Is there parking at Formoosa in Clairemont?

Yes—it's located at 4646 Convoy St in a strip mall with dedicated lot parking, so you won't be circling for 20 minutes. The Convoy District area has plenty of spots, especially during lunch hours before the dinner rush hits.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

They take reservations and that's smart strategy on weekends or during dinner service when it gets busy. Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours (mid-afternoon), but calling ahead means you'll actually get seated instead of waiting.

What should I order first time?

Start with the chili wontons (reviewers call them some of the best they've had), then go for either the beef noodle soup—which is legitimately massive, easily feeds 2-3 people—or the pork over rice. The peach milk tea is worth ordering too, and don't sleep on the crispy beef roll.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available. The cucumber salad gets specific love for being fresh with a light, tangy sauce, making it a solid starter if you're skipping meat.

Is this place good for kids?

Totally—it's tagged as kid-friendly and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual neighborhood vibe. The generous portion sizes mean kids can share with parents, and there's nothing fussy about the menu.

How much should I expect to spend?

It's inexpensive. With entrees like pork over rice and beef noodle soup, plus apps and drinks, a couple can eat well for under $30 before tip, especially since portions are large enough to share.

What's the vibe—is this a quick bite or a sit-down spot?

It's both: a true neighborhood staple in Clairemont that works for casual weeknight dinners or groups, but they also do takeout and delivery. The service is genuinely friendly (reviewers shout out staff by name), so sitting down is worth it.

Do they serve alcohol?

Yes, beer and wine are available, which pairs nicely with the soups and noodle dishes.

formoosa — Chinese in Clairemont, San Diego

“Formoosa does the one thing most Convoy spots don't: it makes Taiwanese comfort food actually comforting, not just authentic.”

While Woomiok slow-cooks bone broth and EE Nami obsesses over panko ratios, Formoosa leans into generous, unfussy execution — the kind where a **beef noodle soup** arrives sized for three people and nobody bats an eye. This is Taiwan's greatest hits played loud: **chili wontons** that regulars swear by (spice level varies, apparently), **scallion pancakes** that arrive crispy and layered, **beef rolls** stuffed with pickled veg and sauced just right. The menu sprawls across breakfast, lunch, and dinner because Taiwanese food doesn't care about American meal boundaries.

The **pork over rice** gets the most love in reviews — simple, well-seasoned, the kind of dish that justifies a weeknight drive. **Popcorn chicken** shows up at half the tables, and the **peach milk tea** earns specific callouts, which tells you the drink program isn't just an afterthought. Portions run large enough that sharing becomes the move, not a suggestion.

Service skews friendly and quick — regulars name-check staff, always a good sign. The space itself plays utilitarian: booths, bright lighting, no pretense. You're here because you want **dry noodles** with creamy sauce or **cucumber salad** that tastes like someone's mom made it, not because you're chasing ambiance. Convoy's packed with excellent Taiwanese options, but Formoosa holds the locals-favorite slot for a reason: it doesn't overthink anything, and the food just works.

Park in the strip lot. Expect a wait on weekends. Order more than you think you need — leftovers are the point.