The app allows users to purchase "Surprise Bags" of unsold food from participating restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and markets for a fraction of the regular price - typically one-third the cost. Not only does this help local eateries minimize waste, it offers consumers a convenient way to enjoy affordable takeout from a variety of popular establishments.
Participating San Diego eateries include beloved spots like Big City Bagels, Prince Street Pizza, Trident Coffee, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, California Fish Grill, The Cravory Cookies, Taste of Egypt Café, and many more. When the app officially launched in the region in March 2023, it partnered with over 90 locations, including well-known names like Blackmarket Bakery, MRKT, Pannikin, Pappalecco, and Nomad Donuts. The list of partners has continued to grow, with new businesses joining weekly.
Through the app, users simply select the type of food they're interested in, the pickup time, and how far they're willing to travel. From discounted doughnut boxes at Krispy Kreme to burritos in San Diego and pizza slices in La Mesa, the app makes it possible to enjoy delicious meals without overspending.
Too Good To Go’s popularity is also helping local businesses draw in new customers and foster goodwill. At La Mesa Pizzaworks, for example, operators prepare the Surprise Bags by bundling leftover slices after the lunch rush. Customers don’t know the exact toppings they’ll receive, but for many, the value and sustainability benefits outweigh the mystery.
Too Good To Go is a certified B Corp and has saved over 202 million meals globally since its founding in 2016. The app is currently available in 17 countries and works with over 185,000 food establishments. In California alone, the company has prevented tens of thousands of meals from ending up in landfills, and San Diego is now a core part of that mission.
The Too Good To Go app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices. For more information, visit toogoodtogo.com.
Originally published on May 16, 2025.
