insideOUT Reviews

Came in on the day there was a protest going on outside for Black Lives Matter. The staff was getting very much into it, and it was really cool to feel and see the sense of unity among the team. The reason for the 4 star review though is because I ordered a Margarita and it tasted super watered down. They had a pretty nice selection of beer though, forgot the name of it, but they have a craft Belgian white that’s to die for. My friend had ordered the shrimp skewers, and although I hadn’t tried one, he did say they weren’t the tastiest.

Decided to check this one out since I live across the street since I moved to SD. I would say the place is cute, the food not so cute, the service is good! I ordered the set “Date” menu it has 3 courses plus bottle of bubble for $60 so it was a good deal. Verdict: Maybe I will come back 🙂

Fabulous unusual food in a nice atmosphere. Our service was superb as well. Can definitely recommend and would eat here again.

We went to this place because I red it was one of the most trendy and nice places to be in San Diego gay area. The place is cool but we had a terrible experience with the food. Charcuterie combo was one of the worst I ever tried. For drink I ordered heated fruitcake and it was really bad too. Too spicy for a drink and bad taste.

This is a great place to go on weekends, they have a good DJ. Great music, great food, great people ! Well managed and fun !!!! Everything we had on the menu was really good !

The location of the restaurant and the decorations change depending on the season. Very interesting during the Christmas period, with beautiful floral decorations and artificial snow: a bit tacky but definitely an interesting experience. The food is ok, the chicken was well made, but the prices are definitely medium high.

It’s been 5 years since I’ve been here and they changed up their menu and theme. Service and experience was way better this time around. We came with a party of 6 for an inside table reservation at 6:45. We got there a bit early to take photos of the cheery blossoms, Spring Oasis theme that ends 12 May. I started with the Orange Blossom ($16) cocktail from their oasis menu because I’m a tequila girl. It was served in a tall glass. It wasn’t too sweet and had a bit of bitter taste yet refreshing. Each of us ordered an entree and shared sides. I got the Coriander Crusted Yellowfin Tuna ($38). The skin was perfectly seared and slices of tuna sat on top of a soy glazed dynamite sauce. Came with a block of furikake rice cake that looked like rice crispy treats, topped with radish sprouts and long green beans. We ordered Brussels sprouts ($7.50), sweet potato fries ($9), onion rings ($9), bbq garlic prawns ($22) to share. Truffle brussles sprouts was the favorite. Roasted perfectly with crispy skin. The prawns came with 5 pieces with patatas brava. We were thinking of ordering the crispy potatoes and glad we didn’t because the patatas brava took its place with the crispy skin. This place is great for the experience and ambiance. If you have a smaller party or come for drinks, sit outside. It’s nested in a courtyard of the apartment but you can’t tell from all the decor. Parking in this area is challenging. There are metered parking and others have restrictions before 6pm. Easier to carpool or ride share.

After a month we finally got a reservation and was highly disappointed. Waiter wasn’t friendly, very short and dismissive when we were asking about the menu and asking about suggestions. Lots of flies but they did try to help by bringing a mechanism that is suppose to deter them. Our reservation was at 2:00pm and they only had breakfast items no lunch or dinner which was a huge disappointment because we already ate breakfast at 9:00am that morning and didn’t want breakfast type food again. I mean seriously how hard is it to add a Turkey sandwich, salad or burger to the all day menu. We ended up getting French toast which was good and the chiliquiles which were not good. Food was overpriced. We left there and went to Tajima to go eat.

From the moment you step inside InsideOut, you feel the sophisticated atmosphere! You are inside, yet outside! It is a true Urban Oasis. The vibe is upbeat and fun. The drink menu features unique craft cocktails. The menu is very eclectic and I had a hard time deciding because I wanted everything. We decided on the Cesar Salad, Fideo Rosa and Lavender Pork Belly. All were out of this world! For dessert, I had the Horchata Brew, which was fabulous. The service was top notch. We can't wait to go back. I suggest making reservations, too.

