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I've died --- and gone to heaven!!! went to Callie as a single human just wanting really good food and good company -- and Callie delivered. I started with a cucumber cocktail, which honestly I never would've ordered on my own, but my server recommended it after I said I wanted something refreshing with vodka. It was perfect. Then I ordered the beef tartare and, literally, I could've left the restaurant right then completely happy and content. I mean... delicious. Absolutely delicious. Harissa, labneh, kohlrabi and caraway lavash -- chef's kiss. The LAMB. Beautiful, delicate and perfect. No notes. The carrots were good, but ehhh... if I'm being picky, I was wishing I'd ordered the potatoes instead. It was technically time for dessert, but my savory era wasn't over yet. So I ordered some pita just to soak up all the goodness still on my plate. Zero regrets. And finally, the rice pudding. Delicious. Warm, comforting, and somehow it tasted like Christmas in my mouth. Such a good meal, and a really lovely place to enjoy dinner solo. Omar was my server and he and his assistant knocked it out of the ballpark!!!!
Recommendation: Aleppo chicken and tomato fattoush. Some of the best Mediterranean food. The chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The fattoush was everything I'd want in a salad: crunchy pita chips, red pepper hummus, zesty sumac, juicy tomatoes. Outstanding! The bartenders (both Gabriels) were the best. Will be returning!
This place is what downtown SANDY EGGO deserved. Like damn. It's about time I encountered a restaurant that's legit, with folks that know what the hell they're doing. The space itself is gorgeous: beautifully decorated with an ambiance that matches the quality of the food. It's the kind of spot that feels sexy the second you walk in. Every single appetizer, entree, and dessert was impeccable. They also have that Michi-star level customer care and service. Patrons are treated fabulously (at least my family and I were). Parking can be annoying and confusing since they have no valet. But the parking structure is close, just around the corner -- not a big deal, just a heads up. Callie is 10 out of 10 and I cannot wait to return to try the rest of the menu offerings. Cheers, BIG EARS.
Came here upon recommendation from the Michelin guide and multiple recommendations on TikTok. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. The ambience is warm, open, and dim but not so dim where you can't read the menu. Originally, they had seated us by the bussing station but we requested to move to somewhere with less foot traffic and they accommodated us. Our server Ezra(?) was extremely welcoming and kind. He was a super knowledgeable and could answer any questions about the menu. His helper was also very attentive and always kept our glasses full and table clean. We started with the octopus which had a nice char and was super tender. The charred lemon paired well. One of our favorite things we ordered. Next were the patatas bravas. They were super crispy and covered with a somewhat sweet and slightly spicy sauce reminiscent of bbq sauce. For the mains we had the chicken, lamb chops, and hanger steak. - The Aleppo chicken is their number one seller and what they're known for. But for $42, I don't think it's that special. It is a half chicken which was crispy, sweet, well seasoned, and juicy but I still feel that chicken should never cost that much. - The harissa grilled lamb chops were the star of the show. Nice and thick cuts of lamb that were well seasoned and juicy. The herb mixture and sauce that accompanies them were to die for. I put that sauce on everything! - Hanger steak was cooked perfectly and was nice and marbled, but it tasted like every other steak out there. Nothing really set it apart from any other good steak. Honestly, not something I'd get again. Dessert menu didn't really appeal to us so we didn't order anything. No birthday dessert was offered even though we were celebrating one. Overall, it was good and worth being on the Michelin guide. Service was outstanding and food was excellent. I just feel that some of the dishes weren't as special as they could be.
We chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary with another couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful evening spent in a modern and well thought of restaurant. From the actual interior, to the menu to the bathroom design..... This dining experience was clearly put together mindfully and thoughtfully! Precious and Steven attentively took care of us. We opted to bring a bottle of our own wine *** corkage fee $50 (interestingly it goes up With the amount of bottles) The service was spot on to the point that they were too quick to take dishes away as we were still enjoying our meal. We opted for the Mediterranean Feast for 4 people and there was so much variety and felt like we didn't miss out on anything! We had options to upgrade certain courses which was a nice option such as paying $10 extra for the lamb chops which was so beautifully plated. We also opted for the wine pairing for 4 courses for $45 which was so delightful! It was a great a meal and the restaurant was so busy on a Sunday night! Loved the special touches of an anniversary card and free 3 hour parking! ** bonus ***3 HR free parking in their lot
What a great place for a special occasion. Big group of friends, hence all the dishes we tried. The fan favs were the halibut, lamb chops, all the pastas were worth ordering more of. All the spreads were creative and tasy. Skip the carrots. I thought the potatoes were not crispy enough and not worth the carbs. I will be back for a date night and update accordingly. Could be 5 star with one more try.
