Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Panda Express – San Diego
Panda Express - San Diego
Photo from Panda Express
Panda Express at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#690 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#24 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
4.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
279
Reviews
38.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Clean environment
- Fresh ingredients
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- High price
- Rude staff
The restaurant Panda Express in San Diego’s vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood is your go-to spot for a quick and satisfying Chinese meal. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full dinner, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
You can enjoy your food with convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, or even delivery right to your door. It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a delicious and easy dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Panda Express
Panda Express offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the fresh food and the generally friendly staff who often go the extra mile. Customers frequently commend the clean environment and convenient location, making it a practical stop.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over portion sizes and perceived value, with opinions suggesting that servings can be inconsistent. While many enjoy their meals, there are occasional reports of food quality issues or negative service interactions.
Average
4.9
out of 10
279
Reviews
38.7%
Satisfaction
149
negative
22
neutral
108
positive
Panda Express receives an overall Restaurant Score of 4.9, placing it in the average category. This is a mixed result, especially when considering the Customer Satisfaction, which stands at a poor 38.7%.
This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are well-regarded, a significant portion of customers leave less than fully content. Looking closer at the 279 customer opinions (108 positive versus 149 negative), the Ambience (7.4) is a clear strength, often described as clean and convenient.
Service (4.9) and Food (4.6) hover around average, indicating a blend of positive interactions and culinary hits, alongside some notable misses. Value (3.7), however, is a consistent point of concern.
What people like
- Friendly, professional staff
- Clean, convenient location
- Fresh food options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Perceived poor value
- Negative service encounters
Panda Express presents a convenient option, particularly if you prioritize a clean setting and appreciate efficient, often friendly service. With a Recommendation Score of 5.1, it’s a place that can satisfy, especially if you’re familiar with their offerings and manage expectations regarding portion consistency.
However, be mindful of potential variability in food quality and portion sizes, which can impact the overall value. If you’re seeking a quick, no-frills meal and catch them on a good day, it could be a decent choice, but it might not consistently deliver a standout experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express
Food (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to the food, there's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.6, placing it in the average category. Many customers appreciate the fresh ingredients, good portion sizes, and the classic Orange Chicken, often finding it filling and delicious. Based on 40 positive remarks, it seems you can find some yummy options here!
However, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 36.4%, indicating significant room for improvement. There are 62 negative comments highlighting concerns about small portion sizes, inconsistent food quality, and dishes being cold. Some even reported issues like finding hair in food, which is definitely a dealbreaker for many.
Food
110
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
62
negative
8
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh food
- Good portion sizes
- Tasty Orange Chicken
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Poor food quality
- Food often cold
Often praised
- foodThe ordering process was uncomplicated, and the staff were both efficient and friendly. I was also impressed that the food is always fresh. This location is definitely better than most other Panda Express locations I've visited.
- Orange Chickenordered more orange chicken because those dishes went FAST!!
- veggiesthe veggies cooked right 👍🏼
- Hot Orange Chickenenjoy my Hot Orange Chicken as unadulterated as possible
- Panda Express locationsBetter than most other Panda express locations
- better tasting Panda'sone of the better tasting Panda's
- carb loadinggreat for carb loading if you're a runner
- chickenside of chicken
- classic Panda Express dishesclassic Panda Express dishes you're looking for
- fillingfilling and inexpensive!
Frequently criticized
- foodI had always heard that Panda Express was really good, but my experience at the one in PB was disappointing. The Chow Mein Noodles were so undercooked that they crunched, and the food was cold. The Orange Chicken was pretty good, but it would have been better if it had been hot.
- orange chicken3 pieces of orange chicken is now an entree.
- riceThe rice and honey walnut shrimp were burnt
- chow meinforgot” to add chow mein to it
- food qualityfood quality was clearly an issue
- honey walnut shrimppaid for honey walnut shrimp and only put 3 shrimps
- portion sizesPortion sizes have gone down recently unfortunately.
- Beijing Beefextremely painful food poisoning after eating the Beijing Beef
- Chow MeinThe Chow Mein was bland
- Chow Mein NoodlesThe Chow Mein Noodles were so under cooked they crunched
If youre looking for a quick, filling meal and dont mind the risk of inconsistent quality or smaller portions, it might be worth a try for their Orange Chicken. However, with a low satisfaction rate and some serious concerns, you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options if food quality is your top priority.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9, placing it in the average range. Many customers, based on 53 positive remarks, have experienced truly excellent service, highlighting friendly staff who went above and beyond and were often described as polite, quick, and efficient. You'll find mentions of attentiveness and a positive attitude creating a great customer experience.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 38.4%, reflecting the 75 negative comments. These often point to issues like rude service, aggressive tone, and general poor customer service from employees. Long waiting times and instances of forgotten orders also frequently pop up, suggesting that while some experiences are great, consistency can be a real challenge here.
