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I had a great experience at Choi's in San Diego. A lot of items on the menu were unfortunately sold out because one of their suppliers was delayed, but honestly, we made the best of it and still had a really good meal. We ended up ordering the crispy chicken, octopus, and the bulgogi birria vampiro. Everything we tried was flavorful and well done. The food had a fun, creative twist and still felt comforting. The service was also really good. Dillon was our waiter and he was super down to earth, friendly, and easy to talk to. He made the experience feel relaxed and welcoming, even with the limited menu situation. Overall, even though they were missing quite a few items that night, the food we did get was delicious and the service made up for it. I'd definitely come back to try the rest of the menu when everything is available.
Elevated decor for an Asian restaurant, friendly staff, surprisingly tasty dish off a small menu It looks like they have an extensive drink menu but I wasn't here to drink. They don't have too many offerings for food maybe six appetizers five or six entree choices in about three dessert options. There was a Padres game tonight so they were sold out of several things but I opted for one of those substitution items which was a prosciutto wrapped seared ahi steak on a bed of forbidden rice and charred baby bok choy. I was doubtful how it would taste to have Pursuit wrapped around a raw piece of Ahi but it surprisingly works! The presentation is one of the most unique I've ever seen. See the picture. Almost seems like someone squirted soap suds all over the dish but it was tasty. I probably wouldn't come again because I like more choices on the food side of the menu and because I found out when the check came that they automatically had a 20% gratuity and I was only a party of one! Thus i give it only 4 stars.
Came for happy hour, and enjoyed our overall experience because of the decor and the hospitality. But the food experience was a little inconsistent: - loved the $1 oyster specials and the bulgogi birria - there was a lot (2 of the 5 items on the HH menu) that wasn't available due to suppliers, but it was items we did want to try. This was disappointing. - the fried chicken entree was tasty but didn't match the "fine dining" elevation of this dish we were expecting. - the risotto was bland. We were told the rice is really al dente, that wasn't the issue.
Came here with their revamped fine dining Korean Asian Fusion menu during Happy Hour and this place was absolutely amazing!!!!! First off, there is free parking available, just circle around the building until you see a garage entrance for retail parking. Two hours for free! Let me first explain the aesthetics of this place. Clean and modern with mid century feel accented with greenery throughout. Please note that they won't seat you until most of your party is present. We came here for Happy Hour which was from 4-6pm from Tuesday to Sunday! This is fantastic that HH includes the weekend!!!! To start, got a wellness shot which had a meld of juices and ginger. A great drink to ready your palate. For cocktails, I tried the Suika Spritz, which was refreshing! The Absolutely Pho-nomenal definitely tasted like cold Pho broth but spiked. It wasn't my favorite drink, but glad I tried it nonetheless. Of course we ordered the $1 oysters, and ordered all three - Baja, Pacific Northwest, & East Coast. It came with some Asian fusion sauces to dress our oysters. My fave was the Baja as these were the freshest! All three were smooth and non briny. On the HH menu we also tried - Bulgogi Birria Vampiro - Tender meat with bulgogi seasoned beef on top of a tostada. Really liked the meld of the two cultures in this dish. Duck Liver Mousse - Comes with rustic bread & crème fraiche. Very duck forward. I liked this because it was rich with flavor. Stone Crab Taco - Loved the nod to Loganisa in this taco! This was by far, my favorite protein dish on the HH menu!!!! Regular Menu - Mango Nasturium Kimchi Salad - I absolutely loved this vibrant and fresh dish!!!! I had to go back for second and thirds! Shishito Peppers with Bonito Flakes - This was definitely a fun and flavorful dish with lots of umami. Dessert - Hotteok and Vanilla Ice Cream - this was my favorite dessert! The pancakes were flaky and delicious!! Bonbunja Tiramisu - Beware! This has a strong coffee taste. It reminded of the strength and flavor profile of a Vietnamese coffee. I can't believe it's not cheesecake - Definitely a mix of a brûlée but with a cheesecake flavor. Confusing but works lol. We met the executive chef, Kyler, who explained and served some of dishes we ordered. The entire staff was so accommodating and even reminded us if we needed our parking validated! Our water never ran empty and our dishes were promptly taken away as we finished. Definitely a place to visit during HH since they offer amazing food and cocktail choices.
FOOD Choi's Oyster Hour 4-6pm Tuesday-Sunday is a deal and so good for $1/oyster - I really like the Baja ones compared to their east coast and Pacific Northwest counterparts - plus the peppery cocktail sauce, black pepper mignonette and lychee liquor were super unique. The Silkworm Pupa Adobada Tacos are novel and Kimchi forward, served with charred pineapple wedges. It's a nod to the Korean fusion menu here. PARKING Validated for 2 hours in the garage on 12th Ave, don't forget to take your parking ticket to exit and re-enter the garage via elevator. AMBIANCE The interior has an elevated/refined modern vibe with a hightop bar and several tables throughout. There are also outdoor tables. SERVICE Staff were friendly, super helpful, and knowledgeable.
