Haidilao Hotpot
Waitlist - Haidilao Hotpot
Waitlist closed
The restaurant is not taking waitlist parties right now
Haidilao Hotpot Reservations
Order Haidilao Hotpot Takeout or Delivery
Haidilao Hotpot Photos
Business Info
HAIDILAO HOTPOT ATMOSPHERE
More like Haidilao Hotpot
Recommended Reviews - Haidilao Hotpot
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I am a huge fan of hot pot and AYCE hot pot. I didn't know I would like Haidilao so much after this recent experience in September 2026. I just remember one time a few years ago spending $200 on myself!!!! After that I was too scared to come back. This time a friend got on the waitlist around 7:30PM, but we didn't get in until after 9PM at this UTC location. That's when Haidilao has a special deal for AYCE! It's a quarter of what I paid last time - $49.99 per adult. Parking is free for like two hours here at the mall. I was impressed with everything here. We started with putting on legit aprons. The service was great. The food was delicious. I loved the soup bases - golden, tomato, tom yum, and spicy. You can choose a different (1/4) soup base per person. Since we had four people, we had a lot split into four. It was GREAT to try all four! I loved the variety of ingredients. I liked that they had lean options of meats. You can order these on the tablet, and the servers help you organize the trays on your table. There are two sauce and snack bars inside. They even have jelly for dessert with haw flakes!! Omg I loved eating those when I was a kid (and I still do). I remember seeing on social media that haidilao has secret phrases you can tell your server. Most of them are for Asia locations only, but I told my server the rabbit one. He didn't speak Chinese, and I tried to teach him "tu tu" is rabbit in Mandarin. Our server was the best. I feel so bad I forgot his name, maybe Andrew..? (He was a young guy wearing glasses.) The manager Tony stopped by our table, and we told him what a great server we had. Seriously. They have a photo station where you can print up to two 4x6 photos too. Overall I had a great experience and I would definitely come back again!
Haidilao is obviously top-tier when it comes to hot pot... and unfortunately, the price tag knows it too . Pro tip: come during AYCE to make it worth it! Normally you can do half-and-half or a 4-way split, but during AYCE, half-and-half means two quadrants get broth and the other two are just... water. Like what am I supposed to do, use them as a spa for your girl? First-world problems. Overall, great food and even better service from Yolanda and Auggie! And if you want a broth hack: **chicken broth + tom yum paste.** Trust me, it'll change your life.
Came here recently to celebrate a birthday. Not your average hot pot restaurant, the experience is vastly different and definitely worth coming for. Came there a lil early to set up the room, which was already decorated by staff. The staff was great and helped me with some decorations that I wanted to out up, they saw I brought a hand pump and immediately offered their electric pump so that made blowing up balloons much easier, they kept checking in on me as well even though I was just setting up. Cj was the absolute best with taking care of our party, he was attentive, friendly and also hilarious. Ended up booking one of their VIP rooms which is honestly a good deal for a mid size or bigger group. Can't miss all the unique things they offer here like the hand pulled dancing noodle. As for the food, we ordered a bunch of wagyu and seafood with the tomyum soup and bone broth, I have learned from previous visits to stay away from their spicy bases, even though they're delicious, it's not for everyone. It was surprisingly still pretty busy even though it was hot in SD. But that didn't affect their service or standards. Haidilao is not just a hot pot restaurant, they have so many unique things that you won't find in your average hot pot place. If you haven't tried them yet, this is your sign to do so!
As Haidilao is known for its top notch service and accommodation, this location really delivers the experience to its brand standard. There's a foosball table at the entrance while you wait during busy time, although you can always reserve or join waitlist ahead of time. It's a short walking distance from the parking structure and easy to find with their red logo. I was surprised to find that they now have an AYCE option which is a better value option if you like variety in your hotpot ingredient, and the set includes 4 soup bases to choose from. Even during busy times, the staff consistently checks in on the tables to make sure everyone's having a good time, and the Bian Lian performance is definitely a unique touch of cultural experience.
