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InsideOUT exceeded every expectation! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was stunning -- the open-air design, lush greenery, and beautiful lighting make it one of the most gorgeous spots in San Diego. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. But what truly made our time special was our server, Jena. She was awesome -- warm, attentive, and genuinely fun, with great recommendations and perfect timing throughout the meal. Service like hers is rare and turns a great brunch into a memorable experience. Highly recommend InsideOUT for date, celebrations, or just a beautiful time out!
This is a rare 5-star review for me; so far I have given less than 5 year to date. So, what that means is that it is easy to "Pump up the volume" for a review, thinking it's helping a place, but I vote based on what I like. What I like is 40% Service or Experience, 35% Food or Item(s) quality, and 25% CPA (Convenience, Price, and Ambiance), and I have a forgiveness factor. That being said, this place was so impressive, driving by multiple times and looking at it while looking for a parking space. I will tell you about the $80 ticket...later. When we walked in on a Thursday with a reservation, it was comfortably full like a Friday. I always say "an early reservation beats the rush," and it paid off because when we left, it became "nightclub" full of locals. The decor, later found out to be a themed restaurant, was so impressive with lights, foliage, and flowing water that I felt like a kid in Toys R' Us (R.I.P.). Our wait for being on time was less than my 15-minute patients, and we were seated in our requested "anywhere but near the kitchen" seating. Our waiter was very cordial and did not ask HAYD or CIHWA every 25 minutes, nor did he ignore us. We were left alone to eat. I know this because I saw him "eye-check our progress a couple of times." That's the sign of a good waiter/tress. Our special drinks were on point, and the large-portion dishes were a 4.5 by themselves. As a high-quality home chef and a military chow line platter, I was impressed with the presentation, so I had to ensure my camera skills paid homage. I suggest finding a place to park and walking to the restaurant if you drove, because the alleyway to the right of the entrance is patrolled. :0) Can't wait to return and try something new and see what the theme is. I suggest making a reservation because you won't get a table by walking in and "enjoying the experience of eating" there.
InsideOUT is known to be a hip spot in the heart of hillcrest, SD. Very LGBTQ fun vibes, loud music playing in the background, etc. They refer to it as an urban oasis, located within a residential red building (Eitol Towers) So, for RSVP's online, it won't let you book for one person, so I decided to walk-in for the experience. Luckily, I was able to get a seat when I walked in. The host was super nice and explained how the table seating worked. I chose to sit in the outdoor area; it has different levels as well. Down below, you can see the lively ambiance happening with the other clients. A bar surrounded by groups and having a great time. A nice waterfall decoration running behind the bar. Has the aesthetics of a nice upscale bar/lounge. Restroom are shared with both genders, male and female. So don't be alarmed when visiting here and using the restrooms. They play pop music in the background which can definitely get you in the mood. Menu is Mediterranean based as well. For my experience, the service was a bit slow, but eventually I got my drink and an appetizer. Prices are on the higher end here, FYI. Maybe because it was during Happy hour and it was busy. I decided to order one of their cocktails and went with Evan Williams Old Fashioned (evan williams bourbon, black walnut bitters, demerara syrup) 5/5 smooth and delicious, for those who are fans of whiskey this is a must try. For food, I went with a fancy appetizer: BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TERRINE (served cold with cherry-fig mostarda, dijon, house pickled vegetables, toasted baguette) I was not a fan of how the beef was served because it just reminded me of "wet dog food" but I still ate some of it. I really enjoyed the fig jam with the toasted baguette. 3/5 This spot is more appropriate for groups or dates, I came alone to experience the "hype" but really, in my opinion, it is too "hyped up" on social media. It was an "ok" experience. I'm not no influencer either so I'm being honest.
I went to InsideOUT with a few friends the other night and the space itself is definitely the highlight. The inside is so cool and hard to fully describe, but it feels like you're being transported into a tropical oasis. The atmosphere alone makes it worth checking out. As for the food, it was just okay. We ordered the cheese board, Brussels sprouts, tartine, prawns, and the lemongrass chicken. Nothing was bad at all, but nothing really stood out either or felt especially memorable. I'd still go back because the vibe is great, and I've heard they have a fantastic brunch that I'd love to try next time.
What a great experience this was. We had a great seat next to the small pond inside the restaurant. We were celebrating my birthday and, just the seating alone, made this a special experience. The server was great. We asked lots of questions and they were answered quickly with great recommendations. We were there for brunch.I had the tender kale & roasted butternut squash scramble. My friend had the simple breakfast. We both really enjoyed our choices. For my birthday, they provided a wonderful chocolate cake. Everything is yummy. I highly recommend making reservations. They get very crowded. Check their hours too. They are unusual and have brunch and dinner on some days.
we went here during their oasis experience during brunch, and it felt very relaxing! we loved all the extra details, and our server was super kind & bubbly. we got their brunch menu & their burger was solid! i liked their loco moco, but nothing too special for that one. we parked further away & just walked. we went here on Sunday, so farmer's market was going on. cute date to get brunch then walk around the market after!