Went again because my friend was visiting town and got the feast instead. I was so much more impressed with the items and was shocked at the quantity of good that came out. By the end of the dinner all 4 of us were stuffed and loved most dishes. Our favs were the chicken and the lamb dolmas. I like that they allow you to substitute items which is nice flexibility. I also like that they don't rush you to finish your food quickly to push you out so it makes the meal more enjoyable.
I really enjoyed Callie. The vibe was quiet and hip. Our server was super kind and very knowledgable. Loved all her suggestions. We ordered the hummus, corn and shishito peppers, papperdelle and Aleppo chicken. The corn and shishito ravioli might be the best para I've ever had. The flavors were sublime! The Aleppo chicken had perfectly crispy skin and was cooked to perfection. The hummus was so smooth and perfectly salted. The pappardelle was great too. Highly recommend this.
The ambiance was nice, and the cocktail we got was alright. The prawns were definitely the highlight--they were delicious. Unfortunately, the steak was bland and needed more salt and seasoning. The dolma was not good; the grape leaves were chewy and the texture was unpleasant. The babaganush and pita bread were good, though. Overall, the ambiance was enjoyable, but the food was a bit hit-or-miss.
Mediterranean 5 course meal for 2 w/ wine tasting is what my husband and I got ($80pp + $45/ea wine pairing). The service is just wonderful (after each course, new silverware, plates and wine glass with new tasting, table cleaned after each course). Each course was so good, very citrus forward, fresh, good portion size and prompt). One thing I didn't expect was the parking structure lead basically to the restaurant, 3 hour complimentary parking included with validation for each reservation. Parking basically in the same building as Callie. All the food was so good, the fish, pasta and chicken was by far the best part in my opinion. Love that the produce is fresh and sourced from farms in San Diego. Great place to try some local delicious cuisine on a date night.
In my top 3 San Diego restaurants. The food is amazing and the service is too, well, the drinks are as well. The Aleppo chicken is next level and the left overs make an excellent sandwich or glow up a green salad. The uni toast is a bit pricey but so worth it, 2 little two-bite toasts for just under $30 is a complex pairing of quality uni with salty meat that makes the two flavors match like ying and yang. Derrick is perhaps my favorite waiter there. He is always happy and gracious. He appreciates his guests and is excited about the food. The decor has a nice vibe with an open kitchen and wine cellar. The location is okay... not a great neighborhood but gets redemption points for being a block from the trolley stop and easy freeway entrance after you dine. The cocktails are imaginative and the wine list is notable. My hubs always gets the Farmed and Dangerous and I always go for the De La Montaña, which I just learned has carrot juice which is made in house - it is a bit spicy with Smokey mezcal and sweet pineapple juice. It used to come with a teeny carrot on a tiny clothespin but that was replaced with a dried orange garnish a few years ago - maybe a fresh pineapple wedge would provide the snack I miss because nobody wants to eat a rock hard dried orange slice. The only downside, which may be the one thing keeping them from a Michelin star is the desserts. I have tried them all, and other than a rhubarb special they had a year or two ago, they were not impressive. The gelato is good, and made in house with quality ingredients but to get that star, they need to be more than a creamy scoop.
We had a very nice dinner here to celebrate two birthdays. They had a nice handwritten card on the table upon our arrival which was so thoughtful! The restaurant is in downtown San Diego and we were luckily able to find street parking nearby. The restaurant is beautiful inside! Service was good and all of the waitstaff was helpful and nice. We decided to try the Mediterranean feast with the wine pairing. I'm not sure if the feast portion sizes change based off the parties but for some of the serving like the vegetables or amount of pita I wish it matched the amount of people in the party (for example the vegetables had three pieces of veggies per type of veggie but we were a group of four and there were three pitas). We thought the babaghanoush and hummus were delicious! My favorite dish was the corn and shishito ravioli. Their popular Aleppo chicken was well seasoned and a good dish to share so everyone can try. The Meyer lemon pavlova was tasty but on the smaller side. The ice cream that came with the tahini cookie was amazing! Overall a great meal that is good to have shared so you can try a variety of their dishes. Not sure if I would do it with the wine pairing again but I'm glad I got to try so many things on the menu by choosing the feast option.