Winning a $50 meal credit gave us the perfect excuse to give this place a second chance--and I'm so glad we did! Our first visit was a bit overwhelming because we didn't understand the ordering process, but this time, equipped with a friend's recommendations, the experience was night and day. We were greeted and seated right away thanks to our reservation. The restaurant was clean, and the service was prompt throughout the night. We ordered the pork bone broth and the spicy beef tallow soup base. Both were amazingly flavorful! The beef tallow had a fantastic, addictive kick that left my lips tingling in the best way possible. For our cook-ins, we went with pork belly, premium fatty beef brisket (sliced paper-thin), hotpot noodles (perfectly firm), and napa cabbage. We also tried the tempura shrimp and fried spring rolls--both were solid, though not necessarily the stars of the show. The atmosphere was super fun, too! We loved watching the dancing noodle performance at a neighboring table, the cute robot server, and the face-changing performer, which are all great touches for families. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed, much more comfortable with the ordering style, and can't wait to return to try the tomato soup base next time! (Sad I didn't get any photos, but that just means we were too busy enjoying the food!)
Revised Review: After my first visit, I had concerns about the service and overall dining experience. Patrick from the management team reached out to me personally, took the time to listen to my feedback, and wanted to make things right. We decided to give Haidilao another shot, and we're glad we did. Our second visit was excellent from beginning to end. Our server, Sam, was attentive, friendly, and incredibly accommodating. The overall experience was exactly what we had hoped for. I'm updating my review because I appreciate how seriously the management team took my feedback. Rather than offering a generic apology, they followed through and showed that customer satisfaction truly matters to them. Haidilao exceeded my expectations on our return visit, and I'm happy to update my review to reflect this experience.
First time at Haidilao, and overall the food was good, though I wasn't a huge fan of the à la carte pricing for the meat selections. We came here for lunch after my niece's promotion with family. Our reservation was already set up, and I appreciated that they had some decorations prepared for the occasion. The restaurant is very cute both inside and out. Near the entrance, there's a beverage bar, complimentary snacks, soft-serve ice cream, and a small waiting area with games to help keep guests entertained while they wait. There's also a sauce bar with a selection of fruits, along with toppings you can use for your ice cream or tea. Ordering is done entirely through a tablet, which makes the process pretty straightforward. There was a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood options available. We also ordered the seafood platter and chose the Tom Yum and spicy pork bone broths. Between the two, the Tom Yum was the favorite for me. It had great flavor. Service was quick and attentive. I was also impressed by the restroom amenities, which included wipes, mouthwash, and dental floss--small touches that show attention to detail. Overall, I'd give Haidilao a 3.8/5. The experience and service were enjoyable, and while I wasn't a fan of the à la carte meat pricing, the flavorful broths, snacks, and thoughtful amenities made for a pleasant visit.
Went on a Tuesday evening and it wasn't too busy. This location has lots of seating and fun panda decorations lol. the food was fresh and had all sorts of variety from various meat dishes to different kinds of greens etc. and all came out in a timely manner. Our server Brendan was very attentive and helpful and created a very positive dining experience. Would def recommend this HDL location.
Loved it! I almost didn't take any pictures because I started eating right away! The ambiance was fun! A lot of entertainment with dancing noodles and performances for the kids and everyone! The food was good too, I was very full with just 2 meat and some veggies. The service was good as well. Overall, good place to celebrate a birthday!
I've been to Haidilao so many times but I finally wanted to leave a review because we had such a good experience this time around! We celebrated a birthday and they were very accommodating with the fast service and free dessert they gave us! I love how convenient it is to order on the tablet at each table and how the sauce bar is self-serve. All the meats and veggies were super high quality and fresh, my personal favorite being the beef. Will definitely be back with a bigger group because would love to use the function room I've seen they have in the back of the restaurant!
Haidilao Hot Pot at La Jolla's UTC is such a fun spot to gather with family and friends. It's also perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable date night. Denise, the manager at this La Jolla location, is an absolutely wonderful manager. Located inside one of my favorite San Diego shopping centers, this restaurant always feels extra welcoming thanks to her. Denisen never fails to forget my name, which is such a thoughtful touch. Whenever I've dined there alone, Denise has even brought over the giant Haidilao panda bear to keep me company in my booth. It's such a sweet gesture, especially considering how busy she is making sure every guest leaves with having an exceptional dining experience! Every server who has assisted me or my friends has been incredibly accommodating, always making sure we're happy with our meals and overall experience. Tonight was my first time trying the AYCE "Meat O'Clock" special for $19.99. Available Monday through Friday after 10:00 PM, this 90-minute offering includes Fatty Beef Brisket, Aussie Lamb Shoulder, Marinated Basa Fish, and Jumbo White Shrimp. For my soup base, I chose the Sukiyaki broth. I've ordered plenty of lamb, beef brisket, and shrimp, which was the perfect way to refuel after a two-hour workout. A few tips: Be sure to sign up for their rewards program to earn points with each visit. Let the host know you've joined so you can spin the prize wheel. When I signed up, I actually won a $20 dining credit! Also, don't miss the famous "dancing noodle" experience. For under $5, when you order dancing noodle menu item, you'll get a fun tableside noodle performance that's quite entertaining! I can't seem to forget the adorable robot cat that delivers menu items to your table. Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego is a casual dining restaurant that offers a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, with warm lighting, sleek modern décor, and such an inviting ambiance that makes every visit feel special!!
