Shank & Bone have very modern decor for a Vietnamese restaurant but it was very fitting for North…read morePark. We ordered Com Dac Biet, Bun Dac Biet, and their Wagyu Picanha Pho. I absolutely loved the rice dish and noodle bowl. Their fish sauce was flavorful and their meat was seasoned very well, especially their shrimp. I thought their pho was ok, the wagyu had a nice smokey flavor but their broth was lackluster for me. Sometimes they can be very busy but we were able to be seated right away on a Sunday evening. Parking might be an issue as well. Even though Shank & Bone is on the pricier side, I would definitely come back again.

In little Italy. Street parking only. Dogs allowed in their small patio area…read more My friend got their wagyu pho special which she really enjoyed. You can choose flat or thin noodles. Broth was very flavorful. I got the tri tip and bone marrow special with chimichurri. It was rich but good. Ok amount for the price but would've preferred a little more meat. Service was good and I liked the decor.

Replacing Soda & Swine, Fortunate Son opened in late 2020 and is definitely one of the best Chinese…read moreoptions in North Park and surrounding. They did a great job with the decor on the inside, it feels as if you're eating under a garden and you can tell they pay a lot of attention to detail with the design. Parking in this area can be a bit tricky, North Park does not really have many parking lots available, so your best bet will be free street parking. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, but the best tables are indoor. The other tables are on the street in the front so it can get a bit noisy, and there are flies. Our server was very polite and everything is family style so everything comes out as it is ready. That is nice sometimes but one issue we had was that we were a group of four and one person's two items did not come until well after everyone else had theirs so timing can be a bit tricky here. Aside from that the menu is not very large, but it does have a lot of great options on it. I chose the Beef & Broccoli and really enjoyed it. I tried many other dishes here from other people at the table and we all enjoyed ours as well. The portion sizes are a bit large so I think two per person is plenty. I would recommend if you are searching for a great casual Chinese option in North Park.

Fortunate Son is such a decadent experience--perfect for date night or even a solo treat. I had an…read moreamazing time here. The food was genuinely delicious, and the atmosphere made the whole evening feel special. Our waiter left a great impression on me: attentive, personable, and really added to the experience. I've also picked up takeout from here, and it was just as good--fast, efficient, and perfectly packaged. Whether you're dining in or grabbing something to go, Fortunate Son delivers every time. Highly recommend. Coach Yoly

One of the better Ramen places you'll find in SD. My fav bowl here is the Belly of the Beast Ramen,…read more add the Fireball spice & it's delicious! The other bowls are good too but this one is my fav. If you have a big appetite like me get the Pork Belly little sandwiches, it's a perfect side with your Ramen Bowl. Miso soup & wings were ok. What I loved tho is their Cucumber salad, went perfect with my spicy Ramen, Dumplings are very good too. Customer service was good from the door to the table to the bar all very attentive & nice. Now it can get busy at times especially dinner so there might be a wait & parking ain't the best. But it's still worth the wait just come before 6 if you don't want to wait too long. As for me, I'm a fan & will continue to come back, keep up the good work Underbelly & see you soon.

5/10 - this place was so good back then when I was a student, and we tried it again after 10+…read moreyears. I am actually shook that the prices stayed the same after 10 years, inflation who is she?! And the drinks looked yummy and was affordable too. I would say that the quality of the Ramen isn't as good as I remembered. Back then the oxtail dumplings and the beef in the Belly of the Beast was so delicious and tender. This time it seemed like it wasn't as good, but maybe my taste has changed after 10 years. I actually also really love the ambience and thought that the vibes were on point with the nice upscale bar-like atmosphere... without needing to drink. Our noodles were definitely overcooked, and way too mushy for me. They were kind enough to remake my bowl for me with the noodles being more al dente and it was much better! But likely not coming back because there are better ramen options around (I.e. the long line one in UTC - the only ramen restaurant my husband will go to).

