Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego

Amazing First Visit – Warm, Memorable, and Exceptional! We visited HaiDiLao in San Diego for the first time, and it left us with an incredibly warm and impressive experience! The food was fresh and delicious, the service was attentive and thoughtful, and the environment was clean and cozy—everything made us feel right at home. What truly stood out was the exceptionally caring service, which we’ll never forget. We’ll definitely be back! A special thank you to Dena, our San Diego graduate server, for her professional and heartwarming service—she truly made our visit extra special. And big thanks to Paul at the entrance for his humor and welcoming vibe—you both added so much joy to our meal! Thank you, HaiDiLao San Diego, for such a wonderful dining experience!

We visited Haidilao Chinese Hotpot early in the day, and while it wasn't too busy yet, there were still 4-5 tables occupied. I’ve been to this location twice before—once in the evening, where I encountered a long wait and had to order drinks at the bar. So, I decided to come early this time to avoid the crowds. I loved everything my colleagues ordered, and it was the perfect day for hotpot given the rainy weather! The staff were friendly and helpful, which enhanced our experience. The restaurant itself is convenient, clean, and beautifully decorated. While it is a bit pricey, the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. I think it's worth it to visit once in a while for a treat!

Such a unique experience and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire hot pot experience. We were accompanied by someone who had previously eaten here so that helped us maneuver the menu and process. The Golden Chicken Soup and Tomato Soup Base were excellent choices to start. We accompanied the soups with Premium Fatty Beef Brisket, Pork Belly, and mixed vegetable platter. All excellent choices. Do not forget to order the Haidilao Dancing Noodle to complete the experience. All goes great with the House Sake. Highly recommend this experience and food.

We signed up for the waitlist on Yelp and waited a few minutes to get seated. I wasn’t familiar with the different soup bases and found the spicy ones to be quite oily, almost half the soup was oil! The tomato base was better, but still oilier than I had hoped. The food quality was good, but a bit pricey. The sauce and snack bar could offer more options. And the dessert selection was a bit disappointing. It was worth trying tho! I enjoyed the dining experience overall.

As someone from China, I’ve enjoyed Haidilao for years, and I’m delighted to say the San Diego location delivers the same exceptional quality and service that has made it a gold standard back home. The service here is incredible—attentive, thoughtful, and always a step ahead of your needs. From helping you perfect your dipping sauces to offering warm towels and small extras, every detail is handled with care, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. The food is exactly what you’d expect from Haidilao: rich, flavorful broths and a wide variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients that cater to all tastes. Whether you love spicy or mild, there’s something here for everyone. The buffet-style fruit bar is a highlight, offering fresh, juicy options that are perfect for cleansing your palate or wrapping up the meal. For anyone craving authentic hot pot, Haidilao in San Diego delivers the same outstanding experience as their locations in China. It’s a must-visit for hot pot lovers!