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Pamplemousse Grille

4.2 (592 reviews)
Ultra High-EndNew American, French, Cocktail Bars
Closed • Closed

Pamplemousse Grille Photos

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PAMPLEMOUSSE GRILLE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Dressy

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Recommended Reviews - Pamplemousse Grille

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Waiting area
Myphuong L.

Upscale dining by Chef Jeffrey Strauss. We came for restaurant week ($70 + $45). The menu being offered is slightly different than the daily regular menu offering beef, pork, fish, duck and vegetarian. We ordered: Complimentary assorted bread basket came out first with mini corn muffins, baguette and a seeded bread that was my favorite. Lobster ravioli (also on regular menu) - 1 giant lobster filled ravioli with small mushrooms and scallops in a ginger soy mushroom sauce Skipped the second appetizer and Supplemented for the Angel hair pasta with shaved truffles for $45. You can add on as a third dish for $65. This was buttery rich goodness. Korean marinated flat iron steak - sliced in 7 pieces over fried rice. Although rice was good, sadly, we compared it to Trader Joe tv dinner. Pork schnitzel - I have to say, this was better than the ones I had in Germany and Austria because it was thinner, wasn't dry and had flavor (meaning salt). The potatoes balanced out the salty flavors. Warm chocolate caramel cake (also on regular menu) - served with berries and vanilla gelato. Found this to be same as other places. Seasonal fig tart - puff pastry with mascarpone filling, honey and few slices of fig. Restaurant week has gotten more pricy over the years with Pampalmousse on the higher end of $70, I expected more. I would have loved to see more of their regular menu items featured on the RW menu and more French inspired. Overall, plenty of parking, indoor and outdoor seating. We had a wonderful experience. Food was well prepared. Truffle pasta was our favorite. Our drinks were strong. I got the Sippin' on Lychee with gin, lychee liquor and simple syrup.

Melon Salad
Roger P.

~Food/Drinks~ House Bread: Includes baguette, jalapeño corn muffin, and a lemon and thyme biscuit (?). I thought the corn muffins were delicious and ended up asking for a second round. Kobe Sliders (Happy Hour): Comes with 3 burgers and we had the option to add truffle fries for an additional $3! These were surprisingly very juicy and well flavored. The fries were crispy but I didn't really taste the truffle flavor. I could at least taste truffle in the sliders from the cheese. Out of everything we ordered, this was our favorite. Braised Short Rib Empanadas (Happy Hour): Also comes with 3 pieces. These just reminded me of frozen mini tacos. The outer shell was very crunchy but not really the texture I was expecting for an empanada. There was also barely any chimichurri sauce...just a bit drizzled on one empanada. Duck Tacos (Happy Hour): Came with 5 mini tacos. The shell was crispy and had a texture similar to wonton chips. The duck meat was a little dry but it was super flavored from this sweet sauce...maybe hoisin? Melon Salad (Happy Hour): I was expecting a lot more melon but it literally just had 3 bite-sized pieces. These were more like garnishes instead of something part of the salad. The deep fried goat cheese was a nice touch but I think it would've been better with pieces of goat cheese instead of one big chunk. Grilled Sausage Platter (Happy Hour): A giant sausage, sliced into about 9-10 pieces served with some grilled bread and mustards and jams. The bread was probably my favorite part because it had this delicious grilled flavor to it. The sausage was flavorful and juicy too! At the end of our meal, we also got two sugar cookies baked into a shape of lobsters! ~Service~ Service was great! Because Happy Hour is only at the bar and there weren't anymore spots left, they set us up in the main dining room and allowed us to still order Happy Hour. Normally, there would also be outdoor seating but they didn't want us to experience all of the flies from the horse track nearby. ~Atmosphere~ When we visited, most of the diners were there for Happy Hour and dressed pretty casually. We did see some customers dressed up for the main dining room but the restaurant doesn't really give off the vibes that they're enforcing a dress code. ~Logistics~ As mentioned earlier, Happy Hour is only at the bar so if you don't have a reservation, make sure you come early. Apparently, you can specify on your reservation that you want Happy Hour and that can guarantee you a spot. Or if there's no option to specify, give them a call after you make the reservation so they can add a note. As far as I could tell, the parking lot is kind of small so I'm not sure how crazy it could get during peak meal hours. Plan ahead! ~Conclusion~ Overall, a pretty good happy hour meal. Although we left stuffed, I was surprised by how expensive everything still was, despite being discounted. We spent about $100 total for two people so keep that in mind, that this restaurant is on the higher end. I'd be interested to try their regular dinner menu someday though!

