Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bistro City

    4.0 (283 reviews)
    ModerateChinese, Seafood
    Closed Closed

    Order Bistro City Takeout or Delivery

    Bistro City Photos

    Business Info

    BISTRO CITY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Bistro City

    Recommended Reviews - Bistro City

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Rey B.

    If you're looking for Chinese food that actually tastes like someone put thought into it, Bistro City is worth your time. The menu goes beyond the usual. The steamed rock fish was fresh and well seasoned -- ginger and soy done right. The pork belly had a nice five spice note that didn't overpower. Sautéed spinach was a pleasant surprise, simple but really good. The fried rice was generous and satisfying, and the egg rolls were solid. My mom has been coming here for years, and when we walked in, the owner Susan recognized her right away. That kind of thing stays with you. She's warm, she's proud of her food, and it shows. The service reflected that too. It's the kind of place that earns your loyalty quietly, not through flash, but through consistency and genuine hospitality. Recommended without hesitation.

    Vacation rule - eat local, no corporate chains - I chose Chinese food instead of burgers.
    OLdweeb G.

    BISTRO CITY: I walked over from my hotel 2 doors down. It was a weekday, late afternoon. I ordered "kung pao chicken, extra spicy," takeout from a friendly employee without issue and waited in the large clean dining room. As it was August, I appreciated the large glass of ice water brought over to me. Back at my hotel I opened the bag and was relieved to find chopsticks and napkins. All too often from takeouts, utensils/napkins are missing - ultra-annoying. The kung pao portion was enormous! And there was plenty of separately boxed white rice. I dug in and was immediately disappointed that there was no heat. In fact, there were no dried red peppers. Instead, there were sliced into discs, green peppers of some sort, possibly poblanos. Instead of heat, they produced an unusual, though still edible, taste. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll order a different dish. True, this is a Mandarin & Cantonese restaurant, not Szechuan. But for $17, I was still disappointed.

    Menu
    Eva C.

    This place is a hidden gem for Chinese food! The food is always fast and freshly made. Everything is super flavorful, and very consistent. Whenever I'm craving Chinese food this is THE place I go to. They have a expansive menu, and prices are good for the portions you get! The inside is always clean and well kept. The service here is excellent, as everyone is really nice and attentive! My go tos are the Salt and Pepper Tofu, Veggie Lo Mein, and spicy eggplant! this time I tried out the Orange Chicken which was delicious! Next time you want authentic Chinese food, make sure you give them a try!

    Triple Mushrooms with Egg Bean Curd Chef Special
    Daniela A.

    This place is so good! I have been here about three times and nothing had disappointed! Finally reviewing it so I'm going to post all the dishes I've had! I've had the Fried wontons as complimentary snack. Singapore Stir Fried Thin Rice Noodles, Dry Beef Chow Fun, Triple Mushrooms with Egg Bean Curd, Salted Fish Fried Rice, Crab Rangoon and Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings The Singapore noodles were delicious and such good flavor, and the chicken in it was delicious! The dry beef chow fun was so good also honestly if you have a noddle craving this will settle it. The triple mushroom with egg bean curd was light and delicate but crispy at the same time.. the salted Fish Fried rice was so good also, don't get it if you don't like salty things. even though it was salty it was in a well balanced way. The crab rangoons were also perfectly flavored and lightly crispy such a great appetizer and the salt and pepper chicken wings are a must! So so freaking good! Perfectly seasoned and great crunch in every bit. YOU CANT GO WRONG HERE!

    OMG!!!! When it comes to Asian food, everybody has their preferred taste. We loved our food. It was very flavorful, colorful, and great portions. The place was beautiful and very, very very clean. Staff was exceptional. Very respectful place great food and great atmosphere. Thank you.

    106. Chicken Fried Rice, 104. House Fried Rice, Beef Lo Mein Tray, 19. Salted Pepper Chicken Wings,  37. Black Pepper Steak.
    Erica B.

    This place is AMAZING. The food is so good. Soooooo good. I love all the fried rices. The lo mein dishes are great. Chicken wings are awesome. And the beef dishes are great. Great service. Love the decor- really brings me back!

    Came to check out this spot
    Abel M.

    This is my new go to spot for Chinese food in San Diego. It has a good size dining area that is usually pretty mellow. Not a lot of people stay for dine in. I do notice families like to come here and splurge. The portions are huge and perfect for sharing so it makes sense. I like the simple aesthetics of the place and the old school paper place mats with the Chinese zodiac signs. Now for the food. I love the food here. I've had the typical fried rice, orange chicken and bbq pork which is all amazing. Please come and try this spot out and I think you will like it but don't go telling everyone and make it a hipster spot. I like my local spots to stay divey.

    Home of the G.O.A.T. salt & pepper chicken wings!

