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oChef » Soup Du Jour – San Diego
Soup Du Jour - San Diego
Photo from Soup Du Jour
Soup Du Jour at a glance
San Diego Serra Mesa
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#79 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
623
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Limited drinks
The restaurant Soup Du Jour in San Diego’s Serra Mesa neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll immediately feel at home in its cozy atmosphere, especially with the warm glow of the fireplace.
This casual spot is perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. They cater to your needs with healthy options, vegetarian choices, and even happy hour drinks.
Overview: Introducting Soup Du Jour
Soup Du Jour offers a delightful dining experience, consistently praised for its flavorful food and the genuinely warm service provided by its staff. Guests often highlight the generous portions and the inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, potential visitors should be aware of some practical considerations. While the overall value is appreciated, some find the parking situation less than ideal, and a few specific menu items have received mixed feedback.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
623
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
40
negative
24
neutral
559
positive
Soup Du Jour achieves an impressive overall restaurant score of 8.6, reflecting a generally excellent dining experience. This high rating is strongly supported by a customer satisfaction level of 89.7%, indicating that nearly nine out of ten patrons leave content.
These positive assessments are drawn from 623 customer observations, with a significant majority of 559 positive remarks against only 40 negative ones. The individual topic scores further illuminate these strengths.
Service stands out as exceptional (9), closely followed by the highly-regarded Food (8.6) and a pleasant Ambience (8.2). Even Value receives a good score (7.2), suggesting that guests feel they get a fair deal for their experience.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Limited drink options
- Inconsistent operating hours
If you’re seeking a restaurant with consistently high-quality food and genuinely attentive staff, Soup Du Jour is certainly worth considering. Its strong 8.7 recommendation score suggests most visitors leave satisfied, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant meal.
While the food and service are clear draws, be mindful of potential parking challenges and check their operating hours beforehand. Overall, for a satisfying culinary experience in a welcoming setting, Soup Du Jour generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Soup Du Jour
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.4%. With 375 positive comments out of 415, diners consistently rave about the delicious soup, spiced street chicken, and fresh made dishes. The quality ingredients and generous portions ensure a satisfying meal every time.
However, a small number of 23 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few found some soups to be bland or entrées salty, while others noted charred ribs or a hard fried coating on some items. There were also mentions of limited soup options and a dry beef pot roast, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
415
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
23
negative
17
neutral
375
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Spiced street chicken
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Soups sometimes bland
- Limited soup choices
- Inconsistent dish prep
Often praised
- foodClaire provided excellent service, taking great care of us and offering recommendations tailored to our taste, as we wanted to try everything on the menu. All of the food exceeded expectations. The spicy street chicken was breaded and fried but packed an incredible flavor.
- soupDelicious soup and extremely nice staff. Great twist on albondigas soup.
- chicken congeeThe congee was so warming both in piping hot temperature and deliciously balanced ginger component
- portionsincredible portions that somehow leave you wanting more
- portion sizeThe food smells so good and tastes delicious. The portions are great sizes too. I had the Udon Noodle Soup with shrimp and it was amazing!
- menueaten just about everything on the menu and you can’t make a wrong choice
- portionThe portion is generous - plenty of protein, vegetable, and rice
- Chicken CongeeClaire runs an absolute gem here, and I'd have trouble paying rent if I lived nearby because I'd spend so much money here. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, trying the Chicken Congee, Daikon soup (with added chicken), spicy street chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, Roasted duck wrap, and Peach green tea. Claire provided excellent service, taking great care of us and offering recommendations tailored to our taste, as we wanted to try everything on the menu.
- crab mango saladThe crab mango salad was fresh, bursting with flavor.
- hot and sour soupAnd back by popular demand, hot and sour soup is here! ... the soup is still delicious
Frequently criticized
- soupsWe ordered a few different soups, a fish, and the BBQ chicken. Unfortunately, no one finished their meals, and almost everything went to the trash.
- foodWe ordered a few different soups, a fish, and the BBQ chicken. Unfortunately, no one finished their meals, and almost everything went to the trash. I'm not sure if we're just not the right audience, but this experience definitely doesn't align with a 4.
- bbq chickenthe bbq chicken
- beef pot roastbeef pot roast was a tad bit dry
- bobaunfortunately they did not have boba that time
- braised beefbraised beef was rancid
- charredI came here for a quick work lunch and ordered the honey glazed ribs. The sauce was delicious and the meat fell off the bone, though it was a little charred for my liking. I appreciated that it came with steamed veggies that tasted fresh and not frozen.