For the first dinner for our Spring Break 2026, we booked Choi's at East Village. The restaurant is sleek and modern, and the service along rivals those of Michelin-quality restaurants we've been to. You even get a personal welcome card upon arrival. Parking validated 2 hrs in the secure, ACE parking structure behind the restaurant. The food is Korean-inspired, but with some influences from Mexico. Overall we enjoyed 4/5 dishes, so overall 4 stars. Although there's no kid's menu, our 5yo really liked 3/5 of the dishes. Best dishes: *Birria Taco with Bulgogi Sauce - This appetizer had shredded beef mixed with Mexican cheese and light bulgolgi sauce on a large, crispy blue corn (?) tortilla. Great contrast in textures and the flavor was more sweet than spicy. *Gochujang Octopus - Great tart flavors from the sauce, though octopus slightly on the chewy side. Wife enjoyed the dish. * KFC - Two crispy fried chicken thighs that are crispy and sticky outside and warm and juicy inside. Great flavors with sweet and tart balancing out. Our 5yo son ate like half this dish. * Dessert - It was a bowl that had the sugary, burnt crust of creme brulee, but underneath it was a light cheesecake filling that was thicker and less sweet than traditional egg custard. Loved this dish - and one order is good to share with 2-3 people. Mediocre Dishes: * Unfortunately, the wife did not enjoy the Miso Ling Cod. The side of Korean congee was well flavored with mushrooms and Bonito flakes. The fish itself was soft, but a bit mild in flavor. The real downer was the skin - although seared crispy it was super bitter for some reason. Overall an excellent find in San Diego for a modern take on Korean-inspired food and soju cocktails. I would probably recommend sticking to the meat-based dishes on the menu. Their menu does seem to change periodically.
Honestly quite dumbfounded on all the 4-5 stars reviews on here. Is this the same restaurant? Went to the Padres game on Tuesday & happened to walk by & saw their HH sign outside so we gave them a try. Upon walking in they weren't that busy, the bar area was full & a couple of patrons inside & out. Checked out their HH menu. They offered $1 oysters 3 types Baja, Pacific & East coast. Everything else food wise looks good. Except if you're into soju types of cocktails. Strictly beer & wine. We ordered a bottle of flat water, half a dozen oysters of each (this came out last & they were out of almost every thing), bulgogi birria vampiro (lukewarm temp a tad too sweet), silkworm pupa adobada tacos (crispy silkworm but also lukewarm temp) & duck liver mousse (needed some type of acid like pickled onions to cut through the richness & sweetness). Hubby had their IPA (ordered another one & they came back with half a pint & a shot of soju on the house cause they ran out) & watermelon soju cocktail (too sweet). Service is extremely slow due to being understaffed maybe? Our drinks took awhile it came out after our two taco items. They ran out of oysters which took awhile & came out last (I didn't care for their 3 sauces). One was way too salty, some type of icy clear maybe lychee infused sauce & house made hot sauce VERY VERY SPICY one note (no explanation from waitress) & their IPA's. This is where we asked for our check. Beware, there's an automatic 20% service fee added to all checks no matter the size of the party or even for happy hour. They don't tell you this in person upon walking in but do advertise on their website. I have no problem with this if the service & food is great. But for you to advertise your happy hour for oysters & bubbles but you're out of oysters & beer on a Tuesday with very slow service?? And on a crazy busy Padres game & heritage night?! Plan better!! All in all food is okay nothing mind blowing for 4-5 stars, our waitress is nice but service is slow. Maybe dinner is better & not their Hh?
We made a reservation at 5:30pm and we were slightly late due to the increased traffic near the area from the Padres game. But although they had a 15 minute grace period, they were still able to hold our table and were super accommodating. They also had happy hour from 4-6pm I believe, which had a different and separate men Duck Mousse: It was part of there happy hour menu which ended at 6:00pm. The toast tasted so nice and the creme fresh complimented the duck mousse and toast. It was an amazing appetizer to get. Charred Gochujang Octopus: I love the flavors of the gochujang and how it doesn't taste too overbearing. The octopus felt a little chewy and may have been overcooked slightly. I liked how the charred tasting complimented the gochujang and it was not too spicy. Braised Short Rib: MY FAVORITE DISH. The wasabi mashed potatoes and kimchi demi was sooo delicious. The short rib was so tender and juicy and melted in my mouth. It was cooked to perfection and fell apart so nicely and smoothly.
