San Diego Zoo is a must-visit attraction if you're in the city. It is a pioneer in the world of conservation, research, and the concept of recreating naturalistic habitats for animals using open-air, cageless exhibits. Built over 100 acres in Balboa Park, the zoo boasts over 12,000 animals of various species. The zoo also has an extensive selection of food and drinks when you need a break. Read on to find out about the different dining options at the Zoo for your visit.
If you're looking for a full-service dining experience, Albert's Restaurant is the place to be. It's located at the Treetops Plaza of the Lost Forest exhibit. This San Diego Zoo restaurant offers a cocktail bar and chef-inspired dishes for a truly luxurious experience.
Known for its amazing breakfast and kid-friendly fare, the San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co. is a great hub to fill yourself up before your San Diego Zoo adventure. It is conveniently located near the park entrance, so you can have a quick 'To-Do' meeting while enjoying one of their specialty sandwiches.
Widely known for its mouth-watering specials, the Safari Kitchen is another good San Diego Zoo food spot near the entrance. This joint also caters to the vegan and gluten-free crowd and is close to attractions like the Reptile Walk, Monkey Trail, and Tiger Trail.
For some beer and barbecue, head over to the Australian Outback section and grab a seat at Sydney's Grill. You can also get kids' meals and pack your food to go. The establishment also offers vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy their time here.
Featuring multi-level decks and a stunning overview of the zoo, this San Diego Zoo food spot is a crowd favourite. It has a great range in the menu, going from fancy fare like boeuf bourguignon to snack packs. It is a quick-service spot so you don't even need to battle great crowds.
Get cookies, beer, and coffee, all at the same spot — Zoo Brew. Look out for the mini donuts and the lattes. Located in the middle of Treetops Way, you can also get a bit of shopping done here after snack time.
This Asian-style cafe will satisfy all your taste buds when you visit the San Diego Zoo. It's a great place for family meals, Asian specialties, and snacks. The portion size is generous, and the views below the Treetops will take your breath away. Vegan items can also be ordered!
This cafe in the Wildlife Explorer area is a great place for families and big groups. It is beloved for its family-size portions of pizzas and hot dogs. It is a new food spot and has vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate everyone's tastes and preferences.
The annual Food, Wine & Brew Celebration returns in May 2027 for an evening of tasting, entertainment, and wildlife at the San Diego Zoo. Sample food, wine, and craft brews from Southern California while exploring the Zoo after hours and supporting wildlife conservation.
Enjoy an all-inclusive evening of food and drinks throughout the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, with live entertainment and opportunities to experience the Zoo in a different setting. Every bite and sip helps support conservation work protecting wildlife and the planet.
Proceeds benefit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization supporting wildlife conservation through the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
San Diego Zoo's food offerings are as varied as its inhabitants. However, some unique dining experiences are Sydney's Grill for its barbeque, Treetops Bistro for its stunning views, Hua Mei Cafe for its Asian-style food, and Tundra Treats for its pretzels.
Yes, there are several vegan and vegetarian options available in almost all the San Diego Zoo food stalls and restaurants.
Yes, a number of food shacks and joints have gluten-free food available on the menu, which are prominently mentioned.
Although there are a lot of fast food and snack options at the zoo, it also has a number of healthy food items at various food spots. Salads, wraps, and sandwiches are widely available.
Yes, guests can bring their own food in small, single-person containers. However, there is a list of restricted items that visitors cannot bring inside: party decor, large coolers, glass items, outside alcohol, etc.
San Diego Zoo has a number of affordable as well as mid-range dining options. Family meals might cost anywhere from $50 to $70, however, you can get a good meal and a drink for under $30.
The food stall or shack usually takes up the theme of the enclosure it is situated in. In that way, most of the stalls are themed. But the only formal dining restaurant here is Albert's Restaurant, named after a beloved Gorilla who was a former resident of the zoo.
Yes, there are water refill stations scattered all over the zoo. You can also ask for free water at the food stalls.
There is a designated picnic area at the San Diego Zoo and you can bring your own food in small containers for a fun day out. Picnic tables can also be found throughout the zoo.
While you cannot feed the animals at the San Diego Zoo, you can feed the giraffes and the rhinos at the San Diego Safari Park as part of a particular tour.
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