When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Somisomi
Why Somisomi is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SomiSomi is a renowned American franchise specializing in Korean Bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped pastry) paired with soft serve ice cream, collectively known as ah-boong. Founded in 2016 in Los Angeles' Koreatown, SomiSomi quickly attracted a cult-like following due to its unique combination of crispy, warm taiyaki cones filled with custard or Nutella, topped with a variety of flavorful soft serve options such as milk, ube, matcha, and black sesame. Customers can customize their desserts with unlimited small toppings like macarons, fruity pebbles, Oreos, and graham cracker crumbs, creating a personalized and fun dessert experience. With over 33 locations spanning Southern and Northern California, Texas, Nevada, Washington, and Arizona, SomiSomi serves as a vibrant social hotspot for friends and families looking to indulge in a visually appealing and delicious treat. The lively atmosphere, colorful desserts, and interactive customization options make SomiSomi an ideal meeting place for casual hangouts, dessert dates, or celebrations. Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures that every visit is a memorable one, establishing SomiSomi as a treasured destination for dessert lovers.
Here's what people think of Somisomi
As of recent, Somisomi holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1919 reviews.
Customer reviews for SomiSomi are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its strong 4.7-star average rating across more than 1,900 reviews. Many patrons praise the unique concept of pairing warm taiyaki cones with smooth, flavorful soft serve ice cream, highlighting the freshness and delicious taste of both the cones and ice cream. Frequent compliments note the wide variety of flavors available, including innovative weekly half-and-half mixes, and the abundance of topping options that allow for tailored dessert creations. Reviewers also appreciate the friendly staff, the inviting ambiance of locations, and the overall fun and Instagram-worthy experience. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers on occasional long wait times, especially during busy hours, which can test the patience of customers eager to enjoy their desserts. A few reviews mention inconsistencies in service speed or minor issues with portion sizes, and some express disappointment if certain flavors or toppings are temporarily unavailable. However, these critiques are relatively rare and often balanced by prompt service recovery or exceptional food quality. Overall, the reviews demonstrate that SomiSomi excels in delivering a delightful and distinctive dessert experience with minor logistical drawbacks that most customers find worth enduring.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jamie Oakland
Yum!!! Our group of 6 shared one Chocolate Banana Bingsoo after an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ dinner, and it was the perfect size and sweet treat to end the night. Great balance of light, cold, sweet, and salty! Line was out the door, and inside was very busy on a Thursday evening around 8/9 PM. Would highly recommend for dessert!
Becky
Really great service and super good dessert! We've always loved everything we've tried here. If you come later in the evening, be prepared for a busy parking lot but that just comes with a lot of the places in the area. We try to go closer to opening during weekdays now and there's never any trouble with parking during those hours! I'd definitely recommend this place! Also, staff has always been amazing every time we've stopped here!
Ankita Aparajita
Guilty pleasure for weekend taste buds! One of the best desserts at very affordable price..worth thr calories & matcha recommended 😉
Cyrus Jimenez
yummy! Very creamy and unique soft serve ice cream. Intricate flavors and super fast service even though the line was out the door. People taking our orders were nice too. Definitely get a cup with the taiyaki on top for the most value and spill prevention.
Marina Donaldson
LOVE THIS PLACE! They have the best soft serve ice cream 🍦 and the tayaki waffles are so delicious. Make sure to get the custard filling! My favorite ice cream flavors are matcha, taro, & black sesame
How to reach Somisomi
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Why Somisomi may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Somisomi with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Somisomi is an inspired choice for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, Somisomi’s vibrant and cozy atmosphere creates a welcoming environment that naturally encourages socializing and sharing fun moments. Whether you're stopping by after a meal or making it a dedicated outing for dessert, the space offers a relaxed vibe with both indoor seating featuring long communal benches and bar stools, as well as an inviting outdoor area—ideal for group conversations and laughter. The unique concept of their signature treat, soft-serve ice cream served inside a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with custard and topped with various creative toppings, adds a playful and experiential dimension to your meetup. It’s fun to compare flavor combos, share bites, and engage with the innovative menu collectively. Additionally, Somisomi’s popularity means it’s a trendy spot that resonates with people looking for something fun and different to do together, making your gathering feel special and memorable. High ratings and glowing reviews further reinforce that Somisomi offers a quality experience with friendly customer service, carving out its niche as a social hub for friends and families alike.
What kind of activities can groups enjoy at Somisomi?
Somisomi primarily focuses on delivering an interactive dessert experience centered around its signature “Ah-Boong” soft serve, which is ice cream in a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with custard. This quirky and novel treat makes ordering and sharing playful and engaging. Groups can enjoy customizing their ice cream with a variety of unique flavors like cookies & cream, mango, and espresso, complemented with toppings such as Oreos, chocolate drizzle, and mochi pieces. Choosing and trying out different combinations becomes a fun group activity, creating conversation starters and opportunities to compare notes on favorites. The act of sharing these whimsically presented desserts fosters a casual, joyful atmosphere perfect for bonding. For larger groups, the communal seating arrangement helps keep everyone engaged together. Beyond the food, the location itself tends to be lively in the evening, offering a bustling place to hang out and people-watch. This positioning makes Somisomi an ideal spot for casual meetups where the main activity is to savor something delicious and novel while enjoying company and conversation.
Why is Somisomi perfect for group meetups?
