Visiting Kearny Mesa & Convoy District | CBS 8 Zip Trip
CBS 8 is featuring the vibrant areas of San Diego County. On this Zip Trip, we visit the Kearny Mesa neighborhood and all that makes this community great.
Welcome to Kearny Mesa San Diego's Asian cultural hub
Welcome to Kearny Mesa
If you're passing through Kearny Mesa and feeling hungry or thirsty, the Convoy District is an area you do not want to miss. The cultural hub and popular Asian food destination brings people from all over the county every single day, late into the evening.
You might also notice several car dealerships in the community. Also, the headquarters of many businesses are located here, including KFMB/CBS 8.
So how did the Pan Asian and Pan Pacific eateries as well as markets end up in the middle of an industrial neighborhood?
Kathleen Dang is with the Asian Business Association. She grew up coming to Convoy for her favorite Vietnamese market staples.
In the 1980s, this was really just an industrial business neighborhood where families would go to get their errands done," Dang said. "And today you come here for the best food the best desserts, the best boba tea drinks."
Mom-and-pop businesses moved in over the years and soon Convoy became the heart of San Diego's Asian cultural hub. But it was only in 2020 that this area was recognized as the Convoy District and soon there will be a 30-foot sign representing the Convoy District, similar signs in other recognizable San Diego neighborhoods.
8 Great Restaurants to Try Foodie spots in the Convoy District
8 great restaurants to try in Kearny Mesa
One of our favorite things about CBS 8 being in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood is having access to so many amazing restaurants. In honor of the fantastic food scene, CBS 8 is highlighting 8 great foodie spots you need to try in the Convoy District.
RakiRaki is around the corner from CBS 8 and has a variety of dishes but is most well-known for its ramen. Guests can sip Sake or have a cold beer all while watching chefs prepare their ramen, “aburi” style
At Shabu Shabu House you can find some of the best hot pot in the area. The restaurant has an intimate ambiance with a U-shaped setup. Customers say the prices are great and the quality is fantastic. Watch Shabu Shabu House on CBS 8
Dumpling Inn & Shanghai Saloon is tucked at the end of a strip mall on Convoy and has been serving patrons Chinese comfort food for more than 20 years. They take pride in offering both traditional and Western favorites.
Tasty Bakery is a Chinese bakery that has been open for 21 years. Customers even come from other states for their items. You can find them in the Convoy Village shopping center.
The dessert and coffee bar is - you guessed it - mango-inspired. Inside Mngo, guests can find fresh mango sticky rice, mango-flavored smoothies and cocoa drinks along with Japanese snow ice.
At Kura, patrons can get authentic Japanese food delivered directly to you with no need for a server to take your order. The tables sit next to a conveyor belt where you can grab exactly what you're craving.
This special spot serves a Korean dessert known as “Ah-Boong”, a fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of fillings like Nutella, Taro and red bean. Finish off with soft serve and your choice of toppings.
PT Eatery is a spinoff of the popular Phuong Trang restaurant, also in the Convoy District. The family who owns these businesses has been serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine for over 30 years.
Things to do in Kearny Mesa Events and Activities in Kearny Mesa
Convoy Nights celebrates May 4 from 4 PM - 9 PM at Kilowatt Brewing featuring free, pet-friendly food, activities, beer and a curated car exhibition.
Inside Kearny Mesa is the San Diego Musical Theatre, founded in 2006 by longtime San Diegans Erin and Gary Lewis who loved local productions and bringing Broadway to San Diego.
San Diego United Training Center trains beginners, top athletes at their location in Kearny Mesa.
San Diego Academy of Ballet and Theatre Performance provides professional training and coaching to dancers without the competitions.
Places to eat in Kearny Mesa Restaurants in Kearny Mesa
Inside a strip mall in Kearny Mesa, is one of the most popular ramen restaurants in San Diego. Menya Ultra continues to draw crowds for its award-winning ramen. Owner Takashi Endo has several successful ramen restaurants in Japan. In 2017, he opened his first US restaurant in San Diego.
CBS 8 sat down with his son, Chef Daiki Endo, for a conversation about their family and the beloved ramen recipes they brought to the United States.
Shabu Shabu House has been around for more than 25 years in San Diego serving up the Japanese hot pot experience in the Convoy District.
Matcha Cafe Maiko opened its first store in Hawaii and brings in the highest quality match direct from Japan to 3 San Diego locations.
Urban Bubble is a cafe specializing in Taiwanese drinks and snacks that everyone will find something they like.
Tofu House opened in Kearny Mesa in 1998 with the mission to serve warm and comforting Korean food to the entire community.
Started in 1994, Lit’l Pepper Gourmet is a family-owned and operated business serving breakfast and lunch in Kearny Mesa.
Cross Street Chicken & Hopnonymous serving up delicious chicken and beer in Kearny Mesa
If you're going to dream big why not do it with your best friend? Ever since they were kids, Moody Barkawi and Osama Shabaik have been inseparable. After opening a restaurant together, the best friends now have a new coffee shop.
Ever since they were kids, Moody Barkawi and Osama Shabaik have been inseparable. They started selling Middle Eastern street food at farmer's markets and gas stations. It was such a hit, their restaurant Tahini was born. The concept of Tahini was so unique it caught the eye of the "Mayor of Flavortown" himself, Guy Fieri, who showcased the restaurant on the Food Network.
Supporters of Kearyn Mesa People and Organizations that support the community
AANHPI Heritage Month celebrated in May
Professor Joseph “JoJo” Ruanto-Ramirez shared the history of AANHPI Heritage Month and the major events in San Diego County connected to the Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders culture.
San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee
Councilmember Kent Lee represents District 6 in the City of San Diego, which includes the neighborhoods of Convoy and Kearny Mesa as well as Mira Mesa, Miramar, Sorrento Valley, University City, and a portion of Scripps Ranch.
The San Diego Hula Academy joined CBS 8 Mornings to share their music and dance with our audience.
The San Diego-based island band, Ho’okani with Justin Pōhaku Murphy and Jason Kia’i Din share their love for the music and working with the hula dancers.
The San Diego House Rabbit Society's mission is to rescue abandoned domestic rabbits within our community and find them new homes.
WATCH THROWBACK: Convoy Street in San Diego in 1978