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rey B.
    75
    77
    18

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Everything here taste amazing. Me and my husband order from often, so much they know us by name !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    The food is disgusting I had this nasty after taste in my mouth for like 3 days worst Chinese food ever

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim B.
    0
    50
    15

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abel M.
    131
    233
    1276

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Liz P.
    3
    152
    44

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jeff F.
    118
    408
    3223

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Friendly service nice environment great customer service.the food make it to your table in a timely manner.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joy M.
    646
    512
    18728

    7 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Candy E.
    38
    85
    39

    2 years ago

    Cute little hole in the wall. Great food. Came because of the reviews and stayed because of the service!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris P.
    28
    182
    247

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheila M.
    120
    8
    11

    2 years ago

    Good food ambiance not so good, I just get my food to go. Best salted pepper chicken wings.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John L.
    0
    27
    26

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynessa R.
    17
    85
    303

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food was fresh, the salt and pepper wings are soo good! The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Bistro City Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bistro City

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Chinese 44,316 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Royal Mandarin Restaurant

    Royal Mandarin Restaurant

    3.9(2.1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I really love the food here. Coming here, my boyfriend and his family has said they've been going…read morehere for over 30+ years and after first bite of their salt and pepper wings, I'll be coming here for another 30 year as well! House fried rice, chow mein, green beans, Mongolian beef, and most importantly their chicken wings are our go-to! My son also loves the sweet and sour sauce they provide and has to have it on his plate. Being authentic Chinese restaurant comes with the price and I won't complain cause the flavors justify it. Would absolutely come here once a week it I could :) I love how big the place is, I'd like to say the handful of times we've come here and with a big group, we didn't have to wait as there's plenty of tables! Customer service is fairly quick, service is fast, and attentive.

    Royal Mandarin in National City never disappoints when it comes to their famous salt and pepper…read morechicken wings. The wings were crispy, flavorful, and easily the highlight of the meal. I don't make it to this area often, but when I'm craving great wings, this spot is always worth the trip. We also ordered the noodles with shrimp, but they were a bit disappointing. There were only about four shrimp in the entire dish, and since we split it, I ended up with just two. I was definitely hoping for more of a shrimp fix. If you're coming here, my recommendation is simple: stick with the salt and pepper chicken wings.

    Photos
    Royal Mandarin Restaurant
    Royal Mandarin Restaurant - Shrimp fried rice

    Shrimp fried rice

    Royal Mandarin Restaurant - Salted Pepper Chicken (take out)

    See all

    Salted Pepper Chicken (take out)

    Golden Chopsticks - Salt and pepper wings

    Golden Chopsticks

    4.2(1.4k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Been awhile since I had been down here. The last few times in San Diego, I had been craving the…read moresalt and pepper wings from here, but didn't have time to come down to get them. That changed this trip. I went twice in the 4 days we were there! First night I got just an order of salt and pepper wings. $23.50 or so, and they hooked it up with about15 wings (says 13 to an order, but we got a couple more than that, I think). The wings were PERFECT! It was my Sons first time trying them. He instantly fell in love! We ate them outside and went to town. Cant get a better wing, anywhere. Large, crispy, salty, garlicky. Perfect wings! Second time there, I went with the lunch special for the salt and pepper wings. You get 10 wings, and a container of plain fried rice. Total was like $18.50. Once again, wings were bomb! I love scooping the garlic and green onions on top of the wings and biting in. Such a good bite! I love this place! Their other food is very good, too, but come for the salt and pepper wings...they are life altering, and the best wings anywhere.

    So good! It's fast,…read morethe portions are large and the food is incredibly tasty! Get the beef chow fun. Nice sauce and noodles are chewy. Get the vegetarian fried rice. Nice use of mushrooms in this and the rice is nicely cooked. Get the sweet and sour fish fillet. Big portions and the fish is breaded but flakes nicely when you eat it. Get the salt and pepper chicken wings. FIRE. My cousin has a disability and I just want to thank the staff here for being so kind, patient and understanding to us as we had our meal. If I could give a hundred stars, I would. This place is a must go to for great Chinese food in San Diego.

    Photos
    Golden Chopsticks - Dining area only 1/2 of it there's another side to the restaurant

    Dining area only 1/2 of it there's another side to the restaurant

    Golden Chopsticks - Chicken Chow Mein

    Chicken Chow Mein

    Golden Chopsticks - Beef Broccoli

    See all

    Beef Broccoli

    Tasty Mandarin - Mongolian Beef 蒙古牛

    Tasty Mandarin

    4.6(554 reviews)
    5.0 miOtay
    $$

    Food is outstanding without exception. Everything I've ordered has been phenomenal. Never a bad…read moremeal. The service is stellar. If Jay is your waiter, you will be treated well. The ambiance is simple but classic.

