Top 17 soups in San Diego
In the vibrant city of San Diego, soups have become a popular comfort food. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, soups in San Diego are crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. These bowls of warmth delight both visitors and locals alike, making soups in San Diego a must-try culinary experience.
- 1. Soup Du Jour
- 2. Noodles and Company
- 3. Lit'l Pepper Gourmet
- 4. Phở Point Loma & Grill
- 5. Phở Hòa
- 6. Pho Cow Cali
- 7. Tasty Noodle House
- 8. The Nood Bar
- 9. Phở Fifth Avenue
- 10. Panera Bread
- 11. Qin West Noodle
- 12. Shan Xi Magic Kitchen
- 13. Grater Grilled Cheese
- 14. Panera Bread
- 15. Rubicon Deli Mission Hills
- 16. Our Green Affair
- 17. Tender Greens
1. Soup Du Jour
Cozy atmosphere, Family-owned and operated, Support local businesses

The soup selection at this establishment is a popular choice, with several vegan options available for those with dietary restrictions. Customers consistently rave about the delicious and high-quality offerings.
In addition to the great food, the service at this establishment is highly praised. The staff are friendly, efficient, and accommodating, ensuring that each customer has a positive experience. They are also fully equipped with gloves and masks, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their customers in the current pandemic.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
2. Noodles and Company
Fast-casual restaurant with a focus on noodle dishes and soups from around the world, also offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Noodles & Company is a restaurant that offers a wide variety of options on their menu. One standout item is the Chicken Noodle Soup. This soup is highly recommended for its delicious and homemade taste.
The Chicken Noodle Soup from Noodles & Company is incredibly good and has lots of flavor. It's a great choice for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, this soup is sure to please.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Lit'l Pepper Gourmet
This cozy spot also offers a range of other delicious dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta, making it a great option for a casual lunch or dinner.

Customers often express fondness for the Chicken Tortilla Soup at various establishments. This soup is a popular choice among patrons, known for its delicious flavor and satisfying warmth.
Another customer favorite is the soup and sandwich combo. This combination offers a satisfying and well-rounded meal, with the soup providing a warm and comforting element and the sandwich adding a satisfying savory component. The pairing of a flavorful soup with a hearty sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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4. Phở Point Loma & Grill
Family-owned with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

On a brisk April day in San Diego, nothing compares to a hot bowl of pho to warm the body and soul. The pho establishment excels in creating a flavorful broth with a rich depth, subtly seasoned with star anise, and balanced by a squeeze of lime. While the protein portion is adequate, the speedy and amicable service enhances the overall dining experience, making it a place worth revisiting.
Craving Vietnamese cuisine but cannot travel to Asia? Midway in Point Loma is your solution, offering pho that rivals that of Vietnam and exceptional fried rice dishes. With over 25 years of experiencing Asian food, the reviewers highly recommend this spot to satisfy your cravings for authentic Vietnamese dishes.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
5. Phở Hòa
Family-owned restaurant with over 30 years of history

This restaurant is known for its authentic and delicious Pho. It keeps the menu simple, specializing in the Vietnamese noodle soup. The food is the main draw, making it a worthwhile visit.
The soups at this establishment are particularly noteworthy, with a rich and flavorful broth. The service is efficient, providing a quick and satisfying dining experience. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a hot and comforting meal.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Pho Cow Cali
Family-owned restaurant, Fresh ingredients, Traditional Vietnamese decor

Pho Cow Cali provides a delicious dining experience with flavorful dishes, including the standout Special Combination Pho. This dish is a must-try, featuring a hot and comforting soup with tender meat.
The Special Combination Pho at Pho Cow Cali is highly recommended for any pho lover. The soup is served in a large bowl, allowing you to fully enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The hot and soothing broth, along with the tender meat, makes this dish a satisfying choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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7. Tasty Noodle House
In addition to their soups, Tasty Noodle House also offers a wide variety of other Asian dishes, including stir-fries, noodle dishes, and rice dishes.

The hot and sour soup with pork was a standout dish, featuring a harmonious blend of spice and sourness. The pork was cooked to perfection, adding a savory element to the soup that made it even more satisfying.
In addition to the hot and sour soup, the beef noodle soup is a must-try dish. The broth is rich and full of flavor, creating a deeply satisfying soup experience. The beef is also a highlight, tender and juicy with every bite. Both soups are excellent choices for those seeking a warming and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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8. The Nood Bar
Offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, locally sourced ingredients

The broths at this establishment have received high praise, especially the milky pork broth and the Hong Kong style noodle soup. Both are highly flavorful and sought after by patrons. The pork broth is known for its rich, savory taste, while the Hong Kong style noodle soup is a favorite for its unique and delicious flavor.
In addition to the milky pork broth and Hong Kong style noodle soup, the Laksa Curry Noodle Soup is another popular choice. This soup stands out for its rich and spicy flavor, which is a result of the carefully crafted curry used in its preparation. The Laksa Curry Noodle Soup is a must-try for those who enjoy spicy dishes and are looking for something truly unique and delicious.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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9. Phở Fifth Avenue
Family-owned business, Authentic Vietnamese cuisine

