Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Sonny’s – San Diego
Sonny’s - San Diego
Photo from Sonny’s
Sonny’s at a glance
San Diego University Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#186 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#33 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
561
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive service
- Quality pizza
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- QR ordering
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Sonny’s, located in the vibrant University Heights neighborhood of San Diego, offers a welcoming and casual dining experience. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
This spot is known for its delicious offerings, providing a comfortable setting whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite. It’s a true local gem where you can unwind.
Overview: Introducting Sonny’s
Sonny’s offers a lively `atmosphere` that many find appealing, creating a comfortable and enjoyable setting for diners. Guests often highlight the `attentive service` from the staff, who are frequently described as friendly and helpful, contributing positively to the overall experience.
While the `food` receives generally good remarks, particularly for its pizza and drinks, some guests express concerns regarding `value`. The `QR ordering system` also stands out as a point of contention for a segment of the clientele.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
561
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
86
negative
22
neutral
453
positive
Sonny’s garners a solid overall Restaurant Score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 561 customer opinions, with 453 positive remarks outweighing 86 negative ones. The restaurant truly shines in its Ambience (8.7) and Service (8.4), both receiving high marks for creating a welcoming environment and providing attentive care.
The Food (7.8) also performs well, suggesting a reliable culinary offering. However, the Value (3.8) score indicates a clear area where many customers feel there’s room for improvement.
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive service
- Quality pizza and drinks
What people don't like
- High prices, added fees
- QR ordering system
- Inconsistent food quality
Sonny’s presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a vibrant setting and excellent service, with a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3. It’s a place where you can expect a good time and well-prepared dishes, especially if you appreciate a lively atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the pricing and the self-service ordering system, which might not suit everyone. If these aspects align with your expectations, Sonny’s is certainly worth considering for an enjoyable outing.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
160
97.5%
- $$
- Torrey Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
123
95.9%
- $$
- Miramar
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
96.2%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
462
96.5%
- $$
- Civita
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
750
95.7%
- €€
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
437
92.4%
- $$
- Linda Vista
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Sonny’s
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 7.8 score and 76.7% customer satisfaction. Based on 188 positive comments from 245 total observations, many rave about the delicious pizza, well-prepared pasta dishes, and fantastic crust. Guests consistently praise the quality ingredients and overall taste.
However, 42 negative remarks out of 245 observations highlight some areas for improvement. A few guests found the pepperoni too salty or the Caesar salad drenched and soggy. There were also comments about bland pasta and pizzas lacking overall flavor, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
245
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
42
negative
15
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing pizza
- Delicious pasta
- Great crust
What people don't like
- Salty pepperoni
- Soggy Caesar salad
- Lacking flavor
Often praised
- foodWe especially want to thank Fede and Bianca for being so amazing. All the drinks and food were delicious, and we received such great service. Living just a mile away, we're eager to try everything on the menu.
- pizzaMy experience at Sonny's was fantastic, largely thanks to our waiter, Fede. The food was amazing, with standout dishes like the baked clams, cucumber salad, and pizza. However, everything was elevated by Fede's exceptional service.
- FoodThe service was also excellent, with Jazz ensuring I had extra marinara sauce. The atmosphere was lively, and the food and service were top-notch.
- drinksWe especially want to thank Fede and Bianca for being so amazing. All the drinks and food were delicious, and we received such great service. Living just a mile away, we're eager to try everything on the menu.
- cocktailsDrinks are very very good!! You could just go for the cocktails
- Caesar saladCaesar salad, everything about this place is 10 out of 10!
- crustI ordered the Bronx burner pizza, and it was so good I ate the whole thing by myself. The crust was nice and thin and crispy, and the toppings were just so good.
- Pineapple Express pizzaThe Pineapple Express pizza are our favs
- PizzaPizza was great
- baked clamsMy experience at Sonny's was fantastic, largely thanks to our waiter, Fede. The food was amazing, with standout dishes like the baked clams, cucumber salad, and pizza. However, everything was elevated by Fede's exceptional service.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe pepperoni was extremely salty and the pizza lacked flavor.
- Caesar saladI was really excited to try this place, but the service was unfortunately very disappointing. Our Caesar salad came out with no plates or utensils, and even after asking for them, the servers and hostess seemed more focused on chatting than helping. The pizzas took a long time, and no one checked in on us while we waited.
