Whether you’re a student, staff member, or visitor, you’re going to want to know about the best food on campus at UC San Diego. With over 30 dining locations and a wide variety of cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Best Places to Eat on Campus
Marshall College Dining Hall
Marshall College Dining Hall is the largest dining hall on campus, with seating for over 1,000 people. It offers a wide variety of food, including American, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisine. The dining hall also has a grill station where you can get burgers, fries, and other cooked-to-order items.
Price Center Food Court
The Price Center Food Court is located in the student union and offers a variety of fast-food options, including burgers, pizza, sushi, and salads. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite between classes or meetings.
The Bistro
The Bistro is located in the Student Services Center and offers a variety of healthy and organic food options. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies. The Bistro also has a grab-and-go section where you can pick up pre-made items to eat later.
Seis Kitchen
Seis Kitchen is located in the Arts & Humanities Building and offers a variety of Mexican cuisine. The menu includes tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Seis Kitchen also has a salsa bar where you can add your own toppings to your meal.
Scholars Bookstore Cafe
The Scholars Bookstore Cafe is located in the Scholars Bookstore and offers coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite or study between classes.
Best Food Trucks on Campus
In addition to the dining halls and restaurants on campus, there are also a number of food trucks that offer a variety of cuisines. Here are some of the most popular food trucks on campus:
The Taco Truck
The Taco Truck is a popular spot for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The truck is known for its fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals.
The Gyro Stop
The Gyro Stop serves up gyros, falafel, and other Mediterranean dishes. The truck is known for its generous portions and affordable prices.
The Sushi Stop
The Sushi Stop offers a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. The truck is known for its fresh fish and delicious sauces.
Tips for Eating on Campus
- Take advantage of the meal plan. If you’re a student, you can purchase a meal plan that will give you access to all of the dining halls on campus. Meal plans can save you money and time, and they’re a great way to try different cuisines.
- Look for discounts. Many of the dining halls on campus offer discounts for students, staff, and faculty. Be sure to ask about discounts before you order.
- Bring your own food. If you’re on a budget, you can save money by bringing your own food to campus. There are a number of places on campus where you can eat your own food, including the dining halls, the food court, and the library.
- Eat healthy. The dining halls on campus offer a variety of healthy options, including salads, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to make healthy choices when you’re eating on campus.
- Explore the food trucks. The food trucks on campus offer a variety of delicious and affordable options. Be sure to try out the different food trucks to find your favorites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Eating at the same place every day. There are so many great options for food on campus, so don’t limit yourself to eating at the same place every day. Explore the different dining halls and food trucks to find your favorites.
- Not taking advantage of the meal plan. If you’re a student, the meal plan is a great way to save money and try different cuisines. Be sure to take advantage of the meal plan if you’re able to.
- Skipping meals. It’s important to eat regular meals to stay energized and focused. If you’re skipping meals, you’re more likely to get sick or make poor food choices.
- Eating unhealthy foods. There are a lot of unhealthy food options available on campus, so it’s important to make healthy choices. Be sure to choose foods that are low in fat, sugar, and sodium.
- Eating too much. It’s easy to overeat when you’re surrounded by all-you-can-eat buffets. Be sure to pace yourself and eat until you’re full, not stuffed.
FAQs
- What are the dining hours for the dining halls? The dining halls are typically open from 7am to 9pm, but hours may vary depending on the dining hall.
- Do the dining halls accept cash? Yes, the dining halls accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
- Are there any vegan or vegetarian options on campus? Yes, there are a number of vegan and vegetarian options available on campus. Be sure to ask about vegan and vegetarian options when you’re ordering.
- Can I bring my own food to campus? Yes, you can bring your own food to campus. There are a number of places on campus where you can eat your own food, including the dining halls, the food court, and the library.
- Are there any late-night dining options on campus? Yes, there are a number of late-night dining options on campus. The Bistro is open until 11pm, and the Price Center Food Court is open until 2am.
Conclusion
UC San Diego offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional dining halls to food trucks and cafes. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste on campus.
