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oChef » The Nood Bar – San Diego
The Nood Bar - San Diego
Photo from The Nood Bar
The Nood Bar at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 62 of the guests
#507 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Fusion Restaurant out of 5 in San Diego
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
478
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Ambience issues
The restaurant The Nood Bar, a vibrant Fusion Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s charming Normal Heights neighborhood, invites you to experience a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or a trendy night out.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, offering everything from healthy options to small plates, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a welcoming space here.
Overview: Introducting The Nood Bar
The Nood Bar offers a culinary experience where the food often hits the mark, with many praising its thoughtful preparation. Guests frequently find the prices to be quite reasonable for the generous portions served, making it a good option for a satisfying meal.
While the service generally receives high marks for its attentiveness, some aspects of the atmosphere occasionally draw mixed reactions. Overall, it seems to be a place where the main dishes shine, though a few minor points could be refined.
Good
6.7
out of 10
478
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
143
negative
31
neutral
304
positive
The Nood Bar earns a solid overall score of 6.7, placing it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.6%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, there’s still room for improvement for some.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 478 customer comments, with 304 positive remarks balancing 143 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) is clearly a standout, frequently described as tasty and well-prepared.
Service (5.8) is generally seen as average, with some excellent experiences balanced by a few less positive interactions. The Ambience (6) also hovers around average, while Value (4.7) is perceived as needing attention by a notable portion of guests.
What people like
- Flavorful, well-cooked food
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value for money
- Occasional service rudeness
- Challenging parking/ambiance
The Nood Bar presents a compelling case for noodle enthusiasts, particularly those prioritizing taste and quality. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it’s a place worth considering if you’re seeking well-prepared dishes and generally attentive service.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and occasional ambiance quirks. If you prioritize excellent food and don’t mind a few minor trade-offs, The Nood Bar could be a satisfying choice for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Nood Bar
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a strong 7.3 score and 72.1% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the diverse selection. Out of 290 comments, 209 were positive, highlighting the "large variety" of "noodle dishes, " "fresh ingredients, " and overall great "flavor" in many meals, often praised for perfect cooking.
However, its not all perfect. About 62 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the food lukewarm or lacking in flavor.
There were also mentions of dry proteins and occasionally small portions, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in execution that might leave some wanting more.
Food
290
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
62
negative
19
neutral
209
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Diverse noodle dishes
- Rich, fresh flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Dry, overcooked proteins
- Lukewarm food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Nood Bar was very positive. The food was very tasty, and I appreciated that they accommodated us even though we arrived not too long before closing. Thank you to the team at Nood Bar!
- noodlesAll of the noodles are thoughtfully seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Cha Shu Porkthis Cha Shu Pork was SO SO SO flavorful and cooked to perfection that it just melted in my mouth.
- fried ricethe old-school fried rice was unique and tasty
- portionsThe Satay with peanut sauce was so good it could turn a chicken cannibal. Although both are starters, the portions are filling for a meal and well worth the price. If you dine outdoors, be prepared to bring a fly swatter unless you enjoy extra protein.
- Dan Dan noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the pleasure of trying their delicious Thai food, specifically the spicy chicken wontons, cream cheese and avocado fried wontons, Dan Dan noodles, and char kway teow. The service was great, with friendly staff.
- MI GorengMI Goreng tasted a lot like Panda Express' chow mein
- Mi GorengThe sweet Chinese sausage with the savory noodles is a combo to die for. On previous visits, I've tried a few other dishes that were also great, but the Mi Goreng is such an itch scratcher! The staff are also friendly and fast.
- Satay ChickenMy favorite is the Satay Chicken, best I’ve had
- chickenThe chicken is thinly sliced and always fresh.
Frequently criticized
- foodThis was our second time trying the restaurant, and unfortunately, it was our second time being highly disappointed. The food was flavorless, dry, and even undercooked. I hate leaving bad reviews, but I want to save others from a similar experience.
- flavorthe flavor was BLAND AF
- wingsThe wings were significantly smaller
- Gochujang Udon with porkNeither was spicy, though you'd expect it to be with those names.
- Herbal Tom Kha BrothHerbal Tom Kha Broth with glass noodle. It should be named Glass noodle with a bit of herbal tom kha broth.
- MSGit is, however, with MSG
- Pad See EwGot the pad see ew w/ chicken. ... the flavor was BLAND AF.
- Panang CurryPanang Curry is very watery
- Szechuan Spicy Chicken WontonNeither was spicy, though you'd expect it to be with those names.
- Tom Yum soupTom Yum soup was underwhelming
Overall, the food here generally hits the mark, especially if youre looking for a wide array of flavorful Asian noodle dishes. While there might be occasional misses in consistency or temperature, its definitely worth a try for the many delicious options.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.8 score putting it squarely in the average range. Out of 106 opinions, 56 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive waiters. Many customers appreciated the fast and accommodating nature of the team, especially for things like carry-out and special requests.
