Panda Imperial Restaurant in Chula Vista, CA

4.4(530)Chula Vista, CA
Under the Radar
CallDirectionsWebsite
Solid choice

Rated 4.4 stars based on 530 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Families
  • Large groups
  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals

Not ideal for

  • Romantic dinners
  • Quiet atmosphere

At a glance

Chula Vista, CA • 4.4★
Panda Imperial Restaurant, a renowned Chinese buffet destination in Chula Vista, California, offers an unparalleled dining experience. With a 4.4-star rating based on 530 reviews, this esteemed eatery has earned the trust of local food enthusiasts. Savor the rich flavors of expertly prepared dishes, all made possible by the restaurant's commitment to serving the freshest ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely lunch or a delightful dinner, Panda Imperial Restaurant has something for everyone. Enjoy the convenience of all-you-can-eat options, serves Lunch, and serves Dinner, making it an ideal choice for families, friends, and colleagues alike. Visit pandaimperialcv.com to discover the magic of Panda Imperial Restaurant for yourself.

Good to know

  • Panda Imperial Restaurant has a listed address in Chula Vista, CA, so visitors can confirm the exact location before going.
  • The page includes a 4.4-star rating from 530 reviews.
  • Hours are listed on the page; verify current hours before making a special trip.
  • Website and phone details are available for checking current menu, hours, or availability.
  • Photos are available on the page to help preview the restaurant before visiting.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
1208 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911, USA, Chula Vista Bayfront, Chula Vista, California
Phone
(619) 422-3388
Today
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Rating
4.4 (530 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

💰Great value for families

Generous portions at reasonable prices

✨Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

🍺Alcohol served

Beer, wine, and cocktails available

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

Signature Dishes

4 popular dishes mentioned by diners

Top picks

Food×3

Also mentioned

DishesPortion SizeService

Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.

Not the Fastest

Score 27/100 · 2 positive signals
Quick bite score27/100
Speed signals
0/30
Grab-and-go
0/25
Budget-friendly
7/20
Time commitment
15/15
Convenience
5/10

What works

  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Ideal for quick meals

Keep in mind

  • No takeout option

Scored from service speed, takeout options, pricing, meal format, and lunch availability.

Trusted Rating

👍 4.4 weighted · 530 reviews
4.4weighted · raw 4.4 from 530 reviews
Trusted
Review volume vs. city median530 / 472 median
02,360 (Rock Solid threshold)
Rating spread on Yelp
5★
4★
3★
2★
1★

Relative share of Yelp ratings by star — bar length shows how ratings skew, not exact counts.

The trusted rating blends this place’s raw score (4.4) with the city average (4.31) using a Bayesian formula. Places with fewer reviews are pulled toward the city mean; places with 2360+ reviews carry their rating at nearly full weight.

Photos

1 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Amenities

Available facilities and features
TV AvailableGood For GroupsGood For KidsWaiter ServiceLimited vegetarian optionsWheelchair accessible

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualGood for groupsGood for kidsNoise: Noise level

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservationsCateringOutdoor Seating

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Parking

Parking is available for customers.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Business Accepts Credit Cards

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
none

Popular Dishes

16 dishes reviewers mention most
  • Salted Pepper Chicken Wings$21.1520 mentions
  • Orange Chicken$16.5018 mentions
  • Egg Rolls$6.7516 mentions
  • Creamy Walnut Shrimp$25.4014 mentions
  • BBQ Pork With Tofu$21.9512 mentions
  • Kung Pao Chicken$16.5011 mentions
  • House Lo Mein$16.257 mentions
  • Garlic Chicken$19.407 mentions
  • House Special Noodles$16.256 mentions
  • Mongolian Beef$16.406 mentions
  • Salted Pepper Fish Fillet$23.005 mentions
  • Sweet & Sour Pork$15.705 mentions
  • Almond Chicken$15.605 mentions
  • Salted Pepper Pork Chop$22.454 mentions
  • House Wor Wonton$18.153 mentions
  • Sweet & Sour Chicken$15.703 mentions

Dishes most frequently mentioned in Yelp reviews.

Full Menu

92 items with prices
  • L1. Chicken Chop Suey$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L2. Chicken in Black Bean Sauce$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L3. Sweet & Sour Pork$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup, egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L3. Sweet & Sour Chicken$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup, egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L4. Szechuan Beef$13.60

    Spicy.

