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 North Clairemont
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#661 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#22 Chinese Restaurant out of 34 in San Diego
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
82
Reviews
43.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cleanliness
- Attentive staff
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Small portions
- Service errors
The restaurant Panda Express is a popular Chinese restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant North Clairemont neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot for a quick bite, offering a casual atmosphere perfect for any day.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this location provides convenient dining options for you and your family.
Overview: Introducting Panda Express
Panda Express often delivers on its promise of quick, convenient meals, with many appreciating the great price and the bigger plate deal. Customers frequently commend the clean environment and the proactive, attentive staff who strive for good customer service.
However, experiences can vary, with some noting concerns about food quality and inconsistent portions. While service is often praised, there are instances where order accuracy and staff training seem to be areas for improvement.
Average
5.3
out of 10
82
Reviews
43.9%
Satisfaction
43
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Overall, Panda Express receives an average rating of 5.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 43.9%. This indicates a somewhat inconsistent experience for many patrons.
Based on 82 customer observations, with 36 positive and 43 negative remarks, it’s clear there’s a range of opinions. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, often described as clean and well-organized.
However, Food (4) scores lower, suggesting room for improvement in consistency and preparation. Both Service (5.6) and Value (5.5) hover in the average range, reflecting a balanced mix of positive interactions and areas needing attention.
What people like
- Clean, organized atmosphere
- Attentive, proactive staff
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Inaccurate/small portions
- Service accuracy issues
With a recommendation score of 5.3, Panda Express presents a mixed bag. If you’re seeking a quick, affordable meal in a clean setting, and don’t mind the potential for some variability in your order, it could be a convenient option.
However, those prioritizing consistent food quality and precise order fulfillment might find the experience disappointing. It’s a place that can deliver on speed and value, but temper your expectations regarding culinary consistency and service precision.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express
Food (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the food, there are some glimmers of hope! Diners occasionally praised the food flavor and food quality, noting yummy dishes and fresh kung pao. The bigger plate was often seen as a great deal, and options were readily available.
While the overall score for food sits at an average 4, these positive experiences show potential. However, the food experience faces significant hurdles, with a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 25%. Out of 32 comments, 22 were negative, frequently pointing to issues like food temperature and food taste being old.
Concerns about entree portions and portion sizes being inconsistent or too small were also a major drawback.
Food
32
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful food
- Good food quality
- Bigger plate value
What people don't like
- Small, inconsistent portions
- Old food taste
- Poor food temperature
Often praised
- foodfood was done fast and great tasting
- Pick Up StixMy experience was disappointing because they closed down Pick Up Stix and opened another Panda Express. I found the food at Panda Express to be terrible, and I would advise others not to waste their time or money here.
- bigger platebigger plate is an awesome deal
- food flavortheir food had more flavor
- food qualityfood is great quality
- fresh kung paofresh kung pao, and it was delicious
- optionsthe options were readily available
Frequently criticized
- foodMy food got passed around by three different employees before letting me go. The food was literally slapped together.
- portionsPortions are getting smaller!! My wife orders a bowl and I always get a plate. Tonight's order was like wow where the food!
- broccoli beefshe scooped me broccoli beef despite repeating it back
- cream cheese rangoonsshe completely forgot about them
- entree portionsthey gave lesser entree portions
- entree selectionentree selection is never ready, maybe 3 items
- extra chow meinAll I wanted was extra chow mein, and somehow they still got it wrong.
- food qualityexpecting much more in terms of food quality
- food tastefood taste old
- food temperatureleave there food out longer than most other pandas
If youre looking for consistent quality and generous portions, you might be disappointed. While some find the food tasty, be prepared for potential issues with portion sizes and freshness. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a puzzle, landing an average score of 5.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 48.6%. With 37 total opinions, it's clear there are two very different experiences at play, almost evenly split between positive and negative feedback. Many customers praise the nicest employees and excellent server experiences, highlighting attentive staff who are more than happy to accommodate special requests.
Specific shout-outs to individuals like Joseph for going above and beyond and the overall great hospitality truly showcase a team that can shine.
Service
37
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Accommodating requests
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Order accuracy issues
Often praised
- employeesMy experience at this brand new location was excellent. It's extremely clean, and the employees are all nice and proactive. I want to give a special shout out to Joseph, who went above and beyond to take care of my order and ensure everything was up to standard.
- Caesar and MiaCaesar and Mia Great Employees!!!!! Very Polite and Professional.
- JosephJoseph who went above and beyond to take care of my order
- attentivesuper attentive to my requests
- conversationGreat hospitality and conversation.
- cooked it fastthey cooked it fast
- customer servicegreat customer service makes a difference
- excellent serveran excellent server
- hospitalityGreat hospitality and conversation.
- same staffit was the same staff we saw
Frequently criticized
- servicegreat service ,good portions took care of you ! Now!!!! You! walk in they greet you, but they tell you be right with you
- employeesthe employees looked completely lost. They couldn't even string together a complete sentence
- order accuracydespite repeating it back and ringing it up correctly
- counter servicewhy can't 1 employee to do to-go orders and another do counter service!!
- customer servicepanda customer service and they did absolutely nothing
- employeebefore I could ask for new order the employee was moving so fast he wasn't listening.
- employee trainingseems like a training ground for employees
- racismRude and racist!
