Beautifully located in a quaint little neighborhood not far from a wonderful outdoor area in the…read morePresidio area. A little outdoor seating, a bar top area, and a comfortable indoor area that is very inviting, were a surprise as I approached the location. The food is elegant, is presented amazing, and tastes great. I started with the Sweet Corn and Piñon Soup. I see why it was voted best soup for two years in a row. The thinly sliced corn bread adds an amazing texture in those bites. I had the Apricot salad (sorry I did not note the name and the menu was updated so it is not in any of the pictures) was fresh, crisp, and refreshing. I finished the evening with a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with sugared dark cherry was very pleasing. I almost forgot the focaccia bread.. made daily, served warm and soft. A must have. The server had a couple of hiccups with an incorrect food order and totally separate billing issue (which by their reaction I would assume was an off night) but other food delivery staff and bussing staff were timely and professional. I would recommend reservations. I was able to secure a seat (due to showing for dinner around 4 pm or so), but the restaurant filled up nicely and hosted about 4 anniversary's and 1 birthday in my time there. Dress attire seemed casual but there is definitely a more elevated clientele so I would recommend a thoughtful outfit for the experience.

My husband and I shared a delicious meal here. The resturant is tucked inside a quiet little…read moreneighborhood, not too far from a beautiful park. We started with great drinks, practically licked the bowl of the corn soup, fell in love with the fresh focaccia, and had a few tapas and desserts. It was an amazing meal that I would love to have over and over again.

Came here with family and had a great experience. We ordered a pepperoni pizza for my kid, the…read morewoodfire oven roasted salmon, and the duroc pork chop -- everything was delicious and the portions were really good. The place itself is awesome, we got a table outside and the vibe was perfect. Service was on point too. I had a mezcal drink called "I Love You Beary Much" served in a bear-shaped glass -- super fun and actually really good. Shoutout to our waitress Bella, she was great and made the whole experience even better. It looks like they have a menu for dogs, which was a nice touch.

We love to come here for dinner with friends!…read more This location is full of laughter anytime we visit. Their servers always make us feel welcome. They give awesome recommendations and I thoroughly enjoy how festive this restaurant is. We love coming here around Halloween time but this year we went for valentines also! A great place to enjoy time with special people and enjoy great food! Near the beach, which helps walk off some of those carbs!

Wowww! Wormwood did their big one! Dinner here was incredible. Street parking was less than…read moreincredible, but that's North Park for you. Plan accordingly. The ambience of this place was great, although maybe next time we'll sit in their outside/garden/patio area. The inside was just as nice, felt like we were in Paris as this is a French inspired/themed restaurant. Our waiter Kyle was really nice. He seemed a little busy though which helped in his lack of attention, but overall he was cool. Did a great a job answering our questions. We opted for a lot of different choices. The list is in no particular order but will highlight which was a table fave. - Parker Loaf [$12] need this to be a tad bit bigger to justify the price. Really good loaf of bread to start with though esp the rosemary butter. 4/5 - Fresh Oysters, 6 ct [$21] Really good oysters, super fresh, very "fat" & "meaty" 5/5 - Granita Oysters 6ctx2 [$25] Same oysters as above, BUT filled w/a yuzu/lemon concoction along w/pear pearls, TABLE FAVE for sure 5/5 (started with a 6 count before our mains & HAD to get another 6 after) - Mussels [$27] Very fresh and well seasons mussels, although the sauce was a bit odd tasting. It was white wine mixed with something they called "a cousin of absinthe" 4/5 - Wagyu tartare [$31] YUM! TABLE FAVE, wish it came with more bread though, that bone marrow was chef's kiss along with the sauce they paired the dish with 5/5 For the mains, two did the Top Sirloin [$48 each] which was described as 'melt in your mouth goodness' which came w/a square shaped potato & a piece of biggish mushroom. The two others did the Short Rib [$42 each] which was described as 'the demi-glaze makes' & 'it's fall off the bone.' I had the Poisson which was the fresh catch of the day (salmon) [$38] & it was really good! Came with bokchoy which was drenched in a maple sauce. That contradicted the lemony/citrusy sauce the salmon came in. There were greens on top of the salmon to complete the meal. Solid dish! I'd skip the deconstructed creme brulee [$15] as that was nobody's favorite. It left us leaving a "real" creme brulee... Do get the opera cake [$15] tho, that one was a TABLE FAVE! Do note that dinners here take a while as the chefs create masterpieces. Our dinner for 5 turned into a 3-4 hour affair, which was fine. Good times!

