The Kettner Exchange was a new experience for me. For a set price they bring out a variety of dishes for you to try. Each is a smallish serving, but enough for everyone to get something good from it. I didn’t know what to expect, but that’s when the unexpected surprises you. I had a good time, has some good food and plan to go back.
Let me start by saying we had only 2 days in San Diego, which means we only had 2 dinners to get the chance to try all of the amazing restaurants in San Diego. So glad I was able to grab a reservation at Kettner, the food and atmosphere were perfection for a romantic night of cocktails and lots of yummy food.The service was a bit lacking, and the pace of the evening felt off.Atmosphere: Absolutely worthy of 5 stars! The style of decor here is masculine modern, with a touch of soft vintage vibes. Incredible and interesting to look at. The roof top patio is just as beautiful as each section of the dining room, and the downstairs bar. Well thought out seating and good options if you have a party of up to 12 people. We had a corner booth upstairs near the window, it was comfy and felt like we had a view of all the action.Food: YES YES YES!!! Family style plates are my favorite, I want to try all the things. I felt lucky to be with an adventurous eater who was willing to indulge me in getting more than we needed so that we might be able to try a good sample of the menu. Highlights: The pear cucumber pomegranate salad- such a surprise when it came out, no lettuce to be found. The flavor was a 10, and very palate pleasing. The spicy shrimp was probably our favorite thing we ordered, it was not too spice forward but left you with heat. I want a bootle of that sauce!!! We loved the bao, and the shrimp crispy rice. We had a few others that were ok.Service: This is where we could have seen great improvement. When we arrived we valeted, walked to the front and waited to be greeted by a gal who appeared to be training someone, ignored us for a few minutes? No smile, or how are you doing, DO YOU HAVE A RESERVATION? Yes, walked us to our table. Our waitress was nice, let us know we needed to order everything at once. Gave us samples of wine to choose from, we had to ask for water. Once the water came out, our glasses were empty most of the time we were there. This was noticeable because of the SPICY food! Our plates came out not well spaced, or coursed in a way that would allow us time to enjoy. We had 5 plates come out at once, that does not make sense for a table of 2. We were not offered desert or coffee, and felt as though the service while not bad was mediocre at best.All in all I will return when we are back in San Diego later this year. Still have half the menu to try!
Beautiful decor, lighting , and music. Amazing food. Duck Meatball was the best. We went on a Sunday night. Timing of food delivery was not good. Pork chop came out before pasta. Drinks are overpriced. Service was adequate but we had to ask for a couple of items twice. Table clearance was excellent. Molten chocolate cake for dessert is a must!
Japanese River Crab
Had a fun Sunday night here. It’s a great atmosphere for good drinks and small plates. A good place for groups. They rotate their menu, but my favorite items are the spicy tuna crispy rice and the pig mac bao. The rooftop is definitely the spot to be.Service was excellent and attentive. He recommended a great shooter for our table.It can get busy, so I would recommend grabbing a reservation to ensure you can get in!Can’t wait to go back.
Best dish was the spicy eggplant. Service was very slow though and it took over 3 hours for dinner, with only one small plate arriving at a time.
Great drinks, great atmosphere. It has a rooftop vibe but still a small bar feel. This is a great place for a small group of friends. It can get crowded at peak times, so if you want space make sure to get there a little early!
I love the vibe of this place. It's the perfect mix for a night out in San Diego between downtown and Little Italy vibe.
Lovely and funny place in down town… ill be back soon!!! ?
Fabulous food, cocktails, atmosphere, and service.