Mixed Grille.  Enough for two with appetizers.
Patrick C.

Wow... exceeded expectations. After reading many great reviews, decided to give this place a try. Food is good, portions is good and service is good. What else can one ask for. Will definitely return.

Veal chop
Cheri W.

We always enjoy the food here. The service is wonderful and the entree's are consistent. Shane and Jerry are the best! This time, I ordered the veal chop. It was perfectly cooked and tender. My husband ordered the prime NY and loved it! Our children opted for the crispy duck, which is usually my go to order. Very good place and a must try!

Filet mignon and broccolini
Jess E.

Yummy. Fresh and tasty food. Quick and polite servers. Nice ambiance. Would recommend!

Momo Z.

This is an excellent new-style restaurant perfect for dates, as well as a high-end eatery with outstanding reviews. It boasts an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, making it suitable for dating, birthday celebrations, and business dinners alike-- the vibe is incredibly comfortable. The restaurant specializes in American-French fusion cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients, and has established itself as one of the benchmarks for SD Fine Dining, thanks to its consistently high-quality dishes and sophisticated ambiance. We decided to check it out this time because our AE credit card got a new credit limit this quarter, and this restaurant is on the list-- we just had to come and experience it Our first appetizer was raw oysters. They were small but extremely fresh, and when paired with a mix of two sauces, they were absolutely delicious! The flavor lingered on the palate, leaving a memorable impression that's hard to forget. The lemon was wrapped in gauze, which was such a thoughtful detail! The second dish was the Lobster Ravioli appetizer-- ravioli stuffed with lobster. It was our first time trying this, and the ravioli were surprisingly large and quite tasty! The third dish was Mixed Seafood, featuring three types of fish: Ahi tuna, Salmon, and Sea Bass, served with a trio of sauces. The fish was pan-fried to a crispy exterior and tender interior-- a must-try for fish lovers! The fourth dish we ordered was roast duck, but it didn't live up to the innovative roast duck we had at Juniper and Ivy before, so you might want to opt for something else. For example, their signature dishes include Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops (crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside), Pan-Seared Scallops (served with citrus butter sauce, sweet and sour to cut through richness), and Wild Mushroom Risotto (rich in mushroom flavor with chewy rice grains). Among the desserts, the Salted Caramel Pudding is a safe bet that never disappoints-- definitely worth a try. The wine list also features a wide selection of high-quality wines from SD, offering great value when paired with the dishes The restaurant's waitstaff were extremely professional and attentive-- they helped us take photos , recommended dishes and wines, and ensured a smooth dining experience. Fresh bread was served before the meal, and refills were unlimited. They also checked in regularly to clear the table. If you're dining to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, they even offer a complimentary cake and custom pig-shaped cookies-- the sense of ritual is truly on point! The overall decor of the restaurant is fresh and innovative-- it looks high-end yet unique. The walls are adorned with murals of pigs and geese , along with matching decorations, which add a distinctive touch! Considering it's a high-end restaurant, the value for money is excellent-- the four dishes we ordered cost less than $100 per person. So if you're looking to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, and you prioritize taste and a sense of ritual, this is the perfect choice! Don't forget to wear a nice dress, enjoy delicious food, and take beautiful photos Tip: Make a reservation in advance-- the restaurant is closed every Monday.

Menu -- San Diego Restaurant Week (September 2024)
Norbert K.

