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Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Dumpling spots

Made for those who measure the quality of a restaurant by the thinness of the dough and the seasoning of the dumpling filling.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Korean restaurant

Small indoor space with adorable decor and fun K-pop music videos playing. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and vibrant to loud and lively during peak hours, with dimmed lights enhancing the mood. Popular spot for authentic Korean drinking and bar food, attracting a lively crowd especially late at night.

Late night Korean food offers authentic flavors and excellent cuisine options. The menu features tasty bar food ideal for pairing with drinks.

Fried dumplings stand out with perfect cooking and a delicious taste. Cheese balls share the same well-cooked quality, making both solid choices.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food here to be amazing, especially the bulgogi."

"The Korean food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"The fried dumplings here are perfectly cooked and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking in this plaza can be tough, so arrive early.

2

Make a reservation to secure a table, especially on busy nights.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am, ideal for late-night dining.

02
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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.

Authentic Taiwanese cuisine shines with delicious flavors and great variety. Service stands out as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Dumplings come in spicy chili, soup, and sesame varieties with great portion sizes. Beef rolls and pork pot stickers add flavorful options alongside noodles and fresh soy milk.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"I thought the dumplings here were some of the best I ever had."

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.

03
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Chinese restaurant

Small strip-mall restaurant with traditional Chinese decoration and colorful interior featuring fish tanks and TVs. Atmosphere feels chaotic but lively, with a large menu offering authentic Szechuan cuisine served family style in generous portions.

Food here is super tasty and abundant with many options, including non-spicy dishes for those who prefer milder flavors. Quality stays consistently excellent and prices are very good.

Dumplings here are juicy and tender, with a texture that waters in your mouth. They stand out alongside other dishes like chicken feet and spicy hot pot with tripe and duck blood.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan food here to be super authentic."

"The Szechuan spicy crispy fish is fragrant and packed a real punch."

"I found the Sichuan food here to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak lunchtime hours.

2

The restaurant offers family-style dining with large portions.

3

Guests can bring their own beer after paying a corking fee.

04
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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.

Food here matches authentic Peruvian cuisine with amazing quality and great service. The dishes deliver a taste comparable to what you'd find in Lima, Peru.

Chili dumplings stand out with a spicy kick. Dumplings pair well with mojo pork fries and plantains for tasty appetizers.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the chili wontons; they're perfectly balanced."

"The dumplings here are incredible."

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.

05
Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고 image 1

Korean restaurant with clean, modern interior and K-pop music videos playing on large TVs. Atmosphere is welcoming and pleasant, suitable for casual dinners and catching up with friends. Tables are close together, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment.

Spicy beef soup, dumplings, and bossam stand out as comfort food dishes here. Portions come good-sized and the food stays properly Korean and delicious.

Pork and chives mandu come out steaming hot with a delectable taste. Dumplings here have a clean flavor and pair well with other dishes like spicy beef soup and cold noodles.

People are saying

"The Yuk Gae Jang soup has a warm, comforting, and flavorful broth."

"The food here is delicious, with rich broth and tender meat."

"The yukgaejang with steamed dumplings is fantastic and comforting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.

2

Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.

3

Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.

06
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a retro-inspired decor and great music. The space feels clean and inviting, attracting a busy crowd. Ordering and payment happen upfront, creating a straightforward dining flow.

Food here is consistently delicious and flavorful with a creative menu that stands out. Every dish delivers great taste and quality.

Soup dumplings stand out with their delicate, juicy pork filling and perfect seasoning. Spicy pork dumplings offer a well-balanced heat paired with a creamy chile aioli that enhances their savory flavor.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The soup dumplings here are delicious and delicate."

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.

2

Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.

3

Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.

07
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Sichuan restaurant

Small, modest space with red accents and tight seating creates a no-frills, lively atmosphere. Bright fluorescent lights and a packed dining room contribute to a high-energy vibe. Known for authentic Sichuan flavors with intense spice and bold dishes.

Authentic Sichuan and Yunnan cuisine shines here with spicy, flavorful dishes served piping hot. Portions come large enough for leftovers, and the food arrives quickly even when busy.

Juicy and soft, the soup dumplings pack a flavorful punch and stand out as a favorite. They pair well with dishes like stir fried string beans, making them super addictive.

People are saying

"The food here is legendary; Hua always made my experience perfect."

"I found the Szechuan food here to be authentic and intensely flavorful."

"The dumplings here are amazing with great portions and authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging at busier times.

2

Making a reservation a couple of hours before should ensure a table.

3

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

08
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Chinese restaurant

Small dining space features vivid Chongqing-style murals and a cozy, relaxing vibe. The atmosphere supports casual meals with free WiFi and comfortable seating for groups. Authentic Chongqing noodles and handmade dumplings define the culinary experience.

Food offers great flavor and is very filling. Noodle soup features an out of this world broth with the right level of spice for comfort food.

House-made dumplings come fresh and flavorful with a perfectly spicy chili oil. Every dumpling is crafted in-house, matching the quality of authentic Chinese dumplings.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and packed with savory spice."

"The beef noodle soup is fresh, clean, and delicious."

"These dumplings are so fresh and flavorful, especially in chili oil."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The menu features Chongqing-style noodles with several combo options.

3

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

09
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Shanghainese restaurant

Small space fills quickly with a lively, noisy atmosphere and tight seating that suits fast-paced dining. Walls are bare, amplifying sound and creating a packed, energetic vibe. Generous portions come with highly praised soup dumplings that stand out among Shanghainese offerings.

Food comes out piping hot with good-sized portions that balance flavor and quality well. The dishes offer authentic Chinese flavors and maintain a consistently high standard.

Juicy pork dumplings stand out with a crispy outer edge and well-balanced pepper seasoning. Three types of dumplings include cilantro, pork, and curry, offering a variety of bold flavors.

People are saying

"The beef chow mein here has great flavor."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"These dumplings are flavorful and prepared to perfection."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hectic on weekends, so arrive early or consider street parking.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The prices at Tasty Noodle House are great considering the portion sizes.

10
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express image 1

Large dining hall features dim sum carts rolling through for orders, creating an interactive meal experience. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with some outdated decor and occasional noise from kitchen activity. Space suits groups of all sizes, offering a relaxing yet lively setting.

Food here is consistently fresh and tasty with a wide variety of authentic Chinese dishes. The dining area is massive and suits large groups, making it easy to enjoy meals with family or friends.

Shrimp and pork dumplings feature seamless wrappers that blend into the steamer, keeping the filling fresh. The menu includes xiao long bao, BBQ pork buns, and shrimp and chive dumplings, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is delicious and offers a great variety."

"I found the food here to be excellent and delicious."

"I found the dumplings to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 2 hours in the lot; paid options are available nearby.

2

They close at 3:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Dim sum is served only on weekends and at specific times.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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