Ciao

I’m giving this place a 5 mostly because the guy operating it gave me great service and his work ethic was impeccable.

Don’t. The prices are insane — outrageous even by airport standards. And there is no way to know how crazy the prices are until you get to the register, when you’re unlikely to back out of the transaction. No price tags, no labels, no signs. A profitable way to do business, but completely lacking in integrity.
Two stars instead of one because they have made an effort to source healthy (ish) and vegetarian options.

Ciao is between several gates and you’ll likely be boarding near it.
When I went, I looked at their assortment quite a bit. They have trail mix, chips, sandwiches and sodas. I decided to have a turkey sandwich and a coke which cost a despicable $ 14. Yes this is past security, but I have been to The Counter which is also past security for about the same price and the food justified it a least a little bit. This is a kind of blatant extortion that goes even beyond that of typical airports.
The lines were long and when I was at one register, I had to wait again since the person finished. A little bit of chips is $ 2.50 and Ciao’s did not even have the confidence to show a price under their likely overpriced trail mix. Waiting is in a small, tight area that even further detracts from the mood of this place.
The sandwich was okay in taste with it’s processed meat and predictable mustard arrangement. It would have been okay at a lower price, but ordering it wasn’t smooth earthier.
I highly suggest that you eat in the beautiful downtown of San Diego beforehand or at The Counter if you’re in that category of wanting to eat in the terminal despite the blatant highway robbery. The food is not better or worse than a typical fast food chain and eaters are smart enough to tell how processed it is and the obvious ripoff. The sandwiches are just like the kind you might find at Starbucks.
But the thing about these disgusting chains is that they will sometimes set you back so little in hard earned cash, unlike this place. Ciao is just one of many airport eateries that would not see the light of day outside the airport.
Ciao is best permanently avoided.

I got to the Southwest terminal and this was the first food/​drink place as you enter.
I knew that the water onboard wouldn’t be enough for me, so I bought a large water. That little baby cost me over $ 4!!! $ 4+ for water! I thought I had no choice, so I paid it, but really? I understand raising the price a little, but that’s like almost doubling what it is normally. I felt taken advantage of. I muttered under my breath, «Highway robbery…».
As I calmed down, I went to the little store nearby in the terminal and noticed that they were selling water too. How much $ 2.50. Yes, much more like it!
I give CIAO 3 stars instead of 1 because they actually allowed me to return my water without complaint.
I think that this cart should rethink it’s prices.

One extra star for having healthy options. Looking for something a vegan or vegetarian can eat I found Ciao in the Southwest Terminal.
The hummus and pita tray was fine. As in not as fresh but then this is airport packaged food right? I am happy they had it.
I also got a package of almonds to take on the plane. I was worried the coffee would be subpar since it squirts out of one of those containers and probably depends on how long it has been sitting there, but it was indeed hot and fresh.

We were here during breakfast time and picked up a few items. The blueberry muffin and chocolate muffin were the bomb, the cheese croissant was meh.

I skipped the overpriced food ($ 8.00 for a tiny wrap) to buy a medium coffee for $ 2.50. The illy brand should be upset with the employees at this location because what I received tasted nothing like the illy coffee you can buy in the bottle. The hot coffee here was over-​roasted to the point of tasting burnt and yet extremely watered down. I know this sounds impossible but just trust me unless you want to risk $ 2.50 on an experiment. There is only one roast style available plus decaf. I drink a lot of coffee of all different types. I’ll even drink Folger’s if it’s all that’s available but the coffee at Ciao was so bad that I actually threw the rest away after trying to drink it.

The Southwest terminal near gates 1 and 2 has never had any legitimate food options besides the candy and chips at the magazine shop. Now they at least have some healthy quick bite options when you are in a pinch. The Ciao stand has sandwiches, salads, fruit bowls, yogurts, and other snacks. I’m not saying this is a delicious meal, and yes you are still paying inflated airport prices, but when you are hungry and in a rush you now have this new airport option!

$ 7 for a Coke and a Chocolate Bar? Ridiculous. But, this little Whole Foods style store in the terminal does have some healthier food alternatives to the Uno & Quiznos. They have fresh sandwiches and salads and organic snacks, etc. But, they come with a hefty price tag.

A perfect place to stop in the airport and grab a quick sandwich or salad to eat on the plane (because you KNOW you aren’t likely to get much more than a bag of peanuts or pretzels). A much better and healthier alternative to the previously meager choices at Pizzeria Uno and Quizno’s. They have prepared sandwiches and salads for around $ 7 – 8, and protein or Kind bars for $ 2.29, not bad for airport grub. Also various other snack foods.
My favorite so far is the Ciao Insuluta salad w/​lettuce, red onion, sundried tomato, garbanzo beans, olives, artichoke hearts and shredded mozarella, ad a fat-​free tomato vinaigrette — very tasty, not too filling, but satisfying — and just 200 calories, including the dressing! Today I tried the Tuna Nicoise on wheat ciabatta, got rid of one of the buns, and as an open-​faced sandwich, it was really good. Have a safe flight!