Highlights
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » Queenstown – San Diego
Queenstown - San Diego
Photo from Queenstown
Queenstown at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🥝 New Zealand Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#498 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 New Zealand Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
560
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Value concerns
The restaurant, Queenstown, is a vibrant New Zealand Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s University City neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here, perfect for catching a game with friends thanks to its sports-friendly vibe.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax or a casual yet trendy place to gather, this bistro offers a unique taste of New Zealand culture right in Southern California. You can enjoy a great beer selection alongside your meal.
Overview: Introducting Queenstown
Queenstown offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its appealing atmosphere and well-regarded culinary offerings. Guests frequently highlight the inviting setting and the quality of the dishes served, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in the overall experience, particularly concerning the attentiveness of the staff and the perceived cost of their visit. While many appreciate the vibe, occasional service hiccups and concerns about prices can temper expectations.
Good
6.8
out of 10
560
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
155
negative
26
neutral
379
positive
Queenstown holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.8, placing it in the ‘good’ category, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 67.7%, which falls into the ‘mixed’ range, indicating that while many are pleased, there’s still room for improvement for some.
Looking closer, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.7) topics stand out as strong points, garnering significant positive feedback from the 560 total opinions. However, Service (5.3) and Value (5.1) are perceived as more average, with 379 positive remarks balanced against 155 negative ones, suggesting these areas can be a bit of a mixed bag for patrons.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
- Great outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Perceived high prices
- Cramped seating, parking
With a Recommendation Score of 7, Queenstown is generally worth considering, especially if you prioritize a good meal in a charming setting. It’s a solid choice for those seeking quality food and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a good option for a relaxed outing.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and consider that some aspects might feel a bit pricey. If you’re looking for a consistently seamless experience or are particularly budget-conscious, it might be wise to manage your expectations or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Queenstown
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and a solid 77.4% customer satisfaction. With 206 positive remarks out of 266 total, many guests rave about delicious items like the Wagyu burger, flavorful lamb dishes, and comforting chicken pot pie. Don't forget the amazing cocktails that often complement the meal perfectly!
However, not every dish is a home run, with 45 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found certain small plates and portion sizes to be underwhelming, while others noted occasional inconsistencies in food quality or bland vegetarian options. A few experiences mentioned dishes being served cold or lacking freshness.
Food
266
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
45
negative
15
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Wagyu burgers
- Excellent lamb dishes
- Flavorful chicken pot pie
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodpretty good ambient to eat relaxing and drink wine or Artesanal beer . - Reviewer Name: Dennis Jhonson - Review Metadata: {"list":{"list":[{"element":{"element":"Kid-friendliness:Is a familiar place at the mall"}},{"element":{"element":"Price per person:$20–30"}},{"element":{"element":"Atmosphere:5"}},{"element":{"element":"Service:3"}},{"element":{"element":"Wheelchair accessibility:Very acceptable for willchair"}},{"element":{"element":"Meal type:Lunch"}},{"element":{"element":"Food:5"}}]}}
- chicken pot pieI've dined in and taken food to go multiple times, and it's consistently been a great experience. Highly recommend the baked brie, chicken pot pie, meso tasty, shrimp and mango salad, and the hogs and heifers burger!
- burgersThe burgers are good, meat was done just the way we asked.
- lamb burgerThe chicken pot pie and the lamb burger that others ordered would have been a better choice.
- saladsThis is my second time visiting. The salads are delicious. Very good service and very accessible prices.
- Wagyu burgerPersonally, I find it delicious. And the wagyu burger never fails. This one claims to be "smashed" but succeeds by having a good thickness of meat with that characteristic crispy smashed texture.
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was very pleasant. It's a cozy outdoorsy restaurant with a nice menu and pleasant employees. The wait was not long, and the food was delicious and served quickly.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsThe ambience, food, and cocktails were all five stars.
