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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Authentic salad spots

A fresh salad prepared with traditional methods is exactly what you need to feel balanced.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 2
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Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

Salads here stand out with the Caesar salad and the arugula peach salad both tasting fresh and flavorful. The Pasta Salad also comes recommended for its quality and taste.

Authentic Detroit style pizza and smash burgers share the menu. The Kogel coney dog stays true to its roots.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"The Caesar salad here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the authentic Detroit style pizza and coney dogs."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

02
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor and decorative plants creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Lighting is a bit dark and space can feel stuffy, but the vibe stays casual and relaxing. Staff offer friendly, personalized touches like complimentary photos with rose flowers.

Papaya salad stands out with its sweet-sour, spicy, and funky flavors. Nam khao tod and beef salad also offer distinct tastes alongside traditional options like som tum and Laos sausages.

Food delivers authentic Thai flavors that taste like home-cooked meals. The Nam Khao Tod stands out with its crunchy rice and flavorful taste.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced."

"I found the food to be really authentic and flavorful."

"The boat noodles had a flavorful, thick black broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

03
Chaba Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Modest Thai restaurant with laid-back atmosphere and somewhat dark lighting. Regulars frequent the spot, drawn by lunch specials and free desserts offered after meals. The space features simple decor with small paintings and tables for dine-in or takeout.

Salads here offer bold flavors and refreshing tastes. The crispy catfish salad stands out with its tangy and flavorful profile, while the beef and papaya salads deliver satisfying, fresh options.

Dishes deliver authentic Thai flavors with every bite. Staff eating together shows the food's genuine quality and traditional taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I loved the authentic Thai taste and delicious food."

"You have to try their crispy catfish salad; it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be troublesome at times, especially during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials are available for $13.95, offering great value.

3

The restaurant offers a surprise dessert on weekends.

04
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.

Charcoal grilling delivers authentic Korean barbecue with rich flavors. Korean cold noodles offer a genuine taste that complements the vibrant, lively ambiance.

People are saying

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

"The cucumber salad here is so good, I ordered more."

"I highly recommend the authentic Korean barbecue with charcoal."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

05
Spicy Lao Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small family-run restaurant offers authentic Laotian dishes with large portions and a friendly, professional atmosphere. Music from past decades plays softly, creating a welcoming vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Popularity leads to a fast-paced environment where some menu items may be unavailable.

Lao style papaya salad stands out here, paired often with sticky rice and Laos sausage. The beef salad delivers a sabai-inducing flavor, and the Thai style papaya salad complements the beef and sausage well.

Food offers authentic home-style flavors closely matching traditional Lao and Thai cuisine. Family-owned kitchen serves dishes that reflect genuine, traditional recipes rarely found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Lao style papaya salad is authentic and delicious."

"The Lao sausage here is the most unique I've ever had."

"The authentic Lao food tastes just like home."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful in the plaza, making it easy to visit.

2

Expect high spice levels; when they say spicy, they mean SPICY.

3

Portions are large for the price, with 8 sausages for $13.

06
Tigris Mediterranean Grille image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open design with bright sunlight creates a peaceful, casual vibe complemented by an 80s and 90s playlist. The atmosphere feels inviting and chill, with generous portions and halal Mediterranean dishes served in a clean space.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and generous portions. Options like the beet salad with feta and avocado salad deliver bold, fresh flavors that pair well with the plates.

Food offers authentic flavors with strong, genuine tastes. Staff share traditional recipes and greet with smiles, adding to the authentic feel.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is served with such welcoming hospitality."

"The beet salad with feta is crave-worthy."

"The food here is so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Everything at Tigris Mediterranean Grille is halal.

2

Portions are generous, with one platter easily serving two people.

3

The prices at Tigris Mediterranean Grille are fair considering the portion size and quality.

07
SOT BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant features unique cast-iron cauldron grills and a modern wood and stainless design. Atmosphere feels vibrant and casual with loud music and some chaotic energy. Guests often have food cooked at the table, enhancing an authentic dining experience.

Meals include chopped lettuce salad and various side dishes like kimchi and steamed eggs. Salads come alongside three types of sauce and a separate ssamjang for added flavor.

Offers authentic Korean BBQ with high-quality ingredients and top-notch service. Features a traditional Korean pot lid style for grilling.

People are saying

"I tasted the best Korean barbecue I have ever had."

"I found the Korean BBQ here to be authentic and high-quality."

"The service here is awesome; they grill the meat for you."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.

2

Parking can be difficult, but arriving early increases your chances of finding a spot.

3

The restaurant is not an all-you-can-eat option; meals are priced per item.

08
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

The salads stand out with the Peruvian Chopped Salad offering a refreshing taste and a little kick in the dressing. A creamy cilantro sauce enhances the side salad, and a cooked Peruvian salad with rice and plantains adds variety beyond the menu.

Food offers authentic Peruvian flavors with a creative Peruvian-Chinese fusion twist. The aroma and decor blend authentic elements with modern art, enhancing the genuine dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The food here is authentic Peruvian and tastes like home."