The restaurant itself is beautiful, and the food was generally very good, though I personally felt the experience was a bit overhyped. The staff were warm and welcoming initially, but the atmosphere seemed to shift after one person in our group ordered only the hummus and carrots due to limited vegan options. Food-wise, there were definitely highlights. The harissa grilled lamb chops were cooked perfectly, though a little saltier than I would have liked. The lemon saffron linguine was excellent, and I really enjoyed both the hummus and the chargrilled hanger steak- the sauce on the steak was especially memorable. The beef tartare was also exceptional! Overall, I'm glad I tried it, but it's probably a one-time experience for me. Worth a Callie-ng curiosity visit, but not necessarily somewhere I'd rush back to.
3 hours ago
I loved my experience at Callie. The clarified cocktail was beautiful, the chili in the foam was pretty strong initially but once that settled it was a very well balanced cocktail. I LOVED the toro toast. I eat a fair amount of tuna and this was an incredible bite. I am not usually a big truffle person given how it tends to overwhelm a dish but it was such a great bite. The seasonal pumpkin caramelle was okay, I felt it was quite sweet with the crumble. The octopus was overall a nice balance of grilled and umami favors with the sweet and tart lemon which I thought was a really nice touch. One of the pieces was grilled perfectly and the other was a bit tougher. The grilled green beans also had a great flavor profile. The pavlova was incredible. I was really surprised by this. So many places see dessert as an afterthought and this was a really intentional dish The restaurant itself was beautifully and thoughtfully designed with a mid century modern flare. I love the open kitchen and unique bar. The service was top notch, very attentive to water refills, clearing dishes, assessing your meal and accommodating your needs I will certainly be back with friends and family read more
8 days ago
This is honestly one of my top ten meals EVER. Things I loved -The food (duh): The Aleppo chicken and the carrot salad will stay with me for a long time. The crust on the chicken was divine, and the inside juicy and tender. Paired with the vinegar-y carrot salad, it was a truly memorable meal. The grilled summer beans as a starter were also delish. -The service: Our server explained each meal in great detail and didn't just tell what was popular, but what she actually liked best, which to me is a sign of a great server. -The vibes: The bar! The plates! The location! Cannot wait to get a chance to go back. read more
16 days ago
I've died --- and gone to heaven!!! went to Callie as a single human just wanting really good food and good company -- and Callie delivered. I started with a cucumber cocktail, which honestly I never would've ordered on my own, but my server recommended it after I said I wanted something refreshing with vodka. It was perfect. Then I ordered the beef tartare and, literally, I could've left the restaurant right then completely happy and content. I mean... delicious. Absolutely delicious. Harissa, labneh, kohlrabi and caraway lavash -- chef's kiss. The LAMB. Beautiful, delicate and perfect. No notes. The carrots were good, but ehhh... if I'm being picky, I was wishing I'd ordered the potatoes instead. It was technically time for dessert, but my savory era wasn't over yet. So I ordered some pita just to soak up all the goodness still on my plate. Zero regrets. And finally, the rice pudding. Delicious. Warm, comforting, and somehow it tasted like Christmas in my mouth. Such a good meal, and a really lovely place to enjoy dinner solo. Omar was my server and he and his assistant knocked it out of the ballpark!!!! read more
Recommendation: Aleppo chicken and tomato fattoush. Some of the best Mediterranean food. The chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The fattoush was everything I'd want in a salad: crunchy pita chips, red pepper hummus, zesty sumac, juicy tomatoes. Outstanding! The bartenders (both Gabriels) were the best. Will be returning! read more
This place is what downtown SANDY EGGO deserved. Like damn. It's about time I encountered a restaurant that's legit, with folks that know what the hell they're doing. The space itself is gorgeous: beautifully decorated with an ambiance that matches the quality of the food. It's the kind of spot that feels sexy the second you walk in. Every single appetizer, entree, and dessert was impeccable. They also have that Michi-star level customer care and service. Patrons are treated fabulously (at least my family and I were). Parking can be annoying and confusing since they have no valet. But the parking structure is close, just around the corner -- not a big deal, just a heads up. Callie is 10 out of 10 and I cannot wait to return to try the rest of the menu offerings. Cheers, BIG EARS. read more