  • L5. Beef With Broccoli$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup, egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L6. Almond Chicken$13.60

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L10. Mongolian Beef$14.80

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L11. Lemon Chicken$14.80

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L12. Orange Chicken$14.80

    Served spicy.

  • L16. Cantonese Chicken$14.80

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L18. Curry Chicken$14.80

    Served spicy.

  • L18. Curry Beef$14.80

    Served spicy.

  • L19. Shrimp in Lobster Sauce$14.80

    Served with egg flower soup egg roll and regular fried rice or steamed rice.

  • L23. Beef Chow Fun$14.80

    With gravy.

  • L24. Chicken Wings in Spicy Salt$14.80

    Chicken wings seasoned with spicy salt. Served with a choice of fried or steamed rice.

  • L25. Kung Pao Squid$14.80

    Served spicy.

  • L25. Kung Pao Chicken$14.80

    Served spicy.

  • BBQ Spareribs$16.75

    Succulent bbq spare ribs, slow-cooked to .perfection.

  • Po Po Platter$19.10

    Minimum two person.

  • Tofu with Spicy Salt$12.95

    Served spicy.

  • Egg Rolls (2 Pieces)$4.75

    Two pieces of egg rolls, deep-fried and typically filled with a mixture of vegetables and meat, wrapped in a crispy wheat flour skin..

  • Fried Hot Peppers (3 Pieces)$3.50

    Served spicy.

  • Hot & Sour Soup$15.45

    Served spicy.

Menu sourced from Yelp; items and prices may change.

Reviews

530 reviews

Customer highlights

  • Customers have left 530 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 stars.
  • Positive review text points to fresh food, value, service, and cleanliness.
  • Recent positive review text gives this page enough customer detail to compare it with nearby buffet options.

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

Is the food at Panda Imperial Restaurant delicious?

Many customers have praised the food as 'delicious' and 'flavorful', with one customer taking a picture of the egg drop soup to reference its size.

Is the food at Panda Imperial Restaurant made fresh?

One customer stated that 'everything is made fresh nothing sitting under a light or on a warmer', indicating a focus on freshness.

Is the service at Panda Imperial Restaurant good?

One customer mentioned that 'the waitress was very nice', but another customer had a negative experience with a waitress commenting on their lack of tip.

Is the food at Panda Imperial Restaurant greasy?

One customer mentioned that the food is 'not super greasy', implying that the restaurant prioritizes cooking methods that minimize grease.

Is Panda Imperial Restaurant clean?

One customer praised the 'spotless cleanliness of the restrooms', suggesting that the restaurant prioritizes cleanliness.

Is Panda Imperial Restaurant worth the price?

One customer stated that 'it's a little pricey but its all worth it for really good well-seasoned food', indicating that the quality of the food justifies the price.

Can I get takeout from Panda Imperial Restaurant?

One customer mentioned that they walked in to pick up their takeout order, suggesting that takeout is an available option.

How long does it take to pick up takeout from Panda Imperial Restaurant?

One customer reported that they were 'in and out within 2 minutes' when picking up their takeout order.

Show 4 more questions

How is the portion size at Panda Imperial Restaurant?

One customer mentioned that 'the portions were generous', indicating that the restaurant serves sizable portions.

Will I receive good service if I don't tip at Panda Imperial Restaurant?

One customer had a negative experience when they didn't tip, with the waitress commenting on it, suggesting that the staff may not be understanding of no-tip policies.

Are the dishes at Panda Imperial Restaurant well-seasoned?

One customer mentioned that the food is 'really good well-seasoned', suggesting that the restaurant prioritizes seasoning.

Is Panda Imperial Restaurant a must-visit destination?

One customer stated that Panda Imperial is 'a must-visit destination' due to its exceptional food and clean environment.

🏘️Suburban Center

A well-connected suburban area with a solid mix of dining, shopping, and services.

A well-connected suburban area with a solid mix of dining, shopping, and services.