Insideout is out of this world! The atmosphere- decor is so unique and the food is fabulous! The service is top notch! A must-go! I had the best birthday there!

We went for dinner to check out San Diego's newest hotspot. We looked at the menu online and it looked interesting and unique. We drove by and found the location quite easily, as it in on the ground floor of a huge condominium complex painted BRIGHT RED! You can't miss it. The main level is the restaurant and a floor to ceiling wall of glass panels. Quit stunning. Although I didn't understand the name, upon walking in, it suddenly became clear. It is constructed in the open atrium of the complex, allowing indoor/outdoor seating, but still feeling like your in a beautiful oasis. We were greeted warmly by not only the hostess, but the entire staff we passed in turn on our way to the table. Although they were quite busy, service was expedient and absolutely superb. After ordering drinks, we examined the menu in more detail and our server was extremely well versed on every item and answered all questions, as well as some we didn't even voice. Most informative. I was leaning towards the pork loin, but after some consideration and explanation of the preparation, I decided to try the steak, which is prepared on a hot stone and presented at the table, rare. By leaving it on the stone, you can continue to "cook" it to your desired temperature. There was a choice if flavored butters, as well as seasoning and sauces to add to the steak is it cooked. I chose garlic butter and a truffle salt. I was told how to proceed and found it quite delightful. The steak itself? I can only tell you that I have eaten steaks at some of the finest steak houses in the U.S. and around the world. This is probably one of the MOST flavorful and tender steaks I've ever had in my life, and by far one the most reasonably priced ones I've seen, at only $38. So tender, I LITERALLY was able to cut using my fork! The fingering potatoes were perfectly done and had it's own unique flavor from the restaurants own secret seasoning. The chef is purely brilliant! This is by far, in my opinion, one the most enjoyable meals I've had in quite sometime. I loved the food, the service, and definitely the ambience. InsideOUT is the IN place to be!!!

This Spring theme, Everything was AMAZING, ORIGINAL, AND GREAT ATMOSPERE. InsideOut now has new patrons for life. No matter how far InsideOut is away from us, we will be regular customers from now on. (dependent on reservation availability…lol) You made my Fiancée extremely happy, she is in love with this place. Service was exceptional, food was very good, and, well, the atmosphere was something to remember forever. And to note, I am very particular about customer service, and everyone there, from the host, to our server, and a manager that checked on us, was one of a kind!! We will be back for the next theme.

This is the definition of a local gem!!! From a touristy point of view, this restaurant is off the beaten path, with not much to do or explore nearby, and hard to come across even if driving around San Diego; what’s more, from the outside you wouldn’t believe how nicely set this place is, we even drove past it a couple of times before realizing we were right at the spot. As already said, INSIDEOUT is nicely set, it mostly consists of a terraced patio nestled within an apartment complex, which probably doesn’t sound appealing or convincing enough, but the place manages to provide an extraordinary, chilled-out atmosphere. Regarding accessibility, I’m not quite sure if all the terraces/levels are doable on wheelchair, so better book in advance and let the restaurant know your needs beforehand. Service is friendly, expedite, polite and laid-back, they seemed to treat everyone like regulars, though probably most patrons present were actually regulars. Regarding food, the menu is not extensive but assorted, with at least one option –if not two, for beef, pork, and fish. As appetizer we had the charcuterie board, which I must sadly report felt far from prime quality, and the cheeses a bit over refrigerated in detriment of flavor. For entrees we had the fideua de marisco –nicely presented, sizzling hot, and delicious; and the short rib – perfect doneness. Cocktails were tasty and refreshing –Ruby’s Nectar and Empress 75; and the beer selection could do way better, after all this is San Diego!!! The brightest side of the story is that INSIDEOUT is reasonably priced, so you can have a fulfilling night out for less than $100 per person. I definitely would recommend trying this place, but if you’re a tourist, bear in mind it will cost you time and money just reaching the restaurant, and as I said before, there’s not much to do around, specially once the sun sets.

