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Best of Kearny Mesa

Soup spots

A bowl of soup should be substantial enough to stand on its own as a proper meal.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pho Nom image 1
Pho Nom image 2
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Pho restaurant

Modern decor with cozy lanterns sets a dreamlike mood. Soup features rich broth and tender beef ribs on the bone. Chill music and authentic design create a relaxed dining vibe.

Broth stands out with its rich flavor and authentic aromatics. Meat in the soup is consistently tender, especially the beef ribs on the bone.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I had the best pho I've ever experienced."

"The short rib soup here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2–5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

02
ZHENGXIN Chicken Steak image 1
Chinese restaurant

Casual spot with a clean atmosphere and good music. Enjoy authentic snacks and crispy chicken steak. Soups have a spicy Szechuan kick that pairs well with the dishes.

Soups feature a classic original potato noodle base with a satisfying balance. The Szechuan soup offers a spicy kick, paired well with chicken steak and side dishes that complete the meal.

People are saying

"This fried chicken is perfectly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor."

"I found the potato noodle soup broth light and delicious."

"I found the chicken steak here to have a really unique taste."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect to wait less than 10 minutes for your food during peak hours.

3

Parking can be tough, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

03
Domo Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space fills with a warm glow and lively chatter. Families enjoy the easy-going vibe despite tight seating. Soup options like Won Ton and miso offer comforting flavors that match the cozy atmosphere.

Won Ton soup offers a warm, comforting option with a decent flavor. Miso soup and other varieties like shrimp lo mein come alongside, showing a range of classic Asian soups available.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, delicious, and super-sized."

"The lunch spot food is delicious, with amazing quality and taste."

"I found the soup here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at lunch.

2

Customers must order their food first and then find a seat.

3

Dinner portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with rice.

04
Spicy Noodle image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining space offers a cozy vibe with vivid murals and free WiFi. Broth in soups is fresh and perfectly spiced, especially the beef noodle soup. Authentic Chongqing noodles and handmade dumplings make meals memorable.

Broth in the soups is fresh and clean with a perfect amount of spice. Beef noodle soup features top-notch flavor and is consistently well-seasoned.

People are saying

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

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

"Parking can be tight during peak hours, so plan ahead."

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.

05
YGF Malatang image 1
Self service restaurant

Self-service setup offers wide ingredient selection with fresh meats and vegetables. Broth choices include flavorful bone soup and a mild tomato soup base suitable for all ages. A clean condiment station lets you create custom sauces easily.

Many options for soup base include a classic herbal soup and a beef bone soup that is super flavorful and delicious. Tomato soup base offers a milder taste enjoyed by all ages.

People are saying

"I found the soup base really, really good and flavorful."

"I found the food here really good and tasty."

"The beef bone broth is tasty and easy to enjoy."

Good to know

1

They offer a wide variety of ingredients to choose from.

2

The spicy level is adjustable and can be made very spicy.

3

There are many options for mixing and matching, allowing customization of meals.

06
Fish With You |Spicy & Sour Fish Soup 鱼你在一起酸菜鱼 image 1

Small, lively spot with authentic Sichuan vibe and loud karaoke music. Soups shine with numbing pepper kick and sour mala flavors in tender fish and beef broths. Clean decor and QR code menus keep ordering smooth and easy.

Soups feature tender fish and beef with smooth, savory broths. The Laotan suancai beef soup offers a numbing Sichuan pepper kick, while the fish soup blends sour preserved veggies and mala flavors.

People are saying

"The fish here is so tender and flavorful."

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

"The fish soup broth was flavorful and the fish was tender."

Good to know

1

The portions are large; two main dishes can feed a family of five.

2

Prices range from $15 to $20 for most menu items, including free steamed rice.

3

Parking is plentiful, especially at 3 pm on Saturdays.

07
spicy city image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small space with red accents and tight seating creates a lively vibe. Known for authentic Sichuan flavors with intense spice. Soup dumplings offer a juicy filling, while hot and sour noodle soup delivers a hot, sour taste.

Soup dumplings stand out with their juicy, delicious filling. The hot and sour noodle soup delivers a hot, sour, and tasty flavor profile.

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."

"I loved the hot and sour soup; it was so tasty."

