Unassuming spot near the beach offers authentic Thai food with medium spice levels that balance heat and flavor. Tom Kha Gai soup shines with perfect spice balance and fresh mushrooms, served hot on a burner. Expect a noisy, rushed vibe but great for brisk takeout.
Tom Kha Gai soup stands out with its perfect spice balance and fresh mushrooms. The tofu in the soup has a perfect texture and it arrives on a burner to keep it hot throughout the meal.
"I found the Thai food here to be really good."
"I thought the yellow curry was the best I ever had."
"The Tom Kha soup here is the best I've ever had."
Good to know
Expect high spice levels when ordering; be cautious if you're sensitive to heat.
The average meal costs around $22 plus tax, making it affordable for Thai food.
Ample parking is available, which is rare in the area.
Mediterranean spot shines with bold lentil soup and live guitar music on a heated patio. Upscale yet friendly vibe suits bar or dining room seating. Plenty of parking makes visits easy and relaxed.
Thick lentil soup offers a bold flavor and a golden color. It pairs well with happy hour items like kabobs and sliders.
Good to know
There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.
The restaurant is easy to access for handicapped persons.
Zov's offers great vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Cozy Mediterranean spot serves lentil soup and rich pumpkin soup alongside dishes like Lamb Shawarma. Calm vibe with classical chamber music and clean decor makes it perfect for relaxed meals. Enjoy the quiet patio for peaceful dining.
Lentil soup appears frequently and is a staple option. Pumpkin soup offers a wonderful, rich flavor. Soups here complement Mediterranean dishes like Lamb Shawarma and Tabouli.
Good to know
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Prices are reasonable for a full-service restaurant in the area.
The menu features many options beyond typical Mediterranean fare.
Small, intimate spot with wood interiors and dim lighting offers a cozy vibe. Mushroom spinach soup delivers a rich flavor in small, powerful portions. Chef interaction adds a warm, personal touch to the exclusive setting.
Mushroom spinach soup stands out with its rich flavor and glorious taste. Portions come small but pack a punch.
Good to know
Reservations are required due to limited seating with only 8 tables available.
Parking can be challenging on Balboa Island, so plan accordingly.
The menu is small, offering a few carefully selected appetizers and entrees.
Indian and Nepalese dishes come with complimentary lentil soup that is rich and flavorful. The place has a warm, homey vibe with simple decor and catchy Himalayan music. Lunch specials offer soup, rice, and naan at a great price.
Complimentary soup arrives with meals, often a lentil soup that is flavorful. Lunch specials include soup alongside rice and naan for a set price.
Good to know
Free parking is available in the lot, which is a plus.
Lunch specials offer great value with reasonable prices.
Expect large portion sizes that provide good value for money.
Upscale Indian spot offers a cozy, romantic vibe with dim lighting and authentic decor. Soups like rich Mulligatawny and hearty lentil shine here. Staff are attentive, customizing dishes and welcoming families with booster seats.
Mulligatawny soup features chicken with a rich, spiced broth. Lentil soup stands out as amazing and hearty. Butter chicken serves more like a tomato-based soup with shredded tandoori chicken.
Good to know
Parking can be a hassle during peak hours.
The restaurant has been under the same ownership for over 40 years.
The menu is smaller compared to other Indian restaurants.
Cozy spot with flower-filled ambiance and great music sets an elegant yet casual mood. Soups shine with light wonton soup and rich hot and sour flavors. Fresh dishes keep a steady crowd coming back for more.
Soups here stand out for their light and savory wonton soup and incredible pork soup dumplings. The hot and sour soup offers a rich, satisfying flavor that complements the spicy pork wontons well.
Good to know
Sunday Dim Sum features servers rolling carts of dumplings and small plates.
Takeout typically takes about 15 minutes.
Parking is ample in the Chase Bank/Vons Pavilion shopping center.
Outdoor seating offers a tropical vibe with live guitar music creating a relaxed yet elegant feel. Chicken tortilla soup is exceptional and thick, while lump blue crab bisque impresses with its quality. Modern decor and coastal views add a resort-like charm for leisurely dining.