"The Peruvian Chopped Salad is amazing and has a little kick."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

09
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Cucumber salad appears regularly alongside dishes like beef wrap and pork noodles. It serves as a refreshing side that complements the main courses well.

Dishes like the beef roll, beef noodles, and sesame noodles deliver authentic Taiwanese flavors. The food tastes fresh and the atmosphere feels welcoming.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"I found the food here to be really authentic and delicious."

"I found the food, especially the salad, to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

10
Village Indian Cuisine - Indian Restaurant & Catering image 1

Small, clean space offers comfortable seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere with background music videos playing softly. Energy stays peaceful and friendly, making it a cozy spot for enjoying Indian cuisine.

Lunch specials include a cucumber or tomato salad paired with two entrees, rice, and naan. These salads come as part of a filling combo priced around $13 to $14.

Dishes deliver true authentic North Indian taste with every bite. Food stays consistently delicious and bursting with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The lunch special is a great deal with two curries, rice, and naan."

"The cucumber salad with the lunch special is so good and filling."

"I found the Indian food here to be authentic and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials offer two curries, rice, naan, and salad for $13.

2

Generous portions are served, especially during lunch specials.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

11
Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious and clean interior hosts a lively but comfortable atmosphere with upbeat energy and ample seating. The place fills with people enjoying varied Korean BBQ meats, especially different types of intestines. It offers options to cook food in the back, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience away from the grill.

Sides include kimchi, potato salad, and bean sprouts. Combos come with steamed egg, kimchi or soybean stew, and corn cheese.

Authentic Korean BBQ shines with top-notch quality and friendly service. A variety of high-quality Korean dishes deliver genuine flavors that stand out.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has amazing quality and pairs so well together."

"The authentic Korean BBQ here has top-notch quality meats."

"The marinated beef belly salad was tender and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging, especially during rush hours and weekends.

2

The restaurant is not all-you-can-eat, but prices are reasonable for meat sets.

3

The menu features a wide variety of KBBQ meats, including unique options like intestines.

12
The Godfather image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant with old-school decor and dark wood paneling creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Live piano music adds a classic, elegant vibe that suits romantic dinners and special occasions. The setting feels authentic and transports diners with its traditional Italian heritage.

Caesar salad stands out with its outstanding dressing and beautiful preparation. Quality ingredients and generous size make it a favorite starter.

Traditional recipes and authentic ambiance create a genuine Italian experience. The food tastes like classic New York Italian, with dรฉcor and music that reflect true Italian heritage.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots are excellent."

"It felt like a genuine trip to Italy with authentic food."

"The Caesar salad here has outstanding dressing."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to a very small lot, but valet service is available.

2

Prices are on the high end, with many dishes exceeding $50.

3

The restaurant will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 4/21/24.

13
Izakaya Sakura image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with wood and traditional decorations creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a family-run spot in Japan. Comfortable seating and a popular sushi bar encourage casual interaction. Known for authentic Japanese comfort food and fresh, high-quality sushi.

Salads come as small plates paired with entrees, often lighter and designed to complement the main dish. They appear alongside items like miso soup and fried tofu, adding a fresh balance to meals.

Authentic Japanese comfort food shines here with fresh, flavorful dishes that capture the homey vibe of Japan. The atmosphere feels genuine, offering a true taste of traditional izakaya dining.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and curry, is really good."

"I found the Japanese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The curry rice entree came with a lighter salad."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be challenging to find during busy times.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant only accepts up to two cards for splitting the bill.

14
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere that closely resembles locations in Japan, with franchise-style seating including a bar for single diners. The space feels cramped during busy times but maintains a clean, well-maintained interior that helps guests forget the outside surroundings.

Salads include corn salad and green salad, with some like papaya and corn salads containing crab. The salads can be underrated and sometimes orders may not match what arrives.

Japanese-style curry here matches the authentic Coco Ichi flavor closely. The katsu curry and other dishes taste like those from Okinawa and Sasebo, delivering a genuine experience.

People are saying

"This Japanese-style curry is the most authentic I've had."

"I found the Japanese-style curry here to be really authentic."

"I found the curry here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait time during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking can be a challenge due to limited space in the shopping complex.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

15
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego, CA image 1

Greek restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with cute furniture and large TV menu displays. Atmosphere combines loud Greek music with a strip mall energy, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment. Seating is comfortable yet intimate, suitable for family or friends gatherings.

Greek salads stand out for their freshness and well balanced flavors. Options include chicken or beef add-ons, making them both delicious and satisfying.

Real authentic Greek food stands out here, especially the lamb souvlaki with rice pilaf. The dishes capture traditional flavors clearly and taste amazing.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the flavorful lamb."

"The salads here are so fresh and crunchy."

"I thought the Greek food here was so authentic and tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free Gyro sandwich promotion on Tuesdays.

2

There is plenty of free parking available for customers.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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