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
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere in a cozy, bustling space. Seafood soup shines with better soondubu quality and a cracked texture. Spicy beef soup offers rich flavor, while beef noodles provide a filling option for noodle soup lovers.

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."

"I thought it was the best Korean Barbecue in town."

"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.

09
Moobongri Soondae (무봉리 순대국 샌디에고) image 1

Food court offers a quick meal with a noisy atmosphere and convenient location inside a market. Soups like spicy soondae guk and beef back bone soup deliver rich flavors and hearty portions. Prices are higher than nearby gukbap spots but worth it for quality and taste.

Soups here pack a lot of meat and rich flavors with no unpleasant odors. Options like spicy soondae soup, beef back rib soup with tendon, and pork soup with noodles and onions stand out for their hearty, delicious broths.

People are saying

"The pork gukbap was so flavorful with tender pork that melted in my mouth."

"The kimchi here is so delicious and sweet."

"The beef back rib soup had a clean, tasty broth and generous meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located inside the Balboa Park H Mart food court.

2

Each dish costs around $20, which is higher than nearby options.

3

Bring cash as some vendors in the food court may not accept cards.

10
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego, CA image 1

Greek restaurant features a spacious interior with lively Greek music and a strip mall vibe. Chicken rice soup offers a unique flavor and stays hot long, perfect with pita and tzatziki. Seating is comfortable and intimate, ideal for family or friends.

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.

People are saying

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

"The gyro meat was on point and wonderful."

"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.

11
Izakaya Sakura image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Japanese comfort food and a popular sushi bar. Warm up with pork miso soup or rich 3 mushroom soup. Wood decor and family-run feel make it inviting and casual.

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.

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."

"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.

12
Szechuan Chef Chinese Cuisine image 1

Spacious dining offers a clean, refined atmosphere with authentic Sichuan flavors. Bold, spicy dishes like cumin lamb and crispy chicken shine. Soups impress with sour lamb soup's tangy kick and a balanced hot and sour soup.

Sour lamb soup stands out with its bold tangy flavor. Hot and sour soup offers a balanced taste without too much corn starch.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food to be really authentic."

"The spicy boiled fish was absolutely to die for."

"The hot and sour soup was flavorful and not overly corn-starchy."

Good to know

1

The last dine-in order should be placed by around 8:15 PM.

2

They close promptly at 9:00 PM.

3

Three people can eat well for about $50.

13
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor sets a peaceful mood. Soups shine with rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, plus Tom Yum and Yen Ta Fo offer tasty noodle choices. Friendly staff add charm with personalized touches like photos and 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.

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."

"I thought the Tom Yum soup was delicious and full of vegetables."

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.

14
ME SEN Thai Noodle Shop image 1

Small, cozy spot inside a supermarket serves authentic Thai street food with a lively, local vibe. Beef boat noodle soup shines with rich, savory flavors and tender meat. Warm, casual décor and high ceilings create a comfortable atmosphere that feels like a Bangkok noodle shop.

Beef boat noodle soup offers a myriad of flavors with a rich, savory, and subtly spicy profile. The soup balances sweet, sour, and earthy notes, delivering tender meat and a taste that feels authentically Thai.

People are saying

"The rich, savory broth in the noodle soup is incredible."

"These authentic Thai boat noodles are a flavorful hidden gem."

"I found the Thai food here to be pretty authentic and well made."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours.

3

There is no restroom in the grocery store, so plan accordingly.

15
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese spot shines with beef noodle soup rich in flavor and tender meat. Chic modern decor and a wrap-around bar create a warm, lively vibe. Classic 90s and 2000s hip hop adds to the good music atmosphere, making it a unique dining experience.

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.

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."

"The mango jasmine tea is really sweet and I loved it."

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.

16
Chaba Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Modest Thai spot offers a laid-back vibe with free desserts that keep regulars coming back. Bold Tom Yum soup shines with rich flavor and big portions. Simple decor and lunch specials make it a cozy choice 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.

People are saying

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

"They surprised me with a free, tasty dessert at the end."

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

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.

17
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian spot shines with savory wonton soup and lomo saltado that pack bold flavors. Cozy vibe with hanging plants and an outdoor patio sets a lively scene. Unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks complete the experience.