The soups offered at this establishment are packed with flavor and the portions are more than satisfactory. The pho, in particular, stands out for its delicious taste and affordable price. Two bowls of pho and two beers cost only $23, making it an excellent value for the money.
Despite the tasty food, the atmosphere of the restaurant may not appeal to everyone. It is not specified what makes the ambiance unpleasant, but it is worth noting for those who are sensitive to their surroundings. However, the quality of the food and the reasonable prices may be enough to outweigh any issues with the atmosphere for some customers. Plans to return to the restaurant have already been made.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Panera Bread
Bread bowls available for soups, No added MSG

The author visited a Panera Bread location and ordered a soup/sandwich combo and a whole sandwich, which cost nearly $35. The service was mediocre and the kitchen area was messy. However, the food tasted good and was of the typical Panera Bread quality.
The author is a fan of Panera Bread and enjoys their bread cafe experience, including the fresh coffee and Asiago bread. They like this particular downtown San Diego location, although it is smaller than others. The location and welcoming environment are positive aspects. The author appreciated the free wi-fi and friendly service from Karina at the counter.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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11. Qin West Noodle
Authentic Chinese noodle house in San Diego

Kim P. praised the delicious and spicy wonton soup and cumin beef from a restaurant offering a diverse menu. This menu includes dumplings, noodle soups, and mapo tofu. Despite the tasty food, such as crispy dumplings and flavorful beef noodle soup, the overall experience may prove challenging.
Visitors may encounter impolite staff, congested waiting areas, and a shortage of conveniences like water cups. The atmosphere can be stressful despite the appealing food options available at the establishment.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
12. Shan Xi Magic Kitchen
Offers unique dishes from China's Shan Xi province, Casual and cozy atmosphere

Contemplating their next visit, the group admired the beautiful king filet soup on the menu. The current dish they ordered was stew pork with handmade noodles and bakchoi, priced at $7.99. The pork slice was pressed down to give the appearance of being larger, but it was slightly salty. This seasoning complemented the plain soup base, although the soup portion was insufficient.
The star of the menu, the king filet soup, caught their attention, but they had already ordered something different. Their second dish, stew pork with handmade noodles and bakchoi, cost $7.99. The pork was pressed down, making it appear larger in size, but had a salty taste that was still enjoyable. Unfortunately, the dish lacked enough soup to fully savor with the noodles, making them wish they had ordered extra.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
13. Grater Grilled Cheese
Uses artisanal cheeses and fresh ingredients

The tomato bisque stands out for its delicious and comforting flavor. Its rich and thick texture, combined with the right amount of seasoning, makes it a satisfying choice for a soup. The grilled cheese served alongside it complements the bisque perfectly, providing a balance of flavors that leaves you wanting more.
If you're looking for a must-try soup, the tomato bisque is an excellent choice. It pairs perfectly with the grilled cheese sandwich, which adds a satisfying crunch to the meal. The combination of the creamy bisque and crispy sandwich creates a delightful dining experience, making it a popular choice among customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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14. Panera Bread
Sustainable sourcing, Catering options available, Free Wi-Fi

The soup options at the establishment include broccoli and cheese, homestyle chicken noodle, turkey chili, onion soup, and tomato salad as a substitute. However, some customers have received incorrect orders or had to wait more than 30 minutes for their food. In terms of the author's personal experience, they enjoyed a clean and welcoming atmosphere with helpful and friendly staff. They opted for the bread-bowl with broccoli and cheese soup, which they found to be hot and delicious. Although they had hoped for a combination of turkey chili and broccoli/cheese soup, they understood the need to follow the rules.
Despite the minor hiccups with some orders, the food that the author received was served hot and tasted great. The broccoli and cheese soup in particular was a standout, with its hot and delicious flavor that made for a satisfying meal. Although the author was not able to try the turkey chili during this visit, they were pleased with their meal overall and appreciated the warm and inviting atmosphere of the establishment.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Weekend Dining
15. Rubicon Deli Mission Hills
This deli offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.

The soups at this establishment are always fresh and full of flavor. Two noteworthy options are the chicken noodle and tomato basil soups. The chicken noodle soup is a standout, with a hearty broth and tender chicken pieces.
If you're looking for something a little different, the tomato basil soup is a must-try. It is perfectly seasoned, with a rich and savory tomato flavor that is complemented by the aromatic addition of fresh basil. This soup is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with any of the sandwiches on the menu.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Our Green Affair
Uses organic and locally sourced ingredients, Offers vegan and gluten-free options

I recently visited a health food establishment, particularly to try their wraps. The wrap I ordered, Falafeling in Love, was not only delightful but also quite filling. The service was commendable, with the staff member quickly pointing out the vegan options and even providing a taste of their bean soup.
Rated 4.7 stars on Our Green Affair, this health food spot offers a variety of options from salad, soup, and even hummus. The place is known for their Hummus Where the Heart Is Salad or Bowl and Soy Chorizo Tomato Soup. They also serve a satisfying Kale Salad and Hot Chick Thai Me Up. Customers can choose their preferred dressing and iced tea to complement their healthy meals. The restaurant also offers take-out and no-contact delivery options for their customers' convenience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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17. Tender Greens
Seasonal ingredients, scratch-made stocks, and sustainable sourcing make Tender Greens soups stand out.

The Roasted Roma Tomato Soup is a standout dish that boasts a rich and robust flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal on a cool day. The soup is made from roasted Roma tomatoes, which give it a deep, caramelized flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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