I've been to Chois twice now, and unfortunately, it hasn't lived up to the expectations. The service is decent but the food lacks authentic flavor. The restaurant is located next to Petco Park and you can either try for street parking or park in the structure nearby. Interior is set up with bar seating and tables. The oysters during happy hour were a good price but messy (found several shell fragments), and while the octopus and lobster were cooked to the right consistency, the sauces were unrecognizable. The "Gochujang" octopus didn't taste like gochujang, and the "K-Town" lobster bisque tasted nothing like tteokbokki sauce. To top it off, the Hotteok was a stale puff pastry rather than the traditional version. If you're looking for real Korean flavors, this might not be the spot.
We were welcomed with a hand written note from the team. the ambiance is lovely. Very spacious and well planned. I liked that it was busy but it didn't feel crowded. You must get the fried chicken. My fiancé wanted to lick the plate - it was so good. The scallops were beautiful and fresh. And the pork belly wraps were my favorite. By the time we finished dinner, I requested we come back for my birthday. Then dessert came. And that was the nail in the coffin. Those Korean pancakes I could eat every day of my life.
Choi's is quite unique for a Korean restaurant in San Diego. Super design forward, stylish and contemporary, gives me KATO vibes almost. Love that they have lotsa plant-based options that are very creatively plated and executed. The service there is almost Michelin-quality like !! Parking tip: Can be really difficult especially during Petco games/special events - Please call them on the day of to check if validation system works to park in the same complex.
If you're a frequent purveyor of Korean food, this place is exactly what you should be anticipating as you read the menu. Overall, the menu is a surprisingly unimaginative take on classic Korean concepts and dishes (a lot of "good, but...", as you'll read); price doesn't translate well into execution or portions. It's astonishing that this restaurant was rated so highly by so many. Came here with a group of friends on a Friday evening; while the time we chose was late (7PM), the restaurant was only partially full - plenty of tables sat empty for the rest of our meal. First red flag for a Friday night, despite having a chic, modern layout and moderately lit interior (one would've guessed that this would've been a great date spot or general hangout, especially at 7PM on a Friday). We were seated as soon as the rest of our table arrived, and our server was quick to assist us. There's more nuance to how the service was (you can message me about it, I'm not dinging them for it, it was an observation), but overall what you'd expect from a restaurant of this status. While the cocktails started us out well, unfortunately that's where the evening just plateaued. I will state, I'm aware this restaurant is considered "Korea Fusion" and that dishes are served single-portioned but we were treating them family-style. Yellowtail crudo - great, crisp flavors that are balanced out well by the brine and coconut cream that accompany it. Portion for even a single person is on the smaller side. Saewoojang crudo - as advertised, closer in concept to an aguachile - flavors were predominately orange and oil; textures were of interest here in that they all matched effectively a "firm citrus" (you'd understand if you had it). Charred Gochujang Octopus - Sauce was good but could've stood to be a bit more punchy to match the firmness of the octopus. Crunchy onions on top did add a bit of texture and saltiness to it, but would've preferred that the flavor came more from the gochujang and that the onions were a textural boost. Octopus itself was good, but was just a touch firm (for the pre-portioned bite) to my personal preference. K-Town Lobster - Honestly just a butter-poached lobster sitting in a tomato bisque. The tteokbokki inspiration felt the same way that La Croix gets its flavor inspirations. The arancini texture did not come through as gimmari. Braised short rib - For the price, a lackluster portion atop some unoriginal sides. Wasabi was completely non-existent in the matched potatoes. Doenjang Risotto Gone Wild - The umami one would pull from a doenjang wasn't the star here, it was the oyster mushroom flavor, leaving the dish tasting like a standard mushroom risotto. Arborio was slightly undercooked in places. Choi's Crispy Chicken - A KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) that honestly tasted identical to bonchon chicken. Take that as you wish. Avocado mash (read: simplified guac) didn't augment the flavor of the dish in any significant way. Bokbunja Tiramisu - I'll help you with the description - it's Korean black raspberry wine that makes it Korean-inspired. Elements of a traditional tiramisu all are there enough to get by. Hotteok and vanilla ice cream - exactly as described - extra-crisp hotteok with vanilla ice cream. Nothing special. Last thoughts: As a fusion restaurant, I came to Choi's hoping to see Korean classics blended with local ingredients, local knowledge, and playfully re-imagined displays or executions that take what we know to be Korean dishes and changes how we think of their key elements. What I got was what felt like an upscale-d and glossed-over Korean dining experience. -1* - Price for value -2* - Flavor profile P.S. - Da Nang Skies implies a pan-Asian influence that is not seen anywhere in the menu. Not sure where out of all the Korean elements on this menu there is suddenly a Vietnamese reference.
