When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express
Why Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express is a standout destination in San Diego's bustling Convoy Street area, celebrated for its authentic Cantonese seafood and daily dim sum offerings. This large-scale restaurant merges the traditional flavors of Hong Kong with a vibrant, communal dining atmosphere making it an ideal spot for friends and family to gather. Highlights include a vast selection of fresh seafood sourced directly from their tanks and prepared with Cantonese flair, alongside a diverse menu featuring popular items like sweet honey walnut shrimp, pepper steak, and fish in black bean sauce. The restaurant thrives on its lively dim sum brunches served daily, especially during weekends when the dining room buzzes with energy and variety. Whether you're joining for a casual lunch, a family-style dinner, or a special event in their banquet facilities, Jasmine offers a warm and dynamic setting. Its convenient location with ample free parking and an express take-out option further adds to its appeal for easy meetups and gatherings.
Here's what people think of Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express
As of recent, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1587 reviews.
Customer reviews of Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express reveal a generally positive dining experience with an overall rating of 4.1 stars across more than 1,500 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the freshness and quality of the seafood, prompt and plentiful dim sum delivery, and the authentic Cantonese flavors reminiscent of Hong Kong. Guests appreciate the expansive menu and the vibrant, bustling ambiance that gives the eatery a welcoming, energetic charm perfect for social dining. Many visitors commend the restaurant for being a go-to venue for both casual and special occasions, particularly praising the family-style dining and banquet options. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention the occasional chaos during peak hours, including less attentive service given the restaurant's large size and busy environment. A few patrons find the dim sum experience somewhat hectic, with moments of disorganization that can affect the otherwise fresh and tasty offerings. Pricing for dinner has also been noted as slightly higher compared to other local venues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the reviews collectively convey a strong affection for Jasmine as an iconic San Diego dining spot with reliable food quality and a lively setting. The overall consensus underscores Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express as an exciting and authentic place to enjoy Cantonese cuisine with friends and family, especially for those seeking an energetic dining experience and fresh seafood specialties.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Combat Fisher
I have gone to Jasmine for several years. I think for Dim Sum in Dan Diego their food is very good. It really has the Hong Kong taste. The only thing about this restaurant is the atmosphere (it really needs to be remodeled as it feels old and worn-out). The furniture and interior of the restaurant just needs to be redone. If you just want good Dim Sum, this place has good Dim Sum. If you want a nice dining experience there are nicer places to go for ambience.
Wenge Shi
Used to be quite a good place for dim sum or seafood. Now the food quality was way down. Cannot compete with other Cantonese restaurants in San Diego, such as Taste of Hong Kong, Eastern Dynasty or even Golden Island. 龙虾意面，两面黄just okay，早茶very disappointed.
Brandon Christian
I'm from Tucson, and there we used to have a handful of Dim Sum spots, but over the years my family’s favorite place shut down. So when I saw that San Diego had a collection of different east Asian restaurants I knew I had to check it out. Jasmine was my first pick, not because I thought the ratings were higher than its neighbors', but because I knew from the glimpse outside EXACTLY what to expect. The service was the familiar fast pace: question, then answer, then serve. The prices should not surprised anyone who's already been initiated into Dim Sum. If you plan to eat like a pig, like I do, then you will pay a lot. If you eat modestly, at normal healthy portions, then you'll pay more reasonable prices. The food was delicious. As is to be expected, some dishes came out fresher than others, but when you’re walking around with the items ready to be picked at a moment's notice that's what happens. Some of the dishes, like the barbecue buns, were a little softer and more fall-apart than the ones I was familiar with back home in Tucson, but the flavor inside was richer. My personal favorite items have always been the Cheung Fun and the Ham Sui Gok, and wouldn't you know it they're both excellent here. The atmosphere is a bit older, and some might not care for the aesthetic, but I find a charm in it, and a bit of comfort too, as it reminds me of when I was a kid and I'd go to restaurants for special occasions, and, well, they looked like this!
Phoebe Huang
Absolute worst dim sum I’ve ever had. Everything we ordered except for the black bean pork spareribs was terrible - just not fresh and it was obvious in the soggy dumpling skin and steamed bread. My boyfriend and I were very disappointed as it was our last meal in San Diego and were hoping for some good authentic food. Definitely also way overpriced for how mid it was.
Natalie Nieves
This place was recommended by my uber driver. It is tapas so check the menus before you just grab what you see. The food was really good. We got the bbq pork buns, shrimp sui mai, jasmine spicy wings and fried shrimp balls.. felt pretty authentic. I’d recommend it..
How to reach Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express
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Why Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express with your friends? If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and memorable dining experience, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express is an ideal place to gather your friends or family. Located in the heart of San Diego's bustling Convoy Street, this restaurant offers a unique blend of authentic Chinese seafood cuisine and dim sum specials that bring a touch of tradition and festivity to any meetup. The setting provides a lively atmosphere that encourages socializing, sharing, and enjoying food together, which is essential for group gatherings. With a solid 4.1 rating from over 1,500 reviews, it has clearly carved a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike, proving it to be a trustworthy and satisfying choice. Furthermore, its convenient hours of operation and approachable location with free parking make it easy for groups to coordinate and arrive without hassle. Whether you want a relaxed brunch or an evening feast, Jasmine Seafood nicely balances affordability with quality, making it a perfect spot to create lasting memories with friends around delicious food.