However, with 46 negative opinions, customer satisfaction sits at a 52.8%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Some folks encountered issues like slow service, rude behavior, and aggressive demands for tips. There were also frustrations with unhelpful staff, online hours not matching reality, and problems with takeout orders, including missing utensils.
Service
106
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
46
negative
4
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Accommodating service
- Efficient carry-out
What people don't like
- Slow, rude service
- Aggressive tip demands
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceI had a truly excellent experience at this restaurant. The food was very good, the service was top-notch, and the ambiance was wonderful. I'll definitely be back to try some other stuff!
- staffThe staff is really kind and respectful.
- ServiceThe food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was a solid 4/5. Service was also excellent, rated at 5/5.
- PingPing is the best waiter/ host/ we have ever encountered.
- accommodated usaccommodated us not too long before closing
- acknowledge meThey always acknowledge me and I appreciate that!
- carry outThey do offer carry out -another good option
- conveniencefor the convenience
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- fastThe staff are also friendly and fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy wife was rightfully upset. I should not have paid, and I didn't even get to finish my food due to the disrespect of suggesting I step outside. The service was terrible, and the atmosphere was unwelcoming.
- waiterHowever, the service wasn’t. The waiter was aggressive about being left a tip. A cash tip was going to be left before anything was said, but to be rude was completely unnecessary.
- serverthey said "yes"... assured us that the wontons on our plate are the shrimp wontons
- attitudeShe kept giving me attitude.
- behaviorThis behavior was uncalled for, especially considering we were planning to leave a tip anyway. This is very weird behavior compared to other similar restaurants in the area. I’d love to speak to the owners off the clock.
- cancelled your ticketthe lady goes I cancelled your ticket
- customer satisfactioncustomer satisfaction is low on this establishments list
- disappointingVery disrespectful and disappointing
- disrespectfulVery disrespectful and disappointing
- dissatisfiedVery dissatisfied.
The service here seems to be a roll of the dice; you might get a fantastic, friendly experience, or you could encounter some frustrating issues. If you're looking for consistently top-notch service, you might want to manage your expectations, but for a quick bite, it could be worth a try.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Stepping into the restaurant, many guests are charmed by the decor and overall atmosphere, often calling it a chill place with a unique Bruce Lee mural that adds character. Positive comments, totaling 32, frequently highlight the date night setting and even the pleasant nice breeze outside, contributing to a generally welcoming vibe. However, the ambience isn't without its hitches.
Some diners have noted uncomfortable seating and concerns about dirty tables and walls. The noise level can be an issue, particularly from a nearby biker bar, and an occasional strong industrial cleaner smell has been a turn-off for others. This mixed bag of feedback, based on 62 opinions with 24 negative remarks, results in an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 51.6%.
Ambience
62
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique decor
- Calm atmosphere
- Outdoor breeze
What people don't like
- Dirty environment
- Loud noise
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereAs an avid noodle enthusiast who has explored the culinary landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, and Vietnam, and even enjoys cooking these dishes at home, I can confidently say that the food at The Nood Bar was so perfect, I might cook less. The restaurant itself was clean and pleasantly basic. I ordered the Bamee Hang, a dry noodle recipe from Thailand.
- ambianceI had a truly excellent experience at this restaurant. The food was very good, the service was top-notch, and the ambiance was wonderful. I'll definitely be back to try some other stuff!
- 80’s musicMy experience at Asia Noodle Restaurant was an absolute delight! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the nostalgic sounds of 80’s music, setting the perfect upbeat vibe for the evening. The ambiance struck the perfect balance between retro charm and modern comfort.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Bruce Lee murallike the Bruce Lee mural
- Christmas decorationsI also loved the festive Christmas decorations
- authentic feelQuite an authentic feel
- bathroomnice bathroom
- chill placevery chill place
- date night settingdate night setting
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was very awkward from the very beginning
- parkingparking and there is only one bathroom
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ParkingParking can be challenging
- babiesif babies aren't allowed put up a dam sign
- babymy baby is being loud he is a baby
- bathroomthere is only one bathroom
- biker bar next doorthe biker bar next door can get a little noisy
- fly swatterbring a fly swatter, unless you enjoy the extra protein
- industrial cleaner smellThe food was good, and the service was friendly. However, there was a really strong industrial cleaner smell inside, which was quite unpleasant. I had to eat outside to properly smell and taste the food.
If youre looking for a spot with some unique decor and a generally chill vibe, it might be worth a visit. Just be prepared that the seating might not be the most comfortable, and theres a chance of some noise or an odd smell, which could impact your overall experience.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of only 35%. Some diners found the prices quite reasonable and affordable, often feeling it was well worth the cost and on par with more expensive restaurants. Out of 20 customer comments, 7 leaned positively, suggesting that for some, the value proposition hit the mark.
However, the overall sentiment is pulled down by a significant number of concerns, reflected in an average score of 4.7. Many felt the food was too pricy for what you get, with some finding it overpriced or not worth the cost, especially when considering extra fees for things like vegetables or protein. With 11 negative remarks, it seems value can be a real sticking point for many.
