Imperial Express in San Diego, CA

4.3(266)San Diego, CA
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Solid choice

Rated 4.3 stars based on 266 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Families
  • Quick meals
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

San Diego, CA • 4.3★
Imperial Express: Your San Diego, California Chinese Buffet Destination. Savor the taste of Asia at this popular Chinese buffet in the heart of San Diego, California. With a 4.3-star rating based on 266 reviews, Imperial Express has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences. From amazing customer service to mouth-watering dishes, every aspect of this restaurant shines. Enjoy big portions for the price, and don't miss out on the orange chicken, which is truly next level. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Imperial Express is the perfect spot to indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet. With convenient options like parking and dine-in, takeout, and food service options, you can enjoy a delicious meal at your own pace.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages.
Address
1879 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113, USA, San Ysidro, San Diego, California
Phone
(619) 338-8388
Today
10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Rating
4.3 (266 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

💰Great value for families

Generous portions at reasonable prices

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

✨Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

🍽️Dine-in available

Eat in the restaurant

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

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

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Amenities

Available facilities and features
Good For GroupsGood For KidsTV AvailableDogs AllowedCurbside Pickup

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
Noise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Parking

Parking is available for customers.

Reviews

266 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

What is the payment method accepted at Imperial Express?

Imperial Express is cash only, with an ATM available in a nearby food shop.

How is the service at Imperial Express?

The service at Imperial Express is generally friendly and fast, with many customers praising the staff's kindness and efficiency.

Is the food at Imperial Express delicious?

Many customers have reported that the food at Imperial Express is delicious, with some stating that it's the best Chinese food in San Diego.

What is the portion size like at Imperial Express?

Some customers have reported that the portion sizes are small, while others have stated that they serve big portions.

Is Imperial Express a good value for the price?

Some customers have reported that Imperial Express is a good value for the price, while others have stated that it's not worth the cost.

Is the food at Imperial Express fresh?

Some customers have reported that the food is not always fresh, with one customer claiming to have gotten Salmonella from the orange chicken.

Is Imperial Express family-friendly?

Yes, Imperial Express is family-friendly, with one customer stating that it's a great place to bring the family.

Is Imperial Express clean?

Some customers have reported that Imperial Express is not always clean, with one customer stating that it was not clean during their visit.

Show 4 more questions

Are there any health concerns at Imperial Express?

Yes, some customers have reported health concerns, including a vermin infestation and foodborne illness.

Can I order online at Imperial Express?

No, Imperial Express does not offer online ordering.

Can I dine in at Imperial Express?

Yes, Imperial Express offers dine-in options, but some customers have reported that it can be hot inside the restaurant.

Is Imperial Express kid-friendly?

Yes, Imperial Express is kid-friendly, with some customers bringing their families to the restaurant.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

39 places nearby (arts & culture, food, government, services, recreation)

Museums & galleries

Bread & Salt

Arts Centre

~940 ft
Website
Art Hub

Art

2151 Logan Avenue

~0.3 mi
Website
Art Hub

Art

2151 Logan Avenue

~0.3 mi
Website
Villa Montezuma Museum

Museum

1925 K Street

~0.5 mi
Website

Restaurants

Las Cuatro Milpas

Restaurant

1857 Logan Avenue

~230 ft
Crab City Cajun Seafood & Bar

Restaurant

1985 National Avenue

~580 ftMo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Su 11:00-22:00
+1-619-795-0779Website
Tocumbo

Restaurant

~870 ft
Hayes Burger

Fast Food

2060 Logan Avenue

~0.2 miWe-Su 11:00-20:00
Website
La Fachada

Restaurant

20 25th Street

~0.4 miMo-Th,Su 07:00-02:00; Fr-Sa 07:00-03:00
+1-619-236-8566Website
Fish Guts

Restaurant

2222 Logan Avenue

~0.4 miMo-Tu off; We-Fr 12:00-21:00; Sa-Su 12:00-18:00
+1-619-888-0081Website
El Paisa Fresh Mexican Grill

Restaurant

2494 Imperial Avenue

~0.4 mi

Cafes & Coffee

Ryan Bros

Cafe

~970 ft
Cafe Virtuoso

Cafe

1616 National Avenue

~0.3 mi
Website
Cafe X: By Any Beans Necessary

Cafe

1835 Imperial Avenue

~0.4 miFr-Su 07:00-15:00
+1-619-537-6632Website
Cafe Moto

Cafe

2619 National Avenue

~0.6 miMo-Fr 06:00-15:00; Sa-Su 09:00-18:00
+1-619-239-6686Website

Bars & Pubs

Thorn

Bar

~980 ft
Border X Brewing

Bar

2181 Logan Avenue

~0.4 miSu 10:00-20:00; Mo-Th 14:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-23:00
+1-619-501-0503Website
Jaguar Paw

Bar

2185 1/2 Logan Avenue

~0.4 miMo,Su off; Tu-Th 17:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-24:00
+1-619-310-6349Website

Grocery & Markets

Northgate Market

Supermarket

1950 Main Street

~0.2 mi
Amart

Convenience

~0.6 mi

Postal services

Mailbox

Letter Box

~0.3 mi

Public facilities

Primo

Drinking Water

~0.5 mi

Government offices

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administrtation

Government

1839 Terminal Street

~0.5 mi
Website

Other services

Transit Store

Ticket

100A Trolley Plz

~0.6 miMo-Fr 08:00-17:00
+1 619 234 1060Website

Parks & amenities

Picnic area

Picnic Table

~0.5 mi
Picnic area

Picnic Table

~0.5 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.5 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.5 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.5 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.5 mi

Places of worship

Calvary Baptist Church

Place Of Worship

719 Cesar E Chavez Parkway

~790 ft
Outreach for Christ Church

Place Of Worship

~0.2 mi
Spiritual Temple Manantial

Place Of Worship

~0.3 mi
Ministerios Llamada Final

Place Of Worship

~0.4 mi
Temple of Christ Church

Place Of Worship

~0.5 mi
Masjidul Taqwa San Diego

Place Of Worship

2575 Imperial Avenue

~0.5 mi
+1-619-239-6738Website

Sports & outdoor

Memos Barrio Bike Shop

Bicycle

2190 National Ave.

~0.4 miMo-Fr 12:00-18:00; Sa 12:00-16:00
+1-619-831-3927Website

Parking facilities

Parking facility

Parking

~930 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi