TLDR One of the strangest places in the best way. Delicious modern takes on pan- Mediterranean cuisine served in a beautiful, spacious yet intimate, dining area. But it's in th middle of a residential/industrial area off the Kearny Mesa area. Don't let the location fool you, this is some must have eats, especially the chicken wings
Boujie mana looks the part. A modern spacious design with few tables serves modern takes on Mediterranean cuisine. Service is attentive and well versed in the menu. The prices are a premium scale, portions very from small to large (pretty variable depending on the dish).
Ambience 7/10. Service 8/10. Price 6/10
Iced tea service
Pretty good quality loose leaf tea served in classy glassy's. Tea is served with honey, single package sweeteners, and lemon. You probably get 3-5 glasses out of the pitcher. We ordered ginger peach and spicy ginger and a light floral white peach can both be tasted. $15 is steep though. $10 would get me more excited.
6/10
Deviled eggs
Smoked eggs, crispy prosciutto, salsa verde, and pickled jalapeño. This is one step away from being a great dish to me but the idea is very enticing. The salsa verde is european style, more like a chimichuri of aromatics chopped and tossed in oil and citrus. The crispy prosciutto is accented by smoke, bringing notes of bacon. But the dish lacks a punch of brightness to me, the pickled jalapeño isn't quite enough to cut through. I may be critical but this is $10 for 2 eggs ultimately (4 halves).
6/10
Taboulleh
This one is classically prepared and unapologetic. Distinct mint, parsley, acid, olive oil, and salt. Delicious.
7/10
Fries
Fluffy with a nice snap, but wouldn't say crispy. That's the way I like them. The harissa sauce is a spiced mayo and is a great vehicle. Truffle oil is probably a bad idea, got in the way of the harissa. Pretty good but also very standard
6/10
Falafel
Ok this one I need to put a caveat. We were charged $15 but I'm pretty sure we were given the sandwich item not the appetizer. It came in a pita and had fries. It is delicious and a generous portion but normally the sandwich portion is $20 it seems. The falafel are perfectly made: no grease makes into the interior, chic pea is clear, herbaceous, and full of spice. Pickles served on top are bright and sweet. A delicious sandwich.
8/10
Crispy chicken wings
Absolutely delicious! To the best of my tasting, there's at least zaatar and harissa that cost the wings wonderfully. These bad boys are crispy and juicy too. They sit on top of a thick and creamy labneh that is tart and balanced as a perfect complement to the heavier wings. I'd come back for these
9.5/10
Roasted octopus.
Nicely composed dish with a creamy sauce base (I think sesame based) pistachio rich salsa verde, and charred octopus. It's cooked well, with some bits charred to crisp and others left nice and succulent. But nothing burnt and nothing chewy. Very well made but just a touch salty.
8/10
Boujie prosciutto salad
Tasty salad that reminds me of Caesar salad. Nice two shot of savory flavors between salty prosciutto and briny anchovies. Citrus is a nice counterpoint to these heavier flavors.
7/10
Definitely a good place for a nice lunch and I'd be curious to try what they have for dinner, especially spying their dry aging set up. Also curious to see what they do behind the bar. But expect to pay for what you're getting! read more