Panda Express in San Diego

“I usually go to La Mesa or spring valley panda but this one is by my job so I go to all 3 locations. ELMA works for la mesa panda and mira mesa location, I was so EXCITED to see her at this location. She goes above and beyond for customers and shes always so sweet and happy and makes sure to always greet everyone with her good energy and beautiful smile. Also want to say I LOVE FANNIE I hope I spelled that correctly she worked at the la mesa, El Cajon and now spring valley location. She is a ROCKSTAR!“

“I don’t usually rate fast food but ai had to on this one.
Priscilla and Raffiel were great! Friendly and really welcoming unlike the “WELCOME” that’s yelled at you when you enter. That is the opposite of welcoming. The dining area was clean with good music.“

“Staff members were friendly. Excellent service but please make sure to check the order because I ordered a bigger plate with white rice, orange chicken, beef broccoli, and mushroom chicken. All i got was white rice, mushroom chicken beef broccoli but no orange chicken all i got in the small container was another mushroom chicken. Please make sure that the customers order is correct.“

“This is my neighbor store and this is a 5-star review to the employees who are always welcoming and warm. They will friendly remake your order if they are wrong, make it fresh if you are late for a pickup, be just always ready to serve the customers well. I really appreciate them all. Even when it’s busy and chaotic they really keep it together! I love coming to a place with familiar faces!“

“I could come here every day... One week I ate here four times in a week... Its becoming a problem, I think Panda Express is my addiction. Its REALLY busy around noon but the line moves fast. Its Panda Express, you should know what to expect, and its exactly what you expect.“

“Its panda express they are all the same
Parking here is nightmare. Most spots a compact. I have been trapped in parking space and to enter the car thru the back hatch. Hate the parking lot. Have taken to parking on the street overland street“

“I really do appreciate good customer service, but the young woman behind the counter went above and beyond. She not only suggested I add their app to my iPhone to get a 20% discount, but patiently helped me do it when I was fumbling with the process. She saw as sweet as can be, and unfortunately I did not catch her name. I return to that’s spot at least once a month for a lunch break while at work in the La Jolla area. With excellent customer service and food, why wouldn’t I?“

“I'm very much a Panda Express enthusiast. I appreciated how they were willing to give me a sample piece of a particular food I wanted to try, in addition to my order. In this day and age, certain Panda Expresses (like the one in Escondido, CA- for instance) have actually declined my inquiry for a sample of a certain food (in addition to my purchase.) I think it is important to honor the customer's request, especially if they are already spending money. I have always looked forward to my Panda Express samples over the years, and I appreciate this location for honoring that. ♡♡
Food was also very hot, fresh, and of a good quantity.“

“First, Am SO SO glad that this Panda Express location had the plant based Orange Chicken. Didn't have it when i got there about an hour before closing. But they cooked some fresh for me and am SO THANKFUL for that. Also, the young man who took my order was super friendly. I could see that that owner or boss was there and he was an involved owner/boss who made sure things got done ! I was even given a free drink for my patience while waiting !“

“We placed two large orders from Panda Express at Mission Valley Mall, and the food was fresh, delicious, and a big hit with our team! When our second order was unexpectedly “cancelled” by the delivery company, I contacted the restaurant directly, and they were amazing. Sandra went above and beyond to make sure our order could still be processed and even gave us the chance to make updates—on what was clearly a very busy night for them. Outstanding customer service and great food. Our new favorite team meal spot!“

“Had an issue with my oder a month ago. Live too far to retun, so I called and spoke with an employee EFRAIN. Told me to save my receipt, and when I happen to be around this area, stop by for a replacement. Today I remembered I had a replacement meal. Why not get it honored. Somehow, whomever informed me to retun that my name would be in a book. Just show the receipt someone would help me. It wasn't, I looked like a fool asking for handouts 🤣. That's not true... But Ms.Angie help me out and noticed either me being frustrated or embarrassed. Didn't want the whole order to be replaced. Just the few items to make it even. Thanks Ms.Angie for providing great customer service and making things right.“

“I normally don't eat out at fast food Chinese restaurants due to the poor quality of the food.

However, I was pleasantly surprised today for a more pleasant experience at this Panda Express location on the Naval Base. We ordered the Family meal that was more than enough for 4 hungry people with extras to bring home. Sahar helped our family with providing 3 freshly prepared dishes upon request. We didn't mind the 15 min wait.

She was incredibly attentive and respectful in her communication and honoring us as though we were the most important customers she was serving.

The teriyaki chicken was prepared without the sauce which we asked for. The beef broccoli was perfectly made with bright green colorful broccoli that were delicious. The Kung Pow Chicken could have used much less sauce in order to enjoy the flavors of the veggies and chicken.

