Here are the hottest Best food at san diego zoo topics edited and compiled by us
What’s the very best restaurant inside San Diego Zoo? It’s a hidden fine-dining eatery. Uncover what to order there, the costs, and what’s good on the different 26 zoo consuming locations too. That approach, irrespective of your funds you’ll eat properly.
One of the best meals at San Diego Zoo is at Albert’s Restaurant. It’s an unexpectedly good nice eating expertise. The various menu consists of each day chef’s specials, vegan & gluten-free decisions & full bar. The secluded location, stunning outside patio & waterfall makes it common for big day meals.

Under you’ll discover extra explanation why Albert’s Restaurant is price it. When you don’t need to spend further time or cash on connoisseur eating there are 25 extra eateries to select from. Learn on for why you’d need to eat at every of them, what’s good the place, and what it prices to eat at San Diego Zoo.
NOTE: Costs are topic to vary with out discover. I do my greatest to maintain up, however I don’t dwell there. Properly, not on a regular basis…
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Table of Contents
Why is Albert’s Restaurant the Greatest Place to Eat on the San Diego Zoo?
Albert’s Restaurant is billed as “San Diego’s Wildest Dining Experience”. And it’s shocking to seek out such scrumptious meals and revolutionary mixtures at a zoo. It additionally has a full bar. The ambiance is uniquely great. It’s such as you’re eating in your personal secret treehouse getaway, full with a personal outside patio and waterfall.
This can be a common restaurant for particular events like birthdays, anniversaries and romantic wedding ceremony proposals. It’s a good suggestion to make reservations utilizing Open Desk as a result of it fills up shortly, particularly on weekends and holidays. When you’ve received greater than 10 folks in your get together name 619-685-3200
The wait workers could be very useful with food and drinks solutions. They can even offer you good ideas concerning the actions on the zoo that day or night.
Ask for a seat on the surface patio. You’ll be shocked on the reasonable noise stage contemplating the variety of folks eating there and the splashing of the waterfall. I believe that’s as a result of a lot of the sound is absorbed by the plush landscaping.
One downside is that Albert’s Restaurant doesn’t have heaters on the patio. If it’s chilly or raining exterior you’ll need to sit indoors. However even in case you’re sitting inside, the views are great. There are massive home windows all through the restaurant that supply views of the waterfall and all of the greenery surrounding this restaurant.
What’s on Albert’s Restaurant menu?
This San Diego Zoo eatery has one thing for everybody. There are salads, small appetizer plates, sandwiches, tacos & different Mexican meals, seafood, a youngsters’s menu (Cub Menu), and desserts. There’s additionally a Weekend Brunch that’s served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to midday. The brunch options delicious egg dishes, superb Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, and bottomless mimosas.
Let your server find out about any allergy symptoms or meals sensitivities. They’re comfortable that will help you along with your menu decisions. There are tasty menu gadgets for vegetarians. And there are additionally a couple of gluten-free gadgets. Nonetheless, the meals just isn’t ready in a gluten-free kitchen.
What’s the very best meals at Albert’s Restaurant?
Greatest Appetizers:
- Tacky-Garlic bread is a favourite. Parmesan, mozzarella cheeses, herbs, and chili flakes. It additionally has two sorts of garlic butter, black and roasted. Crunchy garlic chips. French nation fashion bread and sundried tomato pesto. It’s tacky, garlicky goodness.
- Additionally scrumptious is their Heirloom Tomato Basil Bisque topped with parmesan cheese, asiago cheese croutons and basil pesto.
Salad: Go for the traditional Chef’s Caesar Salad. Add rooster or shrimp to make it a filling entree.
Greatest Entrees:
- Albert’s Ancho-Dusted Crispy Rooster Sandwich with kale slaw and beer-battered fries.
- Beer-Battered Recent Fish Tacos are a staple right here. They’re made out of fish recent caught off the San Diego coast topped with cabbage, pickled purple onions, radishes, and guajillo chili-lime crema sauce. The corn tortillas are additionally made regionally at La Princessa in Barrio Logan. On the aspect, there’s a cup of black beans topped with goat cheese.
Dessert: Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae – This conventional ice cream sundae is large enough for 2. It’s topped with a fudgerific chocolate sauce, house-made caramel, assorted berries, and a sprinkle of chocolate-covered crispy rice bits.
Albert’s Restaurant Menu Costs
Right here’s a hyperlink to Albert’s Restaurant web page. Scroll down to seek out the Menu icons. They’ve the food and drinks gadgets and the present costs listed there.
The costs at Albert’s are about common for San Diego nice eating. Entrees are $15 to $30. The child’s menu is $12.
To avoid wasting a bit of cash, try Albert’s Weekend Brunch. It takes place each Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (midday). Final time that I checked the value was $18 for entrees.
5 Suggestions for Consuming Properly at San Diego Zoo
Regardless that Albert’s Restaurant has the very best meals on the Zoo, generally it’s not a sensible choice. A leisurely meal there is senseless in case you’ve received restricted time or are on a funds.
However that doesn’t imply which you could’t take pleasure in consuming on the Zoo. You simply must know what meals is greatest at which of the Zoo’s eateries and hold the next ideas in thoughts:
- Discover out in case your selection of eating places can be open. Name 619-231-1515 to substantiate. Lots of the smaller venues don’t open besides on weekends or throughout peak attendance intervals.
- Get the Zoo app that will help you shortly find the closest meals throughout the Zoo. The app’s accessible for each Apple and Android.
- Apple iOS obtain right here.
- Android obtain right here.
- Settle for that the meals’s costly. That is the most typical criticism about the entire Zoo’s eateries. It’s true. However the revenue isn’t going in the direction of lining some CEO’s pockets. Contemplate the additional that you just pay as doing all your half to finish extinction.
- You’ll be able to deliver meals into the Zoo and lower your expenses. However no coolers, straws, glass bottles or alcohol allowed. Spend your money on a particular deal with that you just can’t deliver into the park, like ice cream, a freshly made dessert, particular espresso or craft beer.
- One other approach to avoid wasting money on the Zoo is to make use of one in every of many reliable San Diego Zoo admission reductions. I’ve discovered 31 of them and put them on this web page. I assure that you’ll discover one which works for you.
- Reside on the Zoo – actually, the animals get the very best meals. They’ve all received customized, personalized diets. They get fabulous room service with leisure by a devoted workers. May you ask for extra?
Okay, I used to be kidding with #5. Now let’s discuss what’s good at San Diego Zoo in meals locations aside from Albert’s. What’s particular about every consuming venue and meals worth ranges.
If you wish to plan your day additional, learn my web page on that are the very best animal reveals and sights on the San Diego Zoo.
What’s Greatest on the Different San Diego Zoo Eateries?