Our son found this hidden gem for Mother's Day, and it was a wonderful spot for an evening of food…read moreand celebration. Wormwood is nestled in an old house courtyard that is absolutely brimming with charm and character, the environment is truly fantastic and sets a lovely mood. The service was excellent throughout the night, and for the most part, the kitchen delivered on some amazing flavors. We shared several dishes: * Steamed Mussels & Scallops: Perfectly prepared. * Pasta & Wagyu Beef: Rich, delicious, and beautifully plated. * Burrata Salad: While the flavors were good, this was our only disappointment. The greens didn't seem fresh and had some wilted/rotten leaves, appearing as though it might have been sitting out too long before reaching the table. A quick tip on logistics: Like many popular spots in San Diego, parking was a bit of a challenge, so definitely give yourself some extra time to find a space in the neighborhood. For this restaurant, the stunning atmosphere and the quality of the main courses made for a memorable meal. We'd certainly come back for the vibes and those scallops!

We just happened upon the Red Door and tried it based on the outstanding reviews. We were not…read moredisappointed. The shaved pork belly over truffle risotto was a real treat! Very unique. My husband also enjoyed his lasagna. We of course topped it off with a very nice tiramisu. Our waiter was helpful and friendly. Comfortable casual atmosphere. I really like the big panel windows that let in light and give it a honey feel. It was such a nice surprise when Chef and owner Luciano came out check on us. We really prefer supporting small businesses rather than these big corporate themed places. We will definitely be back.

When we entered this comfortable restaurant we did not know we had entered a portal back to Italy…read more There are meals you enjoy... and then there are meals that quietly rearrange your expectations. The Red Door is firmly in the second category. Chef and owner Luciano Cibelli doesn't just cook, he composes. Every dish feels intentional, grounded in beautiful ingredients sourced from local farmers, and elevated with a kind of restraint that lets flavor of his ingredients lead. The result is food that is elegant without trying too hard and is exactly what perfection tastes like. The risotto special? Dangerous. The kind of dangerous where you fully intend to share and then quietly abandon that plan three bites in. It was deliciously rich yet balanced, the kind of dish that makes conversation pause because everyone at the table is too busy having a moment. From the first course to dessert (all made in house), the entire experience felt like slipping into a small corner of Italy. It is unpretentious, warm, and deeply satisfying in that way only truly thoughtful food can be. Robin our server, guide, and overall gem of a human made the evening feel effortless. The kind of service that's attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without lecturing, and genuinely joyful. The Red Door isn't just a restaurant. It's a reminder that when care, craft, and incredible ingredients come together, something quietly magical happens.

Moules frites we're amazing. They serve you a copious amount. Fries were a little bit too salty for…read moretaste, but still good. Good selection of wine, and their desserts were pretty good too. If you sit outside, just know you'll probably be hearing the live music booming from across the street. Service was great. Waiter was affable and accommodating.

We had THEE best meal at Blue Boheme. The crab croquettes were delicious and we will surely order…read moreagain on our next visit! We also had the flatbread. The steak and salmon were both delicious and meals we recommend. Cocktails hit the spot! Ambiance was nice and service was attentive and kind. They allowed mild substitutions without blinking an eye. Can't wait to go back!

This place has a very cute style with a mix of marble and wood table tops. The service was very…read morefriendly. I ordered the French breakfast with eggs, ham, brie and potatoes but it wasn't nearly as good as I imagined. Too much sauce and the potatoes were hard. Sorry, I can't recommend.