Somisomi is particularly suited for group meetups due to several key factors. The seating layout is designed to accommodate groups, featuring long benches that encourage social interaction and permit flexibility in grouping small or larger parties. The cozy yet energetic ambiance invites extended visits without feeling rushed or cramped, ideal for spending quality time chatting or celebrating. Additionally, the ordering process at Somisomi is streamlined: you place orders at one counter and pick up your unique creations at another, which makes coordinating orders within a group efficient and hassle-free. The menu’s focus on shareable desserts encourages a communal feel; groups can order different items and swap tastes to elevate the experience. Friendly staff and straightforward service enhance the comfort level, helping everyone feel taken care of. Also, Somisomi’s reputation as a popular, hip spot adds a social cachet that makes group gatherings feel trendy and worth sharing on social media. Lastly, its location within shopping or dining districts makes it an accessible, convenient stop during outings, further cementing its appeal as an ideal meetup destination.
What makes the food experience at Somisomi unique and enjoyable?
Somisomi’s food experience stands out for its creativity, quality, and presentation. The star of the menu is the Ah-Boong, a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with creamy custard and topped with soft serve ice cream, blending texture and flavors in a playful way. Customers appreciate the wide range of flavor options for ice cream and fillings, which are anything but ordinary, including inventive combinations that please various tastes. The textural contrast between the warm, slightly crispy waffle “fish” and the cool soft serve creates a delightful sensory experience that is both novel and comforting. The toppings add fun customization, allowing groups to experiment with sweet mixtures and discover new favorites together. While some reviewers note the line can be long during peak times, most agree the wait is worth the fresh, well-crafted desserts. This hands-on, taste-testing element involved in creating and enjoying each treat makes dining here more interactive and fun compared to traditional dessert spots. The presence of outdoor seating also allows patrons to enjoy their food in a relaxed, social setting.
How accessible and convenient is Somisomi for visiting groups?
Somisomi’s location and operational aspects contribute significantly to its convenience for group visits. It is often situated inside popular shopping strips or accessible city areas, with parking available both on-street and in adjacent lots, though parking can fill quickly on busy weekends, so planning ahead is advisable. The store layout, though cozy, is efficiently designed to handle reasonable crowds. The separate pay and pickup counters streamline service, avoiding bottlenecks that could frustrate larger groups. Business hours are generous, frequently extending into the evening, which accommodates after-dinner plans or casual late-night gatherings, ideal for those wanting to rally with friends after other events. The friendly staff is noted for being attentive, enhancing visitor comfort. All these factors combine to make Somisomi a convenient and dependable choice for group outings, where ease of access and smooth service matter as much as the food.
What kind of vibe and atmosphere can visitors expect at Somisomi?
Visitors to Somisomi can expect a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere that strikes the right balance between fun and comfort. The interior is often described as inviting and quirky, highlighted by its signature fish waffle treats and colorful decor that reflect a playful concept. Seating arrangements encourage social interaction, with communal benches and a bar that faces the window, perfect for people-watching or casual chat. The outdoor seating adds an element of open-air relaxation, making it a great summer destination or nighttime dessert stop with friends or family. The crowd is generally lively but well-behaved, contributing to an energetic buzz without overwhelming noise. The staff, although sometimes noted as businesslike, generally provide friendly and efficient service, promoting an easygoing feel. This combination of visual appeal, social seating, and quality food makes Somisomi’s atmosphere especially conducive to groups looking to enjoy a shared treat amidst cheerful surroundings.
How does Somisomi cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences?
Somisomi is mindful of catering to a broad range of tastes, offering a diverse menu of soft-serve ice cream flavors with unique and classic options, which accommodate various palates and preferences. The ability to customize toppings and fillings means customers can craft their own dessert experience, selecting from fruits, cookies, or chocolate additions to suit their individual or group’s desires. Although primarily a dessert-focused place, the ingredients focus on quality and freshness, appealing to those looking for a lighter or more indulgent treat. While specifics on dietary accommodations like vegan or gluten-free options are not always highlighted, the customizable nature of the menu may allow for some flexibility. Groups with mixed preferences can easily find something everyone enjoys by mixing and matching flavors and add-ons, making it a universal choice for gatherings where everyone’s tastes matter. This adaptability adds to Somisomi’s appeal for meetups, reinforcing it as a place that welcomes diverse groups.
What should groups know about visiting during busy times?
When planning a visit to Somisomi with a group, it’s important to anticipate that the spot can get quite busy, especially during evenings and weekends. Lines can extend outside the door as the shop is popular and sometimes trendy, with many visitors drawn by social media buzz and word-of-mouth. Waiting time might vary, but the efficient dual-counter system for ordering and pickup helps to move the line along more smoothly. Arriving slightly earlier or timing your visit during off-peak hours can reduce wait times. For groups, it’s helpful to plan your order together before reaching the front of the line to speed the process. Despite the crowds, most visitors agree that the quality and novelty of the desserts make the wait worthwhile. Parking may also require some patience due to busy periods, so carpooling or using public transit may be advisable. Being prepared for a popular atmosphere will help your group enjoy the experience fully and keep frustration at bay.
What additional reasons make Somisomi an ideal spot for celebrations?
Somisomi offers several intangible qualities that make it a great choice for celebrating special moments with friends or family. Its playful concept and unique dessert presentation add a festive spirit to any gathering, naturally elevating the mood. Whether celebrating a birthday, a casual reunion, or just the joy of being together, Somisomi’s fun “fish” cones provide a memorable centerpiece that guests are excited to share and photograph. The lively atmosphere and open seating promote group interaction, encouraging conversation and laughter, key for an enjoyable celebration. The dessert-only focus means you can drop in or linger without the formality of a full meal, making it accessible even for short, spontaneous celebrations. Its positive reviews and strong local reputation also reassure that you’re choosing a place known for quality and a good vibe. These qualities collectively make Somisomi a perfect spot to rally your friends or family around something sweet and special.