Sabertooth Mexican Grill – 2nd Greatest San Diego Zoo Meals Spot
Menu: California-Mex fashion burritos, tacos, nachos, taquitos, wraps, salads, ice cream, craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Children meals. Vegetarian.
What’s the very best on the Sabertooth Grill menu? Get the Household Nacho & Taquitos Meal Deal. It simply serves 4 to six folks, particularly in case you’ve received youngsters with you. You get your selection of carne asada or pollo asado with 2 servings of nachos, 8 beef taquitos, and 4 24 oz. sodas. The nachos are massive and sloppy; a layer of corn chips, shredded cheese, a soup scoop of chili, and sliced jalapenos.
Price:
- Entrees: $8 to $18
- Child’s meal: $10 (with memento bag and cup)
Location: Elephant Odyssey
Opens: 10:30 AM
Why do folks prefer to eat at Sabertooth Mexican Grill? You’ll be able to’t beat watching the elephants out of your desk within the shade. And that makes this an ideal spot to take a lunch break in case you’re planning your San Diego Zoo itinerary.
Kiddos will take pleasure in climbing on the saber-tooth tiger statue and working across the legs of the extremely tall, (and fortuitously extinct) short-faced cave bear. The bogs listed below are essentially the most spacious and trendy on the Zoo. It’s halfway via the Zoo and a fantastic place to take a meal break.

