Best Outdoor Dining in San Diego

The food is generally well-regarded, with many dishes known for freshness, flavor, and presentation. Specific highlights include lamb burgers, mussels, bolognese, and various pasta dishes. Some minor inconsistencies and blandness were noted.

“Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully”

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, attentive, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond. However, a few instances of rudeness and inattentiveness were reported.

“The service was very friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as beautiful, pleasant, romantic, and comfortable, with a well-maintained interior and a lovely outdoor patio.

“Beautiful restaurant, with an extensive menu”

While many dishes are considered delicious, some diners found the prices to be on the higher side, with portions sometimes not fully justifying the cost.

“The overpriced menu doesn’t match what you get”

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, authentic Italian flavors, and delicious execution, with particular highlights being the pasta dishes, pizza, and ravioli.

“The lobster ravioli was divine”

Service is generally attentive and friendly, though a few instances of inattentiveness and one notable encounter with rudeness have been reported.

“Super attentive staff as well very kind!”

The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere, particularly noted for its ample and comfortable outdoor seating, making it a popular choice for various occasions.

“Amazing outdoor seating area”

Diners generally find the portions generous and the quality of food and service to be worth the price.

“Drinks are also so Italian, hit the spot, and are worth the prize.”

Food quality is generally good, with some dishes receiving high celebrate, though a few diners note a lack of flavor or seasoning.

“Food was GOOD”

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, particularly from bartender 'D', with many guests experiencing attentive and friendly interactions.

“Bartender D was absolutely AMAZING!”

The restaurant is well-regarded for its great views, atmosphere, and music, creating a pleasant and inviting environment.

“Great views & music!”

While some find the value good, others suggest the menu is basic and prices are average, with some dishes not meeting expectations.

“Drinks and food were not cheap”

The food generally receives recognition for fresh ingredients and well-executed seafood dishes, though some diners found specific items bland or inconsistent.

“Amazing food!”

Service is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with many servers receiving specific commendations for attentiveness and friendliness.

“Great food, great service”

The waterfront location and ambiance are well-regarded, offering a pleasant atmosphere for dining.

“Beautiful view, relaxed atmosphere.”

Many diners find the prices to be high, with some questioning the value given portion sizes or perceived quality.

“Overpriced and very touristy”

The food is generally known for its authentic Italian flavors, fresh ingredients, and well-prepared pasta dishes, though some find certain items average or lacking in flavor.

“The food is so fresh, flavorful, and exquisite!!!”

Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, with specific mentions of accommodating staff, but there are also reports of slow service, inattentiveness, and one instance of a wrong order.

“Great food, great location, great service.”

The restaurant's atmosphere is consistently lauded for its charming, authentic Italian village ambiance, making it a popular choice for a pleasant dining experience.

“The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful, such ambience”

While many find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, some diners feel the value is diminished by touristy prices or unexpected charges.

“Pricing made sense.”

The food is generally known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and authentic Mexican taste, with many dishes like tacos, burritos, and mole receiving specific commendation. However, some recent signs suggest a decline in quality for certain items, and portion sizes can be inconsistent.

“Packed with flavor, fresh ingredients”

Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, with specific staff members highlighted for their excellent recommendations and genuine demeanor. However, there are isolated instances of rude or inattentive service, and some diners mention slow service.

“Super friendly, attentive, and made”

The restaurant is well-regarded for its outstanding atmosphere, described as trendy, cool, and having a great blend of indoor and outdoor seating with a modern Mexican vibe. It's noted as being dog-friendly and suitable for various group sizes.

“Cool place for upscale Mexican”

While many find the food quality and atmosphere justify the price, some diners consider the menu to be pricey for the portion sizes or overall experience, particularly for certain dishes or during non-happy hour times.

“Overall menu is pricey for what it is”

The food generally receives positive remarks, with many dishes like the lobster roll, firecracker shrimp, and fried chicken being highlighted. However, some diners found certain dishes to be mediocre or lacking in flavor, and portion sizes were occasionally noted as small.

“Food was not great but the service”

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, and professional, with specific mentions of excellent bartenders and servers. However, there are recurring complaints about slow service and inattentive staff, particularly during busy periods.

“Amazing service and even better food”

The atmosphere, particularly the rooftop seating, is well-regarded for being lively, stylish, and enjoyable, making it a popular spot for various occasions.

“The rooftop is so cute”

While some dishes are known for their quality, several diners felt the prices were high, especially considering portion sizes or the overall quality of certain dishes.

“Ticket was $260 after tip”

Steaks are generally well-executed and a highlight, but inconsistency is notable. Some diners love perfectly cooked meat; others report underseasoned, bland, or overcooked steaks. Side dishes (dirty hashbrowns, mac & cheese, broccolini) receive consistent celebrate. Appetizers and desserts are solid, but uni pasta draws mixed reviews.

“Steaks were cooked to perfection”

Service is attentive and professional overall, with many staff members (servers, bartenders, hosts) well-regarded. However, several diners report slow service between courses, missed requests, and occasional inattentiveness. Birthday/special occasion recognition is a consistent strength.

“Service was impeccable”

Stunning Art Deco interior with speakeasy/1920s Great Gatsby aesthetic. Two-level venue with rooftop bar offering city views. Lighting is moody/intimate downstairs, open/breezy upstairs. Atmosphere is a major draw—many diners cite it as primary reason for visit. Well-designed throughout (bathrooms, menus, decor).

“Absolutely stunning, Great Gatsby combined with west coast rap”

Expensive ($100+ per plate typical for dinner). Multiple diners feel portions are small relative to price, especially appetizers. Some defend value as justified by experience/service/atmosphere; others argue steakhouses nearby offer better quality for less. Happy hour mentioned as more reasonably priced.

“Spent $350 for two people and still left hungry”

Consistently fresh fish and thoughtful preparation across nigiri, hand rolls, and omakase. Hand rolls with wrapped nori are a distinguishing feature. Quality is high but presentation-focused pricing creates value tension for some diners.

“Fish is always incredibly fresh, the preparation is thoughtful”

Attentive, friendly staff with high server-to-diner ratio. Owner Wook frequently present and engaged. Multiple diners report water glasses kept full, courses paced well, and special requests handled gracefully. One isolated slow-service mention from 2 years ago.

“Great service and atmosphere. Our waiter gave excellent recomme”

Modern, elegant ambiance with tasteful decor, candlelit tables, and outdoor heated cabanas. Dog-friendly patio noted. Described variously as cozy, zen, and romantic. Pet-friendly amenities and outdoor seating add appeal for casual and special occasions.

“Tucked away in a quiet area of Sorrento”

Pricing positioned as upscale with smaller portions than traditional sushi spots. Lunch sets ($20) offer strong value; dinner omakase and à la carte command premium prices ($95–$400 per person reported). Tension between quality and portion size divides diners.

“Overpriced, tiny portions”

The food is well-regarded for its flavor, freshness, and quality, with many dishes highlighted as first-rate.

“Absolutely delicious—juicy, flavorful”

Service is frequently described as top-notch, with numerous servers well-regarded for their attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism.

“Josiah was an top-notch waiter”

The atmosphere is widely appreciated for its dog-friendly nature, rustic decor, and lively, welcoming environment.

“Cozy bar vibes”

While many find the value good, some signs suggest certain dishes or portion sizes may be slightly overpriced.

“Felt a little overpriced”