Keila Keila Keila, thanks for providing amazing service and taking care of us. My first time at a Haidilao and was treated so well. We had the $49.99 AYCE option and got to try many things. We love the chicken collagen broth and the tom yum broth. Would want to try the tomato next time. I didn't realize everything we ordered would be huge portions, definitely not what we are used to in Colorado. The hair tie, the snacks, the ziplock bag for phones... all the super considerate touches, all so amazing. The restaurant and the restrooms are all super clean. We really appreciate the experience and hope they expand to Colorado at some point! Thanks for the bday experience and the dancing noodle Keila!!
My first time eating at a hot pot restaurant. Such a noob! I don't know how anything worked but the staff were super helpful and friendly. Restaurant was really clean and very organized. Top notch service and atmosphere. We ordered a bunch of Al a carte items. We realized later that maybe a combo meal might have been the way to go. That didn't change the fact that my kids love the food and experience. Food was delicious and fun. Overall, a great experience. We will definitely have to try the "sides" and combo meal options.
2 months ago
Although everyone may think HaiDiLao is just another hotpot restaurant. They're missing all the magic and uniqueness there is to having a literal Face-changing show during dinner, fun noodle dances to your table, and extremely thoughtful service. We ordered shrimp at our table, and the server peeled our shrimps for us!!! We were celebrating a birthday too, but didn't want a song or any attention for it. The server still brought us a Birthday cake and a gift. Every single one of the staff is so thoughtful. And the restaurant always have fun positive vibes. read more
10 days ago
Very fun experience! Been wanting to do this for a while and it did not disappoint. A bit expensive but still cool to go. Good flavors and quality. Be warned the spicy broth is spicy read more
I am a huge fan of hot pot and AYCE hot pot. I didn't know I would like Haidilao so much after this recent experience in September 2026. I just remember one time a few years ago spending $200 on myself!!!! After that I was too scared to come back. This time a friend got on the waitlist around 7:30PM, but we didn't get in until after 9PM at this UTC location. That's when Haidilao has a special deal for AYCE! It's a quarter of what I paid last time - $49.99 per adult. Parking is free for like two hours here at the mall. I was impressed with everything here. We started with putting on legit aprons. The service was great. The food was delicious. I loved the soup bases - golden, tomato, tom yum, and spicy. You can choose a different (1/4) soup base per person. Since we had four people, we had a lot split into four. It was GREAT to try all four! I loved the variety of ingredients. I liked that they had lean options of meats. You can order these on the tablet, and the servers help you organize the trays on your table. There are two sauce and snack bars inside. They even have jelly for dessert with haw flakes!! Omg I loved eating those when I was a kid (and I still do). I remember seeing on social media that haidilao has secret phrases you can tell your server. Most of them are for Asia locations only, but I told my server the rabbit one. He didn't speak Chinese, and I tried to teach him "tu tu" is rabbit in Mandarin. Our server was the best. I feel so bad I forgot his name, maybe Andrew..? (He was a young guy wearing glasses.) The manager Tony stopped by our table, and we told him what a great server we had. Seriously. They have a photo station where you can print up to two 4x6 photos too. Overall I had a great experience and I would definitely come back again! read more
Haidilao is obviously top-tier when it comes to hot pot... and unfortunately, the price tag knows it too . Pro tip: come during AYCE to make it worth it! Normally you can do half-and-half or a 4-way split, but during AYCE, half-and-half means two quadrants get broth and the other two are just... water. Like what am I supposed to do, use them as a spa for your girl? First-world problems. Overall, great food and even better service from Yolanda and Auggie! And if you want a broth hack: **chicken broth + tom yum paste.** Trust me, it'll change your life. read more
27 days ago
Came here recently to celebrate a birthday. Not your average hot pot restaurant, the experience is vastly different and definitely worth coming for. Came there a lil early to set up the room, which was already decorated by staff. The staff was great and helped me with some decorations that I wanted to out up, they saw I brought a hand pump and immediately offered their electric pump so that made blowing up balloons much easier, they kept checking in on me as well even though I was just setting up. Cj was the absolute best with taking care of our party, he was attentive, friendly and also hilarious. Ended up booking one of their VIP rooms which is honestly a good deal for a mid size or bigger group. Can't miss all the unique things they offer here like the hand pulled dancing noodle. As for the food, we ordered a bunch of wagyu and seafood with the tomyum soup and bone broth, I have learned from previous visits to stay away from their spicy bases, even though they're delicious, it's not for everyone. It was surprisingly still pretty busy even though it was hot in SD. But that didn't affect their service or standards. Haidilao is not just a hot pot restaurant, they have so many unique things that you won't find in your average hot pot place. If you haven't tried them yet, this is your sign to do so! read more