San Diego Sandwich Co.
Menu: Informal eating breakfast and lunch. Sandwiches, soups, salads & ice cream. Children meals. Vegetarian.
What’s greatest on the San Diego Sandwich Co. menu? For breakfast strive the sausage, egg & cheese sandwich, or the bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. Each are served on an English muffin or bagel. You’ll be able to add hash browns and bacon for small further charges.
For lunch, there are 3 totally different salads and seven kinds of sandwiches. The Turkey and Wheat sandwich has a good quantity of sliced turkey inside. And there’s additionally a cranberry aioli unfold. It’s prefer it’s the day after Thanksgiving every single day!
I’m a carnivore, however I like the Vegetarian Signature Sandwich. It’s brie cheese, artichokes, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions plus a savory mayo (possibly aioli??) on a sourdough roll. How might you go fallacious with this? They’d me at brie.
You’ll be able to have your sandwich served heat and toasted in case you ask for it.
Price:
- Breakfast entrees: $6 to $9
- Lunch entrees: $10 to $15
- Children meal: $10 consists of zoo memento bag and cup
Location: Entrance Road. Simply contained in the Zoo’s entrance off to the correct.
Why eat on the San Diego Sandwich Firm?
Individuals eat right here principally as a result of it’s handy. The situation is near the doorway and the Guided Tour Bus cease. And it has each inside and outside patio seating.
It’s additionally one of many few Zoo eateries that serve breakfast. It opens at 8:30 AM which provides you loads of time to take pleasure in a stable meal after which see the parrots fly. Breakfast gadgets are served till 11 AM. Then they begin lunch service.

Entrance Road Candy Shack
Menu: Do some severe carb-loading right here. Donut burgers, fried rooster and waffles, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and a tasty number of tender buttermilk rooster strips. Plus sundaes, floats, shakes, cones, and different dessert-like treats.
What’s greatest on the Entrance Road Candy Shack menu? Go for the Monte Cristo. When you’ve not eaten one, give it a strive. It’s a brioche bread sandwich with ham and gruyere cheese filling. Then they crispy fry it in egg batter. Sprinkling powdered sugar and a drizzle of raspberry sauce put it excessive. It comes with a big portion of curly fries.
The servers on the Entrance Road Candy Shack stated that the preferred gadgets are rooster strips with fries plates. There are 3 differing types: Smokehouse BBQ, Nashville Sizzling, and Thai Chili. They’re all served with curly fries.
Price:
- Entrees: $17 to $20
- Desserts: $6 to $15
- Children meal: $10
Location: Throughout the plaza from the Reptile home and near the Kids’s Zoo.
Why select to eat on the Entrance Road Candy Shack? It has a pleasant, secluded patio with loads of shaded seating within the morning. It may get a bit scorching within the late afternoon as a result of it’s on the east aspect of Entrance road.

Safari Kitchen
Menu: Burgers, rooster sandwiches, rooster strips, loaded tater tots, vegetarian burgers, and children’ meals.
What’s greatest on the menu at Safari Kitchen? The Honey Sriracha Rooster Sandwiches have a pleasant candy/scorching chunk and the breaded rooster is under no circumstances greasy. Generally that you must add a little bit of salt to the fries, however that’s higher than having to brush off the surplus, proper?
The preferred merchandise at Safari Kitchen on the San Diego Zoo is the Bacon Cheeseburger. This two-fisted sandwich is a messy handful. It has Angus beef, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a heap of fries.
Price:
- Lunch entrees: $10 to $15
- Child’s meal: $10 (with memento bag and cup)
Location: Entrance Road. Tucked away within the greenery by the doorway to the Monkey Path.
Opens: 10 AM
Why do folks select Safari Kitchen? It’s near the Monkey path so it makes an excellent place to gas up in case you’re attending to the Zoo in mid-morning. It stays cool throughout the late afternoon as a result of it’s shaded by some very tall timber on its western aspect. Draw back? It may be noisy due to its location near the flamingos.