    I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at Tasty Malatang Chinese Cuisine was…read moredisappointing because of the customer service. According to the restaurant's posted hours, they close at 10:00 PM. My family and I arrived around 9:15 PM, expecting that we still had enough time to order dinner. As soon as we walked in, the server immediately told us they were already closed. My mother politely pointed out that the posted closing time was 10:00 PM and simply asked if the kitchen happened to close earlier than the dining room. Instead of explaining the situation professionally, the server responded in a very rude tone: "Well, you guys can eat and order, but at 10:00 PM you need to be gone and out the door." Another employee then stepped in to back him up, making the interaction feel even more uncomfortable. I completely understand how the restaurant business works. I've been around the industry long enough to know that kitchens often stop taking orders before closing or that staff are trying to finish cleaning at the end of the night. If they had simply said, "We're sorry, but our kitchen is already closed," or even, "We can still serve you, but we're finishing up for the night," we would have completely understood. There was no reason to speak to us disrespectfully. What made this experience frustrating is that we never came in with an attitude or demanded special treatment. We were polite from the moment we walked through the door. We simply asked a reasonable question based on the restaurant's posted business hours, and instead of receiving a courteous explanation, we were met with unnecessary hostility. Customer service is just as important as the food. A welcoming attitude can make guests want to return, while a rude interaction can overshadow everything else. Unfortunately, this experience left such a negative impression that I won't be returning. I also would not feel comfortable bringing my family or recommending this restaurant to friends because everyone deserves to be treated with basic respect. I hope management takes this review as constructive feedback and reminds their staff that even when it's close to closing time, a little kindness and professionalism go a long way.

    Photos
    Tasty Mandarin - Salted Pepper Chicken Wings 椒盐鸡翅

    Salted Pepper Chicken Wings 椒盐鸡翅

    Tasty Mandarin - Honey Walnut Shrimp 核桃虾

    Honey Walnut Shrimp 核桃虾

    Tasty Mandarin - Menu Page 1/4

    See all

    Menu Page 1/4

    Star Express - Noodles

    Star Express

    3.6(84 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    The garlic fish Is definitely a favorite. My family n I visit to pick some up for years now. its…read morecrispy, its flavorful, and they're a pretty good size as well. My mom usually walks in and orders it and its the same woman at the front whenever she goes in and I can always hear the laughs and good vibes they share when Im in the car waiting. so service wise, we will always come back to support her! the fish pair well with the sweet n sour sauce and vinegar it comes with and sometimes we even order some to eat with tortillas and make some fish tacos at home. Im happy that this place exists because it is a local hidden gem and they have a grab and go type of feel to their place. if you try something from there, let it be the garlic fish for sure. its not greasy, the fish is crispy, and flavorful. I love it and will always get my fried fish fix here for a quick and yummy lunch. I can even eat them by itself and be very happy.

    I rarely crave Chinese fast food, but I was in the area, wanted a quick meal, and was looking to…read morestay on a budget, so I gave this place a try. The food here was decent; though I'll admit, it probably tasted better because I was starving. I went with the chow mein since the fried rice looked a bit dry and not too appetizing, and I'm glad I did... the chow mein hit the spot. Anything battered, like the fish and orange chicken, is heavily coated -- great if you love that doughy crunch (which I usually do), just not ideal when I'm trying to be a little healthier and wanting more protein haha. The red chicken (don't know what it's called) was my least favorite. Overall, the prices are budget-friendly and pretty much what you'd expect for fast Chinese takeout. Not bad for a quick, affordable and filling meal.

    Photos
    Star Express - Surprised this Lamborghini pic is still here and still works!

    Surprised this Lamborghini pic is still here and still works!

    Star Express - 1 combo 3 items~ Fried Rice, Orange Chicken, Spicy Chicken

    1 combo 3 items~ Fried Rice, Orange Chicken, Spicy Chicken

    Star Express

    See all

    China Super Buffet

    China Super Buffet

    2.7(376 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I was craving a Chinese buffet and I went on Yelp and found one. It was about five minutes away…read morefrom where I was today. Although the stars are low for this place, I give it a four stars because the food was absolutely amazing! So flavorful and there's a myriad of options! When I arrived, there was a little bit of a line, but it went by quickly. There was the manager in the front and the hostess. It's $20 for dinner meal, it does not include a drink so you have to pay extra for that. I just got water. I had my service dog with me. The waitresses were attentive. I didn't see if they have snow crab legs or if they have them on different nights, but that's the only thing that I saw was missing. they do have deep fried crab, though, which was delicious. Cleanliness: it looks clean to me, but I saw it on other reviews do not eat the ice cream because the ice cream tasted like metal. So maybe they may have to clean the ice cream machine... I didn't see one when I was there, but I really didn't get much deserts. I just got Jell-O and a cheesecake bite. I'm helping all the staff workers are using gloves when they are preparing food. So far, this has been the best buffet taste wise in San Diego I've tried.

    Some improvement but neverthless food is great with a lot to choose from!Service bit better Little…read morebit comfort with the place to go!!!!!

    Photos
    China Super Buffet - More food with no idea what it is.

    More food with no idea what it is.

    China Super Buffet
    China Super Buffet - Front of the restaurant

    See all

    Front of the restaurant

    Bistro City - chinese - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...