The restaurant is beautiful with an amazing ambiance and many great photo opportunities. I found the drinks to be fun and tasty, and the food was delicious. However, I did find the bathroom setup quite unusual; the coed design lacks privacy as the interior is visible from the outside. Additionally, the parking situation was very frustrating. It took me 25 minutes to find a spot, and I eventually had to park quite far away to ensure I wasn't late for my reservation. Moving forward, I would recommend that guests use a rideshare service instead of driving.
Good service and incredible ambiance. The truffle brussels sprouts are some of the best I have ever had! The burger was pretty good and the chashu pork chop was delicious, though the sides were not my favorite. I think this is a great date night spot, with good food, decent drinks, and reasonable prices. I look forward to trying more things on the menu and seeing more of the seasonal decor.
If you want a fabulous & whimsical night out, bookmark this spot! This gem is super aesthetic with tons of photo-worthy corners, and just the right mix of fun and elevated. While waiting for our table, we wandered onto the cutest patio and snacked on appetizers on a bench under a canopy of pink trees. Service was vivacious, bubbly, and welcoming. This place felt too good to be true, an absolute dream. The food was memorable too! Ginger Carrot Soup: Warm, cozy, and comforting. A solid start. Truffle Brussels Sprouts: Good, but surprisingly light on the truffle flavor. I wanted a little more oomph here. Double-Boned Chashu Pork Chop: Juicy, savory, and packed with flavor. The buttermilk bread pudding and all the accompaniments (honey miso carrots, cherry mostarda, pistachio) made every bite feel extra indulgent. Easily shareable between two. Can't want to come back!!
What a gem of a place. The staff is so kind, the environment is welcoming and I LOVE how the place looks. It feels as if you're in a whimsical fairytale place. The staff here is absolutely lovely. Our waiter was so attentive and a real gem of a human. I ordered the shakshuka and it was very yummy! I suggest getting an extra piece of toast to eat all the rich sauce. My partner ordered their regular breakfast and enjoyed it. I ordered a side of bacon and will be honest it was a bit too salty and cooked for my taste. The lychee martini was very yummy! And they were do sweet and gave us a complimentary piece of chocolate cake since we put on our reservation that we are celebrating our anniversary. I would love to come back and eventually will when I'm back in the area!
I don't know why it took me so long to finally check this place out! Came here for brunch and the atmosphere is so fun. They make the inside look like it's outside. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful. There were some light rains that came before our reservation, but we still chose to sit on the patio. We initially sat under some trees that still had some water droplets and our waitress tried to shake out the trees, but then just offered to reseat us to a spot without a tree. Eventually when the sun came out they popped up the shade. The food and drinks were good too. My chicken and waffles were amazing! My freind had the chilaquiles and said the pork was cooked so well. They had unique drinks as well. I definitely want to come back for dinner and drinks sometime.
We met up with a friend out here. This place has been on my list for quite some time so I was glad when she recommended it. As soon as you walk in, you are captured by the beautiful parade of cherry blossoms and flowers. It definitely felt like spring when you're in there. Everywhere you look it's a beautiful scene. The bar is beautifully set up where you look through a waterfall. There's open air seating, surrounded by towering buildings. It is multilevel, so it is neat to see the layers of the space. Our server was very welcoming and pleasant. He was on it. He checked on us often. Our drinks tasted great. Perfect balance of a cocktail. I really enjoyed my lychee Martini. We ordered a charcuterie board with meat and cheese, and it was a perfect amount for three of us to enjoy with our drinks. I would recommend coming to this spot to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather in a beautiful space.
