Our Expert's Take
Formoosa stands out in San Diego's vibrant dining scene not only for its inviting ambiance but also for its focused menu that prioritizes quality over quantity. The intimate bar area fosters a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual diners and those looking for a romantic evening out.
The enthusiastic reviews reflect the restaurant's commitment to customer satisfaction and culinary excellence. With a rating of 4.7, it’s clear that diners appreciate the attention to detail in both food and service. Formoosa is a gem worth visiting for anyone looking to explore San Diego's culinary offerings.
At a Glance
Pros
- Cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for casual dining or special occasions.
- Highly rated menu that showcases quality ingredients and flavors.
- Friendly service enhances the overall dining experience.
Cons
- Limited menu options may not cater to all dietary preferences.
- The bar-centric layout might feel crowded during peak hours.
What Diners Are Saying
"Couldn’t decide what to eat, so we turned to Yelp and found this spot with great reviews and I’m so glad we gave it a try. It’s a cozy place, with most of the space taken up by the bar, giving it a laid-back, intimate vibe. The menu is small but thoughtful, and everything we ordered felt intentional and well-prepared. We were greeted and seated right away, which set the tone for a smooth experience. The food lived up to its descriptions. I especially loved the scallion pancakes..they were fluffier than what I’ve had at other places, which was a pleasant surprise. The sesame wontons had a bold sesame flavor, which I personally loved (definitely one for sesame fans!). The beef roll was a hit for me..tender beef paired with crisp cucumber and a touch of sweetness. My husband wasn’t a fan of the fresh cucumber or the sweet notes, but I appreciated the balance of textures and flavors. I’d definitely come back to try more from the menu. It’s a spot worth revisiting. Props to James and Brandon for friendly service!"- Francelina Nichols
"I’ve been thinking to try this place for a long time, but actually my husband chose to dine at here for dinner because they offer hard drinks as an authentic Asian restaurant. We ordered beef wrap, like a beef burrito, a braised beef noodle soup and a cucumber salad. Everything tastes good and especially I love the beef noodle because they have giant chunks of beef in it and the soup is delicious. The only down side is everything tastes sweet, I hope they can make a little less sweet. The atmosphere is nice and service is good and fast. But their wall is kinda dirty, hope they can clean it."- LULU LIVE Art
"Had the beef rolls, pork over noodles, and Taiwanese beef noodles minus the noodles. Total comfort food. Authentic flavors, generous servings, fantastic service. Both Bella and Brandon checked in often and provided cheery and great service. Good vibes, great music, not your traditional Chinese restaurant. Well done!"- Sharon
"The Beef noodle soup tastes like the ones we had in Taiwan. The star anise is not that strong. I really enjoyed it a lot. Popcorn chicken tastes authentic, too! Definitely coming back of I am craving for some Taiwanese food."- Pamela Rose Mancio
"Really solid spot for Taiwanese food. The portions were huge — come hungry! Everything we ordered tasted great, and the drinks were super refreshing too. Service was on point — Brandon and James took great care of us. Friendly, quick, and made the whole experience smooth. Definitely a place I’d come back to."- Thompson Wong
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is street parking available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during busy times.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is casual; feel free to come as you are!
What is the best dish to try?
Many guests rave about the seasonal specials, so ask your server for recommendations!