As Haidilao is known for its top notch service and accommodation, this location really delivers the experience to its brand standard. There's a foosball table at the entrance while you wait during busy time, although you can always reserve or join waitlist ahead of time. It's a short walking distance from the parking structure and easy to find with their red logo. I was surprised to find that they now have an AYCE option which is a better value option if you like variety in your hotpot ingredient, and the set includes 4 soup bases to choose from. Even during busy times, the staff consistently checks in on the tables to make sure everyone's having a good time, and the Bian Lian performance is definitely a unique touch of cultural experience. read more
4 days ago
24 hours ago
Winning a $50 meal credit gave us the perfect excuse to give this place a second chance--and I'm so glad we did! Our first visit was a bit overwhelming because we didn't understand the ordering process, but this time, equipped with a friend's recommendations, the experience was night and day. We were greeted and seated right away thanks to our reservation. The restaurant was clean, and the service was prompt throughout the night. We ordered the pork bone broth and the spicy beef tallow soup base. Both were amazingly flavorful! The beef tallow had a fantastic, addictive kick that left my lips tingling in the best way possible. For our cook-ins, we went with pork belly, premium fatty beef brisket (sliced paper-thin), hotpot noodles (perfectly firm), and napa cabbage. We also tried the tempura shrimp and fried spring rolls--both were solid, though not necessarily the stars of the show. The atmosphere was super fun, too! We loved watching the dancing noodle performance at a neighboring table, the cute robot server, and the face-changing performer, which are all great touches for families. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed, much more comfortable with the ordering style, and can't wait to return to try the tomato soup base next time! (Sad I didn't get any photos, but that just means we were too busy enjoying the food!) read more
3 months ago
Revised Review: After my first visit, I had concerns about the service and overall dining experience. Patrick from the management team reached out to me personally, took the time to listen to my feedback, and wanted to make things right. We decided to give Haidilao another shot, and we're glad we did. Our second visit was excellent from beginning to end. Our server, Sam, was attentive, friendly, and incredibly accommodating. The overall experience was exactly what we had hoped for. I'm updating my review because I appreciate how seriously the management team took my feedback. Rather than offering a generic apology, they followed through and showed that customer satisfaction truly matters to them. Haidilao exceeded my expectations on our return visit, and I'm happy to update my review to reflect this experience. read more
First time at Haidilao, and overall the food was good, though I wasn't a huge fan of the à la carte pricing for the meat selections. We came here for lunch after my niece's promotion with family. Our reservation was already set up, and I appreciated that they had some decorations prepared for the occasion. The restaurant is very cute both inside and out. Near the entrance, there's a beverage bar, complimentary snacks, soft-serve ice cream, and a small waiting area with games to help keep guests entertained while they wait. There's also a sauce bar with a selection of fruits, along with toppings you can use for your ice cream or tea. Ordering is done entirely through a tablet, which makes the process pretty straightforward. There was a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood options available. We also ordered the seafood platter and chose the Tom Yum and spicy pork bone broths. Between the two, the Tom Yum was the favorite for me. It had great flavor. Service was quick and attentive. I was also impressed by the restroom amenities, which included wipes, mouthwash, and dental floss--small touches that show attention to detail. Overall, I'd give Haidilao a 3.8/5. The experience and service were enjoyable, and while I wasn't a fan of the à la carte meat pricing, the flavorful broths, snacks, and thoughtful amenities made for a pleasant visit. read more
1 month ago