I had the good fortune of living behind the restaurant around the corner on Utah Street. I visited…read morethem the first week they opened for business. Same place, much smaller. Hannah operates a gourmet catering service and after receiving comments from customers wishing Hannah had a restaurant, that's exactly what she did. I started going there on a semi regular basis with my daughter, whose hair Hannah loved! I brought friends to Hannah's and soon we were welcomed as family! Here is a person who knows how to cook with herbs and spices! They were able to expand the space for the restaurant and focused on her take of a country's regional food. She also started a family style dinner, also focusing on a different country every month. Covid sure presented a challenge but they adjusted and are still serving Sunday brunch! I went thru a bad period dealing with Parkinson's disease and my daughter would go to Sunday brunch and always came home with lots of wishes of love and support from Hannah and her staff. When I finally was able to go to Hannah's again I was greeted with hugs and so much love from Hannah I was reduced to tears. I am so grateful to have met Hannah and her husband and the staff there. So for me I came for the food and stayed for the friendship. And the food is all so good!! My favorites are the baguette French toast ( get the lemon custard), and the terracotta berry pancakes. I miss the days of red velvet pancakes with chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting. The omelettes are always so fresh tasting and so are the flourless chocolate cookies! Eating here has made me a fan of Gorgonzola cheese and rosemary. I tip my hat to Hannah's Gourmet !!!!

It was Mother's Day morning when my daughter came home after picking up the flowers she had…read morepreordered, along with a cup of milk tea and a bag of chocolates. Smiling, she said, "Let's celebrate with Spanish tapas." So the beautiful day began with milk tea and chocolate before we headed to the newly opened restaurant Fat of the Land for their Mother's Day brunch, conveniently located on North Main Street in Santa Ana. I later found out it was a special Sunday brunch created just for Mother's Day. Thanks to my daughter's reservation, we were seated right away. The menu selection was smaller than usual, probably because of the special brunch menu, but every tapas dish sounded delicious. We ordered the Castelvetrano olives, Galician smoked paprika octopus, French steak tartare, and Basque cheesecake, paired with a Fiero Spritz and Red Sangria. Both the octopus and steak tartare were outstanding. The Galician smoked paprika octopus was tender, flavorful, and carried just the right hint of spice. The French steak tartare was served on crispy toasted bread with cheese sprinkled on top -- a creative and delicious twist on a classic dish. Fat of the Land truly feels like a hidden gem, and I had such a wonderful time celebrating Mother's Day with my daughter there.

Came in for Mother's Day, my mom has been wanting to try this place for a long time…read more We ordered a variety of different tapas, and decided on sangria. The sangria was super delicious, not overly sweet, which we liked. We ordered the arepo plate which was devoured instantly. - good appetizer to start. Next up was the octopus, pork peppers, shrimp and cheesecake. The shrimp tasted fishy and not my favorite. Octopus was good... decent. Mushrooms were fine. Cheesecake was passable. Over the sangria, arepo plate and pork peppers were the best thing of the night. Staff was very friendly, the setting was intimate. Overall good dinner.

Rancho Santa Fe Bistro is very cute. Like storybook cottage, European bistro, think Nancy…read moreMeyers-adjacent cute. The decor alone sets expectations that you're about to have a Proper Dinner™. The food absolutely held up. I ordered a decently sized steak and it was genuinely delicious. Well cooked, flavorful, and satisfying. The menu leans into classic, Italian-leaning comfort food, and it does that lane well. The owner was present during our visit and was very kind and welcoming, which deserves real kudos. The staff was also attentive and on top of things throughout the meal. Service was not an issue at all. Where this stops short of five stars for me is the indoor dining experience. Even with a reservation, the seating felt very tight. Close enough that I could hear every single detail of the conversation happening at the table next to us. No judgment on them, but I did not need to be spiritually invited into their dinner party. Because it was a cool evening, outdoor seating wasn't really an option, which made the cramped indoor space more noticeable. This might be something to keep in mind during colder months. I could see this place being much more enjoyable when the patio is in play. That said, I did enjoy myself, and I'm not disappointed. I just think the combination of price point, cozy-but-tight seating, and comfort-food-forward menu didn't quite push it into five-star territory for me. And to be fair, I'm generally stingy with five stars. Four stars feels right. Beautiful space, kind ownership, attentive staff, and good food. Just go in with calibrated expectations and a tolerance for close quarters.

