The Kitchen at MCASD Reviews

Second time I have eaten at this restaurant and a new, larger section has opened with indoor and outdoor seating. There are great views of the beach and ocean. Menu has a large variety for breakfast and lunch, and an adequate wine list. Was told that they hold a special once a month dinner. Food excellent, and service efficient. A group of 16-18 was seated and served promptly. This review here since could not find any reviews for The Kitchen in restaurant section of Tripadvisor.

I had high hopes for this place when we booked it for brunch. The ambiance is marvelous. It has a nice view of the ocean and the La Jolla coast. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. The food was not to die for but relatively good. What disappointed me was the “phony” customer service from our server. She wasn’t rude but there was this weird passive aggressive behavior. She gave my daughter the wrong drink. When we pointed it out, she agreed to replace it. Again, she wasn’t rude… but she was just robotic and indifferent about it. She answers a seemingly scripted “of course” to every question or request you make but never delivers. We asked for more water, for our receipt…. “Of course” was the answer but we never got them.

This was one of the better dinners I’ve had in quite some time. As a last minute effort, and in a city we were largely unfamiliar with, my wife found this underrepresented gem in a social media post. Between the scenic ocean backdrop, the quality service, and the incredible dish it perfectly captured the evening. I myself had a sea bass entree that was wrapped in swiss chard, and had a great martini with dinner. They have I think two or three vegan dishes as well, and I think someone in my party had an eggplant dish. It’s in an outdoor venue on that day, but has collapsable glass panels that I saw as they were closing. It’s next the the San Diego Museum so it took me a second to find it at the beginning. (Walk around it to the right) It’s a serene, relaxing service, small with only about 8-10 tables, and would be perfect for a romantic evening or a quiet night with friends. It’s the type of service I think that one might ask, how is this not known about - and after the chef came out we find out that this had only been open for dinner service for two weeks. Wonderful evening with friends that will not be forgotten any time soon.

Interesting menu. Gem salad missing the mark. Lamb burger tasty, recommend sauces on the side. Not a chutney fan. Not enough help to wait on diners. Saw some food go back to the kitchen for touch up and some and some orders returned because they were the wrong order.