Its year 3 for Choi's, and they've revamped the menu to include some new items! - PARKING - They validate up to 2 hours of parking! Go on 12th Avenue and you'll see a sign for Choi's parking. The gate is closed but once you drive up, it will automatically open. Make sure to take your ticket with you for them to validate! - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Although the menu changed, the ambiance did not - still the same beautiful and classy atmosphere! They have a new soju infusion wall towards the back that I would recommend checking out - you'll see the labels of each jar and find the corresponding cocktail on the menu! Service was great then, and still great now. Very attentive, even though it was extremely busy! Javier was our server and although he was new, he definitely seemed like a veteran staff! So friendly and accommodating! I was very impressed when he remembered every thing we ordered without writing it down! - FOOD/DRINKS - = COCKTAILS = Gimhae Airport: So refreshing and delightfully sweet! Da Nang Skies: My husband ordered this and I was jealous because this was SO good!! = APPETIZERS = Saewoojang Crudo : The chive oil and chili oil with the marinated shrimp... just try it!! It's a fantastic way to start the meal if you like raw shrimp! Muscat Grape Toast : Sweet, savory, creamy - I'm also a mascarpone fiend so I loved it! Bulgogi Birria Vampiro : Compared to the other two, this didn't get a huge reaction but still good! = ENTREES = Tonkatsu Frontera : Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside! The grilled pineapples were a nice fresh bite to accompany the Tonkatsu. K-Town Lobster : Gimmari Arancini is a genius cuisine mashup! Lobster was just slightly chewy, but still a great portion. Galbi Glazed Tomahawk : You can't hate this cut of meat, especially when it has BONE MARROW BUTTER on it! This was the only slip up, but we mentioned my husband has a mango allergy and it looks like they still included the mango kimchi on this dish. Luckily he was OK eating the meat furthest away, but it would have been better for it to be completely separate. Note: must be ordered 24 hours in advance! = DESSERT = Bokbunja Tiramisu : Have I had Bokbunja before this? Nope. After eating this dessert I'm very intrigued! Think Raspberry Chocolate, but without the bitterness! Overall a wonderful dinner and a great way to start off 2026. I think as they hone in on this new menu and work out any adjustments, it will lead to another successful year for them!
11 months ago
Came here for my wife's birthday and the birthday card waiting at the table was a really thoughtful touch, and our server was fantastic: upbeat, knowledgeable, and kind. The soju-only bar was a letdown, the bao buns were oddly fried, and the "fusion" tomato salad had nothing asian about it. The fried chicken with avocado mash had potential, but overall felt like orange chicken with an avo mash. The photos online had us expecting sleek and elevated, but in reality it felt like dining in a strip mall with mismatched apartment furniture. Pictures definitely oversold it. Service gets an A+, but the food and atmosphere left us underwhelmed. Not one we'll be returning to. read more
1 year ago
All I can say is WOW. The ambience, food, experience, service was all a 5/5. Would give it higher stars if I could. We came in to celebrate our engagement and they made us feel so special! Ambience: The ambiance upon arrival is very modern sleek with elements of Korean history still with some pictures of hanbok and traditional wear on the walls. It's perfect for a cute date night or any sort of celebration as it's slightly more upscale. Parking: There is an adjacent parking structure, which they validate the ticket for you at restaurant so don't forget to bring that. Parking structure feels very safe too given that it is gated. Service: The service here was honestly one of the best services I have ever experienced. Our server was a younger Asian male (maybe Dylan? Can't fully remember name) and he was so attentive - one time while I was just looking around at the ambience he immediately came over and asked me what I needed lol. He constantly made sure our waters were full. We also had a hand written card from the chef on our table when we first arrived, Dylan(?) noticed our table was just ever so slightly wobbly (we didn't even notice at all haha) and he fixed it right away. Food: Our favorite item was the pork bao taco thing- the bao itself was cooked a bit and perfectly crispy while still maintaining the soft bao texture under the crispiness. The tuna crispy rice was delicious, they even threw in two extra free ones for us!! The galbi stone pot was a blast of flavor, with generous amounts of galbi. And lastly, the Korean fried chicken was full of flavor with paired well with a delicious green sauce. At the end, they gave us this delicious hotteok Korean pancake with chocolate inside and vanilla ice cream and holy shi** it was fire!!!!! It tasted sort of like crispy churros but better. 100% recommend this place to anyone visiting San Diego! read more
We were being good and had Asian food for Lunar New Year. What we ordered at Choi's Kitchen * Hangang Old Fashioned * Fried Oyster Mushrooms * Charred Gochujang Octopus * Choi's Crispy Chicken * Galbi Hot Stone Bowl * Seared Ahi Tuna * Mapo Tofu * Sesame Bean Sprouts * Balsamic Salad * Korean Chili Shrimp The food overall was good. It isn't Korean BBQ all you can eat, they are well-presented plates/bowls of food of good portions and we did family style. The ambiance is nice. Clean, modern, simple with a bar in the middle and table for 6 on the left when you walk in. The walk flow is confusing and we had a few people looking for the bathroom and turning into our nook. Maybe needs better signage? The service was a little glitchy. We got all but 3 dishes and waited 20-25 minutes, waved down our waitress and told her we didn't get the octopus, galbi, or Mapo Tofu dishes. She looks at her handheld device and says, "It looks like it was delivered. Are you sure you didn't get it?" We assured her we didn't and she says we "got bumped", and will get it for us. She did apologize but this turned our dinner to over 2 hours with waiting and not the smoothest experience. I could expect this at a soft opening, but apparently they've been around for 2 years. read more