The garden party vibe is beautiful! I loved the greenery, water feature and music playlist. It was so nice seeing everyone out looking good. The service was awesome. Tommy was cool! He was welcoming, helpful, not pushy, made sure we had water at all times... seemed like he really enjoyed working there and interacting with new people. The blueberry faux-jito is absolutely delicious. I am going to try to make at home because it's the perfect summer mocktail. The presentation of drinks was beautiful too. It had blueberry, lemon, a flower and mint as a cute garnish. So thoughtfully placed- loved it! I ordered the filet. Unfortunately, it wasn't a fave. I know I'm not a fan of cooking my own food at restaurants... especially a steak because my husband usually cooks my steak. It took away from me just being able to eat and enjoy. I got so nervous I would over cook it. I cut in slices like they recommended but still didn't enjoy. I felt like I was rushing through so I could eat and focused on cooking so I couldn't talk. If you can't multi-task while out like this then I don't recommend you order this steak. I liked the butter but I wish the steak was seasoned before serving. I had to add my own salt too. Anyways, not my vibe. I enjoyed my hbd chocolate cake which was a total surprise. I grinned so big when he brought it out! This is a very sweet gesture and complete with a lit candle:) My friend ordered the donuts. It comes with four filled donut holes, a whipped cream and espresso. A very good dessert that is not too sweet or too heavy. I've been wanting to come here for awhile so I'm happy to finally try it out and have my mini photoshoot. Lol! I will say this- parking is THE WORST! This area is so busy, has construction going on and lots of people out at night. Be prepared to look for parking and to walk a couple blocks. Lastly, the to go boxes are on the lower end for quality. After having a wonderful experience in which everything was thought through, the to go box was super sad and flimsy. Some might say not that serious but honestly I expected better. Maybe a cute paper bag with two handles to carry your food out as well. Not a deal breaker obviously, but noticeable that the beauty ended at the check. Definitely check this place out!
1 month ago
Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every bite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent. read more
7 days ago
21 days ago
InsideOUT exceeded every expectation! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was stunning -- the open-air design, lush greenery, and beautiful lighting make it one of the most gorgeous spots in San Diego. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. But what truly made our time special was our server, Jena. She was awesome -- warm, attentive, and genuinely fun, with great recommendations and perfect timing throughout the meal. Service like hers is rare and turns a great brunch into a memorable experience. Highly recommend InsideOUT for date, celebrations, or just a beautiful time out! read more
22 days ago
This is a rare 5-star review for me; so far I have given less than 5 year to date. So, what that means is that it is easy to "Pump up the volume" for a review, thinking it's helping a place, but I vote based on what I like. What I like is 40% Service or Experience, 35% Food or Item(s) quality, and 25% CPA (Convenience, Price, and Ambiance), and I have a forgiveness factor. That being said, this place was so impressive, driving by multiple times and looking at it while looking for a parking space. I will tell you about the $80 ticket...later. When we walked in on a Thursday with a reservation, it was comfortably full like a Friday. I always say "an early reservation beats the rush," and it paid off because when we left, it became "nightclub" full of locals. The decor, later found out to be a themed restaurant, was so impressive with lights, foliage, and flowing water that I felt like a kid in Toys R' Us (R.I.P.). Our wait for being on time was less than my 15-minute patients, and we were seated in our requested "anywhere but near the kitchen" seating. Our waiter was very cordial and did not ask HAYD or CIHWA every 25 minutes, nor did he ignore us. We were left alone to eat. I know this because I saw him "eye-check our progress a couple of times." That's the sign of a good waiter/tress. Our special drinks were on point, and the large-portion dishes were a 4.5 by themselves. As a high-quality home chef and a military chow line platter, I was impressed with the presentation, so I had to ensure my camera skills paid homage. I suggest finding a place to park and walking to the restaurant if you drove, because the alleyway to the right of the entrance is patrolled. :0) Can't wait to return and try something new and see what the theme is. I suggest making a reservation because you won't get a table by walking in and "enjoying the experience of eating" there. read more
InsideOUT is known to be a hip spot in the heart of hillcrest, SD. Very LGBTQ fun vibes, loud music playing in the background, etc. They refer to it as an urban oasis, located within a residential red building (Eitol Towers) So, for RSVP's online, it won't let you book for one person, so I decided to walk-in for the experience. Luckily, I was able to get a seat when I walked in. The host was super nice and explained how the table seating worked. I chose to sit in the outdoor area; it has different levels as well. Down below, you can see the lively ambiance happening with the other clients. A bar surrounded by groups and having a great time. A nice waterfall decoration running behind the bar. Has the aesthetics of a nice upscale bar/lounge. Restroom are shared with both genders, male and female. So don't be alarmed when visiting here and using the restrooms. They play pop music in the background which can definitely get you in the mood. Menu is Mediterranean based as well. For my experience, the service was a bit slow, but eventually I got my drink and an appetizer. Prices are on the higher end here, FYI. Maybe because it was during Happy hour and it was busy. I decided to order one of their cocktails and went with Evan Williams Old Fashioned (evan williams bourbon, black walnut bitters, demerara syrup) 5/5 smooth and delicious, for those who are fans of whiskey this is a must try. For food, I went with a fancy appetizer: BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TERRINE (served cold with cherry-fig mostarda, dijon, house pickled vegetables, toasted baguette) I was not a fan of how the beef was served because it just reminded me of "wet dog food" but I still ate some of it. I really enjoyed the fig jam with the toasted baguette. 3/5 This spot is more appropriate for groups or dates, I came alone to experience the "hype" but really, in my opinion, it is too "hyped up" on social media. It was an "ok" experience. I'm not no influencer either so I'm being honest. read more