Went on a Tuesday evening and it wasn't too busy. This location has lots of seating and fun panda decorations lol. the food was fresh and had all sorts of variety from various meat dishes to different kinds of greens etc. and all came out in a timely manner. Our server Brendan was very attentive and helpful and created a very positive dining experience. Would def recommend this HDL location. read more
2 months ago
Loved it! I almost didn't take any pictures because I started eating right away! The ambiance was fun! A lot of entertainment with dancing noodles and performances for the kids and everyone! The food was good too, I was very full with just 2 meat and some veggies. The service was good as well. Overall, good place to celebrate a birthday! read more
4 months ago
I've been to Haidilao so many times but I finally wanted to leave a review because we had such a good experience this time around! We celebrated a birthday and they were very accommodating with the fast service and free dessert they gave us! I love how convenient it is to order on the tablet at each table and how the sauce bar is self-serve. All the meats and veggies were super high quality and fresh, my personal favorite being the beef. Will definitely be back with a bigger group because would love to use the function room I've seen they have in the back of the restaurant! read more
Haidilao Hot Pot at La Jolla's UTC is such a fun spot to gather with family and friends. It's also perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable date night. Denise, the manager at this La Jolla location, is an absolutely wonderful manager. Located inside one of my favorite San Diego shopping centers, this restaurant always feels extra welcoming thanks to her. Denisen never fails to forget my name, which is such a thoughtful touch. Whenever I've dined there alone, Denise has even brought over the giant Haidilao panda bear to keep me company in my booth. It's such a sweet gesture, especially considering how busy she is making sure every guest leaves with having an exceptional dining experience! Every server who has assisted me or my friends has been incredibly accommodating, always making sure we're happy with our meals and overall experience. Tonight was my first time trying the AYCE "Meat O'Clock" special for $19.99. Available Monday through Friday after 10:00 PM, this 90-minute offering includes Fatty Beef Brisket, Aussie Lamb Shoulder, Marinated Basa Fish, and Jumbo White Shrimp. For my soup base, I chose the Sukiyaki broth. I've ordered plenty of lamb, beef brisket, and shrimp, which was the perfect way to refuel after a two-hour workout. A few tips: Be sure to sign up for their rewards program to earn points with each visit. Let the host know you've joined so you can spin the prize wheel. When I signed up, I actually won a $20 dining credit! Also, don't miss the famous "dancing noodle" experience. For under $5, when you order dancing noodle menu item, you'll get a fun tableside noodle performance that's quite entertaining! I can't seem to forget the adorable robot cat that delivers menu items to your table. Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego is a casual dining restaurant that offers a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, with warm lighting, sleek modern décor, and such an inviting ambiance that makes every visit feel special!! read more
Keila Keila Keila, thanks for providing amazing service and taking care of us. My first time at a Haidilao and was treated so well. We had the $49.99 AYCE option and got to try many things. We love the chicken collagen broth and the tom yum broth. Would want to try the tomato next time. I didn't realize everything we ordered would be huge portions, definitely not what we are used to in Colorado. The hair tie, the snacks, the ziplock bag for phones... all the super considerate touches, all so amazing. The restaurant and the restrooms are all super clean. We really appreciate the experience and hope they expand to Colorado at some point! Thanks for the bday experience and the dancing noodle Keila!! read more
My first time eating at a hot pot restaurant. Such a noob! I don't know how anything worked but the staff were super helpful and friendly. Restaurant was really clean and very organized. Top notch service and atmosphere. We ordered a bunch of Al a carte items. We realized later that maybe a combo meal might have been the way to go. That didn't change the fact that my kids love the food and experience. Food was delicious and fun. Overall, a great experience. We will definitely have to try the "sides" and combo meal options. read more
We had a good time at Haidilao Hotpot. It wasn't the easiest thing to order because the soup base is ordered (and locked in) first. That seems to rule out the "packaged" options so we had to put the meal pieces together. I think a set menu would be nice. Having said that, once the menu was ordered, it was fun. They do include lots of things and the "appetizer bar" ( which is mostly sauces) is fun. Overall they do healthy business and it is clear why. They have a good model and it is very social. We will come back. read more
23 days ago
Business owner information
Xiao M.