Chicken tortilla soup stands out as thick and quite good, often described as exceptional and outstanding. The lump blue crab bisque also appears well prepared and presented alongside other dishes.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm with food and drink specials.
Seating for happy hour is only available at the bar stools.
Parking is usually available nearby.
Dining offers water views and a marine breeze with a mix of romantic and lively bar spots. French onion soup shines, often paired with lunch specials featuring soup, salad, and fries. Booths provide sound dampening for a cozy yet vibrant experience.
French onion soup stands out as a favorite, often paired with lunch specials that include soup, salad, and fries. Lobster bisque and French Dip also appear as notable soup options.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Prime Rib is served on Fridays and Saturdays, a must-try for meat lovers.
Valet parking costs $6, but street parking is limited in the area.
Cozy space with rustic French décor and soft candlelight sets an intimate mood. French onion soup shines with hearty broth and rich, cheesy bread. Heated patio offers a great view while soft French music plays, completing the authentic bistro vibe.
Hearty broth with plenty of onions defines the French onion soup here. It features chewy cheese and bread soaked with rich, beefy flavor.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends.
Expect a $30 corkage fee for bringing your own wine.
The restaurant closes early at 8 pm on weekdays.
Outdoor French bakery and cafe buzzes with authentic European spirit and lively chatter. Signature French onion soup pairs well with fresh pastries and quiche. Plenty of shaded seating invites guests to relax in a Parisian vibe.
French onion soup appears frequently and stands out as a signature item. It comes alongside dishes like quiche, crepes, and grilled chicken, making it a consistent choice for soup lovers here.
Good to know
They close at 3 pm.
There was no indoor seating available at MOULIN.
Prices for pastries can be high, like $11.52 for a croissant.
Bright, fun interior with cozy booths and a glass atrium sets a beachy vibe. Chicken soup offers a rich broth that fills you up, while the outdoor patio provides a relaxing atmosphere under blue skies. Strong, flavorful margaritas add to the lively energy.
Chicken soup stands out with rich, flavorful broth that fills a bowl enough for a full dinner. The chicken tortilla soup also draws repeat visits for its satisfying taste.
Good to know
Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.
I recommend making a reservation.
Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.
Outdoor patio with potted plants offers a charming spot for dining and relaxing. Matzo ball soup is comforting and delicious, served quickly with care. Back patio is dog friendly with sunny and shaded seating, perfect for enjoying authentic New York style fare.
Matzo ball soup stands out with its comforting and delicious taste. Staff serve it quickly and with care, ensuring perfect timing. Chicken soup tends to be watery and lacks flavor.
Good to know
The deli offers high-quality New York-style sandwiches.
Expect to pay around $20 per person.
The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Small shack offers a cozy vibe with intimate seating and fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Tomato bisque shines with rich flavor, perfect alongside grilled cheese melts. Warm atmosphere suits quick bites or takeout, making it a unique spot for soup lovers and casual diners.
Tomato bisque stands out with its rich flavor, often paired with grilled cheese melts. Soups come as part of varied meals, including options like BBQ burger combos.
Good to know
Indoor seating is limited to two tables each seating two people.
Parking is usually hard; consider street parking or getting food to go.
They serve breakfast all day, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
House-turned-restaurant offers ocean breeze and picturesque views on outdoor patios, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxed gatherings. Tortilla soup shines with a clear chicken broth that delivers solid flavor. Bar serves excellent margaritas and coffee, boosting the laid-back vibe.
Tortilla soup features a broth base made entirely with chicken thighs and leans more toward a clear broth than creamy. Presentation could improve with shredded chicken, but the flavor stays solid.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is popular among locals.
Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm with special drink prices.
Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it pet-friendly.
Cafe has a cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating and natural light. Tomato soup comes in a generous bowl while broccoli cheese soup is creamy and rich. Prices are high but the calm, clean space suits remote work well.
Tomato soup comes in a generous bowl rather than a cup. Broccoli cheese soup offers a creamy delight. Soup portions are small and prices run high.
Good to know
The store provides ample seating options for customers.
Parking is available in the adjacent shopping center, but it can get crowded.
Joining the rewards club offers great value with unlimited drinks for a monthly fee.