Came here upon recommendation from the Michelin guide and multiple recommendations on TikTok. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. The ambience is warm, open, and dim but not so dim where you can't read the menu. Originally, they had seated us by the bussing station but we requested to move to somewhere with less foot traffic and they accommodated us. Our server Ezra(?) was extremely welcoming and kind. He was a super knowledgeable and could answer any questions about the menu. His helper was also very attentive and always kept our glasses full and table clean. We started with the octopus which had a nice char and was super tender. The charred lemon paired well. One of our favorite things we ordered. Next were the patatas bravas. They were super crispy and covered with a somewhat sweet and slightly spicy sauce reminiscent of bbq sauce. For the mains we had the chicken, lamb chops, and hanger steak. - The Aleppo chicken is their number one seller and what they're known for. But for $42, I don't think it's that special. It is a half chicken which was crispy, sweet, well seasoned, and juicy but I still feel that chicken should never cost that much. - The harissa grilled lamb chops were the star of the show. Nice and thick cuts of lamb that were well seasoned and juicy. The herb mixture and sauce that accompanies them were to die for. I put that sauce on everything! - Hanger steak was cooked perfectly and was nice and marbled, but it tasted like every other steak out there. Nothing really set it apart from any other good steak. Honestly, not something I'd get again. Dessert menu didn't really appeal to us so we didn't order anything. No birthday dessert was offered even though we were celebrating one. Overall, it was good and worth being on the Michelin guide. Service was outstanding and food was excellent. I just feel that some of the dishes weren't as special as they could be. read more
We chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary with another couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful evening spent in a modern and well thought of restaurant. From the actual interior, to the menu to the bathroom design..... This dining experience was clearly put together mindfully and thoughtfully! Precious and Steven attentively took care of us. We opted to bring a bottle of our own wine *** corkage fee $50 (interestingly it goes up With the amount of bottles) The service was spot on to the point that they were too quick to take dishes away as we were still enjoying our meal. We opted for the Mediterranean Feast for 4 people and there was so much variety and felt like we didn't miss out on anything! We had options to upgrade certain courses which was a nice option such as paying $10 extra for the lamb chops which was so beautifully plated. We also opted for the wine pairing for 4 courses for $45 which was so delightful! It was a great a meal and the restaurant was so busy on a Sunday night! Loved the special touches of an anniversary card and free 3 hour parking! ** bonus ***3 HR free parking in their lot read more
What a great place for a special occasion. Big group of friends, hence all the dishes we tried. The fan favs were the halibut, lamb chops, all the pastas were worth ordering more of. All the spreads were creative and tasy. Skip the carrots. I thought the potatoes were not crispy enough and not worth the carbs. I will be back for a date night and update accordingly. Could be 5 star with one more try. read more
Went again because my friend was visiting town and got the feast instead. I was so much more impressed with the items and was shocked at the quantity of good that came out. By the end of the dinner all 4 of us were stuffed and loved most dishes. Our favs were the chicken and the lamb dolmas. I like that they allow you to substitute items which is nice flexibility. I also like that they don't rush you to finish your food quickly to push you out so it makes the meal more enjoyable. read more
20 days ago
I really enjoyed Callie. The vibe was quiet and hip. Our server was super kind and very knowledgable. Loved all her suggestions. We ordered the hummus, corn and shishito peppers, papperdelle and Aleppo chicken. The corn and shishito ravioli might be the best para I've ever had. The flavors were sublime! The Aleppo chicken had perfectly crispy skin and was cooked to perfection. The hummus was so smooth and perfectly salted. The pappardelle was great too. Highly recommend this. read more
23 days ago
The ambiance was nice, and the cocktail we got was alright. The prawns were definitely the highlight--they were delicious. Unfortunately, the steak was bland and needed more salt and seasoning. The dolma was not good; the grape leaves were chewy and the texture was unpleasant. The babaganush and pita bread were good, though. Overall, the ambiance was enjoyable, but the food was a bit hit-or-miss. read more
Mediterranean 5 course meal for 2 w/ wine tasting is what my husband and I got ($80pp + $45/ea wine pairing). The service is just wonderful (after each course, new silverware, plates and wine glass with new tasting, table cleaned after each course). Each course was so good, very citrus forward, fresh, good portion size and prompt). One thing I didn't expect was the parking structure lead basically to the restaurant, 3 hour complimentary parking included with validation for each reservation. Parking basically in the same building as Callie. All the food was so good, the fish, pasta and chicken was by far the best part in my opinion. Love that the produce is fresh and sourced from farms in San Diego. Great place to try some local delicious cuisine on a date night. read more
In my top 3 San Diego restaurants. The food is amazing and the service is too, well, the drinks are as well. The Aleppo chicken is next level and the left overs make an excellent sandwich or glow up a green salad. The uni toast is a bit pricey but so worth it, 2 little two-bite toasts for just under $30 is a complex pairing of quality uni with salty meat that makes the two flavors match like ying and yang. Derrick is perhaps my favorite waiter there. He is always happy and gracious. He appreciates his guests and is excited about the food. The decor has a nice vibe with an open kitchen and wine cellar. The location is okay... not a great neighborhood but gets redemption points for being a block from the trolley stop and easy freeway entrance after you dine. The cocktails are imaginative and the wine list is notable. My hubs always gets the Farmed and Dangerous and I always go for the De La Montaña, which I just learned has carrot juice which is made in house - it is a bit spicy with Smokey mezcal and sweet pineapple juice. It used to come with a teeny carrot on a tiny clothespin but that was replaced with a dried orange garnish a few years ago - maybe a fresh pineapple wedge would provide the snack I miss because nobody wants to eat a rock hard dried orange slice. The only downside, which may be the one thing keeping them from a Michelin star is the desserts. I have tried them all, and other than a rhubarb special they had a year or two ago, they were not impressive. The gelato is good, and made in house with quality ingredients but to get that star, they need to be more than a creamy scoop. read more