Boardwalk Beer Backyard
Menu: Regionally brewed craft beer, wine & zoo cocktails. Snacks like an Italian sandwich, pretzel canines, and stuffed pretzels.
What’s greatest on the menu at Boardwalk Beer Backyard? The beer choice is first rate and the glass measurement is beneficiant. They’ve 8 native brews on faucet. Additionally they have beer flights simply in case you may’t make up your thoughts.
The Charcuterie and Cheese Plate is your greatest meals possibility. The assemblage additionally comprises fruits and crackers. It may simply feed 2, probably 3 folks, particularly in case you’re filling your abdomen with a mug of chilly hoppiness.
Price:
- Alcohol drinks: $11 to $15
- Different drinks: $5 to $14
- Meals: $6 to $16
Location: Outback
Opens: Summertime within the afternoon.
Why do folks eat at Boardwalk Beer Backyard? It’s often uncrowded on the tables behind the serving stand. There’s loads of shade and umbrellas that will help you calm down on scorching days. There’s additionally a stage right here the place you and your youngsters can watch Dr. Zoolittle and Mates.

Sydney’s Grill
Menu: BBQ, burgers, rooster sandwiches, salads, ice cream, craft beer, margaritas. Children meals. Vegetarian.
What’s greatest on the menu at Sydney’s Grill? The BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are filling and large enough for two or 3. In order for you one thing a bit lighter, go for the Charcuterie and Cheese Plate. Its received quite a lot of meats and savory cheeses, fruits of the season, dried cranberries, crackers, and a regionally sourced honey stick.
Price:
- Lunch entrees: $11 to $18
- Child’s meal: $10 (with memento bag & cup)
Location: Outback
Opens: 10:30 AM Mon-Fri. 10:00 AM Sat & Solar.
Why do folks eat at Sydney’s Grill? It’s near giraffes and koalas. And generally there are acrobats and particular exhibits on the again patio. A number of the Zoo’s most uncrowded restrooms are additionally situated there on the way in which to the giraffes.
Entrance patio seating can get extremely popular within the summertime. Take your meals into the again patio, there’s loads of shade there.

Hua Mei Caf Cafè
This eatery was named for Hua Mei who was the primary US-born large panda cub to outlive. She was born in 1999 and went on to have cubs of her personal. For a few years she was the furry matriarch of the zoo. The black and white celebrities returned to China in Spring 2019. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless worthwhile exploring this space as a result of the awwww-inducing Pink Pandas are nonetheless climbing their approach into folks’s hearts.
Menu: Asian meal alternatives, burgers, grilled rooster sandwiches, ice cream. Children meals. Vegetarian. Gluten-free alternatives.
What’s the very best meals at Hua Mei Cafè? Get the Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger in case you’re not counting energy. The sriracha bourbon glaze wakes your mouth up with some warmth. And the applewood bacon hits you with extra candy/smoky goodness. It’s a sloppy burger. Top off on napkins. Or simply sop up the additional sauce along with your fries.
For a more healthy selection, choose the Teriyaki Rooster. It’s made with smoked rooster, which I didn’t anticipate. My veggies had been crispy. And since I didn’t eat the included rice it was virtually keto!
Price:
- Entrees: $12+
- Children meals: $10 (with memento bag and cup)
Location: Asian Passage
Opens: 10:30 AM
Why choose the Hua Mei Cafè? It’s midway via the Zoo. There’s loads of tables with shade umbrellas. Within the late afternoon, the seating behind the Panda Store is cooler due to all of the tall timber on the west aspect of the consuming space. There are additionally clear restrooms there.
Hua Mei Cones

Menu: Surprisingly scrumptious dessert store. Attempt one of many Tremendous Sundaes just like the Cookie Crumble and the Cinnamon Churro. One of the best on a scorching day!
Price:
- Sundaes: $9
- Cones: $6
- Floats: $7