- focacciafocaccia that is just flat paper thin pizza dough and it’s served plain and burnt
- pizza doughThe salad had whole leaves of romaine, which felt like an attempt to be an upscale restaurant, but it’s not; it’s casual, and that’s fine. The pizza was lacking on all fronts – it was overdone, the dough was bland and tasted almost stale, and they put way too much speck on the pie, so all we could taste was grease and salt. This place was not it for me.
- ChiantiTried to order a bottle of Chianti but they didn't sell it
- NY styleI wouldn’t consider it “NY style”
- baked clamsThe baked clams were absolutely terrible
- beer listSimilarly, while the Caesar and caprese salads are fine, a hearty chopped or antipasto salad would be a welcome addition. The cocktails were fun, but the beer list was surprisingly thin for a pizza spot. Ultimately, I appreciate what they're trying to do, and the foundation is there.
- bolognesewe got the bolognese. The noodles were extremely overcooked and it was so incredibly bland.
- bread crumbsthe breadcrumbs tasted stale
Overall, the food here seems to be a good bet, especially if you're a fan of pizza and pasta. While there are some minor hiccups, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it worth a try for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.7%, indicating a good experience for most. With 174 positive comments out of 208 total, guests frequently praise the attentive and friendly staff, quick service, and their impressive menu knowledge, often highlighting specific servers like Fede and Jaz for their outstanding professionalism and recommendations. However, it's not always smooth sailing, as 31 comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some guests have experienced frustratingly long wait times, slow service, and issues with the QR code ordering system. A few felt the staff lacked attentiveness or menu knowledge, suggesting that while many have great interactions, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
208
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- QR code issues
Often praised
- serviceHe was AMAZING! He took such good care of us, listening to every request and catering to every little thing we asked. He is an absolute gem and made the whole atmosphere pleasing and fun!
- FedeMy experience at this restaurant was so good! The food was amazing, and Fede was so sweet and welcoming. This place has such a vibe.
- ServiceThe white riot pizza was delicious, and the watermelon salad was perfect. The service was also excellent, with Jazz ensuring I had extra marinara sauce. The atmosphere was lively, and the food and service were top-notch.
- staffThe servers were gorgeous, super sweet, friendly, and fast – we loved them! The staff was very nice. We will come back to see if the food has elevated, not that we thought it was bad – we liked it, but we’d like to love it.
- serverWe had such a great experience at this restaurant. Our server truly made the evening special. He was attentive and had an amazing knowledge of the menu, giving us great recommendations.
- recommendationshe gave us amazing recommendations!
- waiter FedeOur waiter Fede was helpful in providing dinner and drink options.
- JazI stopped in for a quick bite and was in a bit of a rush. Jaz absolutely saved the day! She was so friendly, attentive, and on top of everything.
- attentiveattentive, and on top of everything
- attentivenessI also love that they allow dogs. Our waiter, Fede, made our night unforgettable with his attentiveness and friendliness. The service and atmosphere were both top-notch.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was unfortunately very disappointing
- customer servicethe customer service needs a lot of improvement
- staffit felt like the staff was annoyed every time we asked for something
- QR ordering systemThe QR ordering system just feels lazy
- QT code orderingOrder at table with QT code is still not my thing
- bad serviceI came from a long way for bad service!
- check on youno one ever coming over to check on you during the meal
- customer experienceThe QR ordering system felt lazy, placing all the work on the customer. For those who prefer not to use this system, the customer experience is pretty terrible.
- employeesAll of the employees at this pizza place are hotties and it shows lol. They could not be bothered.
- menu knowledgenot very knowledgeable about menu
Overall, youre likely to encounter friendly, attentive staff and efficient service here, making for a pleasant visit. Just be aware that a few guests have experienced slower service or issues with the ordering system, so keep that in mind if youre in a rush.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 94.7%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 95 total comments, a whopping 90 rave about the "patio, " "warm, welcoming vibes, " "dog friendly" policy, and "great music, " making it a fantastic place to hang out.
However, a few guests (just 3 out of 95) did note some minor hiccups. Concerns included an occasional "dirty table" and the "music" choice not always hitting the right note, with one mentioning profanity. While these are isolated incidents, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
95
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great patio
- Welcoming vibe
- Dog-friendly
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Dirty tables
- Parking issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both top-notch
- AtmosphereThe service was also excellent, with Jazz ensuring I had extra marinara sauce. The atmosphere was lively, and the food and service were top-notch.