We had a very nice dinner here to celebrate two birthdays. They had a nice handwritten card on the table upon our arrival which was so thoughtful! The restaurant is in downtown San Diego and we were luckily able to find street parking nearby. The restaurant is beautiful inside! Service was good and all of the waitstaff was helpful and nice. We decided to try the Mediterranean feast with the wine pairing. I'm not sure if the feast portion sizes change based off the parties but for some of the serving like the vegetables or amount of pita I wish it matched the amount of people in the party (for example the vegetables had three pieces of veggies per type of veggie but we were a group of four and there were three pitas). We thought the babaghanoush and hummus were delicious! My favorite dish was the corn and shishito ravioli. Their popular Aleppo chicken was well seasoned and a good dish to share so everyone can try. The Meyer lemon pavlova was tasty but on the smaller side. The ice cream that came with the tahini cookie was amazing! Overall a great meal that is good to have shared so you can try a variety of their dishes. Not sure if I would do it with the wine pairing again but I'm glad I got to try so many things on the menu by choosing the feast option. read more
The restaurant itself is beautiful, and the food was generally very good, though I personally felt the experience was a bit overhyped. The staff were warm and welcoming initially, but the atmosphere seemed to shift after one person in our group ordered only the hummus and carrots due to limited vegan options. Food-wise, there were definitely highlights. The harissa grilled lamb chops were cooked perfectly, though a little saltier than I would have liked. The lemon saffron linguine was excellent, and I really enjoyed both the hummus and the chargrilled hanger steak- the sauce on the steak was especially memorable. The beef tartare was also exceptional! Overall, I'm glad I tried it, but it's probably a one-time experience for me. Worth a Callie-ng curiosity visit, but not necessarily somewhere I'd rush back to. read more
1 month ago
2 months ago
Beautiful, busy dining space in a somewhat "iffy" area of town. We ordered their feast for 2, with a set menu where they bring out several items over time. There was an optional wine pairing for an extra $45. Luckily, they let us split one wine pairing. We loved our meal! I thought the service was amazing too. Definitely well trained employees! Worth the splurge, especially for a special date night. Located near the Park and Market event space (and its trolley stop). I'm hoping this restaurant might even be able to pull the surrounding area out of its current doldrums! read more
Wow -- absolutely incredible flavors from start to finish. Every dish we ordered was unique, memorable, and packed with flavor. We came for a date night and ended up sharing dishes across multiple sections of the menu, which made the experience even more fun because every plate brought something different to the table. We honestly couldn't decide on a favorite. The hummus was unbelievably smooth, rich, and flavorful, and the fusion of Asian and Mediterranean influences throughout the menu was so creative and well executed. The beef tartare and lemon saffron linguine were especially standout dishes. Everything we tried was delicious, thoughtful, and unforgettable. We can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu. read more
I was able to snatch a last-minute reservation at this very popular restaurant. After seeing this restaurant recommended by a Michelin star Chef based in San Diego, and being on the Michelin Gourmand list, I was really looking forward to eating here! To be honest, I was not impressed by the food. The ambiance was great. The interior was open, inviting, modern and elegant. It had good energy. The chicken came highly recommended, and it was good. Maybe it was because I wasn't very hungry and also because of the abundance of good Mediterranean food in LA and having had Mediterranean food in Greece and Turkey, I thought the food was good but not exceptional. We also got the baba ghanoush (eggplant dip) with puffy thin bread. That was good. I didn't like the flavor profile of the hanger steak. The broccolini was my favorite dish. It was refreshing. This dish exceeded my expectations. The flavor and texture were nothing like any broccolini I had before, and all the components of the dish worked beautifully together! Service was a bit hit and miss. We told our severs (our waiter 2x and the drinks person once) that we needed a split check and they still all forgot. I felt a bit rush as my friend and I were catching up and we kept getting interrupted. Pro Tip: If you decide to try this place, there is complimentary validated parking for 3 hours offered by the restaurant. The garage is a bit hard to find. It's located right next to the restaurant but very easy to drive pass it especially at night. read more