Value
20
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Extra fees
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- priceWell worth the price
- pricesthe prices were reasonable
- affordableaffordable
- expensive restaurantsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food here is truly great and on par with much fancier and more expensive restaurants. It was a wonderful lunch experience.
- reasonable priceReasonable price for large portions
Frequently criticized
- $30I had requested added broccoli in my meal, but it was not included, and the meal was not spicy as expected. I feel like I wasted $30 trying to give this place a chance and will not be ordering from here again.
- 5 wings9:99 for 5 wings no matter the size is way overpriced
- 59 bucksspending 59 bucks noodles, rice and egg rolls is a joke
- charged for the wontonsSTILL charged us for the wontons
- extra fee for vegetablespay an extra fee for vegetables
- extra proteindon’t bother ordering extra / combination protein. It will be just the same amount of meat with different kinds. It’s not actually more protein for the extra price
- food pricefood is too pricy for what you get
- priceeverything together didn't seem worth the price.
- tip amountwaiter was not satisfied with the tip amount
- to go pricefix their to go price
If youre looking for a great deal, this place might be a hit or miss. While some find the prices reasonable, many others feel the food is overpriced for what you receive, especially with extra charges. Its probably best to manage your expectations regarding value before you go.
How are the prices at The Nood Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 62 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Fusion Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend between 11 – 30 $, showing prices cluster around this sweet spot, though a few opt for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 62 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in San Diego.
For a Fusion Restaurant in San Diego, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It strikes a nice balance, offering good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Nood Bar
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Interesting Asian Fusion, But Not Authentic
This was my first visit to the restaurant on a Sunday evening. There were about five other parties dining. The menu offers an eclectic mix of Asian cuisine, featuring dishes from various countries and regions.
The service was fast and friendly. I ordered the Hong Kong style noodle soup. While it was tasty, I had to remind myself that it was 'in the style' rather than authentic Hong Kong noodle soup.
The broth was flavorful, though I couldn't quite pinpoint the exact taste, and it contained MSG. The bok choy was nicely cooked, and the thick-cut pork belly was tasty and tender. The noodles were interesting, definitely reminiscent of Hong Kong style but not quite the real thing.
Overall, it was a nice meal, but I'm now thirsty due to the MSG.
- eclectic mix7
- service9
- Hong Kong style noodle soup6
- MSG3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good food, bad smell
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and the service was friendly. However, there was a really strong industrial cleaner smell inside, which was quite unpleasant.
I had to eat outside to properly smell and taste the food.
- food8
- service8
- industrial cleaner smell2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Second Visit
My first experience at The Nood Bar was amazing, a 10/10 with incredible food and service. The presence of an older lady, possibly the manager or owner, seemed to ensure everything was perfect. However, my second visit today was a stark contrast.
The server was very rude, and although I considered leaving, we stayed for the food. Unfortunately, the wings were noticeably smaller, dry, and lacked flavor. My white rice was cold and hard, and my rice bowl, advertised with shrimp, only contained three.
What should have been an exciting return turned into a terrible experience, and I will not be returning.
- food10
- service10
- wings2
- white rice1
- rice bowl3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Perfect Noodles, A Must-Try!
As an avid noodle enthusiast who has explored the culinary landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, and Vietnam, and even enjoys cooking these dishes at home, I can confidently say that the food at The Nood Bar was so perfect, I might cook less. The restaurant itself was clean and pleasantly basic. I ordered the Bamee Hang, a dry noodle recipe from Thailand.
The Egg Noodles were perfectly bouncy, the minced pork flavorful, the pork belly perfectly cooked, and the wontons just delightful. The dipping sauce was perfectly zingy without overpowering the meal. I'm looking forward to returning with my wife soon!
- Egg Noodles10
- minced pork9
- pork belly10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Can't Wait to Return!
We came for dinner and ordered the mi goreng, laksa curry noodle soup, and the Hong Kong fried rice. The food was amazing and we can't wait to come back and try more.
- food10
- mi goreng10
- laksa curry noodle soup10
What The Nood Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at The Nood Bar?
At The Nood Bar, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. You’ll find options for lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating available. Table service ensures a pleasant meal, and if you’re craving something sweet, dessert is also on the menu. For those who prefer to dine outdoors, there’s outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery are also offered.
Does The Nood Bar offer accessible features and parking?
Yes, The Nood Bar is committed to accessibility, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you’ll be pleased to know that free street parking is available, making your visit hassle-free. They also have a gender-neutral restroom and high chairs for children.
How does The Nood Bar generally rate among customers?
The Nood Bar holds an overall score of 6.7, indicating a generally good experience. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.3), while Service (5.8) and Ambience (6) are considered average. Value (4.7) is an area where opinions are more mixed, leaning towards needing improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at The Nood Bar?
Many customers rave about the food being very tasty and cooked to perfection, with dishes frequently highlighted for their flavor and quality. Portions are often described as filling and well worth the price.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value, noting that certain items or extra fees can make the experience feel overpriced. Additionally, a few have encountered issues with service attitude or found the ambiance, including parking, to be less than ideal.