What a great find! We came here for Sunday Brunch after exploring the market. Grant, our server was friendly and attentive. The brunch dishes we ate were so delicious! Kailua pork Benny and the egg scramble croissant was perfect. We started with a couple delicious signature seasonal cocktails and it just kept getting better from there! Great vibe, great food, great service. Don’t miss the chance to eat here 🤩

This is THE place for drinks and eats. Superb drinks and solid food. Servers are all very attentive and the atmos is magnificent. They do huge decorations several times a year that are just the cats meow. The restrooms are also quite unique. Men… be prepared for a most unusual way to tinkle. Oh…. All restrooms are joint accommodations

insideOUT is a neat experience. From the outdoor seating to the center stage urinals in the bathroom, this place offers a solid bar experience and an atmosphere of being in another place. Stop for a drink and a bite!

Though we live in the neighborhood, we've avoided this place until now because the building is hideous and the deafening racket we've sometimes heard coming from inside chased us away. Last night it seemed relatively quiet, so we settled in for dinner. Even so, the music was on the raucous side, and the sound quality was inferior. We sat in a far corner of the courtyard, where the air was fresher and the noise slightly less. Seating is comfortable; the service was very good, except that our entrees took too long to arrive, for which the waiter apologized. The seared tuna appetizer was over-seasoned. The rest of the food--paella and pork and tiramisu--was excellent. Prices are high.

The food was ok, the service pretty good (though people who came after us got served before us). The atmosphere was cheerful. Noise was a major problem. Disco music ("boom! boom! boom!") played throughout our meal, and it was so loud we had to shout to each other to be heard. People at the other tables were all shouting, too. The courtyard outside might be a little better, but it was reserved, so we weren't able to sit there. I won't be going again.

Great date night place or fun place to be with friends . We were in the out part and the food was really good. Not too crazy about the Arancini appetizer but the salmon was perfect, loved the brussel sprouts and the lamb and pasta was delicious. Good vibes all around and a knowledgable waiter. Loved our own personal fireplace.

Had an amazing dinner experience. The food options are limited, especially if you’re vegetarian but the overall vibe and feel of the place is great! Our server Luis was super attentive and we had good conversation. Gave us great recommendations on what to order too!

We had my husband's birthday dinner here--our second dinner here. The setting is delightful, truly both inside and outside. Our server, Edgar was wonderful--friendly and professional. The meal itself was outstanding. The filet was uniquely presented on a hot stone. Pork belly, salmon all superb. Service was spaced appropriately. We never felt rushed. This is a must experience restaurant in the heart of Hillcrest.

This is a new, stylish hipster garish bar and restaurant. I have come 3X and every time is GREAT... but it is not cheap. Enjoy the atmosphere. The service is excellent, the food is very good to excellent.

I don’t like writing reviews like this, but when a place has a night like this, the story must be told. Inside out is fantastic. It’s almost magical. It was not last night. We were having dinner for a friends birthday and when the food was served, my glass of Diet Coke was knocked over by the server. It as a tall class with a stem and it was full. The table was skinny so nearly all of the contents wound up on me. My jacket was soaked, shirt was wet, and my pants were totally soaked from the top of my waist to just below my crotch. It was a mess. The fellow who made the error was way apologetic, got me towels, a new chair to sit in and looked truly sorry. I was wet, cold, and embarrassed as my pants were pink in color and the Diet Coke stained them a brown color and if I got up I looked a site. The actual water (not the food server) never came back to check on us and when he was ready to present the bill I asked to see the manager. It seems the food server never told anyone about this. And it was not a small spill. I was inundated with Diet Coke to the point I was shivering I was so cold. We were near the front door and cold air was coming in. The manager arrived and goes to another person at our table and asked, “what’s wrong?” I had to tell him that it was me that needed to see him. I told him what happened (I was drenched) and he did say he was sorry and that no I had told him about it. Huge fault on the servers’ part. A guest got drenched and the manger didn’t know. That’s all he said. “I’m sorry.” He knew I was drenched and this was not a small spill. He then was just there staring at me so I asked wha their policy was on dry cleaning. He said they would cover it. That was nice, but why not ask a single question. Am I ok, is there anything he can do? Nope. Not a care about the guest at all. To make it perfect, I never even got another Diet Coke to replace the one that was spilled on me and -wait for it- they still charged me for the drink. In fact they charged me for he entire dinner AND added a 20% tip for service that was just bad and a guest that was drenched. I wasn’t expecting a free meal. Things happen and the guy who spilled the drink was really sorry. But any type of customer care would have been nice. They don’t care. They are always busy. The food was good. But the experience was terrible. Having to eat while totally wet (really not kidding) and being cold and shivering was just a bad time. It became a worse time when I knew for sure the manager just didn’t care at all.