2 months ago
First of all, I want to thank the General Manager (Sabrina) for accommodating to our group's needs. Her and her team were incredibly accommodating with our last minute reservation changes... not once but twice! We truly appreciated how they made it work for us. Our server, Derek, also went above and beyond with the service. The birthday celebrant requested a drink that was from a previous season, and Derek took the time to double-check and make sure they could still make it happen. All of the staff were attentive and provide great customer service. The food was amazing! We didn't get pictures of everything we ordered, but I highly recommend the lemon saffron linguine and lamb chops. I think both dishes are a MUST try! I think it's meant to be family style, but definitely not for 5 people. I think at most 2-3 people can share a dish. The space was beautiful and has a great atmosphere. Very much picture worthy! There were a lot of people dining, but it didn't felt crowded or overwhelming. It was a bit loud inside but you're still able to make conversations. They also validate parking for 3 hours, which is such a nice bonus! Thank you to the entire team at Callie's for making our celebration extra special. We had a great time and will definitely be back! read more
What an absolutely fantastic restaurant and meal. First off the ambience is just gorgeous, it's crazy how truly open the entire space is. Service was top notch, my water never went below halfway. Staff was friendly and checking in throughout the night and able to answer all the questions we threw their way. SUPER accommodating for gluten free with tons of options here. The menu is cool as it has a feast option that's more like a prix fixe set menu. We considered this but decided against it after asking what would be included with it. The menu presents the ability to sort of create your own adventure and so we went with that. Started off with the baba ghanoush, wow this one is incredible. It makes me question everything else I've ever eaten with the same name. The smokiness truly comes through and the depth and richness of the eggplant is captured in a way I've never tasted before. Definitely get this. The pita it came with was so fluffy and perfect as well, and they had no problem giving me a pita and my friend the gluten free crackers. The octopus was also one of the best I've ever had. Really nice portion when sometimes it can feel expensive for a little bit. It was so absolutely tender I couldn't believe it. With sort of like a crisp char on the outside, just cooked perfectly. Definitely recommend this one. Hanger steak. Another banger, the meat was tender, perfectly charred and salted. But the standout here was the sauce. Like give the saucier a raise cus this sauce was magic. I could eat this sauce on literally everything for the rest of my life and die happy. It's like they melded the best essence of every herb into a smooth clean emulsion that just turns the steak into something to die for. You could have given me a hamburger on top of this sauce and I'd have been happy. Broccolini and patatas bravas were nice sides, but didn't blow me away like the other dishes so I'll keep it short here. Lot of cool cocktail options that don't deviate too far from the classics but have fun twists. Thoroughly enjoyed the ones that I had - including farmed and dangerous which was an old fashioned riff. Also had a daily special cocktail that I forget the name, it had private barrel elijah craig which was exciting, but the cocktail was a bit on the sweet side and really lost the whiskey which was unfortunate. Nothing to complain about, was still great, but going back I'd elect for something else. Dessert we had the rice pudding which was surprisingly kinda reminiscent of a creme brulee. Lot of different flavors here with the dates and pistachio, it really is a fun one to try, especially if rice pudding is your thing. Worth noting it was a bit loud of an environment. The airiness of the room I think also echoes the sounds a bit more. We were also seated pretty close to the people to our left and right, like close enough we could easily hear their conversations and talk to them. Not something that bothered us, but something to be aware of, especially if you're looking for an intimate date night, maybe request a particular table. I really can't wait to come back! read more
I'm so glad I came in after a busy day! The front desk was super nice and informed there would be a wait. We were greeted right away when entered a table. The waitress kindly walked us through the menu and specials for the day. The uni toast was so comforting as a tasty starter. And everything we ordered was equally amazing (ordered babaganoush, pasta, halibut special, wine). Despite being a bit louder than expected, perhaps due to an event happening at the convention center), I would definitely come back every time I'm in town. read more
6 months ago
I'd definitely come back for the lemon uni tagliatelle and the Aleppo chicken. The Aleppo chicken was full of flavor, with lots of spice and a creamy sauce underneath that balanced everything out perfectly. It had just the right amount of kick. The lemon uni tagliatelle was tangy, creamy, and rich, with perfectly cooked pasta and plenty of sauce in every bite. The dessert could use some improvement. We tried the pavlova, but it wasn't as memorable as the savory dishes. read more