10 months ago
Choi's Restaurant is a true hidden gem for modern Korean fusion food. The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The portions are generous. The service is warm and attentive. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance--cozy and comfortable, yet modern and clean. read more
3 months ago
came in for the happy hour $1 oyster deal! it was right after a padres game and it wasn't that busy. everyone seemed like they were there for the same thing since it quieted down after 6pm. we got two dozen oysters and they were pretty good! also got the martini drink that had melon liquor in it and it didn't taste anything like melon, just a martini. I will say our server wasn't the most attentive and when the first dozen came they only gave us 10/12 and forgot to give us the 3rd sauce. I had to go to the bar to get their attention even though it wasn't busy. despite that I liked the look and mood of the restaurant overall. read more
11 months ago
My wife and daughter and I drove down from LA for the day to take other daughter and her boyfriend out to dinner. We let the pick the restaurant. They picked Choi's and boy am I glad they did. The restaurant is right across the street from Petco in a space that is both minimalist and warm. No easy feat. Service was excellent. Everyone was genuinely nice and helpful and they seemed happy that we were there. As important, they seemed happy and proud to be there -- and that tells you a lot. The food is exceptional. We started with a couple of orders of cucumber kimchi, which had a fair amount of heat, but did overwhelm the flavor. We also got two orders of the birria mulitas, a shout out to the chef's San Diego roots. As good as everything else was, these little half-taco, half-quesadilla flavor bombs kind of stole the show. Well played, Chef Choi. The boyfriend and I got the ahi tuna tataki. It was perfectly seared, the kimchi buttermilk was outstanding and the charred bok choy was a revelation. The daughters both got smash burgers and raved about them. The wife got the galbi hot stone bowl. I managed to talk her into sharing a few bites and it was delicious. I had a beer and everyone else had a cocktail, which drew raves. For dessert we split the hotteok with vanilla ice cream and the tiramisu. They were both delicious. All in all an exceptional meal and I definitely can't wait to visit again and work my way through the rest of the menu. read more
2 months ago
2 years ago
We celebrated my husband's birthday here yesterday, let me just say, everything was amazing! Our server Dylan provided top notch service as well as Kyle and the entire staff. I ordered the shiitake fettuccine with shrimp and it was delicious! The flavor was light, creamy with a hint of lemon. We also had the pork belly bossam, meat was nice and tender, the kimchi that comes with it- so good! I could eat it by itself with rice. I can't forget about the bugolgi bao tacos- crispy fried bun stuffed with a tasty filling. Cocktails were good, my favorite is the Mokpo Skies. Thanks for stopping by our table Chef Paul, everyone enjoyed their meal. If you choose to drive, Choi's provides 2 hour complimentary parking nearby, you'll receive a text with directions. I love the cozy and intimate feel of the restaurant, will definitely be returning again in the near future! read more
10 months ago
My husband and I were in town for a conference, and this restaurant was truly an experience! Choi, the owner, personally welcomed us and introduced himself--his hospitality and love for his restaurant are unmatched. The wait staff and bartender were all kind, professional, and attentive, making us feel so well taken care of. I have no doubt this place will soon be the #1 restaurant in San Diego. Watch out, Choi--you built it, and they will come! Well done! read more
5 months ago
My fiancée and I went to Choi's for Valentine's Day, and I can genuinely say it was the best experiences we've ever had at a restaurant. Unforgettable. Unfortunately, the night before, my fiancée got sick and she wasn't able to eat all day. Even with everything that happened, she didn't want to cancel our Valentine's dinner, and we decided to still go. From the moment we arrived, the entire staff was incredibly kind, understanding, and compassionate about her situation. They went above and beyond to accommodate her, even preparing special dishes that were gentle and helpful for her to eat. Our waiter, Javier, was truly amazing so empathetic, attentive, and thoughtful the entire night. He made us feel cared for and comfortable, and his service was outstanding. Javier even took the extra step to pack up all of the food she wasn't able to eat so she could enjoy it tomorrow.. On top of that, the owner, Chef Choi, was unbelievably kind and personally showed so much care. You can tell this restaurant is run with heart. And the food... absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was incredible. I wanted to take more photos but each dish disappeared as soon as it arrived to our table. We will 100% be coming back to enjoy this experience again. Thank you to everyone at Choi's for turning a difficult weekend into such a special and memorable Valentine's Day. read more