Overall, we enjoyed the good food and delightful service. Thank you Sahar for your attentiveness and beautiful smile.“

“The mystic poets tell us that the wound is where the light enters you. They say what you seek is seeking you, but the only thing hunting me in this city is a sprawling, indifferent void.

I come out into the night when my spirit is completely fractured, not to find grace, but to actively hide from the righteous path of God.

Then I step up to the glass at this outdoor Panda Express. I don't ask for a recommendation. I dictate the terms. I demand the alchemy of the half-and-half, a precise, masterfully engineered 50/50 division of fried rice and chow mein. The foundational bedrock of the universe.

Then, I stand there in sheer, unadulterated awe as they load a monstrous, gravity-defying payload of teriyaki chicken, followed by the faint, aggressive sizzle of the Kung Pao.
The styrofoam container slides across the counter. Heavy. Dense.

I retreat to an outdoor metal table in the dark, crack the spork out of the wrapper, and take the hit. Instantly, my entire detached, stoic facade violently shatters. I am no longer a numb wanderer hiding from the divine; I am a biological anomaly, buckled over the table, involuntarily moaning with every single bite. The sheer mass of the teriyaki and the fiery snap of the peanut crunch completely rewire my circuitry. It’s guttural. It’s embarrassing. The mathematical perfection of the noodles and rice is so absolute that I am literally gasping for air between mouthfuls.

Then comes the aftermath.

You tear the plastic wrapper of the fortune cookie. It’s an algorithmic prophecy baked in a factory thousands of miles away, but out here in the dark, it hits the frontal lobe like ancient, profound scripture. It acts as a synthetic memory implanted right into the psyche, completely hijacking the mind and temporarily tricking you into believing there is a grand design, a narrative arc to this endless, sprawling simulation.

Why do we wander this pale, exhausted world? To feel something real, even if it's engineered in a wok and printed on a tiny strip of paper. You look out at the passing headlights cutting through the night, a baseline of MSG and dark soy running hot through your veins.

I don't care if the warmth is manufactured. I don't care if none of it is authentic. I’m just going to sit here at this metal table in the dark, staring blankly at the neon reflections on the pavement, cells interlinked within cells interlinked, weeping and moaning over this Kung Pao until they finally power down the grid.“

“I had an outstanding experience at Panda Express in Mission Valley that truly deserves recognition.

I placed a catering order and, honestly, expected a long wait due to how busy the restaurant was—there were many guests ahead of me, and I had prepared myself to wait up to two hours. However, within just 45 minutes, my order was ready.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the level of care from the team. Melissa noticed me waiting at one of the tables, took the initiative to ask for my name, and immediately reached out to the store manager, Oscar, to check on my order. That kind of attentiveness is rare and deeply appreciated.

From there, the team quickly mobilized, and it was impressive to see how efficiently and professionally they worked together to get everything prepared.

I want to sincerely commend Melissa, Oscar, and the entire staff for their outstanding service, teamwork, and dedication—especially during such a busy time. This is the kind of experience that keeps customers coming back.

Thank you all for going above and beyond.“

“This is obviously one of the most attractive place to eat in the area. Anytime I visit this place I am very happy. They always keep their very high level service and the topmost level of meals they serve. You always win with this restaurant. Warmly recommended.“

“i actually love this place, i honestly understand the workers when they don’t seem the happiest but that area isn’t easy to work with. the food always taste good, you ask for fresh food and they got you. tbh they messed up my order once, but i went back and they were more than happy to fix the issue. this is my go to spot for everything but area!“

“Shoutout to Yesenia — ever since she took over, the quality here has noticeably improved. Bringing Anthony on board was a great decision too; he’s always welcoming and kind. I really appreciate you all. And I think Yesenia knows I enjoy a good meal, because she always makes sure my plate is spot on!”“

“The food was delicious 😋 as always 😋 The service was as fast as they can😊sometimes, we have to wait for the food to be cooked 😊programming the cooking could be improved 😊as to not make people wait to long for their orders 😊This place will always be one of my favorite places to get food 😀“

“Online orders only at this location.
The irl ordering line never progresses because they prioritize app-orders. Like my food will be made and ready and I’ll be waiting to pay for 5 minutes while they pack 5-10 online orders ahead of me.

Still great value, but you need to be ordering on the app or you will have a bad experience here.“

“The staff weren't rude nor overly friendly. The chow Mein was very oily but edible in a pinch. Spring rolls were Luke warm but about what is expected at an airport location. Overall it was an acceptable experience while on a layover in San Diego. Also, not a bad view of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot across the tarmac.“