Lagoon Terrace
Menu: Private-sized pizzas, meatball sandwiches, wraps, craft beers, Children’ meals. Vegetarian choices. Household Meal Deal (however the one at Treetops is healthier).
What’s the very best meals on the Lagoon Terrace menu? Pizza, pizza, pizza. The Household Meal Deal right here comes with 3 totally different pies and 4 24 ozfountain drinks. You may get the cheese pizza to your youngest who thinks placing the rest on prime of a pizza is against the law towards nature. Order a veggie for your loved ones herbivore. And deal with your carnivores and omnivores with a meat-lovers or supreme with every part
Price:
- Entrees: $12+
- Child’s meal: $10 (comes with memento bag and cup)
Location: On Entrance Road subsequent to the San Diego Zoo Sandwich Firm.
Opens: 11 AM
Why do folks eat at Lagoon Terrace? There’s loads of shaded outside patio seating the place your youngsters can run round. It’s additionally near the San Diego Zoo entrance

Treetops Cafè
Menu: Italian alternatives, flatbread pizza, wraps, salads, craft beer, family-deal meals. Children meals. Vegetarian.
What’s greatest on the Treetops Cafè menu? They’ve additionally received a good Household Meal Deal (the final time I checked it price about $49):
- 2 flatbread pizzas (they’re good and crispy)
- 1 Caesar salad
- 4 garlic breadsticks
- 4 fountain drinks
Price:
- Entrees: $11+
- Child’s meal: $10 (consists of memento bag and cup)
Location: Misplaced Forest on the east finish of Bashor Bridge
Opens: 11 AM
Why do folks eat at Treetops Cafè? It’s received the very best views within the park. From there you may see the Museum of Man tower, the Bashor Bridge, the inexperienced of the canyon beneath, and planes coming in for a touchdown at Lindbergh Area. There are multi-level decks for eating so it’s not often crowded. The draw back is that the decks face west, to allow them to get heat within the late afternoon.
QUICK BITES, SNACKS, BOOZE AND DESSERTS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

Jungle Java
Menu: espresso drinks, nitro espresso, popcorn, and baked items.
What’s the very best meals at Jungle Java? Attempt a scorching latte or cappuccino with a shot of Baileys or Kahlua. Dunk your cinnamon-sugar mini donuts into it.
Price:
- Specialty Coffees: $4+
- Snacks & Sweets: $4+
Location: on Entrance road subsequent to Safari Kitchen
Opens: 10:30 AM
Why do folks eat at Jungle Java? There’s loads of shaded desk seating and it’s virtually on prime of the Safari KItchen. It’s a pure place to cease after you’ve been on the Guided Tour Bus. Cease right here in case you’re planning on heading down Monkey Path.
One downside is that it’s a bit noisy as a result of it’s subsequent to the squawking flamingos.

Zoo Brew
Menu: Native craft beers, themed espresso drinks, popcorn, mini-donuts, some frozen treats like ice cream bars.
What’s greatest at Zoo Brew? Sizzling espresso with deliciously candy mini-donuts. With that sugar rush, you’ll be energized for an additional couple of miles of strolling.
Price:
- Entrees: $9+
- Child’s meal:
Location: Misplaced Forest
Why do folks cease at Zoo Brew? It’s shady virtually on a regular basis as a result of it’s surrounded by tall timber. On scorching summer season days, this is among the greatest locations within the Zoo to take pleasure in a chilly native craft brew.
Then again, if it’s a cool day it could by no means get heat right here. In that case, have a scorching espresso as a substitute.

Rocks Field
Menu: Snacks, nachos, scorching canines, draft beer, comfortable drinks, Icees.
What to eat at Rocks Field? Attempt the Nachos. They’re nothing spectacular, however they’re massive & filling. I needed to unfold my hand out to carry it securely for the above photograph. There’s a lot for 2, or extra in case you’ve received some small eaters. And if the kiddos get lined with cheese the restroom sinks are shut by.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $10
- Alcoholic drinks: $9+
Location: Africa Rocks. Proper subsequent to the south African Penguin aquarium exhibit.
Why do folks cease to eat at Rocks Field? You’ll be able to eat lunch whereas watching the Animal Encounters displays on the Africa Rocks Stage. Test your Zoo map for occasions.