Whew what can I say Top Tier service in this Authentic Thai Spot…read more.. Clean and Appealing... Gingerfish was pretty delicious and was a new treat for me. I loved the Thai Tea. Of course I had to order the sticky rice and mango Yummy did not disappoint. Huge potions and flavor for days. Impeccable service from Tho, I appreciate his attentiveness and prompt response to request. Absolutely I loved that my food was packed to go... lol Spoiled my taste buds, and me. Such an authentic experience... Surely not what I was expecting.. Delicious Absolutely would highly recommend. This is a Card only venue. Besides that plenty parking, indoor and outdoor seating. And Clean Restroom. Can't wait to go back!!!!

(Tookout 06/29/26 MO @ 6:00pm): Literally "street" translation from Thai, they were on "Soi 30th"!…read more After an afternoon of drinking at nearby Modern Times Flavordome, it was time to get some real nourishment, so I walked across the street to Soi 30th for my first Thai food experience in the neighborhood. Founded by chef/owner Khwanta Osanai who learned how to cook at age seven, she previously owned a Thai eatery in Chula Vista. With a purposefully-crafted menu made up of authentic dishes and street food from her native Northern Thailand, everything is made from scratch and fresh ingredients. Rather than a numbered scale for spiciness as many Thai eateries, each dish is spiced as it would be traditionally. I loved Thai food, so would this place on Soi 30th hit the spot and bring me back for more!? PURCHASE(S) Thai Iced Tea 16floz Cup ($5.95): Sadly, no boba, but this was a refreshing drink (not too sweet) while I waited for my food to be ready. Crispy Tofu ($9.95): Although these always reminded me of that facial sponge women use to apply makeup on their face and around the eyes, these crispy fat spongy triangle pieces were tasty and were made even better with the crushed nuts and spicy sweet dipping sauce. Hot Spicy Basil Extra Spicy + Fish ($14.95 + $4.00): Sauteed with holy basil, Thai chilis, onions, green peppers, garlic, and purportedly served over rice and a fried egg (these items didn't come with it), this was a decent portion size with an insane spice level ( wasn't right for a couple of days, if you knew what I meant!), big tender fish pieces, and the various fresh crispy vegetables. My mouth was on fire, but I took this dish head on! Pad See Ew Extra Spicy + Shrimp ($14.95 + $3.00): Wide rice noodles stir-fried with an egg, dark soy sauce, and Chinese broccoli with my choice shrimp, the portion size was packed, crazy spicy, and a ton of small/medium-sized shrimp, this lasted me for three days! Steamed Rice (INCLUDED): Fluffy and steamy, this helped cool the heat from the main entrees. Mango Sticky Rice ($9.95): One of my favorite desserts (mango - hello!), the mango pieces were fresh and juicy, the rice hot and sweet, but I missed the sweet coconut milk drizzling this dish came with at other Thai restaurants I've been to. SERVICE I was greeted by a friendly young woman behind the order counter who offered me a menu when I asked for a takeout order. After a few minutes, I easily placed my order, hung out while I drank my Thai iced tea drink, and within fifteen minutes, everything was securely packed and ready for the quick walk back to my place. As I waited, I had a casually fun conversation with a gentleman who was associated with the woman on some level - khàawp khun kha! PARKING (Varied: FREE this instance): I simply walked across the street from Modern Times Flavordome, or merely five minutes from my place. Otherwise, there appeared to be some spots along the main drag of Upas St. and all surrounding roads (I didn't notice any lots) - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A clean simple layout with an order counter once you entered with a look into the kitchen, and several tables along the front windows and wall that stretched towards the back of the place. I didn't venture further than the front, so I couldn't say anything else about what I might've missed. I liked the various artwork that hung on the walls., but surprisingly little to no actual Thai merchandise or relics. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the front wall windows and doors while a mix of recessed and various hung electric ceiling lights covered the rest. I believed there was at least one TV behind the order counter while classic rock & roll music played in the background. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I really enjoyed my first Thai food experience in the North Park neighborhood at Soi 30th. Yes, the spices tore me up, but the food was still very tasty, the prices were comparable, the portion sizes were generally very good, the atmosphere was more clean and modern than I would've liked, and the service was straightforward and efficient. I felt the only drawback was the limited menu (I was so used to pages of options at other places). And, I always loved to support local small mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $61.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