Hi Kassi, thank you so much for taking the time to share such…
First time here and I can't wait to come back, The restaurant is located next to Zara. Plenty of parking inside UTC. We came on a Tuesday night so it was less crowded, Did the all you can eat for $49.99 I do think that's a little on the pricey side but the experience made it worth it! We were seated right away and greeted by CJ who was so kind and nice about everything! Showed and explained to us everything they had. Lots of seating inside. The food was so good and the soup base tasted very flavorful! Definitely will be back. And thanks to CJ for the awesome customer service! read more
3 months ago
It was our first time here, it did not disappoint! The staff here are so fun and friendly. There were 4 birthday celebrations here! The hot pot is phenomenal, everything was high quality and delicious. The ambiance is cute, clean and fun! We will be back! read more
Went back to Haidilao for the second time after being wowed a couple of years ago while visiting my brother. Possibly due to the Chinese new year coming up this week, it was super busy when I went despite it being an "off" time (around 2:45pm on a Sunday). I was quoted a 30-45 minute wait for a table and it took closer to an hour. Luckily I made it in just in time for their lunch pricing on the AYCE ($49.99). I was initially excited for the AYCE option since last time I went, the main deal running was a $19.99 lunch combo, but I soon came to realize the combo was a much, much better value overall. My main gripe is that almost everything came in full portions, so you couldn't try a large variety. The broccoli and mushrooms, for example, were each about 4x as much as I would have wanted. Also, you can only order one item from each category at a time. It does include a soup base (however, just one) along with the sauce bar (which was less impressive than I remembered it) and ice cream (machine was malfunctioning for a while when I was there). Despite ordering on a tablet, a couple items I ordered never came out (turned out to be a blessing in disguise due to the aforementioned portions). Unlike other Haidilao locations, this one does not have a manicurist. Further, they took away the fun little dental kits in the bathroom (apparently still available by request but significantly less appealing that way). Overall it was a disappointing visit compared to how much I loved my experience last time. read more
Business owner information
Xiao M.
Dear Hannah,…
8 months ago
2-13-26 They currently have all you can eat from Mon-Friday for $50. Loved the Chinese new year themed decorations inside. And service is always great. They have student discounts, but it doesn't apply to the ayce buffet. read more
7 months ago
Surprisingly REALLY good. Hot pot has one essential thing: broth - and this place excelled. We got the chicken, spicy beef tallow & tom yum and all three were insanely flavorful. Meat options & veggie options were also fresh & delicious. The sauce bar was plentiful with great options and if you purchase access to the sauce bar you get match/vanilla ice cream also! read more
3 months ago
4 months ago
The service at Haidilao is always TOP! NOTCH! The front hostess Kelly took amazing care of us even before we sat down to eat, providing us with Panda headbands and enhancing our experience to the max! Would definitely come back again when we're in the area. read more
7 months ago
Today I had the delight to go to Haidilao Hotpot. It is a very niche place and luckily there was not to many people on a tuesday afternoon because college students are most likely doing midterms. We had Sofia as our waitress. She was super charming and attentive even though we had so many question! Definitely check this place out! read more
Super clean space with so many complementary snacks at the front as well as ice cream. Got the Angus Chuck and Flat Iron for our meat and I recommend the Flat Iron, we all enjoyed that one more than the Chuck. Personal favorite soup base was the Tomato and Tom Yum. Must get the Noodle Dance it's the perfect most fun experience, the Noodle Master walks around with a speaker. Our server Nicole was so nice and accommodating she offered great recommendations. Would definitely come back if she served me! read more
9 months ago
Whenever I come to a non AYCE spot, I have to make sure to remind myself that I'm judging on quality in addition to how satisfied/not hungry I am after the meal (in other words, a reasonable quantity of food served). I think Haidilao had pretty reasonable portions but of course the prices are a bit higher than other spots because it isn't AYCE. Meat quality is decent, good variety of sauces as well that it's not overwhelming (especially if it's your first time). Service was really great and overall we had a good experience! This location is in the UTC Westfield Mall so there should be plenty of parking spots (and you can walk it off too while shopping). Since SD doesn't have too many hot pot restaurants compared to maybe LA or OC, I can see how Haidilao might be a popular place to eat! However, this is definitely a hot pot spot you should try at least once in your life, especially if you like variety and eating from more than 1-2 broths at a time and like to have tons of sauces to dip your food into. read more
9 months ago