The Pagoda
Menu: Egg rolls, corn canines, rooster wraps, craft beer, snow cones & popcorn
What to order at The Pagoda? If it’s a scorching day, seize a Chamango ICEE right here. It has scrumptious mango syrup with a squirt of candy scorching chili sauce. It additionally seems to be fairly. I used to be additionally tempted by the Enchanted Apple, however didn’t get an opportunity to strive it. There’s a restricted choice right here in any other case. Nevertheless it’s all good if the park’s crowded and the youngsters are complaining that they’re hungry. Cease right here. Give everybody a break then get on with seeing extra animals.
Price:
- Snacks & desserts: $4 to $14
- Alcoholic drinks: $11 to $15
Location: Asian Passage
Why do folks eat at The Pagoda? It’s often not as crowded as Hua Mei Cafe. There are a couple of tables to sit down at within the shade. It’s near the elevators and Bashor Bridge so it’s an excellent place to determine the place to go subsequent.

Kettle Corn
Menu: Kettle & caramel corn, churros, comfortable pretzels, scorching canines, native craft beer, Icees and fountain drinks
What do you have to order at Kettle Corn? The kettle corn in fact! It’s not too candy and simply salty sufficient to fulfill. Freshly popped. My husband’s hooked on it.
Price:
- Snacks: $4 to $11
- Alcoholic drinks: $14
Location: In Discovery Outpost. Subsequent to the Reptile Home, Hummingbirds, and Komodo Dragons. Near the doorway to the Kids’s Zoo.
Why do folks cease at Kettle Corn? Generally you simply gotta have a snack. And all of the earnings go to the animals, proper? Inform your weight loss plan guilt to take a hike.

The Bridge Snacks & Refreshments
Menu: Cool drinks & snacks. Regionally brewed craft beers, margaritas, micheladas, comfortable pretzels & popcorn
One of the best meals at The Bridge Snacks & Refreshments is the Chamango Snowcone. It’s a candy, boozy frozen deal with made with mango syrup, tajin & crimson chamoy sauce with a candy tamarind straw. It’s virtually nearly as good because the view.
Price:
- Snacks: $4 to $10
- Spiked snow cones: $9+
- Alcoholic drinks: $11+
Location: The Elephant Odyssey aspect of Bashor Bridge.
Why do folks cease to eat at The Bridge Snacks and Refreshments?
You’ll discover umbrella shaded tables and a few comfortable outside sofas & armchairs right here. It’s a pleasing place to sip espresso or slurp a spiked snow cone.
It will get the morning sunshine and is shaded within the late afternoons.
There are spectacular views throughout the Bashor Bridge and the inexperienced of the Asia Passage canyon beneath. You’ll be able to watch the airplanes coming in for a touchdown. It generally seems to be like they’re going to hit the Museum of Man tower, however it’s simply an phantasm.

San Diego Craft Beer & Margaritas
Menu: Craft beers on draft, margaritas, comfortable drinks, chips
What to order at San Diego Craft Beer & Margaritas? Simply have a cool one already! When you don’t have a favourite San Diego Craft beer simply select at random. They’re all good.
Price:
- Snacks: $4 to $10
- Alcoholic drinks: $10+
Location: Entrance Road. Throughout from the Reptile Home, earlier than the Kids’s Zoo.
Why eat right here? It’s your final likelihood for an grownup beverage earlier than you enter the creepy, crawly area of the scaled ones.
Ituri Hut
Menu: Pretzels, churros, Icees, ice cream, comfortable drinks, beer, wine, micheladas, margaritas
What’s the very best meals at Ituri Hut? This can be a small snack shack. The large pickle or a pretzel with cheese are your greatest meals decisions. On a scorching day strive a distinct taste of Icee.
Price:
- Snacks: $4 to $6
- Comfortable drinks: $7 or $1.99 for a refill
Location: In Misplaced Forest, on the decrease finish of the Hippo Path.
Why do folks cease to eat at Ituri Hut? There’s loads of shade. However the very best purpose to cease right here is to observe the antics of the Allen’s Swamp Monkeys and the Spot Necked Otters. They often play tag with one another. There are a couple of tables to sit down at the place you may watch the animals scamper.