- hogs and heifers burgerI've dined in and taken food to go multiple times, and it's consistently been a great experience. Highly recommend the baked brie, chicken pot pie, meso tasty, shrimp and mango salad, and the hogs and heifers burger!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was not only terrible but also served cold and tasteless.
- drinksthe food and drinks were mid at best
- bunBun was a little dry but did not deter from the flavor of the wagyu beef.
- FoodFood:1
- Kale with Salmon saladThe salmon was a bit too done
- L&Pwhy don’t you have Steinlager or L&P available?
- NZ Chicken Pot PieThe chicken pot pie was salty
- Potato wedgesThe potato wedges were not good at all.
- Steinlagerwhy don’t you have Steinlager or L&P available?
- beet salad with ahiI got a beet salad with ahi.
If youre looking for a generally satisfying meal with some standout dishes, especially burgers and lamb, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of portion sizes on some items and manage expectations for vegetarian choices. Overall, youre likely to leave happy.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.3, placing it squarely in the average range. Many guests, totaling 77 positive remarks out of 162 overall, have raved about the great service and friendly staff, often highlighting attentive servers like Nate and Nayeli who provide excellent recommendations and are very accommodating, even to furry friends! However, with 82 negative comments, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 47.5%.
Some experiences point to significant issues, including rude staff attitude, slow service, and even unprofessional management behavior, with some feeling unwelcome or experiencing long waits. It seems consistency in service can be a real challenge here.
Service
162
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
82
negative
3
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Accommodating to dogs
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unprofessional management
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly unforgettable, thanks to the INCREDIBLE service! Nate, who took care of my family and me, provided great recommendations and super fast service. The food, music, and atmosphere were also great.
- staffI had brunch here with my wife this weekend. The food was solid and most of the staff was friendly and inviting. That said, I can't in good conscience leave a 5-star review.
- ServiceService and atmosphere were awesome
- serverWhile they offer fantastic burgers, including a "burger of the month, " this time we both indulged in the Wagyu double smash burgers, which were incredible! Our server was very personable and attentive. It was also noted that they are very friendly and accommodating to dogs, with our server even providing a water bowl for a dog at a nearby table.
- great serviceWe were able to sit in a comfortable shaded area with our 100-pound Lab, Bridgerton, without disturbing other patrons. This included great service and excellent food. It was our first visit, and we will definitely be back.
- hostessThe hostess is good, no judgment
- recommendationsgave us spot-on recommendations
- serversThe servers and the food were very nice
- waiterLarry as our waiter. He was fun and attentive
- GiselleGiselle went above and beyond by bringing me a brand new one
Frequently criticized
- serviceI understand standing up for your staff, but at the same time, you should probably ask yourself who the hell you put in managerial positions if they have zero clue how to handle things. Plain and simple, service was EXTREMELY slow, a request to switch servers hurt the manager's feelings, and he kicked us out. Of course, that’s going to make someone angry.
- managerHad he switched us servers, things would have never gotten that far. I understand standing up for your staff, but at the same time, you should probably ask yourself who the hell you put in managerial positions if they have zero clue how to handle things. Plain and simple, service was EXTREMELY slow, a request to switch servers hurt the manager's feelings, and he kicked us out.
- serverI wanted to like this place as it’s super cute, however this server made the experience miserable due to his lack of service and personality. He seemed annoyed to answer any questions about the menu and when he did answer made you feel like you’re an idiot for asking the question.
- staffThe food was good and the atmosphere is nice. It’s a shame the staff is so rude. I will never return.
- waiterI asked for a different waiter, explaining that it’s ridiculous to wait that long. The waiter then threw a temper tantrum when I asked to switch and told us to leave. On a Yelp review, their owner claimed things escalated because of profanity, but in reality, they escalated because their “manager” got his feelings hurt and told us to leave.
- waiting timeAfter being seated, we noticed there were only two other tables occupied. It took our server over 15 minutes to greet us, and he was horribly rude right from the start. We began with an appetizer that cost $17 and was comically small; we each got two bites at most.