What activities can you enjoy at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express? Jasmine Seafood isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an interactive culinary experience perfect for group engagement. One of its standout features is the traditional dim sum brunch served Monday through Sunday during daytime hours. Dim sum involves a parade of small dishes brought around on rolling carts, allowing guests to pick favorites as servers pass by. This interactive meal style encourages diners to communicate and share recommendations, making the experience social and fun. You and your friends can sample a range of classics like shrimp rolls, char siu bao (barbecued pork buns), and crab rolls, creating a personalized tasting adventure. Beyond dim sum, Jasmine offers a broad menu of a la carte seafood dishes served family-style, perfectly matching the needs of groups that love to share and try various plates together. For larger groups or special occasions, the restaurant offers preset 10-course party menus, which are carefully curated to provide a balanced and impressive spread of courses. This allows the hosting of banquets and celebrations seamlessly with a fixed menu that still delights every palate.
Why is Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express perfect for a group meetup? The layout and service style at Jasmine Seafood are designed with groups in mind. Spacious seating arrangements accommodate families, friends, or work gatherings, helping ensure everyone sits comfortably together. The communal dining style with shared plates fosters a sense of community and conviviality, which strengthens bonds during the meal. The restaurant’s team also emphasizes smooth service tailored to groups, including the option to make reservations well in advance, which helps avoid the common wait times during popular dining hours. If you plan to meet on a weekend or holiday, you can reserve for parties of 10 or more, ensuring your entire crew has a spot ready. The location offers free parking options in multiple nearby lots, making arrival and departure from group outings hassle-free. Additionally, the welcoming ambiance—rooted in its authentic presentation and attentive staff—creates an inviting space where guests feel valued and comfortable to laugh, talk, and celebrate.
What is the food experience like at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express? The food quality and variety here reflect both tradition and freshness, vital elements for an enjoyable group dining experience. Reviewers often mention the authentic flavors and carefully prepared dishes that represent the best of Chinese seafood and dim sum traditions. The dim sum brunch is particularly popular, featuring an array of small dishes ranging from steamed buns to fried shrimp rolls, with dishes brought directly to your table on carts, adding an element of fun and surprise to the meal. Many diners highlight the crab rolls and shrimp rolls as standout items due to their generous portions and fresh seafood taste. The restaurant goes beyond dim sum with fresh seafood entrees prepared family-style, allowing groups to savor a range of tastes from savory to spicy, satisfying diverse preferences. Portions are plentiful, encouraging sharing among friends, and many find the quality justifies the prices, making Jasmine Seafood a worthy culinary destination for gatherings.
How accessible and convenient is Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express? Accessibility and convenience are key factors when choosing a venue for group meetups, and Jasmine Seafood scores high in this arena. The restaurant is located at 4609 Convoy Street Suite A in San Diego, a well-known culinary hotspot easily reachable by car and public transport. It offers free parking in nearby lots, a notable advantage in a busy urban area, thus eliminating one of the common headaches in group outings. Online and phone reservations are accepted, making planning easier for hosts managing a large party. Its operating hours cover both late breakfasts and dinners, Monday through Sunday, allowing guests to schedule meals without rushing. For takeout and delivery, their Jasmine Express service next door runs daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, providing flexibility if a group prefers to gather elsewhere but still enjoy Jasmine’s delicious food. This adaptability makes it easier for organizers to cater to every attendee’s comfort and preferences.
Why is hospitality at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express praised for group dining? Hospitality is often a critical element in making any group meetup smooth and enjoyable, and Jasmine Seafood Restaurant excels in this regard. The staff is known for their attentiveness and accommodating nature, particularly with groups. For reservations, the restaurant ensures a confirmation call, showing their commitment to clear communication and avoiding surprises on arrival. Servers are experienced in handling the pace of dim sum dining, balancing efficient service with a relaxed pace, and they often help guests decide on dishes for sharing, enhancing the communal experience. For large parties or special occasions, Jasmine offers event hosting services with tailored menus and coordination support, making group meals and celebrations stress-free affairs. This combination of friendly service and expert culinary delivery fosters an inviting environment where friends and family feel cared for, welcomed, and free to enjoy their time together.
Which special features make Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express stand out for social gatherings? One remarkable aspect of Jasmine Seafood is its combination of traditional Chinese dining culture with modern conveniences suitable for all ages and group sizes. The restaurant’s dim sum brunch with rolling carts is a charming traditional feature rarely found in many places and instantly creates a festive mood that resonates well with social groups. Additionally, its banquet and event hosting offerings enable it to cater to birthdays, reunions, or company gatherings with professionalism and style. The option to join their VIP mailing list provides guests with exclusive updates and offers, which can be an incentive for frequent visitors planning multiple meetups. The restaurant’s balance of casual and elegant elements, including its bright seating area and authentic décor, caters to both intimate friend groups and larger family celebrations, ensuring a versatile venue. All these nuances make Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for creating shared memories through food and fellowship.