Sweets and Treats
When you’ve managed to stay to your weight loss plan thus far, one take a look at the Candy Treats window is perhaps an excessive amount of. Why struggle it? By the point you’ve gotten so far, you’ve in all probability walked miles. You want a deal with.
Menu: Desserts & candy treats like cookies & different baked items, ice cream, and occasional to scrub all that sweetness down.
The Greatest Meals at Sweets and Treats is hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches!
The ice cream sandwiches are nice to eat when you’re exiting the Zoo. They’re massive and funky, excellent for that final 100-yard trek to your automotive or the ride-share pickup level (in entrance of the Rex lion statue).
Along with the ice cream sandwiches, they’ve received a few dozen several types of connoisseur cookies (grasshopper anybody?). There are virtually as many types of wealthy fudge bars together with salted caramel and strawberry cheesecake. Then munch your approach throughout the show counters via alternatives with flavors like Corn Apple Granola bars, brownies, and blondies.
You can too seize an espresso, latte, cappuccino, or a number of different kinds of espresso drinks right here. That approach you’ll have the power to journey to your subsequent vacation spot.
Price:
- Cookies & ice cream desserts: $5 to $10
- Espresso drinks: $3 to $6
Location: Entrance Road on the way in which to the Zoo’s exit.
Why do folks cease to eat at Sweets and Treats? You deserve dessert after working all these energy off exploring the Zoo. In addition to, San Diego Zoo is a non-profit conservation group. Be a hero for wildlife whereas letting your style buds do a cheerful dance.

Tundra Treats
Menu: Snacks like heat pretzels, ICEE, popcorn, chips, ice cream, beer, boozy drinks
One of the best meals at Tundra Treats is the nice and cozy pretzel lined with cheese for an additional greenback. This spot is primarily a snack shack and never a spot for sitting down for some severe eats.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $9
- Alcohol drinks: $9 to $14
Location: Northern Frontier
Why eat right here? The children are driving you loopy and also you’re determined for a Bahama Mama? There’s little or no seating right here, however it’s often cool due to all of the shade timber. The stuffed toys are cute, particularly the polar bear cubs.

Jungle Snacks
Menu: Sizzling canine meal packages, popcorn, churros, heat comfortable pretzels, comfortable drinks, micheladas.
One of the best meals at Jungle Snacks is Bagheera’s Sizzling Canine Combo. It’s a decent-sized frankfurter with a fountain beverage and chips. There’s nothing spectacular right here food-wise, however generally they’ve a satisfying San Diego craft beer on faucet.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $14
- Drinks: $7 to $14
Location: Northern Frontier. Proper in entrance of the Skyfari West terminal.
Why do folks eat at Jungle Snacks? It’s near the Skyfari West station. And there are a couple of benches throughout the road by the mountain lion exhibit. You’ll be able to relaxation your ft there whereas taking in some nice native cat motion.

Baboon Outpost
Menu: Dippin’ Dots® ice cream, chips, comfortable drinks, and water.
One of the best meals at Baboon Outpost is the Chocolate Chip Cookie dough Dippin’ Dots ice cream dessert. However that’s simply because I’m a chocolate cookie fanatic. Children appear to like the Rainbow Ice dots. I believe it’s as a result of they’re so colourful.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $6
- Drinks: $5 to $8
Location: Africa Rocks
Why eat right here? Baboon Outpost is simply open on excessive site visitors days on the Zoo. It’s a fast, gentle various to lengthy traces at Sydney’s Grill. There’s no seating, and the menu is restricted to dessert. However the Hamadryas Baboon troop will hold you entertained.