I came to Choi's with two friends, it's located in a quiet corner next to Petco Park. There weren't too many people and this was on a Friday evening, so luckily we were able to be seated quickly! The staff were very nice and even brought us complimentary non-alcoholic ginger/lemon drinks. In terms of the food, the Galbi stone pot was delicious! The Galbi was cooked perfectly. I also enjoyed the bossam, but the pork was a little dry. We ordered a mushroom fettuccine as well, not pictured. Overall the food was good, but the portions were definitely a bit on the smaller side. Our bill came out to $182, though it isn't that bad considering that we ordered 3 dishes and 3 drinks, and Choi's is a higher end restaurant. I'd definitely recommend the cocktail that has lychee! read more
6 months ago
My husband and I went to a concert at Petco Park and were looking for a place to eat for dinner. My husband is very allergic to gluten so we had to choose a place carefully. We walked into Choi's and were greeted with nothing but smiling faces and kindness. Choi's has a very classy yet simple feel to it, it's such a great place for a date night! We had the Saewoojang Crudo, Choi's Crispy Chicken, Lingcod and I can't believe it's not cheesecake. Everything was absolutely perfect and so delicious! The Lingcod melts in your mouth, you have to switch from chopsticks to a fork just to get it all! The Crispy Chicken was able to made gluten free which was so nice for my husband as he can't usually have fried chicken. It was so tender, crispy and just the right amount of kick to it, you'd never know it's gluten free! The I can't believe it's not cheesecake was the perfect way to end the meal, It's super light and refreshing! I cannot express how wonderful of an experience we had at Choi's, it made our weekend so special! To anyone looking to try an Asian Fusion restaurant, look no further! You'll want to keep coming back, I know we do! read more
3 months ago
Choi's is hands-down, my new favorite happy hour in downtown San Diego. Their oysters are absolutely amazing with three different options and the duck liver moose is a must try menu item if you are someone who loves foie gras. It's just more of an airy take on it. The service is impeccable and it's right by Petco Park, which is a great place to have a pregame before watching the Padres! read more
This place has a lovely ambiance and I enjoyed sitting at the bar. The service was really great and food was alright. The Korean wings were really flavorful, juicy and crispy. I had high hopes for the octopus but I feel like it was a bit tough to chew on and I personally was not a fan of the creamy sauce underneath. There are many other options on the menu I look forward to trying in the future though. It's really nice they have a special ball menu for home game days. read more
1 year ago
Chef Choi is INCREDIBLE! Every single dish I tried I absolutely loved. Especially the desserts, which if you go I consider to be a must-have. The Crispy Chicken changed my life, I'm not sure any other chicken can ever compare. The Shiitake Fettuccine was cooked to perfection, perfectly al dente. I love Pork Belly, and this is some of the best I've ever had. The ambiance is very modern and clean. The touches of natural elements and wood with the concrete walls really brought a nice well rounded and trendy atmosphere. It was decently busy for a Tuesday night but plenty of space to sit. It was also very family friendly as I saw several families with young children dining together. They also have outdoor seating which is a huge plus because you can people watch Petco Park which is right outside. Speaking of baseball they have a Baseball Menu for all home games which everyone needs to try! The service was incredible. Dylan did a great job talking us through each course and the staff seem to be very knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients used. I also loved that they asked for any allergies right at the start, before even ordering. You can tell that Chef Choi cares greatly about his staff and keep them well informed of all changes and ingredients! Overall, my recommendation is to go and try it for yourself! read more
2 years ago
We came here during our SD staycation and were truly disappointed by the food. I'm actually surprised by all the great reviews. First, the parking situation was horrible. We had no idea where to park. They do have a designated parking lot but it was almost impossible to find without having instructions. Apparently, we were supposed to receive a text with parking details, but we never received that. We drove around for 20 minutes just trying to find the parking. The food was disappointing. It's supposed to be modern Korean-fusion but it has no resemblance of any Korean food. Tasted worse than something I could make at home for a crazy price tag. 30 something dollars for a squid tentacle? Fine, we wouldn't mind paying if it was actually good. The ambiance was also not as nice as the reviews made it out to be. Seating was a little weird and awkward. Service was mediocre. Nothing to rave about read more
