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 an inviting dessert shop renowned for its unique Korean treats, making it an excellent destination to meet up with friends. The highlight of their menu is the Taiyaki, a warm, fish-shaped cake with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, typically filled with creamy or sweet fillings like red bean, custard, Oreo, Nutella, and black sesame. This delightful dessert is often paired with Somisomi’s signature fluffy and refreshing soft serve ice cream that comes in various fun and seasonal flavors such as black sesame, cookies ‘n cream, matcha, milk, strawberry, and ube. The shop also offers Ah-Boong, a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with soft serve and assorted fillings, adding variety to the experience. The customizable toppings, including Biscoff crumble, Fruit Pebbles, coconut flakes, Oreo crumbs, and fresh strawberries, invite visitors to create their personalized dessert. Beyond just its innovative offerings, Somisomi periodically introduces seasonal and unique flavors — like their recent “Mint to Be” Taiyaki filled with mint and Oreo and topped with dulce de leche and banana milk soft serve — which makes every visit a new adventure. With locations spread across several states, the lively atmosphere combined with the creative dessert choices makes Somisomi a fantastic and fun place for friends to gather and enjoy sweet treats together.
Here's what people think of Somisomi
As of recent, Somisomi holds a 4.6-star rating based on 119 reviews.
Customer reviews of Somisomi highlight the inventive and delicious dessert menu as the core strength of the business. Many patrons appreciate the variety of creative flavors and the ability to customize their Taiyaki and soft serve ice cream with a wide range of fillings and toppings. The warm, freshly made fish-shaped pastries with creamy fillings combined with seasonal soft serve flavors exceed many customers’ expectations, creating memorable dessert experiences. Somisomi’s appealing presentation and unique Korean dessert concept receive consistent praise, and the friendly in-store service enhances the overall visit, making Somisomi popular among dessert lovers. On the other hand, employee reviews provide a contrasting perspective on the company’s internal operations. Some current and former employees express concerns about management practices, including lack of adequate breaks, insufficient communication regarding benefits, and high workloads, indicating challenges in workplace culture and organization. There have been reports of morale issues stemming from upper management decisions and corporate policies that do not always align with employee welfare. While the employees appreciate their coworkers and some management staff, the critiques focus particularly on corporate management and how it affects employee experience. In conclusion, while Somisomi excels as a dessert destination for customers owing to its innovative and tasty offerings, its employee reviews suggest room for improvement in internal management and support.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Casey Foote
A must try if you’re in the UTC area. I was in town for work and walked to the mall and stumbled across this gem! Fun little spin on ice cream cone (fish shaped with your choice of filling). There are other locations closer to my home and I will definitely seek them out.
nex
such delicious taiyaki!! the pastry itself was very fluffy and just melted in my mouth, i got the matcha custard filling and it was perfect. i wish there was a little more filling but it was still good. the black seasame ice cream was nice and creamy, the flavor was perfect. i lived in japan for some time and i was craving something with the same taste as there, and this fulfilled it. i hope to come back again
Eleana May
First time trying Somi Somi at UTC, and it’s been so long! My friend invited me because she loves it. I got the cup with graham cracker crumbs, taiyaki (fish), and red bean plus with strawberry, so delicious! I could kiss it, it was totally worth it. They have outdoor tables and chairs, nothing for indoor seating. Plus, UTC is huge, so there’s plenty of space to roam around with your dessert.
Akshara Tarkas
One of the best Ube ice creams I’ve had. Ice-cream: The ice cream was yum and so was the cone and the overall ice cream. I got Ube ice cream, with Nutella filled cone and on top, biscoff biscuit crumbs, cocoa pieces and strawberry. The ice cream was yum though I’d recommend skipping biscoff bits as they did overpower the ice cream flavour. So I quickly ate them to devour the ice cream! Service: Quick and nice Ambience: Quite lovely. It was bustling when I went and still it was quick!
Ankita Aparajita
Exactly same quality across the locations,thank God they opened this one in utc,something to relish after shopping! My absolute favorite icecream store in San Diego,much recommended! Worth the calories and tastebuds
How to reach Somisomi
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Website: None
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 a celebration of unique, youthful joy through an innovative dessert experience that everyone can enjoy together. This Korean-inspired dessert spot is famous for its creative and delicious offerings like the taiyaki cone—a warm, fish-shaped waffle cone filled with custard or Nutella and topped with a variety of scrumptious soft-serve ice cream flavors. What makes Somisomi especially inviting is its blend of playful presentation and high-quality ingredients, encouraging shared delight and conversation among groups. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its visual appeal and interactive customization options, creates an engaging and memorable outing that goes beyond a typical dessert stop. Whether you are craving a sweet treat after dinner or seeking a fun weekend outing, Somisomi offers a perfect setting to connect, indulge, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, colorful environment designed for groups. The popularity and positive reviews demonstrate it as a must-visit for anyone looking to create joyful moments with friends or family while savoring innovative, tasty desserts.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at Somisomi?
While Somisomi is primarily a dessert shop, the activities here focus on culinary creativity and social enjoyment rather than traditional games or entertainment. Visitors get to actively participate in crafting their own perfect dessert, choosing from a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors like classic milk, ube, matcha, and black sesame. This allows each person in your group to customize their treat with fillings such as custard or Nutella inside the taiyaki cones and to add unlimited small toppings ranging from Oreos, macaroons, to fruity pebbles and fresh strawberries. The customization process sparks conversation and shared excitement as everyone compares their tasty creations. Additionally, the vibrant and trendy interior design with window bar seating and communal benches makes the experience social and casual, encouraging groups to linger, chat, and take photos. For those interested in food aesthetics, Somisomi offers an Instagram-worthy experience with its visually charming desserts serving as both entertainment and artistry. The act of waiting in line together and then watching your dessert being expertly crafted adds a layer of anticipation and group engagement that makes the visit feel like an event.