- drink selectionslightly disappointed in the drink selection
- entréesthe entrées are salty
- fishWe ordered a few different soups, a fish, and the BBQ chicken. Unfortunately, no one finished their meals, and almost everything went to the trash.
If you're looking for a place with consistently delicious and fresh food, especially their soups and spiced street chicken, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues like occasional blandness or limited soup variety pop up, the overwhelming majority of diners leave happy and full.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 92% customer satisfaction! With 104 positive remarks out of 113, guests consistently praise the friendly and accommodating staff for their quick and thoughtful service, often highlighting personalized attention and strong safety procedures. While the service is overwhelmingly positive, a handful of the 113 comments (6 to be exact) did mention a few hiccups.
Some experiences noted new staff inconsistencies and occasional packaging issues, suggesting there's a tiny bit of room for improvement in these specific areas.
Service
113
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, thoughtful service
- Personalized attention
What people don't like
- Inconsistent new staff
- Packaging issues
Often praised
- serviceWe ordered several different milk teas, the spiced street chicken, SDJ BBQ chicken, chickpea cauliflower curry, roasted duck wrap, house made taro chips, and the soup of the day. The food was delivered quickly, and our service throughout the meal was excellent. Here's a breakdown of each item I personally experienced: * Taro milk tea: Straightforward and tasty.
- staffstaff is very informative with attention to detail and also welcoming and friendly
- ownerI also appreciate the nice outdoor seating and lighting, which creates a pleasant atmosphere. The owner is very kind! It's wonderful to see them thrive, especially after opening right before COVID shut everything down in 2020.
- ServiceService: nice and welcoming
- customer serviceCustomer service they make feel you are VIP
- hostessAll the food was delicious, and I appreciated the wide range of options available, catering to vegetarians, picky eaters, and everyone in between. The service was fantastic; the hostess was wonderful, responsive, and extremely kind. She even accommodated our wish for an extra heater, and the food service was very fast.
- ladytaking my order the lady was just a pleasure to speak with
- AndyI met Andy whom is super friendly
- Attentive serviceAttentive service even though they can get slammed
- ClaireClaire took great care of us and offered some recommendations
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was quite disheartened with the new staff
- hoursEvery time I think I want to eat soup, I look this place up and they're always closed. It's a real shame because I'm sure the soup is good, but I've never been able to try it.
- new staffdisheartened with the new staff
- packagingHowever, there was an issue with the packaging for my pickup order. I requested the soups to be double-bagged, but unfortunately, the bag failed, and I lost about a third of one of the soups.
- reviewsThese reviews are misleading
If top-notch service is a priority for you, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. You can expect a warm welcome and efficient care, making for a truly pleasant dining experience. While minor issues with new staff or packaging might occasionally pop up, they are rare exceptions to an otherwise excellent standard.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic 88% customer satisfaction! Many guests, accounting for 66 positive comments, rave about the charming atmosphere, cleanliness, and inviting patio area or outdoor seating. People love the decor and lighting, often describing it as a safe space with a pleasant noise level.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 8 observations point out some areas for improvement. The main concern seems to be parking, with mentions of the parking lot being difficult or a general lack of parking. A few also felt the interior atmosphere' could have been cozier, especially for dine-in.
Ambience
75
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting, clean atmosphere
- Comfortable outdoor seating
- Spacious, modern decor
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Interior lacks coziness
- Hard to locate
Often praised
- atmosphereThe roasted duck wrap was good and filling, though not as highly recommended as our previous orders. The service was exceptionally good, contributing to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. On a previous visit, we also raved about their soup-focused menu, delicious meatball, hot and sour, and radish soups, the best salt and pepper chicken in San Diego, addictive taro chips, fresh crab mango salad, tender honey spare ribs rice plate, and a perfect crème brûlée.
- cleanlinessI am very impressed with the cleanliness
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingParking: Plenty of parking on Friday @ 615pm.
- ambianceGreat ambiance
- noise levelquiet, easy to talk
- outside seatingI'm already looking forward to coming back to try more items. The outside seating is so comfortable, and while the space is huge, it feels inviting. This is my new favorite soup spot, with so many other delicious options available.
- parkingThere is plenty of parking which includes part of the parking structure.
- patio areaa cute patio area to wait for food
- restaurantThis is a wonderful, welcoming restaurant!
Frequently criticized
- ParkingThe food is always great. Parking is limited though as it is located in an apartment complex. This spot is a gem.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- interiorWhile the food was a definite highlight, the atmosphere could be improved. It seems to work best for take outs, as the interior could have been more cozy and welcoming. Despite the ambiance, we will definitely be back for the food!