The Rancho Sante Fe Bistro is a super cute must try restaurant located in (you guessed it), Rancho…read moreSanta Fe. They offer quaint European wine bar vibes, melt in your mouth protein options, and excellent wines -- it's truly a vibe! This is a great spot for a girls night out, date night, or even a family night. We ordered: - Baked Brie - Dinner Ribeye with fries - Lamb T-bone with mashed potatoes - Sautéed asparagus - Kids cheese flatbread - Ice cream butter pecan - Cherries jubilee Follow @allthingsfoodinsandiego for more must try San Diego restaurants, date night ideas, and food experiences!

I made reservations at Casa Dami to celebrate my daughter's birthday, and overall, it turned into a…read morereally memorable experience. When booking, I had the option of dining , chef's table, or patio seating. I specifically chose the dining since my daughter loves creating content, and the indoor ambiance is absolutely beautiful for photos. The hostess seated us on the patio, and I mentioned that I had selected dining. I was told that seating is based on first availability, which was a little disappointing, especially since the restaurant is right on the water and by 7:30 PM it was getting pretty chilly. While they do have heaters outside, sitting in gusty winds with the smell of gas (especially after a fresh trip to the hairdresser!) just wasn't ideal. My daughter went back to the car to grab a blanket. Thankfully, the hostess noticed my discomfort and came back shortly after saying, "Donna, we have another table further down that's out of the wind and under a heat lamp." That small gesture made a big difference, and honestly, that's when the experience started to turn around. From there, things only got better. When our entrées arrived, our waiter Nick realized we had never received our appetizers. Without hesitation, he assured us he would make it right, and he absolutely did. He brought out a selection of cheeses for us to sample, which led to us ordering a caviar bump paired with champagne (highly recommend!). To top it all off, he surprised my daughter with olive cake and fresh berries to celebrate her birthday. Such a thoughtful touch. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. Not just because the food was amazing, but because of the attention to detail and how seriously they take the overall dining experience. Parking is available in a nearby garage, and they validate the first 90 minutes, which is a nice bonus.

I had this place bookmarked on Yelp since November when it was all dressed up for the holidays. The…read morepictures of the interior looked beautiful and the food looked great. Yesterday, I came here for my birthday lunch with my mom after she made a reservation, and honestly, I wish we had just gone somewhere else. We sat down right at our 1:00 reservation and then waited 35 minutes just to get a drink menu. Not food. Not to order. Just the menu for drinks. After we finally ordered, the champagne showed up about 20 minutes later. It was served in wine glasses, which feels like basic wine bar knowledge, but apparently not here. When we asked to switch them to champagne glasses, the waiter brought out smaller wine glasses. Not exactly good etiquette for a place that leans so heavily on its bar concept. The whipped ricotta appetizer came out even later, around the 65 minute mark. As an appetizer. It was fine, probably the best thing we had, but "fine" after that kind of wait is not a positive. From there, everything just dragged. It took almost an hour for my mom's meatballs to come out, and when they did, they were raw. Not slightly underdone. Fully pink in the middle. She sent them back and was so turned off she didn't even want to eat anything else. I ordered a salad and specifically asked for light dressing. What I got was the opposite. It was drenched in a thick, heavy dressing that made the whole thing borderline inedible and the lettuce soggy. After our food, I tried to order drip coffee, which they didn't have, so I settled for an Americano. I asked for warm cream, which I've had done at plenty of places, and somehow it came out clotted. If you know anything about coffee, that shouldn't happen. At this point, we had been there for over two and a half hours. For a salad, an appetizer, and four raw meatballs. The server was very nice and doing his best with being busy. BUT, the overall operation felt completely disorganized and untrained. We weren't the only ones either. The couple next to us was also complaining after waiting 40 minutes just to order breakfast items. To make it even better, parking is only comped for 90 minutes. So because of their slow service, we ended up paying for parking on top of overpriced, underwhelming food. What should have been a 45 minute lunch turned into a 2.5 hour ordeal. The bathroom also wasn't clean either time I went, which pretty much sums up the lack of attention to detail across the board. The only slightly redeeming part was the crème brûlée, which was... fine. Not amazing. Just fine. It's a pretty space. I'll give them that. But that's about where the positives end. The food is not good, the timing is unacceptable, and the whole experience feels like Instagram style over quality and substance. Definitely not worth the money, and not somewhere I'd ever go back to.