The Red Door Reviews

Cute spot in mission hills. Great brunch with yummy unlimited mimosas or bell inis. The fresh made cinnamon rolls, crisp bacon and fresh biscuits are amazing!

After going here one night we ended up going back the next night too. Unique, intimate and lively ambience with food coming straight from their farm or local sources. The lamb meatballs and Brussels sprouts were amazing, but the menu changes regularly depending on what's in season. Fit for foodies!

It's not often that I say I love a restaurant but I can say from my experience eating at the Red Door that I love it! The inside was cozy and clean, the service was great and the food was outstanding. It was not too loud so you could enjoy a nice conversation unlike the bar next door which was super loud. Our server was very funny which made our experience fun. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us great suggestions. The ingredients are locally sourced and fresh. For appetizers I high recommend the shrimp served over polenta as well as the local butter lettuce cobb ($14). The shrimp was from local Catalina Offshore and the salad was actually individual leaves almost like mini salad wraps. I also ordered the braised short ribs with butternut squash gnocchi ($25)which was excellent. The meat was cooked perfectly and the portions were the perfect size was well. If I have to recommend one item on the menu it would be the banana cream pie ($10). It's to die for! I wasn't going to order dessert but then our server convinced me and I don't regret it one bit. I might go back and pick a piece up to go sometime. I will definitely be back to the Red Door again to dine.

I generally don’t write restaurant reviews... But red door is one of the consistently best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in. And they are doing it during Covid. The owner Luciano is one of the best owner chefs I’ve met. The ribeye and beef Wellington are incredible. Pastas are fantastic. Frankly never had a bad dish here. Wine list is very reasonably priced. I come here every time I’m in San Diego

The ambience is nice, the food is tasty, but the selection is limited. They were out of their IPA tab beer and the remaining choices weren't that much. My dinner was a light salad which tasted great but we paid about $50 each for one course of dinner per person, a bottle of wine shared at the table, and 1 shared dessert. The bill was more than $200 for 4 ladies who didn't eat a lot of food! I think this place was way overrated.

The food was simply amazing. We began our meal with the arugula salad with the chef’s cashew dressing. Loved it! My husband had the aged rib eye special which was perfectly cooked! He an our daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the mushroom and truffle risotto which infused my palette with earthiness which was exquisite! Our picky eater loved the fresh made pasta! Desert was the perfect day ending to a perfect meal!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Recent dinner at the red door in San Diego. We’ve eaten there’s several times before and always been pleased. We shared a very nice arugula salad which the kitchen was kind enough to chop for us. It made the arugula a lot easier to handle. That was followed by a wide pappadella pasta in a beef ragu sauce. The pasta was cooked just right for my Italian taste. Still pleasantly firm. My husband enjoyed his lasagna. Our excellent waiter, Brian, recommend one of their reasonably priced red wines which we enjoyed very much. The handsome and charming chef/owner, Luciano Cibelli, made the rounds to be sure every table was happy. A sticky pudding dessert and coffee completed the very satisfying evening.

We were in San Diego for our animal fix – The Zoo, Sea World and the Safari Park. The latter is the next best thing to a real Safari in South Africa. The Cheetah run, at 3:30 p.m. each day, is truly awesome (see separate review) We found “The Red Door” on Open table. It was well reviewed and near our Hotel (the Fairfield Inn - see separate review) in Old Town. Most importantly it had a great selection for vegetarians - a welcome change from all the Mexican Restaurants in town. The restaurant’s web site indicated that parking was not an issue and we found this to be the case. We made two visits to this restaurant in three days. Each time we started off with martinis – “A Prom Night” with St. Germaine, Lemon Zest and Champagne and “Orchard Envy” with vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, strawberry and cucumber. On our first visit we had the Garden Eggplant Napoleon and the Grilled Garden Lasagna followed by a lemon Crème Brule and a Maple Parfait. The Parfait was one of the best desserts my wife had ever had, while the lemon crème Brule was not very lemony. The menu is creative, the presentation delightful, the food full of taste, the atmosphere is cool and the service was great. Our second visit was a little different. We had the same cocktails and three appetizers – the Chickpea and squash fritters, the garden beet gratin and the special of the night. The garden beet gratin was superb. We then had the Banana Cream Pie, which is their signature dessert, which had too much whipped cream. In addition we had to wait 25 minutes for it to be served which was way too long. Clearly Tuesday night is much busier than Sunday. If I go again I would not order dessert if the place looks busy.

