a stretch for others.
How are the prices at Moobongri Soondae?
On average, youโll spend around 23 per person โ from 18 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21โ$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, thatโs mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners seem to stick to the 11 – 30 $ range, with a good number spending around 23. A couple of guests ventured into the $41โ$50 bracket, suggesting there are some premium options too, but it’s mostly a mid-range affair.
Hereโs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Korean Restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, especially with most guests spending in the mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Moobongri Soondae
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Flavorful Soups at H-Mart Food Court
My experience at this food court spot was fantastic, especially for anyone craving Korean soup! Located inside H-Mart, it offered a great variety of soups, including pork gukbap and soondae guk, which are hard to find elsewhere. The service was very friendly; you order and pay, then wait for a beeper to find a table.
The food was exceptional. The Pork Gukbap was a 5/5, boasting incredible flavor depth and tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork. You can even season it to your liking.
The Spicy Soondae Guk was also a 5/5, a flavor bomb that was just the right amount of spicy, with a decent amount of meat and soondae. The Soondae & Pork Sampler Plate was a bit of a letdown at 3/5, with overcooked soondae and mixed quality pork, some tender and some dry. Overall, the soups definitely won me over!
- soups10
- pork gukbap10
- pork10
- soondae3
Price per Person
- $21โ$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Spicy Soondae Combo - Great Early Bite!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially for an early meal. I tried the Spicy Soondae Combo and it had a good taste. The restaurant opens early, which is a plus.
A small suggestion for future visitors: bring your own water bottle. Otherwise, you'll need to buy one for $1 or serve yourself. Overall, a satisfying experience with delicious food.
- Spicy Soondae Combo9
- good taste8
- serve yourself6
- own water bottle4
- buy one bottle4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0โ5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Absolutely Delicious Korean Soup!
If I could give 6/5 stars, I would! The service and food were absolutely awesome. I always order the number 9, which is the beef back rib soup (๊ฐ๋นํ), and I add tendon to it.
It is worth the extra cost every time! A must-visit spot for people who like Korean soups!
- service10
- food10
- beef back rib soup10
Price per Person
- $11โ$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Service Turns Disappointment Around
I visited the restaurant again today after a previous issue with my takeout order. The owner sincerely apologized for the mistake, clearly explained what had happened, and handled the situation very professionally. They were incredibly kind and immediately prepared the same dish we had ordered before (of course, free of charge!).
I had been quite disappointed before, but their thoughtful response completely changed my impression. It really showed that they care about their customers and are willing to correct and improve when something goes wrong. Iโm very satisfied with the food this time and will definitely come back again.
Thank you for the great service!
- owner apology10
- explanation9
- handling the situation10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Missing essentials for my Sundae set
I ordered the Sundae set online. Everything else was fineโpackaging was neat, and the food looked good. But they didnโt include chopsticks or a spoon, and they also left out the spicy paste, salted shrimp, and salt.
Are you kidding me? Am I supposed to eat the soup without the paste or salt, and the sundae without any seasoning, using my hands? Completely unacceptable.
- packaging8
- food appearance7
- chopsticks2
- spoon2
- spicy paste1
What Moobongri Soondae offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options does Moobongri Soondae offer for its customers?
Moobongri Soondae provides a variety of convenient service options. You can choose from no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup. For those who prefer to dine on-site, dine-in service is also available, ensuring flexibility for your meal plans.
What kind of dining experience and accessibility can you expect at Moobongri Soondae?
Moobongri Soondae offers a casual dining experience suitable for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with ample seating and counter service. It’s also good for kids. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Moobongri Soondae?
Moobongri Soondae has a good overall score of **7.9** and a customer satisfaction rate of **78.5%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (7.9) and **Service** (8.3), while **Ambience** (6.6) and **Value** (6.4) are also rated positively.
What are the standout food items at Moobongri Soondae?
Customers frequently highlight the delicious and rich soondae soup, often packed with meat. The Yukgaejang, beef back rib soup, and the accompanying kimchi and kkakdugi are also consistently praised for their taste.
How does Moobongri Soondae handle customer service issues?
The restaurant demonstrates strong customer care, with staff described as friendly and professional. In instances of mistakes, the owner has sincerely apologized, explained issues clearly, and resolved them promptly and generously, leaving a positive impression.