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

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

18
Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고 image 1

Korean spot shines with spicy beef soup and creamy bone broth, perfect for cold days. Clean, modern space plays K-pop videos, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tables sit close, making it lively but sometimes noisy, ideal for casual dinners and chats.

Spicy beef soup and bone broth soup stand out with rich, creamy flavors from slow cooking. Mandu soup and ox tail soup offer comforting, tasty options that suit chilly days well.

People are saying

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

"The Korean Food's bossam was thinly sliced and artfully arranged."

"The braised spicy premium beef ribs were so tender they fell off the bone."

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.

19
H Mart Balboa image 1
Korean grocery store

Huge Korean grocery store offers authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Food court has about eight vendors plus a small French bakery. Soups like spicy tofu and pork come with hearty broths. Crowded aisles challenge cart maneuvering but walls show maker-inspired graphics.

Options include spicy tofu soup, soondae soup, and pork soup. Korean favorites like jjajangmyeon and naengmyeon come with hearty broths.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very fresh and plentiful."

"This grocery store has authentic Asian ingredients I can't find elsewhere."

"I loved the spicy tofu soup; it was so delicious."

Good to know

1

H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

2

Parking can be challenging at times.

3

The store is clean and well-organized.

20
Taste of Hong Kong image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Cozy space buzzes with vibrant energy and offers authentic Cantonese dishes. Soups shine with West Lake beef and a unique fried chicken wing soup. Groups enjoy flexible seating, including a private room option.

Soups feature West Lake beef and HK wonton varieties. The fried chicken wing with egg yolk and green bean soup stands out. Red bean soup appears as a dessert option.

People are saying

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

"The roast duck here is perfectly crispy and not dry at all."

"I missed authentic Chinese soup more than I did before coming here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during dinner time; arrive early.

3

Expect to pay around $200 for a party of three.

21
Zhangliang Malatang image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian spot serves authentic Malatang with rich, flavorful broths and adjustable spice. Classic pork bone soup shines with medium spice and deep taste, boosted by fresh garlic and pepper. Space feels cramped but clean, creating a chill vibe amid a lively crowd.

Classic pork bone soup features a medium spice level and rich flavor. Adding ground garlic and fresh pepper from the sauce station enhances the broth's taste.

People are saying

"The classic spicy bone broth soup is flavorful and delicious."

"This Chinese food is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat."

"The vibe here is so chill and comfy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 6:30 pm, especially on busy nights.

2

The price is $13.99 per pound for ingredients, with extra charges for soup base.

3

Payment is made at the end of the meal, which may confuse first-time visitors.

22
Phoenix Dessert - San Diego image 1

Small dessert shop shines with authentic Cantonese flavors and a bright ambiance. Black sesame soup offers a smooth texture but can be lukewarm. Fresh fruits and hot rice dessert soups add rich, sweet notes to the casual, mostly to-go spot.

Black sesame soup offers a smooth texture and sweet, flavorful taste but sometimes arrives barely warm. Hot rice dessert soups stand out for their sweetness and rich flavor.

People are saying

"The desserts here are perfect and not too sweet."

"It's a great spot for Kid Friendly desserts like mango sticky rice."

"The sweet black sesame dessert soup is a must-try."

Good to know

1

They only receive shipments from LA on certain days, so popular desserts may run out.

2

The chicken wings are often sold out shortly after opening.

3

This location has limited hot entrees compared to their LA locations.

23
Sushi Deli 3 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Lively sushi house offers affordable sushi with fresh, generous portions. Miso soup shines with fantastic flavor and low salt, often paired in weekday bento boxes. Casual vibe includes a shaded outdoor space and a bar popular for watching sports.

Miso soup stands out with minimum salt and a fantastic flavor. It often comes with bento boxes priced at $11 during weekdays.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and inexpensive."

"I found this to be an awesome spot for sushi dates."

"The miso soup was delicious and had minimum salt."

Good to know

1

Sushi Deli 3 has a 90-minute seating limit.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is limited and may require a short walk.