I went to InsideOUT with a few friends the other night and the space itself is definitely the highlight. The inside is so cool and hard to fully describe, but it feels like you're being transported into a tropical oasis. The atmosphere alone makes it worth checking out. As for the food, it was just okay. We ordered the cheese board, Brussels sprouts, tartine, prawns, and the lemongrass chicken. Nothing was bad at all, but nothing really stood out either or felt especially memorable. I'd still go back because the vibe is great, and I've heard they have a fantastic brunch that I'd love to try next time. read more
What a great experience this was. We had a great seat next to the small pond inside the restaurant. We were celebrating my birthday and, just the seating alone, made this a special experience. The server was great. We asked lots of questions and they were answered quickly with great recommendations. We were there for brunch.I had the tender kale & roasted butternut squash scramble. My friend had the simple breakfast. We both really enjoyed our choices. For my birthday, they provided a wonderful chocolate cake. Everything is yummy. I highly recommend making reservations. They get very crowded. Check their hours too. They are unusual and have brunch and dinner on some days. read more
we went here during their oasis experience during brunch, and it felt very relaxing! we loved all the extra details, and our server was super kind & bubbly. we got their brunch menu & their burger was solid! i liked their loco moco, but nothing too special for that one. we parked further away & just walked. we went here on Sunday, so farmer's market was going on. cute date to get brunch then walk around the market after! read more
The restaurant is beautiful with an amazing ambiance and many great photo opportunities. I found the drinks to be fun and tasty, and the food was delicious. However, I did find the bathroom setup quite unusual; the coed design lacks privacy as the interior is visible from the outside. Additionally, the parking situation was very frustrating. It took me 25 minutes to find a spot, and I eventually had to park quite far away to ensure I wasn't late for my reservation. Moving forward, I would recommend that guests use a rideshare service instead of driving. read more
Good service and incredible ambiance. The truffle brussels sprouts are some of the best I have ever had! The burger was pretty good and the chashu pork chop was delicious, though the sides were not my favorite. I think this is a great date night spot, with good food, decent drinks, and reasonable prices. I look forward to trying more things on the menu and seeing more of the seasonal decor. read more
4 months ago
If you want a fabulous & whimsical night out, bookmark this spot! This gem is super aesthetic with tons of photo-worthy corners, and just the right mix of fun and elevated. While waiting for our table, we wandered onto the cutest patio and snacked on appetizers on a bench under a canopy of pink trees. Service was vivacious, bubbly, and welcoming. This place felt too good to be true, an absolute dream. The food was memorable too! Ginger Carrot Soup: Warm, cozy, and comforting. A solid start. Truffle Brussels Sprouts: Good, but surprisingly light on the truffle flavor. I wanted a little more oomph here. Double-Boned Chashu Pork Chop: Juicy, savory, and packed with flavor. The buttermilk bread pudding and all the accompaniments (honey miso carrots, cherry mostarda, pistachio) made every bite feel extra indulgent. Easily shareable between two. Can't want to come back!! read more
What a gem of a place. The staff is so kind, the environment is welcoming and I LOVE how the place looks. It feels as if you're in a whimsical fairytale place. The staff here is absolutely lovely. Our waiter was so attentive and a real gem of a human. I ordered the shakshuka and it was very yummy! I suggest getting an extra piece of toast to eat all the rich sauce. My partner ordered their regular breakfast and enjoyed it. I ordered a side of bacon and will be honest it was a bit too salty and cooked for my taste. The lychee martini was very yummy! And they were do sweet and gave us a complimentary piece of chocolate cake since we put on our reservation that we are celebrating our anniversary. I would love to come back and eventually will when I'm back in the area! read more
4 months ago
I don't know why it took me so long to finally check this place out! Came here for brunch and the atmosphere is so fun. They make the inside look like it's outside. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful. There were some light rains that came before our reservation, but we still chose to sit on the patio. We initially sat under some trees that still had some water droplets and our waitress tried to shake out the trees, but then just offered to reseat us to a spot without a tree. Eventually when the sun came out they popped up the shade. The food and drinks were good too. My chicken and waffles were amazing! My freind had the chilaquiles and said the pork was cooked so well. They had unique drinks as well. I definitely want to come back for dinner and drinks sometime. read more