- serversSome of the servers did seem a little tired
- waitwaited about 15-20 before someone came to say hello
- GMWhile the majority of the staff was great, we were waited on by an older gentleman who introduced himself as the GM. For some reason, he had a hard time acknowledging my wife's presence and only ever looked at and spoke to me, as if she were a ghost. This created weird vibes overall and left us feeling put out.
- Manager LarryManager Larry was rude from the start
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly, attentive service. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some significant service hiccups, as experiences can vary widely.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience at this spot is largely a hit, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a strong 80.6% customer satisfaction. With 87 positive remarks out of 108 total opinions, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, pet-friendly vibe, and outdoor seating. Many describe it as a mini vacation with great people watching, often feeling cozy thanks to heaters.
However, its not without its quirks, as 15 opinions highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests noted tight seating and wobbly table issues, while others found the location a bit cramped. A few also mentioned the lack of an on-site restroom, which can be a minor inconvenience, and some experienced negative energy' from staff.
Ambience
108
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pet-friendly atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Great people watching
What people don't like
- Tight seating
- No on-site restroom
- Wobbly tables
Often praised
- atmosphereI wanted to like this place as it’s super cute, however this server made the experience miserable due to his lack of service and personality. He seemed annoyed to answer any questions about the menu and when he did answer made you feel like you’re an idiot for asking the question.
- ambianceI don't recommend it. However, food and ambiance are great. Check the picture I took from this place.
- people watchingit was so much fun for people watching!
- placeThis place is a nice, really nice place
- musicmusic and atmosphere were great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience, food, and cocktails were all five stars.
- heaterslots of heaters going which made it cozy
- locationGreat location in the middle of UTC
- outdoor patioI highly recommend the meat pie; it's incredibly filling and absolutely delicious. The outdoor patio seating was a great choice, and the wait time was minimal, under 10 minutes.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmospherefelt extremely unwelcome as soon as we arrived
- fast food vibedoes not have a fast food vibe
- locationThe servers were kind and attentive, visiting our table often, but they seemed a tad awkward when interacting. The atmosphere is quite nice, with lots of greenery and complimentary colors, but the location itself is really small and a bit cramped with its seating.
- musicplay their own music EVEN WHEN there is live music
- negative energyall this negative energy and rude service
- parkingparking was difficult to find
- placeWe were not allowed to sit because our kids ran ahead to grab a smoothie. The place was also empty, which I now understand is for a reason. I will never go back.
- privacyasked to be moved to a table where I would have a little more privacy
- restroomno restroom right on the premises
If you're seeking a lively, pet-friendly atmosphere with excellent outdoor seating and people-watching opportunities, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potentially tight seating and the off-site restroom, but overall, it promises a pleasant experience.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to cheer about! With 9 positive remarks out of 24 total comments, many appreciated the generous portion sizes and felt the prices were quite affordable and fair. Plus, the convenience of free parking was a definite bonus, making the overall experience feel well worth it.
However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.1 and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 37.5%. Many of the 13 negative comments pointed out that items were often expensive or overpriced, especially considering the small portions or extra upcharges for things like coffee. It seems the cost didn't always align with expectations.
Value
24
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Fair prices
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Overpriced items
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricesprices very accessible
- parkingThe location in the middle of UTC is great, and the atmosphere is really cute. The food was good, and I appreciated the free two hour parking, although finding a parking space can be difficult. Our server was a bit odd, which slightly impacted the service experience.
- priceThe price was very affordable
- portion sizesthe portion sizes definitely made up for it.
- pricedreasonable priced
Frequently criticized
- priceI don’t think they worth the price I paid for.
- expensiveexpensive for what we ate and drank
- businesssomeone trying to give you business seems like you would welcome that
- overpricedwe felt it was overpriced
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- price of coffeeThere’s a $1.50 up charge for the brew of the day
- pricesThe prices are definitely a bit expensive here
If you're looking for generous portions and appreciate free parking, you might find some good deals. However, be prepared that many found the overall experience to be on the pricier side for what you get, so manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at Queenstown?