Service
138
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
75
negative
10
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff goes above
- Friendly, quick service
- Excellent customer care
What people don't like
- Rude, aggressive staff
- Poor customer service
- Long waits, forgotten
Often praised
- staffDespite only having 4 employees working and a long line with offsite order tickets, they were hustling. I give them a lot of credit for staying calm while moving fast and handling the situation to the best of their ability. I understand how stressful that can be, especially for hourly wage employees.
- customer serviceShe seems to have been a part of the team for 1-2 years, and it's clear she's built strong relationships with the customers, as they all know her by name. Fiamma provided very professional and excellent customer service. I will definitely keep coming back.
- serviceThe service is always with a smile
- employeesno problems or complaints from the employees when they called my husband
- Carter CCarter C was my person today & she was extra nice & helpful
- FiammaShe seems to have been a part of the team for 1-2 years, and it's clear she's built strong relationships with the customers, as they all know her by name. Fiamma provided very professional and excellent customer service. I will definitely keep coming back.
- JohnJohn is one of your very best employees
- LilianaHer professionalism and positive attitude really stood out
- PeterI like it when Peter is attending and serving the portions, always has a smile
- RubenRuben was amazing and even offered me fresh entrées
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service at this establishment utterly sucks.
- employeesIf the other employees acted like Oscar I would never step foot in that place again.
- waiting timeI waited 10 minutes and was told by staff that it would take another 5 minutes
- Famiathis entitled famia was gonna walk through the railing
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The customer service from Maria was the worst. Within the first three words, she was rolling her eyes and making disgusting facial expressions towards my husband, a friend, and me, specifically when she noticed we were speaking Spanish.
- managerOscar, who I assume is a manager of some sort... is really just a miserable person to interact with.
- staffeven as staff she didn’t communicate to Rubin what she’s doing
- cashierthe cashier swept the floor and sat down, giving the customer a glass for a drink. This is disgusting
- orderMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. I ordered online, and the system indicated my order was ready. I waited at the register for two minutes before anyone acknowledged me.
- MJMJ had the worst customer service I’ve ever witnessed
If you catch them on a good day, you might experience truly exceptional service. However, with customer satisfaction being quite low, be prepared for the possibility of rude staff or long waits. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a score of 7.4, the vibe here is generally good, and customer satisfaction sits at a comfortable 75%. Many folks appreciate the overall cleanliness, the nice location with easy highway access, and the pleasant environment and atmosphere.
Plus, the ample parking and convenience are big wins, based on 12 positive remarks. However, its not entirely perfect. A couple of comments, out of 16 total, mentioned issues with tables not being clean.
One customer also had a frustrating experience waiting outside in the cold, which definitely impacted their visit. While these are minor points, they're worth noting for a smoother experience.
Ambience
16
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Always clean environment
- Convenient location
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unclean tables
- Cold waiting area
Often praised
- access the highwayPretty easy to access the highway
- atmosphereThe atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- busyNot as busy as some of the other
- cleanNice and clean
- cleanlinessprobably the cleanest panda around
- convenienceI love the convince of being next door to Trader Joe's too
- environmentthe environment was very nice
- lobbyThe lobby is always cleaned
- locationThe location looks very nice
- parkingLots of parking outside
Frequently criticized
- coldMy experience at the restaurant was frustrating. I waited outside for 15 minutes, and because it was cold, I got fed up and left. I wish they would do better and open on time.
- tablesthe tables were not clean
Overall, the ambience here is quite positive, making it a comfortable spot for your meal. You can generally expect a clean and pleasant environment with good accessibility. Just be aware that occasional cleanliness issues with tables or cold outdoor waiting conditions might pop up, but these seem to be isolated incidents.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
While a few customers (3 out of 15 comments) found some positive aspects regarding value, noting options that were inexpensive and filling with decent prices, the overall sentiment is quite low. The score for value sits at a poor 3.7, indicating that these positive experiences are unfortunately in the minority. The bulk of the feedback (10 comments) highlights significant concerns, with many feeling they wasted money on over priced food.