- lack of parkingLack of parking might be an issue for you
- parkingParking is definitely not super easy here
- parking lotgate that this place is in a teeny tiny parking lot
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placeThe place was really hard to find though
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe, especially outdoors, and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this spot is definitely worth checking out. It's perfect for a relaxed meal where the atmosphere contributes positively to your experience.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, and customer satisfaction is a solid 70%. Many guests rave about the surprisingly affordable prices, especially for the quality and generous portions. Terms like reasonably priced and happy hour pop up frequently among the 14 positive remarks, indicating a great bang for your buck.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled. Out of 20 total comments, 3 noted that the price felt a bit high, with one specifically mentioning expensive soup options. While generally positive, a few experiences suggest that certain menu items might lean towards the pricier side for some.
Value
20
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Reasonably priced food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Expensive soup options
Often praised
- priceWe could have easily spent 40.00 for two and been satisfied!
- pricesWhile the drink selection was a bit disappointing and I wished for congee, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall dining experience. The decor is clean and modern, perhaps a bit upscale for the area, but the prices were surprisingly affordable. I hope this remains consistent after the grand opening.
- happy hourHappy hour was a bonus.
- pricedI appreciate that they clearly label their menu for gluten-free and vegetarian options, and they also offer vegan choices. There's so much to try, and it's reasonably priced. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- reasonably pricedThe Chicken congee was delicious and garlicky, and the hot and sour soup was fantastic. Everything was also so reasonably priced. I will definitely plan on going back and trying some other items.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the limited and expensive soup options. They offer only 4 soups on the menu, and all of them are Asian with meat or chicken.
- PriceThe price was a bit high
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, especially for main dishes and happy hour, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few specific items, like certain soups, might feel a bit expensive. Overall, youre likely to leave feeling satisfied with the value.
How are the prices at Soup Du Jour?
You’re looking at roughly 24 $ per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 24 $, many guests tend to spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, with a few splurging more to balance things out.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range restaurant experience in San Diego. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Soup Du Jour
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great No-Frills Spot with Sizable Portions
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, despite its no-frills atmosphere. The service was super nice and attentive, earning a perfect 5/5. While the spot is basic, it doesn't detract from the quality.
The portions were very sizable, with the crab fried rice being both delicious and massive. The congee with rotisserie chicken was excellent and also extremely sizable. I absolutely loved the pork spring rolls.
The steam dumplings were really good. The duck wrap could have had a bit more duck for the price, but it was still tasty and didn't significantly impact my overall opinion. Parking was a bit challenging, with limited space in the lot and retail parking available.
Overall, it's a great spot for lunch or dinner if you're in the neighborhood.
- service10
- crab fried rice9
- congee with rotisserie chicken9
- parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Experience at Soup Du Jour!
My experience at Soup Du Jour was great. The food was tasty, the staff was nice, and it's an easy place to recommend.
- food9
- staff9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Love this place, great food!
I absolutely love this place. It’s close to home, so I mostly order from here. I went in once and it smelled amazing.
The food is fantastic, and the service is top-notch. The atmosphere is also very pleasant, being quiet and easy to talk in.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food Before Closing
My experience at the restaurant was great, especially considering I called in an order just 13 minutes before closing. The food was so good; we ordered the corn egg flower soup, salt and pepper wings, and the chicken fried rice. It truly hit the spot!
- food10
- corn egg flower soup10
- salt and pepper wings10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Food, Cozy Atmosphere Needed
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the food, which was very good and had some delightful Asian flavors. While the food was a definite highlight, the atmosphere could be improved. It seems to work best for take outs, as the interior could have been more cozy and welcoming.
Despite the ambiance, we will definitely be back for the food!
- food8
- Asian flavors8
- take outs6
- interior4
What Soup Du Jour offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Soup Du Jour?
At Soup Du Jour, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They even have a fireplace to enhance your comfort, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience.
Does Soup Du Jour offer convenient parking and accessibility, and what amenities are available?
Yes, Soup Du Jour provides excellent convenience with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. You’ll find it fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. Plus, you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy a drink from the bar onsite.
How does Soup Du Jour generally rate with customers?
Soup Du Jour holds an excellent overall score of 8.6, with customer satisfaction at 89.7%. This is driven by exceptional Service (9), highly-rated Food (8.6), and a pleasant Ambience (8.2), complemented by good Value (7.2).
Is parking readily available at Soup Du Jour?
While some customers find ample parking, others report that parking can be limited or difficult to find, especially given its location. It’s advisable to plan accordingly.
What can I expect from the food at Soup Du Jour?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and varied menu, noting generous portions and a wide selection. While some specific items occasionally receive mixed feedback, the overall food quality is highly regarded.