Din Tai Fung

We celebrated my wife’s birthday here. Except for the wait time, everything else was great. It was our first time visiting and each dish was an adventure. The servers were quite nice and accommodating. The menu is straightforward especially with the digital version that has all the info and pictures. Drinks were also tasty and playful👌. Highly recommend. A potential tip would just to add yourself to the online waitlist about 3 hours ahead of the time you want to visit and you should be good to go

This Taiwanese restaurant is very popular, so be prepared for a long wait! They don’t take reservations, but you can sign up for the waiting list either at the store or online. The usual wait time is a couple of hours, but since it’s located in a shopping mall, I recommend signing up and exploring the mall while you wait. One of the highlights is the dumpling-making show—you can watch the chefs prepare dumplings through a big clear window, which adds to the experience. I tried the soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and they were excellent—juicy and flavorful. The fried rice, however, could have used a bit more salt and pepper. As for the noodles, I had a minced beef one this time, but I’m curious to try the spicy version next time. Overall, it’s a great spot for authentic Taiwanese food, just make sure you plan ahead for the wait!

Kind of hidden in a big mall in La Jolla is a world class Taiwanese dumpling spot. First off make a reservation or be prepared to wait. We visited on a Thursday afternoon at 3pm, not a normal dinner time, and the wait was still 45 mins. The staff is very friendly and quick. This place is both quality and volume. Lots of great food to lots of people fast. You order off a menu where you write the quantity of what you select and turn it into your waiter. The food was all very well balanced and flavorful. The soup dumplings are their claim to fame and are spectacular. Truly a must try if you come here. The restaurant was very clean given the volume of people that come here. The only issue is the food might be a little more mild to please the most amount of people possible compared to other Taiwanese food I have had. Truly a well oiled machine of a restaurant with great food.

We tried many plates at Din Tai Fung in San Diego, but the taste was quite ordinary—nothing special. However, I’m giving a five-star review for the excellent service and atmosphere. The manager, Angeline, was absolutely amazing. She treated everyone so well, making sure all the guests felt welcomed and taken care of. Her kindness and professionalism truly stood out and made the experience memorable. The service and Angeline’s exceptional hospitality are what made this visit special.

Din Tai Fung at Westfield UTC is a dining experience like no other! Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting beautiful San Diego, this place is a must-try. It truly has a cult following, and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance and energy make it feel special. If you’re looking for amazing service, a unique experience, and incredible food, you need to join the many loyal fans of this restaurant. The service here is top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and works hard to ensure your experience is flawless. Watching the chefs prepare the famous soup dumplings behind the glass window adds a fun and interactive element to the visit. It’s a level of attention to detail that makes you feel like you’re part of something truly special. The food is, of course, the star of the show. Every dish is packed with flavor, perfectly prepared, and beautifully presented. The soup dumplings are an absolute must-try—they’re worth every bit of the hype. From appetizers to desserts, everything is crafted with care and precision, making it a meal to remember. The only downside is the wait, even with a reservation. This place is always busy, so even with your name on the list, you’ll likely have to wait a bit. That said, the experience and food are well worth it. Whether you’re a San Diego native or just passing through, Din Tai Fung is an unforgettable spot at UTC!