Animae has been at the top of my San Diego restaurant list for a while now, so when the group chat…read morefinally decided to stop talking and actually make plans, this place was booked immediately. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. Our server, Carol, was super sweet and made our first visit even better. Even though I had practically memorized the menu already, I still had her explain everything and give us her recommendations. She shared her favorites, what's popular, and even what customers don't usually order. She felt very genuine and honest and never once seemed like she was trying to upsell us. Then I looked over and saw Chef Tara. I had already told my friends about her, only to find out they follow her on Instagram too. Eventually, we worked up the courage to talk to her, and she was incredibly nice. She took her time answering our questions about Filipino culture and explaining how her dishes came about. You can really feel her passion and pride in her work. I truly admired that. And the food? WOW. Easily the best meal I've had in 2026. It's been a week and I'm STILL thinking about it. I knew I wanted to write a review, but I honestly didn't expect the experience to exceed my expectations this much. Love at first bite. We started with the Tuna Kinilaw, Carpaccio, and Crispy Pig Ears. Carol taught us how to eat the kinilaw: put all the good stuff on the spoon for the perfect bite. Rich coconut, calamansi, cilantro, fish, jalapeño, and onion on a crispy wonton. It was an absolute explosion of flavor. My taste buds were not ready! The carpaccio was fresh and paired with what I believe was pear or another refreshing fruit. Then the crispy pig ears came out. I was hesitant because not everyone at our table is a pork fan, and I had already convinced them to order the pork tomahawk tocino. But after Carol and Chef Tara both recommended it, we gave it a shot. SO glad we did. The ears were incredibly crispy, with a sweet-and-sour tamarind glaze. Then I realized there was tofu in the dish and immediately thought, "Oh my God, this is the chef's version of tokwa't baboy!" Chef Tara later confirmed it. Such a creative and unexpected take on a Filipino classic. The Roasted Cabbage was supposed to be a side, but honestly, it could've been a main. Roasted perfectly with miso brown butter and lime. Simple but incredibly flavorful. The sauce was so good one of my friends started putting rice in it. Next was the Short Rib Kare Kare. I grew up not eating bagoong, so I usually just use patis with my kare kare. Chef Tara intentionally incorporated bagoong into hers instead of serving it on the side because she wanted people to eat it the way she intended. She was right. That sauce was AMAZING. I'm pretty sure the bagoong was homemade, and the combination had me dunking my rice straight into the sauce. The short rib was tender, flavorful, and practically falling off the bone. The Chicken Adobo sa Pula was another surprise. Chef Tara described it as her French-Filipino fusion take on adobo--and there's no soy sauce! The chicken was incredibly tender, the sauce was killer, and the crispy garlic on top added the perfect crunch. Then came the star of the show: Pork Tomahawk Tocino. Sweet glaze, mango sawsawan, a meaty portion on one side and pork belly on the other. The meatier part reminded me of classic tocino and home cooking, with just the right amount of sweetness. Then we got to the pork belly... It melted in your mouth. I've never shaken my head this much during one dinner. Every dish just kept coming out swinging. For dessert, we had the Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, and this one completely blew me away. I expected a Thai-style sticky rice dessert with coconut milk and condensed milk. Nope. THE STICKY RICE WAS BIKO. OMG. Chef Tara stayed true to the Filipino dish and elevated it instead. Mind blown is an understatement. We also had the Buko Pan Dan, which was great, along with another dessert that was also delicious. But that sticky rice crème brûlée had me sitting there thinking, "Why did it take me so long to come here?" And the restaurant itself is such a vibe. I loved the anime-inspired artwork throughout the restaurant--even in the men's restroom! I cannot say enough about this place. I was telling everyone at work, my cousins, my friends, and pretty much anyone I passed on my walk back to the hotel that night. Animae is an absolute gem. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere, but most importantly, you can feel the passion and pride behind the food. Chef Tara isn't just creating dishes--she's telling stories and bringing Filipino culture to the table in such a creative way. Thank you, Chef Tara, Carol, and the entire Animae team for an unforgettable night.