San Diego Restaurant Week brought us back to this old favorite of ours.  Pamplemousse IMHO is one the best restaurants in San Diego County.  It offered a three course prix fixe dinner for $70 that was outstanding. ----- FOOD (5/5) We each selected the Kim Chee Seafood Martini (5/5) for our First Course.  This was a generous portion of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and crab meat served in a flat bottom martini glass. For our Second Courses, I had the Crispy Duck (5/5) served on a bed of sweet white corn and porchini mushrooms, and my wife had the Miso Black Cod (5/5) served with fried rice and bok choy.  Both the duck and the black cod were cooked perfectly, and i really liked the cherry balsamic reduction with the duck. For Dessert, we both had the Fig Tart (4/5) served with a Raspberry Sorbet (5/5).  The figs were fresh but not quite ripe. ----- SERVICE (5/5) Service was polished and attentive. ----- DRINKS (5/5) We each enjoyed the Black Manhattan (5/5 $16) from the Cocktail Menu. There's an extensive Wine List, as well as Wines by the Stem. ---- AMBIANCE (5/5) Pamplemousse has a nice, warm, and inviting feeling to it.  The noise level in the dining room is moderate.   I like the artwork featuring geese.  The bar is very nice and features horse racing themed photographs and memorabilia (Del Mar Racetrack is across the street).

Key lime desert
Rajendra S.

Absolutely delectable restaurant with amazing food, superb service and ambiance. We were a group of family and friends for a celebration. We were served some amazing starters and a course of sea food which had impeccable presentation. The main courses were really well done and equally well presented. Great standard of cooking and presentation. The desserts were scrumptious! Great place to try out as a family or group of friends.

Brian D.

We came to Pamplemousse for restaurant week. They offered a nice three course meal that was a bit different from their normal menu. The soup was delicious, I wish we could have had more. The duck confit had a good flavor and the short rib was cooked really well. It was a classic French bistro experience so if that is something you enjoy then this is the spot!

Short ribs
Huong N.

We went for restaurant week and it was such a great experience! Staff were so welcoming and kind. Tried the lobster ravioli, cauliflower soup, short ribs, and miso cod. I would order these things all over again. Never have I ever craved cauliflower soup before but now I want it all the time!

Pear with vanilla ice cream and chocolate with chocolate ice cream

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We came to Pamplemousse grill for the first time, and had a wonderful dinner. Excellent food and service. We will be back.

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8 months ago

Amazing time at private room assisted by John and Kai! Great food and great ambiance on 9/9/25. I will definitely be back again. Thank you.

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4 months ago

Great ambiance. Food is good, but not too impressive, came on a busy night DM race was on.

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7 months ago

Amazing staff and great food! Highly recommend!! Try the Pamplemousse martini, it is Devine...

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Always get great food and service here! Dined here on Christmas and had a perfect meal. Server John S was outstanding!

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Ask the Community - Pamplemousse Grille

Is it a quiet atmosphere?

Yes, but they do have cool music, loungey vibe, not loud

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes I saw very nice outdoor seating there but we were in the private room for our party.

Do they have a corkage policy?

Yes. Last time I was there it was $35 for a 750ml bottle with a two bottle limit. They say they won't open a wine that is also on their list but I've never had a problem.

View All 5 Questions

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I don't normally leave restaurant reviews, but the service my family and I received here was…read moreexceptional enough to warrant a review. The food came out quickly, the bar was efficient, and our waters were never empty. Our server was present but not overbearing, the manager/owner stopped by for a quick chat, and in the course of conversation it came up that we were celebrating a birthday that weekend. Even though we hadn't stopped at Mia's for that celebration, the staff brought out something special anyway, which was very much appreciated. As for the food, I can recommend the octopus, oysters, and scallop ceviche. Fresh seafood, fresh flavors, a nice balanced blend. The margaritas were delicious, closer to a craft tequila cocktail than a bar margarita.

My birthday dinner and I could not have chosen a more perfect dining experience to accentuate my…read moreday ! Our attentive, knowledgeable and amazing server, Katy, recommended choosing from the shareable section : volcano tostada, crispy Spanish octopus , hamachi crudo, and pork belly tacos . And, we chose every one of them and were extremely satisfied . Out of those 4, the 2 that stood out in robust flavor were the volcano tostada and the crispy Spanish octopus! There is a full service bar. There is outside/patio seating or inside . We chose inside and still enjoyed the "al fresco " feeling by its indoor-outdoor design. As a long-term resident, I am absolutely thrilled to see chic and trendy new eateries elevating our local dining scene. And, Mia's...being a great addition to that scene!!