You’re looking at roughly $37 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a New Zealand Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $37, most diners actually spend less, with a big cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range. This means there are plenty of budget-friendly options, with some premium dishes pulling the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a New Zealand Restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. You can enjoy a great meal without necessarily breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Queenstown
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Rude Staff, Manager Dismissed Us
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. We were told there would be a 10-minute wait for a table, but after 20 minutes, other patrons were seated ahead of us. When we questioned this, the security person was rude with attitude.
We asked to be seated and for the manager to come over to discuss the issue discreetly. The security person continued to be difficult, and when we finally met the manager, we were told to leave. This place has serious issues with service, and they clearly didn’t care about resolving our concerns.
I will never go back.
- security person1
- manager1
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Veggie Wrap at Queenstown!
If you're vegan and struggle to find tasty, wholesome food in San Diego, go to Queenstown in UTC/La Jolla and order the veggie wrap. O. M.
G. It was smooth and crunchy at the same time, and my mouth did a happy dance! I was told not to say anything to the chef, but I don't care if his ego is the size of Montana.
It. was. amazing.
- veggie wrap10
- food9
- chef8
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service and Managerial Issues
We’ve eaten at this restaurant over a dozen times and have never had such a bad experience as today. We waited for over 10 minutes for our waiter to address the table and to take our order. It was very slow, even with only 6-7 tables occupied.
I asked for a different waiter, explaining that it’s ridiculous to wait that long. The waiter then threw a temper tantrum when I asked to switch and told us to leave. On a Yelp review, their owner claimed things escalated because of profanity, but in reality, they escalated because their “manager” got his feelings hurt and told us to leave.
Had he switched us servers, things would have never gotten that far. I understand standing up for your staff, but at the same time, you should probably ask yourself who the hell you put in managerial positions if they have zero clue how to handle things. Plain and simple, service was EXTREMELY slow, a request to switch servers hurt the manager's feelings, and he kicked us out.
Of course, that’s going to make someone angry. Maybe it’s the “manager” that should be taught how to handle things instead of trying to blame things on unhappy customers. Take accountability.
- waiter1
- manager1
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Convenient Mall Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was great. It's conveniently located within the UTC Mall, making it a perfect spot to refuel while shopping. The atmosphere was rated a 5, the service a 5, and the food a 5.
The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. We visited for lunch, and the price per person was between $20–30. We enjoyed the outdoor patio seating.
- restaurant location9
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Dry Chicken BLT, Nice Atmosphere
I ordered the chicken BLT, which was made with dark chicken meat that was unfortunately dry. I was expecting white meat. On a positive note, the atmosphere was nice and the prices were reasonable.
- atmosphere7
- prices7
- chicken BLT3
- dark chicken meat3
What Queenstown offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Queenstown?
At Queenstown, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You’ll find dining options available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service. Don’t forget to check out their happy hour food and drinks.
Does Queenstown offer accessible facilities and convenient parking?
Yes, Queenstown is fully accessible with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. For your convenience, you’ll find paid parking lot options, free street parking, and usually plenty of parking available nearby.
How is Queenstown generally rated by customers?
Queenstown receives a ‘good’ overall Restaurant Score of 6.8 out of 10, with a ‘mixed’ Customer Satisfaction of 67.7%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.7), while Service (5.3) and Value (5.1) are considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Queenstown's atmosphere and food?
Customers frequently highlight Queenstown’s charming and cozy atmosphere, often mentioning the great outdoor patio and music. The food is also a strong point, with many positive comments about delicious and varied options, including burgers and salads.
Are there any common concerns regarding service or value at Queenstown?
Yes, some customers report inconsistent and slow service, with instances of rude staff or managerial issues. Additionally, the value is sometimes questioned, with opinions suggesting that prices can be perceived as high or that parking can be difficult to find.