We met up with a friend out here. This place has been on my list for quite some time so I was glad when she recommended it. As soon as you walk in, you are captured by the beautiful parade of cherry blossoms and flowers. It definitely felt like spring when you're in there. Everywhere you look it's a beautiful scene. The bar is beautifully set up where you look through a waterfall. There's open air seating, surrounded by towering buildings. It is multilevel, so it is neat to see the layers of the space. Our server was very welcoming and pleasant. He was on it. He checked on us often. Our drinks tasted great. Perfect balance of a cocktail. I really enjoyed my lychee Martini. We ordered a charcuterie board with meat and cheese, and it was a perfect amount for three of us to enjoy with our drinks. I would recommend coming to this spot to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather in a beautiful space. read more
The garden party vibe is beautiful! I loved the greenery, water feature and music playlist. It was so nice seeing everyone out looking good. The service was awesome. Tommy was cool! He was welcoming, helpful, not pushy, made sure we had water at all times... seemed like he really enjoyed working there and interacting with new people. The blueberry faux-jito is absolutely delicious. I am going to try to make at home because it's the perfect summer mocktail. The presentation of drinks was beautiful too. It had blueberry, lemon, a flower and mint as a cute garnish. So thoughtfully placed- loved it! I ordered the filet. Unfortunately, it wasn't a fave. I know I'm not a fan of cooking my own food at restaurants... especially a steak because my husband usually cooks my steak. It took away from me just being able to eat and enjoy. I got so nervous I would over cook it. I cut in slices like they recommended but still didn't enjoy. I felt like I was rushing through so I could eat and focused on cooking so I couldn't talk. If you can't multi-task while out like this then I don't recommend you order this steak. I liked the butter but I wish the steak was seasoned before serving. I had to add my own salt too. Anyways, not my vibe. I enjoyed my hbd chocolate cake which was a total surprise. I grinned so big when he brought it out! This is a very sweet gesture and complete with a lit candle:) My friend ordered the donuts. It comes with four filled donut holes, a whipped cream and espresso. A very good dessert that is not too sweet or too heavy. I've been wanting to come here for awhile so I'm happy to finally try it out and have my mini photoshoot. Lol! I will say this- parking is THE WORST! This area is so busy, has construction going on and lots of people out at night. Be prepared to look for parking and to walk a couple blocks. Lastly, the to go boxes are on the lower end for quality. After having a wonderful experience in which everything was thought through, the to go box was super sad and flimsy. Some might say not that serious but honestly I expected better. Maybe a cute paper bag with two handles to carry your food out as well. Not a deal breaker obviously, but noticeable that the beauty ended at the check. Definitely check this place out! read more
4 months ago
Food: the food was good but wasn't amazing. I did order the salmon though and other patrons seemed to be enjoying the Wagyu hot stone. Maybe I will try it next time. The salmon was a bit overcooked but the cucumbers underneath made it very good. Chips and dip were perfect for the drinks we ordered ( which were very strong) . The donuts and afogato dessert was perfect ending. My husband got the burger and said it was tasty Service: really good service! Very attentive and friendly staff! Ambiance: super chill and the vibe was so cool and whimsical like eating in a Sakura garden! They also had good music! 18+ establishment only . read more
4 months ago
It's Spring and you can tell at InsideOUT. Popped in for a drink and and a snack. Service was fine and the atmos is hard to beat. We had a cocktail and the vinegar chips and dip. The dip was tasty but the chips lacked any vinegar taste. They were good and seemed fresh made but very little salt or other flavor. The drinks were very good. read more
This place is such a beautiful reminder of how dining out can be a memorable experience. insideOUT is where you come to impress your date, friends or fam and can confidently deliver a gorgeous ambiance, incredible service, and finger licking delicious food. read more
Was surprised how much we loved coming here Saturday morning! The restaurant is beautiful, calming with the waterfall, and had extra friendly staff! The food was tasty! The chicken and waffles is a must, the chicken is crispy but moist inside, waffles had a great sweet and spicy flavor. The shakshuka had a huge depth of flavor, very peppery, and rich. Easily slurped it up. Not just trendy, actually great experience! read more
2 months ago
My aunt is a huge fan of this place so she decided to bring me, my sisters, and my mom out for a rooftop reservation. The vibe is really great as it is outdoors but has heaters and small fireplaces available. Everything here is pretty much a hit, and I'm so glad because when I first saw how small their menu is, I was unsure about it! We started off with the onion dip & malt vinegar chips. Somehow I ate so much of it yet still managed to clean my salmon plate. The yuzu addition brought the flavor out really well. Our server Julian was great! He even brought out a chocolate cake and dulce de leche cheesecake with "Happy Birthday" in cocoa powder for the two birthdays at our table. The bathrooms are a fun experience as there are big glass windows behind the sinks so you get a view of the street. Love that both bathrooms are all-gender as well. Great photo ops all around. Parking might be difficult, but we were able to find a spot just around the corner. read more
3 months ago
Came here on a brunch date and absolutely loved it! The avocado toast was delicious and a very generous serving. The real star was the crumb cake - it was a massive piece of delicious cake, I would definitely come back here just for that! The mimosas and coffee were great too. Overall the ambiance, outdoor seating with fire pits, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms make this a great date or girls night place! read more