Had a good time trying this highly acclaimed restaurant in downtown. Big plus is validated parking in a covered garage in the same building as the restaurant. Although the food was a good quality, the prices are also quite high, so the overall experience is only worth it if you're looking for a great ambience with sophisticated food. I found the baba ghanoush to be one of the best dishes with a nice smoky flavor paired with fresh pita that is made in house. I found the hummus to be rather bland, tasted mainly of olive oil so would definitely favor the babaghanoush to start. For the main dishes, I think the saffron lemon pasta the highlight; the sauce was very well balanced, and the saffron flavor shines through. I found the Aleppo chicken (although widely acclaimed on here) to have a rather peculiar spice on top that I was not a big fan of. The hanger steak was tender, but not particularly flavorful. Overall, I think this place hits the mark on ambience, good service, and sophisticated food although it has the very high prices to match. If you're looking for just pure food quality, I think there are certainly other places that are better but if you're looking for the whole package, Callie is hard to resist. read more
2 months ago
Parking is easy with a dedicated on site lot that will validate parking. The ambiance and service at Callie are great. They are very popular and we had to book a couple of weeks ahead just to get a weekend reservation. The food tastes amazing - 5 stars for taste. The reason that I can't rate 5/5 is the portion sizes and inclusions. They charge $32 for pasta and while it tastes delicious the problem is that they give you very little - it doesn't fill the bottom of the bowl. I think they could afford to up the portion and still make a great profit at that price point since pasta is a very inexpensive ingredient. Another thing to be aware of if that if you get one of the meat entrees they do not come with any sides. I'd still recommend the restaurant, especially if you have a lighter appetite, but if you are the type that wants to be full after spending more than 200 on dinner you might want grab a snack before dining here. Bottom line Callie is delicious read more
Sunday Funday Dinner with friends - we made a reservation on OpenTable. We were seated in 5-10 minutes. The servers were attentive and explained a lot of the menu items and loved what their recommendations were. There were 4 of us and we shared all the dishes from the appetizers to the dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious. Location was easy to find and parking validation was perfect in the same building. The restaurant was beautiful, not loud but pleasant. We would definitely recommend. read more
25 days ago
First time at Callie and it did not disappoint. We did the Mediterranean Feast for $80 per person and it was a good experience. The portions were actually good size especially the chicken dish and we were so full by the end. Everything felt super thoughtfully made and really flavorful. You can tell they care about the details. The only thing we didn't love was the fish dish. It was super salty, but that was honestly the only complaint. The flavors would have been great if the salt was toned down. Besides that everything else felt really balanced and so good. The drinks were delicious, the service was top notch, and the vibe is just fun but still feels special. I also love that they have an attached parking garage with three hour validation. That makes such a difference downtown. Next time I think I would just order specific dishes instead of doing the feast because it did not feel like a huge deal compared to ordering off the menu. But we will definitely be back! read more
Located in downtown San Diego. Beautiful upscale restaurant with culinary delights. Parking is a little challenging here, so take rideshare or public transportation. Otherwise, prepare to pay $30-$50 for parking. I suggest you make reservations if you're coming Thursday to Sunday. We ordered a set course, the Mediterranean meal for 4 people. Delicious, can't get enough. We all loved it! Every single dish was exquisite. It came out to around $500 for 4 persons and was worth every penny. We were all full, and I had a little food to take home as well. Service was amazing as well, they were busy but on top of it. Thanks for the wonderful food and experience Callie! read more
8 months ago
Loved the chicken main. 5/5 Beets salad 5/5 Potatoes 4/5 crispy Beef tartare 3/5 Hummus and pita bread 5/5 Mushroom side dish 4/5 Leman pasta 0/5 - super sour and salty unfortunately Tahini cookie with fig ice cream- super salty 2.5/5 Good customer service. Celebrated valentines here. It's super loud, you can hear everyone talking. I wish it was better insulated but it's super loud every time I come here! read more
I now understand why Callie has such high reviews. It's good! And beautiful! And delicious! We started by parking in the building's underground parking lot which made for a much better experience dining downtown. Parking is validated at the restaurant. Our reservation was for when they opened at 5pm so the entire lobby was full of other people with reservations, plus about a dozen people waiting to claim a first come first serve bar seat. We were promptly seated at a comfortable table that had a nice view of the open faced kitchen. For our party of three, we ordered some hummus and babaganoush with pita and bread (yum), plus some crunchy carrots, potatas bravas and two entrees - the chicken and hangar steak. Not a bad bite was had at that table. An odd compliment from me, but my favorite item was the Aleppo chicken! This is a great restaurant for a special occasion or simply a date night where you want some high quality eats. Just be sure to make a reservation several weeks in advance. read more