Food & Dining
15
Utilities & Infrastructure
5
Retail & Shopping
4
Financial Services
4
Miscellaneous Services
4
Government & Public Services
4

53 nearby places across 12 categories

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

54 places nearby (finance, food, government, healthcare, services)

Banking

Navy Federal Credit Union

Atm

~0.2 mi
U.S. Bank

Bank

~0.3 mi
Mexican Union

Bank

555 Oxford Street

~0.6 mi

Money services

Checks Cashed

Money Lender

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi

Restaurants

Burger King

Fast Food

1265 Third Avenue

~810 ftMo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-20:00
+1 619-737-5652Website
Wienerschnitzel

Fast Food

~0.2 mi
Pizza Hut

Restaurant

~0.2 mi
Papa John's

Fast Food

1085 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi11:00-23:00
+1 619-734-7272Website
Zappy Pizza

Fast Food

~0.4 mi
Subway

Fast Food

1364 3rd Avenue

~0.4 mi08:00-21:00
+1 619-476-1120Website
Teriyaki Express

Restaurant

~0.4 mi
Rally's

Fast Food

~0.5 mi
Jack in the Box

Fast Food

1408 3rd Avenue

~0.5 mi24/7
+1 619-420-3902Website
Restaurant

Restaurant

555 Oxford Street

~0.6 mi

Bars & Pubs

Bar

Bar

~0.3 mi
Mjs Bar and Grill

Bar

~0.6 mi
Orange Liquor

Alcohol

1445 3rd Avenue

~0.6 mi

Bakeries & Desserts

Los Pollos Cuban Bakery

Bakery

~0.4 mi

Grocery & Markets

Optimart

Convenience

~0.6 mi

Postal services

Mailbox

Letter Box

~170 ft
Rancho Del Rey Post Office

Post Office

~270 ft
Castle Park Post Office

Post Office

~590 ft

Waste management

Waste disposal

Waste Disposal

~0.3 mi

Hospitals & clinics

Mohammed K. Elsayed Family Medicine

Clinic

~470 ftMo-Fr 09:00-13:00,15:00-17:00

Specialists

Naples Dental

Dentist

1072 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
+1-619-425-5323Website

Pharmacy & medical supplies

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

~0.4 mi

Other services

Flower Connection

Florist

1220 3rd Avenue

~140 ft
+1-619-426-1341
Fresh and Clean Laundry

Laundry

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
Vacant

Vacant

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
Laundry

Laundry

~0.4 mi

Beauty & spa

Diva Nails

Beauty

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
Kolorflow Beauty Salon

Beauty

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi

Hair services

Gomez Barber Shop

Hairdresser

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
Hair salon

Hairdresser

~0.4 mi

Employment & recruitment

Precise Personnel

Employment Agency

1072 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi
+1-619-349-0365

Financial & accounting services

Jackson Hewitt

Tax Advisor

1090 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi

Places of worship

Life Christian Center

Place Of Worship

~250 ft
International Christian Center

Place Of Worship

1236 3rd Avenue

~340 ft
Spanish Faith Center

Place Of Worship

~0.5 mi
Place of worship

Place Of Worship

555 Oxford Street

~0.6 mi

General retail

dd's Discounts

Department Store

~0.3 mi
99¢ Plus

Variety Store

~0.4 mi
Dollar Tree

Variety Store

~0.4 mi
Ross

Department Store

1030 3rd Avenue

~0.4 miMo-Th 09:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 08:30-23:30; Su 09:00-22:30
+1 619-691-1013Website

Social facilities & assisted living

Birthline of San Diego County

Social Facility

1220 3rd Avenue

~150 ftMo-Fr 09:00-12:00; Tu 13:00-17:00,08:30-12:00; Sa[2] 09:00-12:00; Dec 15-Jan 5 off
+1 619-425-5012

Gyms & fitness centers

Chuze Fitness

Fitness Centre

1030 3rd Avenue

~0.5 mi

Vehicle parts & accessories

AutoZone

Car Parts

~0.3 mi
Website

Vehicle services

Compressed air station

Compressed Air

~0.3 mi
Car wash

Car Wash

~0.6 mi

Fuel & charging stations

Top Fuel

Fuel

1295 3rd Avenue

~0.2 mi
El Gallo Petrol

Fuel

1328 3rd Avenue

~0.3 mi24/7
Chevron

Fuel

~0.6 mi

Other utilities

Vending machine

Vending Machine

~0.3 mi
Vending machine

Vending Machine

~0.4 mi