Went to chois with a group of colleagues from work. The ambiance was very nice and classy. The menu doesn't have many options and was surprised for a Korean inspired location no ban Chan served you had to pay extra for it (and at that the selection was really small) The staff was very nice but clearly overwhelmed as they just forgot about my entree while all my other colleagues got their food. So I had to wait a lot longer than the rest before I could eat. I got the pork belly and it was not exactly what I was expecting. It was good but it just wasn't what I wanted when I ordered pork belly. Overall a nice place, a little expensive for what it is(~$32 an entree). I think if was to go to Korean restaurants I'd go somewhere else instead read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Our first visite to Choi's so the review is for initial impressions. On our monthly dinner, this was chosen. We knew that it's a more modern Korean cuisine. The parking is free under the hotel. We went during a Padres game still happening for the season but no problem finding parking (If you parked for the Padres game, it was 65 (ouch) but its a stone's throw away from the park). As a group of four we like to share the food and the setup for ordering here allows for that and also if you were just having dinner with someone. The place itself is pretty nice and open. Tables are not too close and they have a hanger for your handbag (just don't bring the whole shebang in there). We had several items below: Pork Mandu Charred Gochujang Octopus Pork Belly Bossam KFC (Koreand Fried Chicken) Comped Sesame Bean Sprouts (refreshing) Fried Oyster Mushrooms Drinks - Soju flight, and Gimhae airport (we did have pre-drink cocktail at another place) Of all the foods above, we can pick favorites,free bean sprouts as mentioned a nice starter. We did get a amuse bouche drink that was good. We loved the pork mandu (fried dumpling), pork belly wrap in lettuce with kimchi. KFC you can't do wrong but this should be a given. The Mushrooms were delicious and was eated by all of us satisfactorily. The cheesecake for dessert was a nice finish, event though we were full. Overall, I think since the Padres season is over, this will be a good place to catch a meal. I just saw they have Happy Hour, we will try that. Choi's - atmosphere 4 stars, attention and service 4 stars, 5 stars for most of the food. read more
1 year ago
Food was so good!! Everything was packed with so much flavor and cooked well. The mushrooms in the bao taco and the fettuccine had great texture and bite to it. The eggplant dish was probably my top choice- pleasantly surprised on the fried lotus root topping (so crunchy! I don't usually like lotus root) and the eggplant was also cooked well, good bite and not mushy. The eggplant dip that filled the bottom of the plate was packed with so much flavor - I need to try making it at home. We had such a great experience with Dylan, he was incredibly attentive and accommodating. First thing he asked us was about any dietary restrictions and we let him know that my friend is vegan. He immediately jumped around and pointed out everything that could be made vegan and if there was anything else we wanted to try to make some substitutions he'd be happy to help us with that. His bubbly and friendly personality really made our night and helped make my friend's birthday celebrations even better. Thanks so much for taking care of us!! We got the hotteok with berry compote plus ice cream on the side with candles for her birthday - so sweet! And delicious The restaurant had super tall ceilings, nice little table lights and the hostess offered us a bag stand for our bags. We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the little addition for comfort! Also thought it was very comfortable and not too loud - had a great time. Overall really enjoyed Choi's and would definitely come back next time I'm in SD - would def recommend to my friends when they visit as well. read more
5 months ago
Our new favorite spot! The food was incredible (Especially the chicken), the interior is so aesthetic, and Ryle was amazing! He even made us custom drinks off the menu. Easily one of my favorite finds. Highly recommend if you want good vibes, great service, and amazing food! Definitely coming back read more
1 year ago
We had a fantastic dining experience at Choi! From the moment we were seated, our server Dylan S. took great care of us, very polite, attentive, and always checking in at just the right times. Though the kitchen was run by just two chefs that evening (which meant a bit of a longer wait), we actually appreciated the slower pace. It gave us time to soak in the warm, stylish ambiance and enjoy the great music. Nothing felt rushed--it was the kind of place where you could really settle in and enjoy the moment. Now for the food: everything we ordered was delicious and memorable. Goguma Salad was a standout starter--perfectly sweet for toddlers too, with sweet potatoes, crunchy garlic aioli, and celery and carrots. Bao Taco was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside then of course you cannot miss the slow roasted eggplant - party in my mouth,stuffed with incredibly tender, slow-roasted eggplant. Choi's Crispy Chicken had a spicy kick, but it was well-balanced and flavorful. The texture was spot on, crispy yet juicy. Shiitake Fettuccine with Shrimp had beautifully balanced flavors with a subtle peppery note that tied the whole dish together. We'd absolutely come back, for the vibe, the food, and the kind service. Choi is a gem in San Diego. read more
5 months ago
I rarely write 5 star reviews, and this is one of them. Something about this place, perhaps the authenticity? Really made it a memorable experience for me. I came here to celebrate my birthday. I am sharing the moments this place captured my heart: My husband said to me "the fish was like the fish your mom makes"... me being an immigrant with my mom still in Asia.. on my birthday... somehow this almost brought me to tears. Yes it was an elevated version of a home cooked fish dish but the flavor showed that the creativity did not lose its roots. I overheard the chef explaining the dishes in Korean to an elderly gentleman next table over. I was a bit surprised honestly that he took the time to do that, but very much touched by the effort and respect of the culture. The whole staff was amazing and provided top notch service. Part of me wants it to be super successful but part of me hopes it forever stays a hidden gem so it never loses its uniqueness and charm. read more