Let me preface this review with the understanding that this restaurant's selling point is its aesthetics and ambiance. If you go to insideOUT with such expectations, it truly is an enjoyable experience. My friends and I stopped by for happy hour, and fortunately, we were immediately seated. I believe this is rather unusual, as securing reservations/walk-ins is rather difficult; I've tried in the past. But perhaps our luck was due to our timing (early dinner on a weekday) or weather (with a rain forecast, the outside tables were practically empty). Regardless, we were seated at the bar towards the outside courtyard, which is where all the nice decor is. On the happy hour menu, they offer a few alcoholic and virgin cocktail options. For our first round, we tried the Ruby's Nectar and Black Faux-Jito (add vodka). For our second round, we ordered the Strawberry Mock Mule (add vodka), Blush and Bashful (not HH), and another Black Faux-Jito. My favorite of these was probably the strawberry (not-so) mock mule; the sweetness of the fruit helped me down the alcohol content, haha. That being said, the bartenders were rather generous and heavy-handed--love!!! My least favorite drink was the Blush and Bashful, but it was a matter of personal preference, seeing as my friend enjoyed it. The spices in the drink were too strong and overpowering, in my opinion. As for the food, we ordered the ragu bolognese, octopus appetizer, garlic bread, and a side of crispy red potatoes. I can't speak to the octopus or potatoes, but I really enjoyed the bolognese! It was topped with a lemony cheese, which added a pleasant acidity to the savoriness of the meat-based sauce. I always like a thick pasta, too! Portion size wasn't bad. Meanwhile, the garlic bread was a nice side for the pasta. The garlic flavor could've been stronger, though. The inside of the restaurant is, of course, beautiful. It's very unique, and it's no surprise they're known for their ambiance. And finally, I just want to shout out the amazing service! Our host and bartenders were all amicable and a joy to speak with. They were always checking in with us and refilling our waters, too. Even though my friends and I yapped for a considerable amount of time, we never felt rushed at all. Overall, I would specifically bookmark insideOUT for the drinks, ambiance, and service. I had a great time and can definitely see myself returning! read more
I've been waiting to come here for their Christmas celebration since the reservations came out! Fortunately, I was able to snag a reservation on a Wednesday in December. As I've mentioned in past reviews, InsideOUT goes all out for their decorations. The food was amazing, and our server was great! The prawns and the sea bass were my favorite. Although the experience was great, the snowfall made it so magical! The snow falls on the hour every hour and is not something you want to miss out on! If you aren't able to get a reservation for dinner, I highly suggest stopping by for a drink or two! read more
Business owner information
Liz M.
Hello Audrey, thank you for dining with us and your valuable…
Our 4 person Book Club was hosting our inaugural Christmas Book Exchange here this past Saturday, we wanted to have our exchange at a super Christmas-y restaurant and what better place than insideOUT. I had booked a month in advance which was super seamless, I would definitely recommend booking in advance because this place can get super packed also make sure to either get dropped off of park closer towards the residential side of Hillcrest. We checked in with the hostess who was super nice and she mentioned that our table wasn't ready just yet, so we took the time to take photos of the restaurant, aesthetically insideOUT was decked in all things Christmas, it was so beautiful seeing the light up trees, extra large baubles and nutcrackers, it was so beautiful, it took another 20 minutes until we were sat but that was okay since one girl was running late. Our server was really nice, they were extremely busy but they were so attentive, for drinks I ended up order the festive Under the Mistletoe but opted for mezcal instead of gin, ugh it was so delicious the smoky mezcal really added a nice touch to the cinnamon and clove syrup and it was strong. For our food, our table shared the Dutch apple pie French toast and the Italian breakfast, that French toast was so good, the apple was made it feel so holiday like I loved it, those donuts too were perfectly fried and the cream that went along with it was so silky. For my main meal, I ordered the slow roasted pork chilaquiles, I wouldn't call this a slow roasted pork chilaquiles because there was hardly any protein beside the two eggs, I was really disappointed in that, the flavors were great but where was the pork? I wish I had ordered the Loco Moco, maybe that would have been more filling. It's definitely a must place for drinks, the service was great but I am a little let down by my entree. read more
What an amazing spot for hanging out and catching up with friends. InsideOUT is partially inside in a building and outside in the courtyard of an apartment complex. The decor changes with the seasons and events so it's really beautiful - I can't stress having a reservation or else you'll be waiting a while. The hype is real. Food was American and delicious but the decor takes it to the next level. Lastly, parking is a little difficult as it is in Hillcrest. read more
Came here for a girls' night and the ambiance was very lively and pretty , great vibes for a night out. Our cocktails came out pretty quickly, and the Glen Coco was delicious. For appetizers, we ordered the garlic bread and the chips & dip, which were both very yummy (thank goodness for that), because it took almost an hour for our main entrées to come out. Our server was very sweet and did his best, I know the wait wasn't his fault, but it was still a pretty long time to wait for food. As for the mains, the short ribs were definitely the standout and probably the best dish we ordered. The bolognese was mid, in my opinion. read more
8 months ago
You have done it again with another great experience! Christmas was snowing and magical in SD! The food was a success as usual. Again the best burger has been removed but I'm crossing my fingers it makes a come back! The elves in the drinks were such a cute idea! read more
Business owner information
Liz M.