Why is Somisomi perfect for group meetups?
Somisomi’s welcoming space and unique menu make it an excellent choice for group meetups for several reasons. Firstly, their portion sizes and flexible menus accommodate both small groups and larger parties, allowing everyone to try multiple flavor combinations and share bites. The variety of options ensures that even picky eaters or those with dietary preferences can find something delightful, making it an inclusive choice for diverse groups. The modern layout includes long benches and bar seating that encourage social interaction and intimacy among friends and family. Moreover, the convenience of the ordering system—where you order at one counter and pick up your customized dessert at another—keeps the process smooth, avoiding long waits and allowing groups to focus on enjoying each other’s company. Additionally, Somisomi’s location in lively shopping centers often means parking and accessibility are straightforward, facilitating easy meetups. The playful and relaxed vibe of the venue encourages lingering, making it an ideal spot to extend the meetup with laughter, photos, and shared moments over sweet treats.
How does Somisomi create a unique dessert experience?
Somisomi stands out in the dessert market through its signature "ah-boong" taiyaki cones, a creative fusion of Korean and Japanese dessert traditions. Unlike traditional ice cream cones, the fish-shaped waffle is warm and filled, adding a delicious twist that combines textures and flavors in every bite. Guests can select from multiple soft-serve ice cream flavors that are not commonly found elsewhere, such as ube (purple yam) and black sesame, offering an exotic palate adventure. The personalization extends beyond just flavor — customers can choose customized fillings inside the waffle cone and add on an array of toppings that contribute texture and flavor contrast. This hands-on experience taps into the current trend of food customization enthusiasts seek, elevating a simple ice cream visit to an interactive and memorable meal. The attention to detail and the playful design make Somisomi’s desserts as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds, enhancing the overall sensory experience. This creativity fosters a sense of discovery and excitement for visitors, perfect for groups sharing new tastes together.
What should you expect regarding the atmosphere and service at Somisomi?
Somisomi offers a casual, youthful atmosphere that appeals broadly to families, young adults, and friend groups looking for a laid-back yet lively environment. The staff are generally described as friendly and efficient, with quick service even during busy times, though some reviews note occasional variability in cheerfulness. The setup with multiple counters for ordering and pickup streamlines the experience, reducing bottlenecks especially during peak hours. The interior typically features modern décor with plenty of seating that supports socializing among groups, including bar-style seats facing windows and communal tables that facilitate group conversations. Busy evenings can mean long lines, but the line moves fairly quickly thanks to efficient operations, and the wait adds to the anticipation of the unique desserts. Overall, the vibe is relaxed and fun, making it a pleasant place to hang out after dinner or during casual weekend outings. The popularity and consistent high ratings underscore the appeal of the atmosphere and customer experience as part of Somisomi’s charm.
What makes Somisomi's menu appealing to diverse tastes?
Somisomi’s menu is crafted to appeal to a wide spectrum of taste preferences through its variety of ice cream flavors, fillings, and toppings. Classic options like milk flavor ensure that traditional tastes are met, while exotic flavors such as ube and black sesame introduce guests to new and delightful sensations. The choice of fillings—custard or Nutella—caters to different sweetness and texture preferences, while toppings range from crunchy cookies to fruity sprinkle mixes, enabling endless customization. This versatility guarantees that each visitor, whether a dessert purist or an adventurous foodie, can create something special that suits their palate perfectly. Additionally, the option to combine two flavors in one cone opens the door to dynamic flavor pairings that encourage experimentation. This inclusive approach helps groups with varied tastes find common ground and share their creations, adding a collective joy to the experience. By keeping the playful and customizable nature at the center, Somisomi elevates dessert from a simple treat into an enjoyable culinary journey.
How accessible and convenient is Somisomi for group visits?
Somisomi’s location in well-trafficked shopping centers and neighborhoods like Koreatown in Los Angeles makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. It typically offers on-site parking and street parking options, though availability can vary during busy weekend nights. The straightforward ordering system and efficient service reduce waiting time, important when coordinating with a group. Seating arrangements accommodate varying group sizes, providing both intimate spots and communal seats to suit different meetups. The consistent hours, including late-night availability until around 10:30 p.m., make Somisomi a flexible destination suitable for after-dinner dessert runs or evening outings. The welcoming environment, coupled with easy access and the option to grab and go or sit and socialize, enhances its convenience for groups meeting up. Whether you plan a spontaneous visit or a planned celebration, Somisomi’s operational details support a smooth and enjoyable group experience.
What do customers say about their Somisomi experience?
Customers widely praise Somisomi for its innovative dessert concept, high-quality flavors, and friendly atmosphere, reflected in its strong 4.6-star rating across hundreds of reviews. Many highlight the taiyaki cone’s unique filling and the delicious soft-serve combinations as standout features that differentiate it from other ice cream shops. Reviewers frequently mention the fun of creating their own custom dessert and the playful, Instagrammable presentation that makes sharing on social media part of the experience. Though busy times can result in lines, most customers find the wait worthwhile due to the speed of service and the quality of the treats. The collaborative, casual vibe appeals to groups, families, and couples alike, making it a frequent recommendation for group outings. Some feedback has called for slight improvements in customer service friendliness or flavor intensity, but these are minor compared to the overall positive sentiment. This mix of excitement, quality, and social ambiance makes Somisomi a beloved dessert destination in the communities it serves.