24
Phở Duyên Mai image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious spot serves excellent pho with piping hot broth and fresh toppings. Casual vibe suits families and friends, with a friendly atmosphere and lively chatter. Prices stay affordable, making it a popular choice for diverse crowds.

Broth stays piping hot with a well seasoned flavor. Noodles cook perfectly and toppings stay fresh and chewy.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the Vietnamese food here to be really authentic and full of flavor."

"The pho soup here is flavorful and good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large free lot at the front and back.

2

Expect a wait of 5-10 minutes for a table during busy hours.

3

Prices for pho range from $11 to $14 for a large bowl.

25
YinTang Spicy Hot Pot image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Enjoy authentic spicy broth with fresh ingredients in a cozy, warm setting. Build your own hot pot with options like fragrant spicy mixed soup or tomato soup. Space is clean but can get loud and crowded during dinner.

Fresh ingredients go into a spicy hotpot or a tomato soup base, cooked to order. The soup options include a fragrant spicy mixed soup and a tomato soup, both noted for their flavor.

People are saying

"The food's broth is always delicious and flavorful."

"I chose my own Chinese food ingredients and broth for my hot pot."

"The soup here has a delicious variety of ingredients."

Good to know

1

The food costs $13.99 per pound, with a typical portion around 2 pounds.

2

Parking is difficult during busy evening hours.

3

Expect long wait times during dinner as the place is often packed.

26
Chon Ju Jip image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, family-owned Korean spot offers huge clay pot soups like spicy pork bone and kimchi, served with many sides. Casual, lively vibe with traditional decor and rich aromas. Menu boasts authentic dishes and wide variety, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals.

Soups come in huge servings and cook in clay pots where you can crack an egg into the boiling broth. Options include pork bone soup with a unique spicy flavor, ox bone soup, and kimchi soup, often served with multiple side dishes.

People are saying

"The kimchi soup is huge, hearty, and a total bargain."

"The seafood here is tender, briny, and packed with flavor."

"It's a small, cozy place with a welcoming vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.

27
Jomaru Hot Pot San Diego 조마루 | Korean Restaurant image 1

Korean restaurant serves spicy pork bone soup with brisket and rich broth, plus hearty seafood tofu options. Tables have induction burners for hot pot, creating a casual, homey vibe. Enjoy Korean mukbang videos for light entertainment in a clean, orderly space.

Spicy pork bone soup features brisket slices and a rich broth. Seafood appears in the spicy tofu soup. Bone potato soup and pork bone hot pot soup offer flavorful, hearty options.

People are saying

"I found the gamjatang here to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved their bibimbap; it tasted closest to what I get in Korea."

"The pork bone soup here is really tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times, so arrive early.

2

Street parking is recommended due to limited spaces in the lot.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a medium hot pot for two.

28
Lanzhou noodlelicious image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright green walls and hand-painted decor create a lively vibe. Watch hand-pulled noodles made fresh behind glass. Enjoy authentic beef noodle soup with chewy noodles and a tasty tomato soup twist. Families and pets feel welcome here.

Beef noodle soup stands out with its authentic flavor and hand-pulled noodles that stay chewy. Tomato soup with sliced noodles offers a surprisingly delicious twist on a classic.

People are saying

"The braised beef noodle soup here is really good."

"I loved that they offered Halal food; it was a huge plus."

"It's dog friendly and they were accommodating to pets."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

2

Unlimited noodles are available from Monday to Friday.

3

They offer a 10% discount for cash payments.

29
Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue shines with interactive grilling and lively K-pop beats. Egg soup offers an addictive flavor while soybean soup is rich and memorable. Vegetarians can enjoy a simple soup plus salad and rice in a warm, casual setting.

Egg soup stands out with its addictive flavor. Soybean soup offers a rich, memorable taste. Vegetarians find limited options including a simple soup alongside salad and rice.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is served with incredible speed and attentiveness."

"The BBQ here is amazing, served with such speed and care."

"The soup here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.

3

A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.

30
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian spot shines with soup dumplings bursting with rich broth and braised beef noodle soup featuring tender beef and pickled greens. Cozy, retro vibe pairs well with complex ramen broths and a clean, inviting space. Ordering upfront keeps flow smooth.

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.

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 braised beef noodle soup here is highly recommended."

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.

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