- short staffedshort staffed leading to slightly longer wait time
- staffnew faces and they are always in training
If you catch them on a good day, you might experience truly attentive and accommodating service. But be prepared for potential long wait times and order accuracy issues, especially if theyre "short staffed. " Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a great 88.9%, guests frequently describe the atmosphere as so chill and great. Many appreciate how extremely clean and super clean and organized it is, often noting the cool designs inside and the great location.
These positive sentiments come from 8 out of 9 remarks, highlighting a strong focus on cleanliness, atmosphere, and design. However, it's not entirely perfect. While overwhelmingly positive, there was one comment among the 9 observations that found the overall experience to be awkward and uncomfortable.
This single point suggests that while the physical space is generally well-received, there might be an occasional hiccup in how the ambience contributes to the overall feeling for some.
Ambience
9
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Extremely clean
- Cool designs
- Great location
What people don't like
- Awkward experience
Often praised
- atmospheregreat atmosphere
- cleansuper clean and organized
- cleanlinessit’s extremely clean
- cool designsreally nice with some cool designs inside
- locationthe location is great
- organizedsuper clean and organized
- placethe place was really clean
Frequently criticized
- experienceThe whole experience is awkward and uncomfortable
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. The clean, well-designed space and chill atmosphere are big draws, making it a comfortable and enjoyable visit for most. Just be aware that a rare few found the overall experience a bit awkward.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, customers appreciate finding a great price for their meals, often calling the bigger plate options an awesome deal. Based on 4 opinions, with 2 positive remarks, it seems many find the food quality good, especially considering the cost. The overall score for value sits at an 5.5, indicating an average performance.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing, as some customers have faced issues with the register balance being off or even being double-charged for their orders. With 2 negative remarks out of 4, this indicates a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 50%, suggesting theres definitely room for improvement in billing accuracy.
Value
4
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price point
- Awesome meal deals
What people don't like
- Double-charging issues
- Register balance errors
Often praised
- awesome dealI consistently find the food quality to be great, especially considering the great price. The deal of getting a bigger plate for 12 bucks is an awesome deal.
- great priceThis is one of my go-to fast food restaurants. I consistently find the food quality to be great, especially considering the great price. The deal of getting a bigger plate for 12 bucks is an awesome deal.
Frequently criticized
- double-chargedI was double-charged for my order
- register balancetheir register would be off balance because they owe others as well
If you're looking for a potentially great deal on food, it might be worth a try, as many appreciate the pricing. However, be sure to double-check your bill, as there have been reports of billing errors that could sour your experience.
How are the prices at Panda Express?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right in that sweet spot, though we see a few going a little cheaper or a bit more premium. Since we only have 7 reviews, its a good indication, but keep in mind its a small sample.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. Its a good indication, but remember its from a limited number of diners.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Chinese Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a win!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Declining Portions and Service
My experience at this restaurant has become disappointing. While I used to enjoy the food, I'm now questioning its quality. The restaurant is no longer giving the same portions as before, and the service is also declining.
They owe me . 4 cents, and while it's a small amount, it contributes to their register being off balance at the end of the day because they owe others as well.
- food5
- portions3
- service3
- register balance2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Kung Pao and Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I requested fresh kung pao, and it was prepared quickly and was absolutely delicious. The service was also top-notch, with servers named Inacio and Joey providing an excellent experience.
Overall, a 10/10 visit!
- fresh kung pao10
- cooked it fast9
- excellent server10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Service and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The service was exceptional, with Valeria and Daniel being particularly kind. The food was prepared quickly and tasted great.
I noticed a good working vibe among the employees, and the place was very clean. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and love eating here! I will definitely return and recommend this location!
- service10
- food9
- working vibe8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Declining Service and Portions
I visit this restaurant's location once a week for takeout. When they first opened, the service was great, portions were good, and they took care of you! Now, you walk in, they greet you, but then tell you they'll be right with you and prioritize to-go orders, causing the line to get longer.
There are only two people handling them. I don't understand why one employee can't handle to-go orders while another handles counter service. The portions are also getting smaller.
My wife orders a bowl, and I always get a plate, but tonight's order was surprisingly small. I just wanted to let you guys know that starting next week, I'll be going back to the location on Balboa Ave in San Diego, which is where we used to go. This current location is more convenient, but.
- service3
- portions3
- to-go orders2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Panda Express is a downgrade
My experience was disappointing because they closed down Pick Up Stix and opened another Panda Express. I found the food at Panda Express to be terrible, and I would advise others not to waste their time or money here. I highly recommend looking up PICK UP STIX instead!
- Pick Up Stix9
- food1
What Panda Express offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Panda Express in North Clairemont offer?
At this Panda Express location, you’ll find comprehensive accessibility. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Can you get Panda Express delivered or catered in San Diego?
Yes, this Panda Express in San Diego offers multiple convenient service options. You can enjoy dine-in, takeout, or delivery. They also provide catering services for your events.
How does Panda Express rate overall?
Panda Express holds an overall score of 5.3 out of 10, indicating an average experience. While Ambience scores well at (8.4), Service (5.6) and Value (5.5) are average, and Food (4) is a weaker point.
What do customers appreciate most about Panda Express?
Many customers praise the restaurant’s cleanliness and organized atmosphere. The staff are often described as attentive and proactive, contributing to a positive service experience, and the bigger plate offers good value.
What are common complaints about Panda Express?
Frequent concerns include inconsistent food quality, with some finding it old or poorly prepared. Customers also report issues with shrinking or inaccurate portions and occasional problems with order accuracy from the service team.