Hello Christine, thank you for dining with us and your valuable…
8 months ago
loved everything here. Definitely make a reservation especially if you have a large group. My girlfriends and I decided to meet here for dinner and small gift exchange. Our party of 6 was seated outdoor in the upper level tucked away, and i suppose this was good because we were kind of loud when were exchanging presents lol. The decor was set for the holidays and every hour they had a little light show with music. Nathan was great. Always made sure we were doing ok. Food was delicious. We all got the strawberry mocktail. For food, we got the following: Apps Grilled octopus Chips and dip Pear and prosciutto crostata Main Sea bass Beef short rib Caesar salad w/salmon Ragu ala bolognese Sides Truffle sweet potato fries Onion rings Garlic parm french bread Brussel sprouts Our group of 6 shared everything. Everything tasted delicious. The portions were just the right amount for us to share. It is street parking only. read more
4 months ago
My oh my. This place was insane. While visiting San Diego for our anniversary, my boyfriend booked a reservation for this lovely restaurant. The ambiance was absolutely stunning and I can't wait to come back when they decorate it for different season/holiday! We got pork chop and lemongrass chicken coconut curry and as you can see, we devoured our food. It was amazing. Nathan was our server and he was absolutely amazing! read more
3 months ago
Inside OUT was so so nice and beautiful. Our server was so attentive, he was great. Thank you Julian The food was amazingly delicious. Will be coming back real soon. Great birthday lunch read more
4 months ago
I would recommend getting a reservation when coming here. I did not do that, but was still lucky enough to be seated with my party. If you do not get one, you will not be able to sit where it's all pretty and you will have a 90 minute time limit. If you place a reservation online, you have to add put a card down. The decor is beautiful to look at. I enjoyed looking around and seeing all the pretty colors and flowers. The gentleman who helped us was great. The food was tasty, everyone in my party enjoyed their food. My aunt loved it. read more
7 months ago
Inside Out San Diego was the perfect spot to celebrate my husband's birthday brunch. From the moment we arrived, the ambience set the tone--welcoming, stylish, and relaxed. Our waiter, Grant, provided exceptional service throughout the entire experience. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything felt effortless and special for the celebration. Grant you made our day with your presence. The menu was fabulous and everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. The drinks were truly spectacular and complemented the meal perfectly. You can tell a lot of thought goes into both the food and the overall experience here. We left feeling happy, pleased, and already talking about coming back. Inside Out San Diego is a great choice for a special occasion or a relaxed brunch with excellent food and service. We will definitely be back! read more
I needed a brunch venue for celebrating a few birthdays that happened to coincide in my family so I made a reservation here. Tip: reservations on OpenTable exactly 30 days before, set an alarm on your phone because they will go fast! I wasn't sure what to expect because this was all of our first time at insideOUT but I can proudly say it did not disappoint! From the moment you step inside, it's wonder and whimsy galore. We had the enchanted oasis theme which has very Alice in Wonderland vibes and includes cool decorations like big butterflies and large mushrooms (makes you feel like you're shrunken down into an actual wonderland where no inch of space is unused). Atmosphere is top notch. So fun and immersive. Honestly, your photos will come out so beautiful from literally every angle of this place. I loved just walking around and putting my camera setting on portrait mode and taking pictures of the group because everything came out like a photo shoot with all the vibrant colors in the background too. It would have been enough to just have great ambiance but they go the extra mile and create equally amazing dishes across the board too. We knew we wanted the french toast from seeing it online and when we saw it passing to another customer in person I think our whole table was drooling. It tasted even better than we could have anticipated. We are not whip cream people at all but for some reason the vanilla flavoring in the whipped cream was Heaven and the strawberry balance was divine. I'm so glad we got to try this before it goes away on the menu (but honestly the oatmeal raisin sounds just as good and is one of the many reasons we are actually coming back in just a month again haha) Every single person in the group (and we have some very picky eaters) practically licked their plate clean. There were no leftovers whatsoever in the very best way possible. I get it because I personally thought the Loco Moco was one of my favorite things I've ever eaten. The bulgogi seasoning in the patty meat was incredible and the flavors worked so well together! Everything was cooked and seared perfectly and I probably could have somehow made room for eight more servings it was that good. As if that wasn't enough already with fantastic food and atmosphere, on top of that is the personable aspect to this place. I really enjoyed that our waiter made so many jokes with us and kept the vibe light. Then, when my mom recognized the chef himself and