Brendan and Brian took care of us, and they were fantastic! I forgot to tell them about my allergies, I know a servers nightmare, and they were incredibly accommodating!! It was more of a system issue with the menu needing to be updated because it didn't mention that the chicken soup had seafood allergens. Brendan was kind enough not to charge us and got us brand new soups. They helped get the spicy beef broth to a tolerable spice level (my husband is good with spicy and was sweating). They checked on us often even as it started to get busier. We went when it wasn't as busy and as we started eating, it started to get packed. It can be kind of loud there, so a great place to take a group of friends. I think I also saw there were private VIP rooms you can get for a dinner party or celebration. The hot pot can be separated into 4 sections (so you can get 4 different soups). We opted to get two soups and filled the other two with water. Honestly we probably could've just shared one, it was a lot of soup. But I'm glad we got to try different ones and ended up mixing it in our personal bowls towards the end. I got the Tom Yum soup base and my husband got the Spicy Beef Tallow one. If you have a seafood allergy, like me, they can accommodate by taking the shrimp out. The beef soup had great flavor, definitely spicy and the Tom Yum is really good if you like a more sour soup, which I love. I'm not eating meat currently and they had some veggies, tofu, and mushrooms to choose from. Very good, I would go again just for the great service. read more
20 days ago
Located in UTC Westfield mall, in University City San Diego. The is the creme de la creme of hotpots. A little pricier than some, but service, quality of food and offerings are superb. Our waiter did not miss a beat, when coming to our table for our order, questions, adding water to the broth, and bringing the bill. We chose split 2 soups pot. The more different soups you order, the more it costs. We got the mushroom soup, which was nice and herbal, yet very homestyle and soothes the soul. The other soup base we got was medium spicy, classic soup base. I enjoyed both! Pro tip: you may have to wait during prime eating hours. We came on a Friday night around 5pm or 5:30p, and got a table right away. We ordered a few items of seafood and beef. Note, that some beef items come in half portion suited for 2 people. Ordered Tong He su cai (in cantonese Tong Fook)...my favorite hot pot vegetable. If you are confused at the sauce bar, here is my recommendation, suitable for most meats and seafood. I put 0.5 heavy light soy sauce, 0.3 sa cha jiang (aka beef BBQ sauce) 0.2 green onions, 0.2 garlic, dash of cilantro, and splash of sesame oil. These ratios are approximately. Don't forget to get some snacks baggies at the sauce bar and at entrance...they are really additive. You will get a gift bag with some snacks and a tomato soup base to make your own hotpot at home. Great experience overall! read more
2 months ago
We took advantage of the exclusive members-only AYCE (all you can eat), and this was our first time at Haidilao. The portions are surprisingly large, so be careful not to over order since they do charge for leftovers. That said, everything was incredibly fresh and tasted amazing. The experience itself is truly one of a kind. We were given aprons to keep our clothes clean and odor free, which was a thoughtful touch. Our food was even brought out by a robot, which was fun and impressive. They also gave us a gift that included snacks and a hot pot soup base to take home. Even the restroom stood out they provide toiletries like mouthwash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, and cotton swabs. Overall, the food, service, and attention to detail made this a memorable experience and definitely worth it. read more
11 months ago
This is hands down my favorite hotpot restaurant! Located right in the UTC Mall, it's an experience from the moment you walk in. You're greeted with snacks and can enjoy a drink at the bar while waiting for your table. Once seated, everything is ordered through an iPad, super easy and convenient, and before you know it, you're building your own delicious hotpot. Pro tip: Come on weekdays (excluding holidays) to take advantage of their special pricing! My go-to ingredients: Angus beef, mushrooms, fresh greens, and lamb. Don't skip: The Chinese donuts on the side -- crispy, light, and perfect with the broth. And definitely upgrade to the side buffet bar, which has fresh fruits, ice cream, and more tasty extras. Must-try: The dancing noodle, it's as fun as it sounds! An expert flings and makes noodles in front of you. read more
10 months ago