Complaints about stingy portions and smaller servings despite increased prices were common, leading to a very poor customer satisfaction of just 20%. It seems many customers felt the offerings were not worth the price at all.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive options
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Stingy portions
- Waste of money
Often praised
- inexpensivefilling and inexpensive!
- priceExcellent price
- pricesPrices are decent
Frequently criticized
- foodFood is already over priced
- advertised as a comboIt the drink is addes to this price it should not be advertised as a combo
- combo mealscombo meals that has a + drink on it has a price of $13.70
- payingI’m paying she made it seem like just being there was a huge favor
- priceNot worth the price at this point.
- pricesI ordered the bigger plate, and my plate was so light, even the chow mein was half full, and the beef broccoli was only broccoli – I couldn’t find one piece of beef. The prices have gone up, and the servings are way smaller.
- stingyThey are so stingy
- waste of moneyit was a waste of money to have to throw away
- wasted moneywasted money on this
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your best bet, as many customers felt they wasted money due to over priced food and small portions. While a few found some items inexpensive', the overwhelming feedback suggests you might leave feeling disappointed with what you paid for.
How are the prices at Panda Express?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 29 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 22, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with the majority of prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. There are also a few higher-priced experiences that nudge the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Chinese Restaurant in San Diego, we’d say the pricing feels pretty fair. It seems like there are options for various budgets, making it a versatile choice.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Best Panda Branch, But Watch Out for Hairs
I go every Friday to get takeout from this Panda. For me, the food is the best of all the other branches. I like it when Peter is serving and dishing out the portions; he always has a smile, unlike 'ALL' the other employees.
I came today, Sunday morning, and found a hair in the rice, which was quite unpleasant. They should be more careful.
- food9
- Peter9
- other employees3
- hair in the rice2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Service and Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The lady on the phone was unhelpful when I inquired about a forgotten ingredient, stating the manager would "maybe" remake my bowl. She then offered to put the missing chow mein on the side, but refused to have it ready when I returned, citing it would get cold.
This lack of customer service was frustrating. Although the entire bowl was eventually remade, I didn't feel comfortable. Upon eating it, I realized I don't even like Panda Express; it's "lowkey gross" and I often feel sick after a few bites.
- manager2
- chow mein3
- customer service1
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Manager's Attitude Ruins Experience
My experience at this restaurant was significantly impacted by the manager, Oscar. While I assume he's in a management role due to his attire, his demeanor was consistently miserable. Despite acknowledging his success, I found his interactions to be unfriendly, condescending, and cold towards customers.
I always make an effort to be pleasant to staff, understanding the nature of their work, but this does not excuse such behavior. If other employees mirrored Oscar's attitude, I would not return. He gives the impression that everyone around him is unintelligent, and I sincerely hope he does not treat his colleagues with the same disrespect he shows customers.
- staff7
- manager1
- interactions1
- employees1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Severe Food Poisoning After Beijing Beef
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to severe food poisoning after eating the Beijing Beef. I was sick for days. I urge others to be careful as the food safety standards clearly need serious attention.
Proof of purchase and illness is available upon request.
- food safety standards1
- Beijing Beef1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food is consistently good. I was particularly impressed by the excellent service provided by a tall gentleman with long hair.
He was polite, quick, and efficient. I'm already looking forward to coming back soon.
- food9
- excellent service10
- gentleman10
What Panda Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- 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
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Panda Express in Pacific Beach offer?
At Panda Express in Pacific Beach, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with comfortable seating. They also provide catering services for your events. The location is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Is Panda Express in San Diego's Pacific Beach a good place for families, and what are the parking options?
Absolutely! Panda Express is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it great for children. When you visit, you’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces available, so parking is generally hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Panda Express?
Panda Express holds an average Restaurant Score of **4.9**, but customer satisfaction is poor at **38.7%**. While **Ambience** (7.4) is good, **Service** (4.9) and **Food** (4.6) are average, and **Value** (3.7) is considered poor.
What do customers appreciate most about Panda Express?
Customers frequently praise the cleanliness and convenience of the location, along with the freshness of some food items. Many also highlight the professional and friendly staff .
What are the common complaints about Panda Express?
Recurring issues include inconsistent portion sizes and a perception of poor value for the price. Some customers also report negative service interactions and occasional problems with food quality or temperature.