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I recently visited Solana Beach Kitchen and honestly had such a great experience that I had to…read moreshare. From the moment we arrived, the service really stood out. The manager, Andrea, along with Tara, took amazing care of me and my friends. They were attentive without being overbearing, super friendly, and made us feel genuinely welcome the whole time, which is something you don't always get. I ordered an Aperol Spritz, (if you ever ordered, please get it with campari. we also got a margarita, both were perfectly made. The spritz was refreshing and well-balanced, and the margarita was just as good, not too sweet and really smooth. Definitely a great start to the night. The food was just as impressive. Everything came out surprisingly fast, especially considering how good it was. You can tell there's real attention to quality and flavor. The ambiance is another highlight. It has this relaxed, chill vibe but still feels put together and a little bit "cute" in the best way. It's the kind of place that works perfectly whether you're going on a date, catching up with friends, or just want a nice casual dinner without it feeling basic. Overall, great service, delicious food, quick turnaround, and a really enjoyable atmosphere. I'll definitely be coming back

This is our first time at this restaurant the food, the service and the staff did not disappoint…read more the sourdough was amazing and the jam was to die for! We will for sure be coming back on our next trip to San Diego We got bacon cheese omelets 10/10 Green chilaquiles 10/10 Burger and loaded fries 15/10 The owner gave us freshly made bread pudding and we are so thankful for it! It was so delicious Highly recommend this beautiful kitchen

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Went here to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday! I've had this spot "saved" for this occasion!…read more We had 7 in the other party, so yes, we definitely made reservations. We had this fun bar table so we were higher off the ground. It was cold, so sitting near the door was not fun when the door kept opening and closing with that draft coming in. That made our experience a little more annoying. Most of us had to keep our jacket on to stay warm. Wasn't really expecting to wear my jacket during dinner. Anyways, forget my coldness for a second. The food was delicious and here I go: Parker House Rolls (we ordered 2)....YUM! fresh out of the oven....soft and just yum! Bacon: it was alright....not a fan of the glaze, but others in my party liked it. Boards: Associate (1) and Executive (1) Meat: 8 oz snake river wagyu and 22 oz dry-aged ribeye Sides: Potato au gratin (2), asparagus (1), whipped potatoes (2), shell mac (2) and broccolini (1) It was a great experience, definitely on the pricey side, but my daughter enjoyed her 21st birthday dinner surprise with family!

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I have always wanted to attend a concert here, but either I wasn't in Solana Beach at the right…read moretime or I could not make it down. We were looking for a fun evening to bring in the Christmas spirit post Thanksgiving and I saw this advertised concert on the website that I thought our daughter would really enjoy. I went ahead and purchased our tickets which were very reasonable for a show. I love that Belly Up has its own website so people can still afford to attend their shows. We saw Grammy nominated and Father of Contemporary Jazz David Benoit perform all the Peanuts Christmas songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas. WOW! What a terrific show! We sat on the main floor right up close to the stage and we all had such a good time especially our daughter as it was a surprise show for her. The layout is perfect with lots of open space, a bar area, dance floor and a second level. It is quite large inside but you cannot see that from the outside. Acoustics are perfect and David Benoit is still the master of the piano. He had a guest vocalist Courtney Fortune which added to the evening performance. Parking is about the only challenge so we made sure to arrive extra early and grabbed a spot right out front. Also parking was free! I definitely recommend this venue for good service and great music.

First time at Belly Up in Solana Beach and wow... what a fun surprise! We came on a Friday evening…read moreto see Atomic Groove playing all the best 80's & 90's hits, and the energy was AMAZING. Every single musician was so talented -- not only were they great on their instruments, but they could all sing too! That honestly caught us off guard in the best way. It was such a fun girls' night vibe -- singing along, dancing, and just enjoying the music. We're definitely coming back, and next time we're bringing more girlfriends with us! We came hungry and almost grabbed food before arriving, but decided to wait -- good thing we did because they actually serve food here along with drinks. We ordered the hamburger sliders with truffle fries, plus beer and a cola. The food was solid and hit the spot. Only small downside was the soda -- it was flat and didn't have carbonation. But everything else made up for it. Overall, such a fun spot with great live music, good food, and a lively atmosphere. Can't wait to be back!

Pamplemousse Grille - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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