I was curious about this restaurant having watched it be built, so when it was suggested for a birthday party, I was happy to try it. First I would like to say the design, decor and atmosphere were all spot on! Modern, not overstated, open air (in the center) with what will be a wading pool in the courtyard. I saw reclaimed wood, hints of mid-century and clean lines....beautiful. The service was perfect...all smiles, courteous, and attentive without being overbearing. The food was eclectic (steak on hot stone with flavored salts and butter, chicken tagine, Fideo with shrimp paella style) and delicious! The portions were just right. They have a full bar and offer unique craft cocktails. Clearly I loved it and I will definitely be back!

Have a cocktail around the outdoor pool the saunter into this new place opened by Mo. great dinner, good wine, excellent service.

This is a fantastic place....sooo unique! It appears to be created from an old hotel? But, now is a great one-of-kind restaurant fronting University Avenue in Hillcrest area of San Diego, and the pool area behind the streetside area has tables surrounding it plus tables nestled within the hillside slope beyond. There are small dining decks suspended above the pool all around. A waterfall is attached to a ceiling and flows into the pool below. Music pervades. The menu is creative and ingredients are specialty items...definitely not a cookie-cutter, corporately packaged , menu. We travel worldwide and think this is the most unique place in SD!! Good food too!!

Found insideOUT on instagram and figured it would be a neat place to visit. The atmosphere was lively with amazing decor all around (and on theme for the holidays). As soon as we sat down we received incredible service and it kept going through the entire evening. When we ordered drinks they were delivered within moments and the food was almost as quick. The Charcuterie combo was an incredible spread that we shared - Very fresh and tasty. The ladies ordered the stone steaks and the men ordered pork chops... everyone was satisfied! Highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting San Diego.

If your looking for a chill beautiful place to kick back have a drink and eat some great food look no further, great vibe , friendly people . This restaurant welcomes everyone.

I absolutely adore this restaurant. The design and concept of inside/outside in the dining and lounge area is incredible. Staff is handsome and attentive. They have a great happy hour from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM with $5 Wine & Bubbles by the Glass / $8 Martinis, Select Signature Cocktails / $18 Veuve Clicquot Champagne by the Glass. They also offer a mid day menu, with yummy California and Mediterranean food. We loved the cheese and fruit, charcuterie, and sesame crusted ahi tuna.

Absolutely highly recommend Excellent service Great food and wine- I love the octopus and the atmosphere is terrific

We had a good supper at insideOUT in San Diego. It's a really curious set-up. You can see into the gents and ladies bathrooms from the street outside! And once inside, you'll notice that part of the restaurant is under a roof, and the other part has a view of the sky. The food was good. I enjoyed by vermicelli-based paella dish. The serving portion was just right The waiter was friendly and efficient, but I got the feeling that he was a bit busy and therefore he lacked some of the attentiveness that I felt was necessary.

Beautiful lounge, cool water festivities including a pool and waterfall, fire pits and multiple levels. Seating was modern yet comfortable. Tremendous customer service and great cocktails