Tom's Chinese BBQ

Restaurant $ 4.3 (113)


Tom's Chinese BBQ is known for its high-quality roast duck and authentic Cantonese BBQ offerings. Patrons rave about the flavorful dishes like BBQ pork and dim sum, often describing the food as some of the best in San Diego. The service is friendly and efficient, although the atmosphere can feel a bit basic due to the hole-in-the-wall setting. Overall, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for authenticity in its cuisine.

Overall:

4.6

(102 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.7

Atmosphere:

4.0

Service:

4.4


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (619) 563-8225

Address: 4414 University Ave # A, San Diego, CA 92105, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Simply put, if you want excellent Chinese BBQ in San Diego, you need to check out Tom's! I show up every few weeks and order their roast duck; it always comes with a generous portion and the flavor is exceptional. The service is always quick, and the ladies there are incredibly nice. Parking can be tricky on busy days, so be mindful of that. It's not the fanciest spot, but it's by far worth it for the food! " (*Curated Review*)

" I stumbled upon Tom's while looking for a quick bite. It did not disappoint! My favorite has to be the sesame buns – they are just divine! The staff was quick to help me choose between the many options available. The only challenge is finding parking - the area gets a bit crowded. I appreciate the reasonable prices for the quality of food offered. If you're not into taking chances with new places, you can count on Tom's for flavorful, authentic Cantonese food. " (*Curated Review*)

" Hands down, this is the best spot for BBQ pork and duck. Every time I visit, I’m surprised at how friendly the staff are, even when they are busy. I appreciate the facility’s cleanliness and that they have maintained consistent food quality through the years. My only caution would be to make sure you go early as they often sell out of certain dishes, especially the duck. I think this char siu is really special - full of flavor and tenderness! " (*Curated Review*)

" Every time I come here, I am amazed by how tasty everything is! The BBQ pork always has a perfect char and flavor. The ladies at the counter are genuinely lovely and provide quick service each time I visit. It’s a bit tricky to find parking, but don't let that deter you! I would say their prices are quite affordable for the quality offered. I always leave with a smile on my face, looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

" Tom's Chinese BBQ is iconic! The first time I went, I was blown away by their roast duck. I've had duck from various places, but theirs has a perfect balance of sweet and savory! The BBQ pork is also one of my favorites! The only downside is the limited seating and the parking situation, but with food this good, it’s worth the minor hassle. I also appreciate how quickly they serve you. You can literally pop in, grab your food, and head out! I always leave satisfied and will keep recommending this hidden gem! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (92)

" I went to Tom's with a friend after hearing great things about their BBQ. I ordered the BBQ pork and was a bit disappointed as it was drier than expected. However, the duck was wonderful! I think the staff genuinely care about your experience and are super friendly. Although parking is a nightmare, I think the quality of the food makes up for any inconvenience. I’d probably visit again but might try different dishes next time. " (*Curated Review*)

" Tom's BBQ has been my go-to for reliable Chinese food. The roast duck is consistently juicy and flavorful every time! The staff is helpful and accommodating, making the whole experience enjoyable. The place is small with limited seating, but most of the time, I just get my food to-go. One heads up, they are cash-only, so make sure to prepare beforehand. Overall, it's a great spot to visit regularly for quick, tasty bites. " (*Curated Review*)

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