Celebrated our anniversary at Callie with our family of four, and it turned out to be such a great choice for a special-but-not-stuffy night out. We kicked things off with Patatas Bravas (just ok for us) and the Setas Con Migas, which were so good -- earthy, comforting, and full of flavor. For mains, I finally tried the famous Aleppo Chicken and WOW -- absolutely delicious and a huge portion (easily shareable). My husband had the Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops; I'm pretty picky about lamb chops and thought they were good-not-great, but he loved them, so that's a win. The kids were very happy with their choices: Lemon Saffron Linguine and the Duck & Korubotta Pork Ragù Pappardelle -- both excellent pasta dishes without being boring. One standout for me was the "Sans Booze" menu. I was genuinely impressed by the variety and creativity. The kids and I tried a few, and they were actually flavorful and balanced -- not just sugary syrup with food coloring. My husband also loved his cocktails. Dessert sealed the deal: warm tahini chocolate chip cookie, passion fruit pavlova, and Turkish rice pudding. All were excellent, and we each had a different favorite, which says a lot. Overall, Callie delivered on food, drinks, vibe and great service-- perfect for a family celebration or a date night. Would absolutely come back (and order that Aleppo chicken again). read more
Wow! Truly delicious flavors. Everything from appetizers to entrées to desserts are well done with truly unique and delicious flavor profiles. A lot of thought and care have gone into the dishes. Spreads and breads: hummus and pita - the spicy green zhoug! I don't even know what that is, but it made the hummus extraordinary. Appetizer: The octopus was tender and flavorful, not chewy at all, and some of the best octopus I've ever had. The kanpachi was also really good if you like sashimi. Mains: the Egyptian carrots were tangy and full of flavor. The Allepo chicken and hanger steak were both excellent proteins. Grilled wax beans packed a lot of flavor with a lemon accent. Dessert: the rice pudding is good if you like, pudding based desserts, but I prefer chocolate, so the chocolate chip cookie and ice cream was the bomb. Excellent and attentive service and the place was packed for dinner so you know it's good. read more
I enjoyed Callie, however would expect more service for a $100/head. When we sat down our waiter asked if we were ready to order. Huh? It's just us two and we just sat down! That's not how this kind of place works (the assistants doing water and stuff were much more professional) Then about 20 minutes pass and I see him on his phone in the corner and awkwardly make eye contact! He came back, so we were like "ok let's get the hummus and potatoes" But then he said we have to order everything at once so they can "time it". Ok - we order everything, then he says you need a pasta course you're gonna be hungry! Well that was a bad idea to take his rec because it turns out we had TWO boxes of food leftover! Everything was delish food wise minus the tiny portions for the pasta course (it really is an appetizer). While good hot out of the oven, the seasoning on the chicken, as with the lamb chop lollipops started to become a bit much. I'd suggest getting one or the other as they have very similar flavor profiles Overall great flavors just disappointed we weren't taken care of service wise, and felt judged from the start by our unwelcoming waiter. read more
4 months ago
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More info about Callie
1195 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
East Village
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(619) 255-9696
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https://calliesd.com
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Ask the Community - Callie
Can someone explain the Mediterranean Feast?
The Mediterranean Feast is a representation of their menu served family style. The food is absolutely fabulous each and every course. I usually am hard to please with a chicken course, but their chicken is out of this world! I went with my wife…
How long does the dining experience take?
It really depends on what you order but really you can just go at your own pace. Last time we ate there we were there for 2 1/2 hours but we did the Mediterranean feast. We had rounds of cocktails lots of wine and took our time. A place like this…
Hows the Mediterranean feast?
It's amazing! Its a best of from their regular menu. We added a few specials and had a memorable experience.
Do they accept walk ins?
Maybe for the bar... but tables need to be reserved months in advance
Do you have a corkage fee?
Going to Padres game on Thursday 9/29/22 starts 6:40 1) Do we need a reservation? 2) will 3 hour free…
You definitely need a reservation. I am not aware of free parking, but cannot say for sure.
How big a group can you accommodate for dinner!?
I think you need to call if it is bigger than 6.
Do they have any halal meat?
Did NOT say it. The Lamb Chops did NOT even taste like lamb, NOT even good...so Halal or not means nothing here :(
Does the whole table have to order the Mediterranean Feast or can one person alone choose it?
Everyone would have to participate in the feast option. The variety of dishes expands with bigger groups as well.
Do they have valet parking?
We do not offer valet but have free parking (first 3 hours) in the building with validation.
We have a small dog. Is restaurant dog friendly?
No dogs seen there, totally NOT support or blind dog friendly attitude of hostesses & Floor Managers, yuck!
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
41 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Callie - mediterranean - Updated October 2026
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