This upscale Korean fusion restaurant is right next to Petco Park. They offer 2 hour parking at the Ace parking garage right next to it. You have to get your parking ticket validated and then it's $2 per hour. I recommend making reservations so the restaurant can text you the parking information. The restaurant has modern decor. We were immediately greeted and seated at our table. They provided welcome drinks that tasted like lemonade (honey, lemon, and ginger). It was delicious. We started with bao tacos (one with mushrooms and one with bulgogi) and Mama's cauliflower. My husband loved the bao buns but I prefer a softer bao bun. The cauliflower tasted really good. We also shared the Mapo Tofu and Shiitake Fettuccine with shrimp for our main dishes. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
Choi's has a new Asian Fusion menu for 2026! The ambiance was welcoming and service was kind. Our server Daniel was exceptional and was very knowledgeable of the menu items. You get 2 hours of validated parking in a nice garage, so I think it's worth going even if there is a busy downtown event/ padre game! Highlight appetizers -mango kimchi salad -yellowtail crudo -gochujang octopus Highlight entrees -crispy chicken -doenjang risotto gone wild read more
1 year ago
All of the food was great quality, so the hype is mildly warranted. The bill was akin to what you'd expect from an upscale place like this. The food here is not that great for sharing, as we tried to do family style with about 8 people and were advised to get 8-10 dishes accordingly, so about a dish per person. It's a good take on upscale Korean dining, and the drinks are very refreshing. The bossam was a crowd favorite, but I wish there was more lettuce to go with it, so it was more proportioned, based on the amount of pork slices there were, but very tender pork, otherwise read more
7 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
Perfect spot for a high end Korean vibe. Food is on par with price and experience; upper class with quality food. Relatively fair pricing. Our waiter was on top of it but not overwhelming. Would be 5 but serving Korean food with no chopsticks? :( read more
1 year ago
Had to come back a second time since our first time with Dylan & crew was so amazing! Also because I really wanted to try their wagyu. Unfortunately this time our server wasn't as great which was a bummer (realized a big part of why our first time was so great was because of the generosity & service of our server and the wait staff as a whole that shift, and all the personal touches we were surprised with!), but a lot of the crew was still amazing & they even gifted us some flowers for our joint birthday celebration! The man who came out in a suit (I'm assuming he was the manager) had a great big smile on his face every time we saw him & as he handed us flowers, which felt super warm & inviting. Loved the Chili Shrimp & Grits, and the Australian Wagyu was pretty good too! read more
7 months ago
Had an amazing time for a birthday celebration! The tomahawk was to die for, and I would absolutely get it again. I loved the touches of Korean culture and heritage that was infused in every drink and dish. Service was outstanding and the live music was a great touch. The atmosphere and aesthetic of this place was incredible. I will definitely be coming back when I'm in the area! read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
5 months ago
My Wife and I stopped by for a quick Oyster happy hour and ended up staying much longer. The customer service of JP behind the bar, and staff was superior and the food was amazing! Not usually a fan of rice based cocktails but all of their cocktails are infused in a way that complements traditional cocktails perfectly! A great find, and worth the visit! read more
Overall solid meal. The restaurant was beautiful and food was well presented. What really stood out at this restaurant was the level of service from their staff. There was always someone attentively checking to see if anything is needed and your water was refilled almost immediately. We went as a family but this place would a great date place too since the atmosphere is upscale and romantic. Again, A plus service. read more
1 year ago
SO GOOD!! My friend and I went here to celebrate my birthday and we were blown away by everything. Food was fantastic with rich tasty combinations of flavor. I myself am vegan but our server Dylan was so helpful and accommodating and let us know all of the possible things I could eat or that they could make alterations to. We got some of the banchan--the sesame bean sprouts and cucumber kimchi, both delicious. The slow roasted eggplant was also so good--you could really taste the smoky-ness in the dish. My favorite was the bao taco with mushrooms--it was very flavorful and crispy yet soft. My friend also got the shiitake fettuccine that she really enjoyed. Huge shout out to our server Dylan, he was so friendly and made us feel so comfortable. He even offered to take photos for us and consistently checked to see we were doing okay. We got a complimentary hotteok with candles too on account of my birthday which was such a nice surprise. The atmosphere was very cute and made such a great dinner spot. Love that they provided hooks for our handbags and validate parking as well! Overall fantastic experience! read more
More info about Choi's
100 Park Plz
Ste 161
San Diego, CA 92101
East Village
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https://www.choissandiego.com
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Ask the Community - Choi's
Can they accommodate for a gluten allergy?
Hello there! Most of our menu is Gluten-Free, including our famous Crispy Chicken! :)
Is it kid friendly?
Yes, we brought our two month old. They don't have a kids menu though.
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Choi's - wine_bars - Updated July 2026
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