asked if it was him he was absolutely a sweetheart. He shared the personal details behind each dish we ate, shared the family stories that inspired them which transformed the delicious food into a meal journey for us, every bite become pure emotion and stories. I was honestly so touched with the amount of time he took with our table, with the love he puts into each menu item, and how clearly he values each dish he brings to life. His service was next level in every way and I am so honored we got to speak with him in this capacity. It really elevated our experience. I also really love that menu doesn't stay stagnant and that it's part of the vibe to change up whats offered seasonally with different theming. There is a thoughtfulness to this restaurant which other places lack. We are already planning to come back for the oatmeal French toast alone, and it's just an added bonus that the decorations will be all new as well. I have never been so excited to be a repeat customer to somewhere. I will definitely now add this to my recommendations for anyone who comes into town that loves fantastic food, amazing atmosphere, and top-notch passion from a very talented chef. San Diego is very lucky to have a gem like this! I feel like many birthdays and anniversaries to come are going to be celebrated here for me and my family in the future! Thank you insideOUT!!!!!! Wish I could give you guys six stars because it was really that good of an experience! read more
4 months ago
This restaurant was very beautiful and it was a pleasure having dinner there. Sitting there at a table next to the water looking at all of the beautiful things in this courtyard that they had created is amazing. Service was fantastic! It was a great experience for my husband and I. food was amazing. We met one of the owners and had a nice conversation. Everybody that was there we're all smiling at each other. Having a good time. It was a great vibe! Can't really say enough about it. Make sure you make a reservation if you want to get a table. Thank you to everybody at inside out. You made our experience fantastic! read more
28 days ago
The good ..amazing service , cool vibe, great drinks . The salmon dish was wonderful, the French onion dip delish . The Cesar Salad a big miss for me ..tough chicken and uninspired dressing . The roasted potatoes very dry and not much flavor . The dining area is very busy and loud in a fun festive way :) We will come back for sure but sit "outside" and explore more of the menu . read more
24 days ago
8 months ago
Had reservations for a few weeks (always recommended) and the experience did not disappoint. Always try to get a table outside but just know, it can change if there's rainy weather. We went during spring when they had it covered in pink flowers. So romantic! We snagged Benedict, omelette and shared the French toast. It's amazing for brunch and we'll be back for dinner! read more
4 months ago
Always love returning to inside out for the themed decor. I'd never gone in December and it really delivered with the fake snow and everyone sitting in the main area had umbrellas! Sitting at the bar was also fun to see everything from afar without being "snowed" on. Mi didn't get a picture of my meal but the salmon was tasty. read more
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More info about insideOUT
1642 University Ave
Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92103
Hillcrest
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(619) 888-8623
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http://insideoutsd.com
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Ask the Community - insideOUT
Does the Christmas experience go all day, so if we went between 12-2pm?
It is an all day thing.
For the holiday decor/fake snow/etc, does this last until new years or end after Christmas?
Based on past years -it is up till New Years.
How's the parking?
Street parking, I took an uber because I know Parking in the area can be tricky so be prepared! But worth it!
When do you put up all of your christmas decor?
We do it beginning of November we are launching Enchanted Thursday Sept 11th.
How long will the Spring Oasis last?
I believe they changed it out on May 18-19 to the summer theme.
I know they say this place "isn't for kids" which I usually take as meaning young kids. Would a 12 year old be out of place here? Like, more of an 18-21+ vibe?
It is 18+ only.
Is Emotional dog allowed at outdoor seat?
Only service dogs allowed. No emotional support NOT ALLOWED indoor or outdoor here
When making a reservation for the enchanted forest the outside dining is where it's decorated correct? I'm scared to make the wrong reservation
Yes the outside patio area. :)
How can I go about reserving a table on a Friday say around 5pm a week prior? I tried looking on open table app and nothing is available? Does that mean the reservations are full a week in advance?
Hi, it could be there are no tables available. I booked my reservation a month out.
Am I able to bring a 9 years old to the restaurant? Thank you so much 😊
Unfortunately it's 18 years & up
Is it better to sit inside or outside?
My preference is to be seated outside, as it's much more beautiful and always lovely to dine outdoors.
Hello what is the theme inside right now? TIA
I believe no theme at the moment but I believe they will when it's closer to Valentine's Day.
What time does brunch go until?
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insideOUT - lounges - Updated August 2026
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