Gluten free pasta, great service, good wine. What a great way to start a vacation. I highly recommend you go here when you are in town

Chef Cibelli is keeping the Red Door open for take-out. I called after reading the website. He called back to say they offer take-out every day from 4 to 8 P.M. We enjoyed a great meal. His risotto that day was mushroom. Great flavor and generous mushroom slices. He also made a lobster ravioli, also superb in a light sauce. Currently the full menu is available. Expand the illusion of in restaurant dining by buying a bottle off his wine list. And leave a tip. We have no financial or personal relationship with the Red Door but are long time Mission Hills residents and applaud his efforts to provide this fine dining experience as take-out during this pandemic. The quality of his cuisine has not suffered whatsoever.

The food is wonderful here. Because we ere didning with my7-year old graanddaughter, the early dinner hours were appreciated.

My wife and I went to the Red Door Restaurant because we had read about it and wanted to try it out. We were in San Diego and one Sunday morning and went there for breakfast. We had made reservations and were still fortunate to get in. There were people waiting when we arrived. The interior is very intimate and cozy. There was a live band (2 people) and the music was good. I ordered the Banana's Foster French Toast. The presentation was amazing to look at and the taste was even better. My wife got the Chicken Sausage Eggs Benedict on a corn palenta cake with cilantro hollandaise sauce and a Peach bellini to drink. It has been a few days and she is still talking about it. If your in San Diego you must try the Red Door restaurant it's that good.

I was recently in San Diego on business when a coworker suggested this gem. Took my daughter here for dinner last night and was pleasantly surprised. Created by friendly staff, great food and a wonderful atmosphere. The lamb meatballs were great. I highly recommend The Red Door for dinner.

Went to San Diego from FL on a family medical emergency. The Red Door was a welcome, delicious reprieve from hospital fare. (The cauliflower wrap is divine!) TRD has a bright, quaint atmosphere, diverse menu with quality ingredients and a friendly, kindhearted staff. They did all they could to make us feel welcome while we were so far from home and in such dire circumstances. They fed us incredible food, cheered us when they could, and brought huge smiles with the specialties they prepared for our loved ones who were so incredibly grateful for such a good taste of their favorites and life outside Intensive Care. I would highly recommend TRD simply based on its menu and service, but even more because of their kindness to travelers and strangers. Thank you, Red Door!

Great ambience and superb service. We enjoyed dual appetizer of the cheese plate and mussels which were incredible. Dinner was short ribs and lamb meat balls. Shared the trio dessert and ended with espresso and brandy. Great experience and very delicious.

We did the prix fixe menu to get a taste of their appetizer options, dinner choices, and of course their desserts. Everything was melt in your mouth good. My only qualm was that they did not have a specific menu for children and although there are a few side choices that sound like they were appeasing to kids, the way they prepared it was not.

Small restaurant, small but varied menu, great wine list. We had a group of 6 and everyone loved it! Personalized service.

Great service, very laid-back vibe but beautiful decor, and the food was amazing. Everything from the appetizer (corn bread with poppy seeds) to the main dishes (I had a delicious sea bass) to the dessert (bread pudding) was fantastic. Good for a date night.

We LOVE The Red Door and have been eating dinner here for quite sometime. It's the perfect place with great food and an amazing ambiance. Luciano, the Chef & Owner has a heart of gold and he really goes out of his way in order to make you feel welcome in his restaurant. The service is always prompt and attentive and it really has a neighborhood vibe with a lot of character. It's definitely one of our favorite places to eat in San Diego!!!

I would give our dining experience at The Red Door as many stars are there are. It's located in Hillcrest, so I expected an old building with lots of noise. Not true, this building has been beautifully designed and decorated, and was very quiet, even though almost every table was full. The food was beyond description - imaginative, very tasty, nice-sized portions; the servers were all wonderful. The Chef came out to apologize personally as several items we'd selected were unavailable and he sent an extra appetizer too. I can't remember having a more delightful evening. I'm sure you will too.

This restaurant has amazing food! My husband ate every bite of the orecchiette and commented that it was the best pasta he’d ever had. I had the free range chicken and it was extremely flavorful. The desserts we had we’re excellent too...sticky toffee pudding and ricotta cheesecake. We will definitely be back next time we’re in town.

New chef (Luciano, from Milan), new food concept. Everything is fresh and homemade, including several wonderful pastas like ravioli, pappardelle bolognese; good appetizers like brussels sprouts and bacon, several salads.Also some traditional international dishes on the menu - my Beef Wellington was terrific! And the sticky toffee pudding was one of the best I've had in San Diego. Good wine list and many by the glass - we drank a wonderful sauvignon blanc from Argentina. Staff is very friendly, atmosphere is cozy, Luciano is very welcoming. They have special dinners on holidays. We will be back soon!