- vibeWe really like the vibe of this place
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its incredible atmosphere and drinks and appetizers. The vibes were absolutely through the roof! However, you are paying for the vibes, as the pizza was decent but overpriced for its quality.
- ambianceconcept ambiance is on point!
- environmentFantastic smaller environment!
- patiosuper comfortable and relaxing, perfect vibe
- spaceThe space is really nice. Outside is spacious
- dog friendlyDog friendly, nice outdoor dining!
- family-friendlyThey are incredibly family-friendly
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- musicthere was no getting away from the music being played, and it was rap music full of profanities
- tabletable it was dirty
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, especially a great patio and welcoming vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a rare minor issue with music or cleanliness, the overwhelmingly positive experience makes it a solid choice for a fun outing.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
While a few diners did find some quality for the price spent, appreciating the overall price point, the general sentiment for value isnt exactly glowing. With a score of just 3.8, indicating a poor performance, and customer satisfaction at a low 7.7%, it seems most arent feeling they got their money's worth, based on 1 positive remark out of 13 observations. Many guests felt things were very pricey for the size and overpriced for the quality, with items like pepperoni bites and pizzas often running high.
The added service fee and Sonny’s Support Team fee also left a sour taste, making it not super affordable for a casual spot, as noted in 10 critical comments.
Value
13
Reviews
7%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Unexpected service fees
- Pricey for portions
Often praised
- pricequality for the price spent.
Frequently criticized
- pricepizza is bland and overpriced
- Sonny's Support Team feeadded a Sonny’s Support Team fee
- affordableNot super affordable for a casual pizza place
- price per personthe four of us still spent $30/person. (No alcohol, one iced tea, 2 lemonades)
- priceyvery pricey for the size
- service feea 5% service fee when I’m ordering myself
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your top pick, as many find it quite expensive for what you get. Be prepared for potentially higher costs, including extra fees, and consider if the quality truly justifies the price for you.
How are the prices at Sonny’s?
On average, you’ll spend around $39 per person – from 99 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix. While the average is $39, a good number of guests spend in the $21–$30 bracket, but there are also plenty who opt for pricier dishes, spreading the range quite a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar dining experiences in San Diego.
Considering its a Restaurant, we feel the pricing is quite reasonable. It seems to offer options for various budgets, which is always a plus, ensuring theres something for everyone.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sonny’s
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Pasta and Service
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. The service provided by Fede was outstanding, and I am looking forward to returning to enjoy more pasta dishes. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- pasta dishes9
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delightful Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was an absolute delight! The food was fantastic, and our server, Fede, provided lovely service. We will definitely be back.
- food10
- server9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Patient and Sweet Service
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful, largely due to the exceptional service. The staff member, Fede, was incredibly patient and sweet, even though I was very indecisive. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- Fede10
- indecisive9
- food10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Good Pizza, Bad Service Fee
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The pizza was good, earning a 4 out of 5 for food quality. However, the experience was significantly marred by a 5% service fee for ordering myself, which I found to be scummy.
I would advise others to run from this place due to this unfair charge.
- pizza8
- service fee2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food, Service, and Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, the service was amazing, and the ambiance was wonderful. It strikes a perfect balance, being casual but not overly so.
The 80s theme is a great touch, making it one of my top 5 spots in San Diego for sure.
- food10
- service10
- ambiance10
What Sonny’s offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Sonny's offer?
At Sonny’s, you can enjoy dinner with table service and comfortable seating. The restaurant offers versatile service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can also unwind at the bar onsite, making it a great spot for various dining preferences.
Is Sonny's accessible and suitable for families and pets?
Yes, Sonny’s is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. It’s also very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and being good for children. Plus, your furry friends are welcome, as dogs are allowed both inside and outside.
How does Sonny's score overall?
Sonny’s achieves a good overall score of **8.1** with **80.7%** customer satisfaction. Its strengths lie in its **Ambience** (8.7), **Service** (8.4), and **Food** (7.8), though **Value** (3.8) is a notable concern.
What makes Sonny's atmosphere stand out?
Customers frequently praise Sonny’s `atmosphere` and `vibe`, describing it as lively, comfortable, and even `dog friendly` and `family-friendly`.
What are some common complaints at Sonny's?
Recurring concerns include the `price` being high, the use of a `QR ordering system` which some find lazy, and occasional issues with `food` consistency, such as bland pizza or overcooked pasta.