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Welcome to The Noble Chef

At The Noble Chef, the heart of Chinese cuisine beats strong, nestled in a cozy space on Balboa Avenue. This beloved eatery specializes in exquisite Cantonese dishes, prepared with authenticity and served family-style, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Customers rave about favorites like the fried soft tofu and the crispy pork belly, with many returning for the outstanding corn and West Lake soups. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and commitment to quality results in an unforgettable dining experience. Whether dining in or enjoying takeout, The Noble Chef is a gem that never disappoints.

The Noble Chef: Reviews & Ratings

Mei T.
Mei T.

Always a family favorite when we have special occasions to celebrate and want an excellent Chinese meal served family style! One of my nieces is addicted to the Corn Soup and her sister loves the West Lake Soup, so we always have to order both soups EVERYTIME we come here! We've never ordered something that we didn't like. Some of my personal favorites: west lake soup, fried soft tofu with mushrooms, salt & pepper chicken wings, soy sauce noodles, clams with basil, and spicy eggplant. Service is always excellent, and complimentary dessert is served at the end of the meal. The restaurant is not very large, but they do have some tables for large parties of 10. If you have a large party, I recommend that you make a reservation in advance!

Robin W.
Robin W.

Authentic Chinese. Great service. Good meal for a great price! Worth the wait which was about 20 minutes (I think we got lucky). Okay wine selection. Portions are family style and extremely flavorful.

Uyen N.
Uyen N.

Delicious food! I especially loved the pork chop Peking style. So tender and soft. I will def be craving it soon!

Samantha D.
Samantha D.

Noble Chef is a great place for solid Cantonese food. I feel it's on par with Eastern Dynasty except I feel like Eastern Dynasty might have a more expensive menu. The menu here does not come with pictures or any frills, so for someone who is not familiar with Cantonese food I'd suggest looking at the Yelp photos to help choose dishes. Honestly everything is delicious, I've eaten at Noble Chef more than a handful of times and my parties have chosen different dishes every time and its been an amazing experience. This time we ordered the Combo BBQ plate with Pork Belly and Duck, Black Bean Clams, Honey Walnut Prawns, Garlic Choy Sum (veggies), and the House Noodles which came with an assortment of meats in it like chicken, cha siu, cuddle fish, etc. These 5 dishes were enough for a party of 5. The Pork Belly was crispy, the duck was fatty and delicious, and both came with dipping sauces. The Black Bean Clams were pretty delicious, it came on a bed of bell peppers and onions. The Honey Walnut Prawns were on point, it came on a bed of lettuce. I was super impressed by the sheer amount of Choy Sum (veggies) we got, I honestly think that was the biggest mound I've ever gotten at any Canto restaurant!! The House Noodles was a solid pick for chow mien too, we were given the option to have it dry or wet with gravy. We opted for dry and I guess it's like a mixed bag for meats because it came with one piece of various proteins. All in all delicious meal. I've been coming here for years but I'm surprised this is my first time reviewing. Highly recommend this small Cantonese joint!

Billy P.
Billy P.

Oh my god??? How have I never heard of this place before... Tucked away in a plaza slightly off of the "main street" of convoy (at least, that's how I see it), The Noble Chef is a tiny shop specializing in Chinese cuisine. The store itself is really small, but don't let that fool you. The food here packs a MIGHTY punch. I'm not sure you can go wrong with anything you order here. The only downside is that long wait times to get seated that they have during dinner rush. Outside of that their food comes out fast, fresh, and delicious!

Nell C.
Nell C.

Cantonese style food reminded me of my childhood. Upon entering, hanging duck in the window looked delicious. Ambiance was nostalgic. The restaurant may hold about 90 ppl tops and wait times can be long but it is worth it. Wait time about 15mins. We order a variety of delicious dishes for two. Spicy fried Salt and Pepper chicken wings (4pc) Sautéed Green Beans in Garlic Assorted Seafood with Tofu Clay Pot Hai Nan Chicken (half order) We needed a Togo box but I'm glad I got to experience the food. One downside that I would comment on is the Clay Pot, the tofu and seafood marinate was over salted. The prices here are on the pricier side but I thought the food was prepared well. The waiters are very attentive and friendly. I look forward to my return and bringing other family and friends to experience.

Siu M.
Siu M.

Finally getting to try some dishes I haven't tried before. We already dug into these before I took the photos, oops. Steamed chicken with chinese herbs- pieces of chicken (some with bone) steamed with red date, goji berries, dong gwai?, on top of a lotus leaf. I was really looking forward to the lotus leaf scent but it was very faint. The chicken was super tender though! Sauteed pork large intestine with ginger and onions- so fatty and delicious and so much wok hei 鑊氣!This wok hei is definitely the chef's strength. Mustard greens 芥菜, ham and oyster sauce - for some reason chinese parents really like this, claiming it's "good for you." It's always been a bitter dish and I was really hoping the chef would change my mind, but no. It's still bitter and I still have not learned to appreciate this They did give us free dessert at the end as usual, mung bean tapioca sweet soup. It's always this one, and it's never hot enough for some reason. Maybe that's why it's free?

Michiko L.
Michiko L.

Although the service could have been a bit friendlier, I loved my Cantonese duck. My dining partner thought his Beef Chow Fun with Brown Sauce was just okay. The egg rolls were served piping hot and were pretty tasty. The tea was complimentary, as was the warm dessert soup (non-Asians may find it a bit odd...it has beans in it). Prices are on the higher side for Chinese. Rice to accompany dishes had an upcharge. Lovely chopsticks; prettiest I have ever seen at a restaurant. I liked that the waitress packed up our leftovers for us. Recyclable plastic containers. Plenty of parking. CLOSED TUESDAYS.

Location

Welcome to The Noble Chef, where authentic Chinese cuisine meets the comfort of a casual dining experience. Nestled in the heart of San Diego at 6159 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111, this unassuming gem is renowned for its flavorful dishes and family-style dining. The restaurant effortlessly combines traditional Cantonese flavors with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved choice for both locals and those celebrating special occasions.

  • Dining Experience: The atmosphere at The Noble Chef is casual yet vibrant, ideal for groups, families, and casual diners alike. With a moderate noise level and outdoor seating options, it provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying delectable meals in good company.
  • Reservations: Given its popularity, especially during dinner hours, making a reservation is highly recommended, particularly for larger parties.
  • Signature Dishes: Guests rave about standout options such as the Corn Soup, West Lake Soup, and the mouthwatering Fried Soft Tofu with Mushrooms. Be sure not to miss the Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings and Honey Walnut Prawns, which consistently earn high praises.
  • Highlights of the Menu: The menu features a range of dishes that cater to various palates, including vegan offerings and limited vegetarian options. Dishes like the Combo BBQ Plate featuring Pork Belly and Duck, alongside the Black Bean Clams, make for an unforgettable meal.
  • Service: Customers frequently commend the attentive service, which enhances the overall dining experience. Plus, complimentary desserts served at the end of your meal are a delightful bonus!

The Noble Chef is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about embracing the rich flavors of Cantonese cuisine in a friendly setting. Whether it's for a quick lunch, a leisurely dinner, or a weekend celebration, their offerings ensure that every meal is memorable. And don’t forget, if you’re keen on soaking in the atmosphere during your visit, their covered outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying your meal al fresco.

In summary, The Noble Chef stands out for its commitment to quality and flavor, all wrapped in a cozy culinary package. So the next time you're in the mood for delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, make your way to this wonderful spot that promises to leave your taste buds dancing with joy!