First time here and absolutely loved it!!! I have bookmarked this place before and heard good things from friends--it lives up to the hype! We came after a SeaWorld trip and were thankful to find this open late when other restaurants were already closed. It's near UCSD so a very nice area, and located inside Westfield mall so parking wasn't bad. There was no validation but parking cost $3 for about 3 hours. Since it was late at night, there was a "golden hour" special where it's AYCE $50 per adult/$30 per kid) or 30% off the normal à la carte menu. Since we weren't familiar with the menu yet, we decided to get à la carte this time but would love to try AYCE for the next time. For a Saturday night, the wait wasn't bad (they said 15 minutes but I think it ended up being faster than that). We didn't mind waiting at all since they have free snacks (chips and candy/mint) and a soft serve machine at the front--also free for customers! We didn't see the ice cream machine at first but they told us before it was shut down for the night so luckily we still got to try. The options were vanilla, vanilla matcha swirl, and matcha. Only matcha was left at that point but it was delicious and would love to try the swirl next time. Here is what we ordered. Base: (quarter) pork bone, golden chicken w tripe, water 2x. Protein : lamb *autumn harvest* and pork belly. Veggies: autumn harvest selection. I almost got a bigger size of the base but the quarter size was more than filling (they give you a to-go soup cup at the end too if you would like to bring home with you). Everything tasted great and my kid especially loved the pork belly. She is normally very picky but she ate a good amount here! Would get the pork belly again next time and would get the pork bone base again. Due to my allergies I could only try two bases and I couldn't get any of the appetizers, but the staff was great in handling food restrictions and would come back for this reason. Our assorted tripe order also didn't go through but would want to try that next time and would love to try all the proteins if we get AYCE. Highly recommend getting the dancing noodle! It was so fun to watch and we would get it again. They do a little birthday song too, and my kid wants to come back for hers too. Our server was amazing--she was very friendly and helpful especially for first timers! She checked us on frequently too so I think it's very beginner friendly. She gave my kid some freebies too--the sailor moon wand and the kids plate. (I remembered after the secret code phrases you can say!) I'm sure it was a busy day given that it was a Saturday but every single staff member that we interacted with was very knowledgeable and sweet. Overall a new favorite! The food and the service are both amazing. It is pricey and can add up quickly so definitely keeping an eye out for promos. Someone here said $20 AYCE which we didn't see so that may be an old promo? Either way still worth the splurge imo. read more
Page 1 of 57
More info about Haidilao Hotpot
4545 La Jolla Village Dr
Ste F9
San Diego, CA 92122
University City
Directions
(858) 352-6066
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.haidilao-inc.com/us
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Haidilao Hotpot Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Haidilao Hotpot
Are there any all you can eat offers at this time?
Better to call and ask, as they seem to change often. The last time we went, there was AYcE meat deal
What is the student discount and meal and does it only apply to ucsd students?
It applies to all students! it's $35 all you can eat!
Does this location have a place to nurse babies? Have a 2 month newborn.
Yes, we have private rooms and changing stations in the restrooms!
Do any of the broths have shellfish in them? I am thinking of going here with someone, but they have a shellfish allergy.
No, I don't think they have shellfish in the broth
Can you have a table for 1?
Yes! We welcome solo diners and would be happy to provide a table for one. Looking forward to serving you!
What would you say you pay on average per person before tax/gratuity?
I pay a lot less than the average. I could get a meal ticket worth 15.99 and pay 20.00 to 25.00. I hope that helps.
Do they have AYCE, and how much?
I saw advertisements for it outside but they said they don't do ayce when we went in to eat.
Hi ! Is the offer 31% off after 9pm still available ?thx
The 31% is no longer valid, it's a 21% or less on some items. Until the actual amount is counted the real discount is in the freebees. So most discounts are from the comps.
What specials do they have at the moment?
They change the specials all the time when we go. I believe they do happy a happy hour special. They switch their drinks everytime I go.
Do you offer gift certificates or gift cards?
According to FB, Haidilao does offer gift cards.
Is this the spot with robots? I heard there's one in La Jolla but I don't see anything in the reviews about any here.
There are robots, they bring out food but the waiters unload them. They can also make cute faces.
Is the the table only big enough for 4?
We have larger tables that accommodate up to 9 and one table that can fit up to 14 people (depending on how many kids etc.) just give us a call to book those tables!
Is the australian lamb shoulder halal? i'm aware that most australian lamb and beef are halal but just incase, would anyone know how to confirm whether it's halal or not?
Hi Sarah! Only our lamb is halal, unfortunately our beef is not halal.
How can I make a reservation for 5people?
Call their phone number around 4:30pm. It seems like the phone line doesn't get picked up before that.
Can you bring pets?
No, unless it's service animal. But I don't recommend bringing your SA along, given the space is very limited
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
605 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
4 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
9 months ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