The server was great--friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better! We especially loved…read morethe honeydew drink with boba. It was refreshing, fun, and very creative. The food was delicious and showed a lot of creativity. We particularly loved the Taiwanese chicken. It was definitely a modern interpretation rather than the traditional version, but it was very well executed and flavorful. The fried rice was also delicious, and the cabbage was an interesting and creative dish that we enjoyed trying. Overall, a really enjoyable experience. We appreciated how the restaurant took inspiration from Taiwanese and Asian flavors while adding its own creative spin. Great food, fun drinks, and wonderful service--we'd happily come back!

Dao fu. You enter this cozy establishment and the first thing you notice is writing on the wall…read more And it's true the writings on the wall, that this place is amazing. You're greeted by a lovely waitress whose smile is a pleasant surprise. It is then you realize how much of a treat you'll be in for. For starters a complimentary salad is provided. This salad will set the standards of the rest of the dishes you will receive. We had the miso soup for our appetizer. Which was a plentiful serving for the both of us. The soup carried with chunks of dried garlic which gave it a very garlicy yummy miso soup taste. Mmm yes me so soup you so soup... very health conscious which we love. On to the next dish, Spencer ordered the pat thai. Plate was PHAT. The portion they provide are very substantial and the price is well worth it. If you're a sauce person it was drenched in a sweet savory sauce. BEWARE... order level zero spice level. Even a level one will set a small campfire on your tongue. Now Carina's dish. Drunken noodles. Plate also PHAT. Veggie roasted to perfection. Noodles brown and soft. Very savory and earthy with hints of garlic. At the end you get a sweet complimentary ice cream. The choice is yours, pineapple mango or cookies n cream. So bomb so fresh so clean. 10/10 !!!

I recently tried this restaurant, named "Dao Fu," in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego,…read moreCalifornia. I must say, I never would have stumbled upon this restaurant by myself, but it was highly recommended by my friends who live nearby. My daughter and I were visiting San Diego for a one-week trip because I was required to come here for work. My workdays were pretty packed, but my daughter and I also took advantage of this trip by filling our evenings with lots of fun activities. One thing we did was visit some wonderful friends who live in San Diego. My friend, John, told us that he found an amazing restaurant in San Diego a few decades ago, and he was really sad to find that it had closed down. Several years later, and more recently, he was surprised to find that this same restaurant owner reopened his restaurant in a new location, which is here on Adams Avenue in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. He was overjoyed to find that this restaurant had reopened in a different location, and he says that this is his favorite restaurant in San Diego. After a story like that, I had to come here to experience this place for myself! We parked on Adams Avenue, and I paid the meter for a reasonable amount of time for us to enjoy our dinner together. I would imagine that parking here can be a bit congested and tricky at times, so I would just suggest that you're patient and careful with where you decide to legally park. We had a party of five for our dinner together, and it was an absolutely wonderful evening with good friends and delicious food. Our waitress was Jun, and she was friendly and professional, as well as attentive to our dinnertime needs. The owner also came out to say hello to us, and he took the time to chat with us for a few minutes during our meal. He was so incredibly nice. I always appreciate it when an owner is willing to devote some time to connect with their customers. For an appetizer, I ordered the "Japanese Pork Gyoza," which are pan fried dumplings filled with pork, fresh ginger, onion, green onion, cabbage, garlic, and soy. It was absolutely delicious, and I had to resist the temptation of eating too many of them so that our friends could enjoy some too. For my meal, I ordered the "Katsu Chicken Curry," which is chicken thigh meat battered in Panko breadcrumbs, deep fried until golden brown and crunchy. I got my meal with a half-and-half mix of white rice and brown rice. My meal was prepared perfectly, and it was incredibly delicious! My meal was concluded with some of their delicious ice cream, which satiated my post-meal sugar cravings. Our evening with friends was special and memorable, and our meals and service at Dao Fu made our evening even more pleasant and enjoyable. Thanks to the owner, our waitress, and the staff for making our evening a wonderful one. The next time I'm back in this area, I'll be sure to come here again!