Koala Cart
I’ve solely seen Koala Cart open as soon as in my years of going to the San Diego zoo (and I remembered to take a photograph!). So assume that it’s solely staffed on the busiest of peak site visitors days.
Menu: Comfortable drinks, water, chips, cotton sweet, ICEE, frozen lemonade.
One of the best meals at Koala Cart might be frozen lemonade. I’ve had it at different spots on the Zoo. It’s satisfying on a scorching day. And it will provide you with the power to get to a different meals spot for one thing extra substantial.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $6
- Drinks: $5 to $14
Location: Outback. It’s a small separate construction situated in the direction of the again proper aspect of Sydney’s Grill.
Why eat right here? You’ll eat at Koala Cart in case you’re ravenous and the variety of folks ready to get into Sydney’s Grill is legion. Seize a small snack right here to quiet your abdomen for some time.
There are additionally loads of close by shaded tables.
Busy Bee Cocktails
Menu: Sizzling canines, wings, pizza, chips, comfortable drinks, native craft beer, margaritas, micheladas.
One of the best meals at Busy Bee Cocktails is the native craft beer. Significantly, what did you anticipate from a spot with ‘cocktails’ within the title? When you’re hungry, go to the Busy Bee Cafe subsequent door.
Price:
- Meals: $2 to $14
- Drinks: $7 to $14
Location: Outdoors of the Zoofari Social gathering Space. Between the Kids’s Zoo and Safari East loading space.
Why do folks cease right here? It’s near the Kids’s Zoo. It’s away from the busiest sections of Entrance Road close to the doorway. There are often shaded tables accessible the place you may relaxation your ft and take a break from strolling.

Busy Bee Cafè
Menu: Household meals, scorching canines, hamburgers, pizza, wings, rooster, vegan, youngsters, desserts
One of the best meals at Busy Bee Cafè is the Double Bother Burger. Based on the those that work there, it’s very talked-about. It has two beef patties (with an possibility for a third!), thick-cut smoked bacon, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, barely spicy remoulade sauce (I needed to look it up too) on a fats brioche bun. It’s served with a aspect of seasoned shoestring fries and roasted garlic aioli. There’s no sleek strategy to eat this. You’ll want two fingers and further napkins. Nevertheless it’s price it.
For many who aren’t fascinated by all issues burgers, I’d give the Italian Truffle Parmesan Rooster Wings a strive. I haven’t had them but, however they certain look good. Crispy wings, parmesan cheese shreds, with a truffle oil drizzle, extra of that garlic aioli, and a salad.
Price:
- Meals: $6 to $17
- Household-sized meals: $25 to $49
- Drinks: $4 to $15
Location: It’s between the Kids’s Zoo and Skyfari East, close to the doorway to the Zoofari Social gathering Space. When you’re using the Skyfari east (again to the Zoo entrance/exit) it’s instantly forward of you as you exit the trip.
Why do folks eat at Busy Bee Cafe? It’s the closest consuming spot to the Kids’s Zoo. There are many shaded tables with umbrellas and in addition below the eaves of Skyfari East. There are bogs situated shut by on the way in which to or from Entrance Road.

Bamboo Bar
Menu: Sizzling canines, pretzels, chips, comfortable drinks, margaritas, micheladas, craft beer, and wine.
One of the best meals at Bamboo Bar is the recent canine with chips plate. It’s a stable Hebrew Nationwide sausage, however nothing particular. Individuals don’t cease right here for the delicacies. They arrive for the margaritas and beer.
Price:
- Meals: $4 to $11
- Drinks: $5 to $16
Location: Asian Passage. Near the elevator and purple pandas.
Why eat right here? It’s an excellent place to cease when you may’t discover an open spot within the Hua Mei courtyard. There aren’t lots of chairs or tables right here, however there are some close by low partitions within the shade which can be good to sit down on to relaxation your ft and sip some grownup drinks.
Closing Ideas
One of the best meals on the San Diego Zoo will be discovered at Albert’s Restaurant. It’s a connoisseur, sit-down eating expertise that may make a day on the zoo really particular. My second favourite spot is Sabertooth Mexican Grill. I like the nachos and having the ability to watch elephants from the shaded patio.
Face it, zoo meals just isn’t low-cost. So do as I do, settle for the additional price as your contribution to finish extinction. And after you’ve discovered your greatest meals on the San Diego Zoo, smile, you’ve eaten all these scrumptious energy for an excellent trigger.