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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Soup and salad spots

A warm bowl of soup paired with a fresh salad is the ultimate comfort meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 2
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 3
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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.

Soups here feature rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, a curry noodle soup. Tom Yum soup offers a variety of vegetables and a choice between glass or flat noodles in the Yen Ta Fo noodle soup adds texture options.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Thai food's boat noodles have a unique, flavorful black broth."

"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.

02
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.

Tom Yum soup stands out with a rich, bold flavor and generous portions. The Tom Kha soup offers a creamy, aromatic experience, while the chicken and garlic soup delivers a savory, satisfying taste.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Tom Yum soup was the best I had."

"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.

03
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.

Savory wonton soup stands out with a rich, delicious flavor. It pairs well with dishes like Lomo Saltado and plantains.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the wonton soup to be delicious and yummy."

"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.

04
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.

Beef noodle soup stands out with rich flavor and tender meat. The soup pairs well with wontons and is a popular choice during happy hour from Monday to Friday between 2 and 5 pm.

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

People are saying

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

"I found the handcrafted cocktails to be amazing 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.

05
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.

Seafood soup stands out with its better soondubu quality and cracked texture. Spicy beef soup offers a rich flavor, while beef noodles serve as a filling noodle soup option.

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 thought the spicy beef soup was really good."

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.

06
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.

Chicken rice soup stands out with a unique flavor unlike others. The soup stays hot for a long time and pairs well with pita and tzatziki.

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

People are saying

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

"The salads here are so fresh and crunchy."

"I could have the avgolemono soup every day and be happy."

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.

07
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.

Soup dumplings burst with unique, flavorful fillings and rich broth. Braised beef noodle soup offers a complex, flavorful broth with tender beef shank and fresh pickled mustard greens. Ramen soups feature super complex broths that stand out.

Crunchy texture and spicy heat define the cucumber salad. It carries a noticeable saltiness that stands out.

People are saying

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

"The braised beef noodle soup here is highly recommended."

"The food here tasted very good and yummy."

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.

08
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.

Pork miso soup stands out as a warm choice, especially on cold evenings. The 3 mushroom soup also offers a rich, delicious flavor alongside other hot soups like miso.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I enjoyed the miso soup; it was very good."

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.

09
Itacho Sushi - All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious sushi restaurant with well spaced tables and large TV screens showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe blends a modern, clean style with a fun anime theme, welcoming groups of all sizes.

Salads include squid salad with a chewy texture and noticeable saltiness, and a king mushroom salad that stands out among appetizers. Salads come as part of combos with appetizers, soup, rolls, and more.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The soup here is delicious and satisfying."

"The squid and king mushroom salads were delicious appetizers."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30, offering a wide variety of sushi.

2

Lunch service does not include a menu on weekends or holidays.

3

Sushi orders come in full rolls of 8 pieces, providing good value.

10
The Butcher Shop image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse with old school Rat Pack style features red leather booths and a real fireplace creating a swanky, low-key vibe. The atmosphere is relaxed with 70s music playing and a bar known for classic cocktails. Spacious booths and preserved antique details add to the plush, vintage feel.

French Onion soup stands out as a favorite with a rich, delicious flavor. The chowder and mussels also complement the soup offerings well.

Chargrilled Caesar Salad offers juicy bites with a deconstructed presentation and fresh croutons. Garden salad comes with prime rib combos, providing a simple, fresh side.

People are saying

"The steaks here are always delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The steaks were cooked to perfection and quite delicious."

"The French onion soup here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 10pm with great food and drinks.

2

The B.A.G networking event occurs on the second Tuesday of every month.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like Valentine's Day.

11
Bistro Kaz image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese Italian fusion defines the menu, offering unique dishes like eel pizza and squid ink pasta in a small, cozy space with quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Seating includes 2-4 person tables and a few bar seats, accommodating small groups comfortably. The place stays unbusy, allowing easy seating without long waits.

Corn soup stands out with its scratch-made quality and a strong corn aroma packed with essence and punch. Lunch combos include this soup along with salad and a drink, offering good value.

Lunch combos come with a small house salad paired with soup and a drink. Salads serve as a fresh side alongside dishes like cabbage wrapped meatballs and burger steak.

People are saying

"You have to try the cod roe pasta; it's my favorite."

"You have to try their corn soup; it's packed with aroma and punch."

"The lunch combo included a salad and soup, offering good value."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The lunch combo includes a main dish, salad, soup, and a drink for good value.

3

Expect a unique menu with both Japanese and Italian fusion dishes.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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