San Diego Zoo is one of our only currently open major attractions thanks to the fact that most of its operations are outside. Because I offer discount San Diego Zoo tickets, one frequently asked question I’m receiving lately is whether San Diego Zoo restaurants are open, too.
The answer is yes, you can buy food and drinks to keep you fueled for a fun day of exploring exhibits. However, it’s not quite yet the same as when operations are fully functional. Rest assured that as conditions change, I’ll update this post. We’re members.
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Should I Eat at San Diego Zoo?
Yes, if your budget permits! We’re in difficult times, for sure, but I like to remind visitors that San Diego Zoo Global is a nonprofit organization that helps save animal species worldwide.
This means that every dollar you spend in the Zoo goes of course to overhead and animal care, but to conservation as well. That’s it and they need our help now more than ever.
What to Know About Casual Dining Outlets — Some Are Open
If you’re the type to study menus and where to eat prior to arriving at attractions, you should know this.
Whether or not casual dining locations are open currently depends on attendance levels. What this means is that there are plenty of casual dining options open, but on any given day which ones are open can change.
If open, they’ll provide take-out or socially-distanced outdoor seating. Limited menu options are on offer and subject to change at any time.
Normally, I would tell you to check the app on the day of your visit but it is temporarily unavailable likely due to the ever-changing environment we’re in. If you need to know which San Diego Zoo restaurants are open, your best bet is to call the General Inquiries number at 619-231-1515.
Albert’s Restaurant Is Always Open
Location: Lost Forest
Type: Restaurant Dining
One place where you can enjoy a lovely dining experience on any day is at the signature San Diego Zoo restaurant — Albert’s.
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Ancho Crispy Chicken Sandwich -
French Toast -
Fish Tacos
During any time or season, I would tell you to make a reservation at Albert’s Restaurant in San Diego Zoo if time permits. When I know our visit overlaps lunch and time permits, I like to sit on the patio here which has a little waterfall.
Many people visit San Diego only to experience San Diego Zoo so what I like to point out is that Albert’s serves our top regional dish — the fish taco!
As a San Diego resident, I’ve eaten plenty of fish tacos and can say that the ones served here are pretty good. Especially paired with a local craft beer, a craft cocktail from the full bar, or in my case recently a Chardonnay. Another notable entree includes the delectable Albert’s Ancho-Dusted Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Albert’s offers full-service dining and is the only San Diego Zoo dining outlet to do so. You can also join for a lovely brunch where the French Toast is very popular.
Make reservations through OpenTable.
Reserve a TableCasual Dining that Might Be Open
I think the best strategy is to focus on enjoying your day at the Zoo. In fact, that’s what we did for many years until I figured out where I or kids liked to eat.
Keep an eye out for some of these places. They’re mentioned here because they fulfill a need (open early or popular snacks to look for) or have been mostly open.
There is a long list of options not mentioned that you can check here.
San Diego Zoo Sandwich Company
Location: Front Street
Type: Casual Dining
It’s not guaranteed to be open, but San Diego Zoo Sandwich Company is USUALLY the only casual dining outlet open early in the morning, starting at 8:30 a.m. during normal times. Yes, this is before the Zoo opens to the public but, when operational, some tours start at 8:30 a.m. It’s also right next to the entrance.
Here, you can find counter-order coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and salads. If you need an early bite, check to see if it’s open. One of the signature sandwiches is curried chicken on naan but they also have standard deli sandwiches like Italian torpedos and even grilled cheese or kids’ meals.
Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip
Location: Front Street (near the exit so a nice stop on the way out)
Type: Quick Bites
Fingers crossed it’s open when you go because if you like cookies, this is your spot.
I’ve been baking Nestle Toll House cookies since I was about 9 years old. Needless to say, I love them still to this day. A delicious opportunity to sample perfectly-baked cookies is in the San Diego Zoo Kids store on Front Street.
This is conveniently near the exit so if the kids aren’t ready to leave, perhaps mention that they can pick up a fun cookie for the road though it is obviously dangerously close to souvenirs they might ask you for. The gourmet coffee drinks are pretty good, too.
Sabertooth Grill
Location: Elephant Odyssey
Type: Casual Dining
If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal at Albert’s, then Sabertooth Grill is the next best choice. This cafeteria-style spot offers California cuisine that includes salads, wraps, local beer, and some pretty good bowls. It may not be open but if it is, plan your lunch here.
Hua Mei Cafe
Location: Asian Passage
Type: Casual Dining
Hua Mei Cafe has been mostly open and it’s named after the first panda born outside of the United States. Through collaborative work between Chinese and American scientists, Hua Mei was born at San Diego Zoo in 1999 and the world watched her grow up on the panda cam. I remember the red banners rolling down with her name on her 100-day birthday (which is traditionally the day you name panda cubs) — I still have the documentary on VHS.
Hua Mei relocated to the Wolong panda reserve in 2004, which we visited before the Chengdu earthquake. The San Diego Zoo giant pandas all returned to China but the Hua Mei Cafe remains and kids like to eat here. It’s Americanized-Chinese food mostly but you can order a burger. The most popular dish by far is Orange Chicken. There’s also a little ice cream spot here and a panda-centric gift shop.
Tip: Red pandas still live in the Lost Forest and they are adorable.
Kettle Corn
Location: Discovery Outpost
Type: Quick Bites
This is where the good stuff awaits. If you need a quick pick-me-up during your Zoo visit, Kettle Corn in a variety of flavors found here is a guest hit. You can also order a churro, Icee, or local draft beer.
It’s on the way to the Children’s Zoo (which is still under construction) and Skyfari Aerial Tram near the Reptile House so perhaps avert young eyes if you’re not ready for them to ask for sugar.
San Diego Zoo Food Policy Allows You to BYO
Yes, you can bring outside food into the San Diego Zoo. Large coolers are not permitted but you can bring your own small coolers, snacks, and items to eat.
Basically, if you can carry it on your person (or in a stroller), it’s okay. If you have dietary restrictions, consider bringing your own food (more on this below).
Leave the glass, alcohol, and straws at home. Straws in the Zoo are a big no-no for animal safety reasons, which is also why you need to be extra careful to avoid dropping wrappers and other litter. You’re visiting San Diego Zoo with kids who need a straw, sippy cup and water bottles with straws attached to the lids are okay. I cover this and more in my San Diego Zoo tips post.
What About Food Allergies and Dietary Preferences?
Vegetarian options are available at Albert’s and all casual dining San Diego Zoo restaurants. If you have ingredient or gluten sensitivities, you can request an ingredient list.
However, one of the reasons why you are allowed to bring your own food to San Diego Zoo is because as a nonprofit, they do not have the ability to customize dishes according to dietary restrictions at the time of ordering. And, remember that right now menus are more limited than they normally are.
Albert’s Restaurant menu items are marked vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. If you have food allergies, they ask that you alert your server, as here they can moderately customize dishes to taste and preferences.
The bottom line is that if you do have food allergies that make navigating around a set menu difficult, plan to eat at Albert’s or bring in your own food.
What Restaurants Are Near San Diego Zoo?
San Diego Zoo is adjacent to Balboa Park where there are several other popular places to eat. You can check my list Balboa Park restaurants but my favorites are the Tea Pavilion and Panama 66 which both offer patio dining.
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