We visited the Red Door for Sunday brunch and were very impressed. The menu is interesting, varied and locally sourced. Atmosphere is elegant but casual. Service is professional and efficient. We loved the shrimp and grits and the smoked salmon benedict. Everything else coming out of the kitchen looked delicious as well. The talented jazz duo provided wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommended.

After enjoying a bite here during Taste of Mission Hills in October we vowed to go back. Not disappointed! The bone marrow app was unique and delicious. Our other app, the roasted brussel sprouts, were also very, very good. Our lasagna had flavors not found in any other lasagna - so very good! Chef Luciano came out twice to make sure everything met our expectations. he was engaging without being overbearing. Can't wait to go back!

Mission Hills has a great cluster of farm-to-table restaurants and The Red Door was the best I've sampled so far. I ate at the bar as I was traveling alone. The bar staff was friendly and engaging. My salad was an interesting mix of locally sourced veggies and fruit. My main was house-made pappardelle in a meaty ragout. Absolutely terrific. The wines by the glass were interesting and I was able to taste before buying. I forget what I had--but it was good! Be sure to check out happy hour for some great deals on both food and beverages.

Ten of us from Georgia, Texas, Arkansas had just attended a Marine Corps Boot Camp graduation. The 2 young Marine graduates wanted a good Italian meal. We decided to give The Red Door a try as it is a very short drive from MCRD. For an appetizer we chose the Flatbread. We had a variety of choices, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Seafood Pasta, Ravioli among other things. Everything was delicious & prepared perfectly. Our wonderful server was Robin. She was very polite, professional & just a Sweetie. Definitely a 5 Star dining experience!

Had an unexpected dinner at The Red Door the other night and my husband and I were both highly impressed with the meal. Don't miss the Carlsbad Mussels (chorizo, tomatoes, shallots, white wine, & fine herbs topped with shoestring fries & red chili aioli)... and you may want to ask for some bread to sop up the incredible sauce. I had the lamb meatballs for a main and it was truly one of the best dishes I've had in some time (ground Colorado lamb with roasted garlic, feta, pine nuts, home made herbed gnocchi, roasted tomato, organic broccoli raab, chimichurri sauce). I would have trouble not ordering this again on a subsequent visit. The hubby had the pork schnitzel and was also very happy with his choice. Prices were very reasonable... I would not recommend going here as a party larger than 4 as the ambiance is quite subdued.

Excellent service, presentation and taste. We had the butternut Brie starter, lasagna, and pappardelle. The portions were generous. The chef/owner came by our table to ensure the meal was excellent. A delightful experience.

The food and drinks were excellent. Love the concept of farm to table. Everything tasted fresh. I ordered the house salad which was delicious with fruit added and house special dressing that was so light but complemented the salad wonderfully. My main dish was the Garden Lasagna which was out of this world. It actually got better the cooler it got. There are no words to describe how amazing this tasted. And for dessert, the house specialty, banana creme pie which topped off the meal excellently. However, this dessert can feed 3 or 4!!!! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because we called to make reservations and were told we didn't need them but when we got there we were asked if we had them and then told we had to wait 45 minutes. The service was slow due to short staff but I think it was a fluke. Overall great restaurant that I would go to again!

This is a gem. The service was excellent but not over the top and the food was delicious. Mains we had was scallops and beef Wellington with lovely crisp veggies. Well presented and extremely tasty. Well done

Four of us enjoyed dinner at The Red Door restaurant. I don't remember our server's name but she was just great. Excellent and very friendly service. One in our group was vegetarian and one vegan and both enjoyed their meals. We brought a special bottle of wine that I had received for Christmas and I thought the $16 corkage charge was very reasonable. The restaurant has a good beer and wine selection and our server was very knowledgeable about both. We ordered the vegan nachos and fromage et trois for starters and both were great. I had the lamb meatballs and my wife a chicken dish. Photos of both are attached. The best part of my meal was the vegetables. I am not a big vegetable fan but the vegetables that came with my meal were really delicious - the best part of the meal. I enjoyed the chocolate gelato and our son-in-law the blood orange version. Both were excellent. We had a totally enjoyable evening and did not feel rushed at all even though it was a Friday evening.

the re Door is a fun place for lunch or dinner. the food is good, and they serve Chimay on tap! The location is good, and parking is always available.

Six girlfriends and I enjoyed an amazing dinner last night! We started with great red wine! The food was out if this world! And the service was top notch. Make reservations for sure because this restaurant is so good! In the photos, our server split our Cesar Salad and Beef Wellington for us! The Mac and Cheese was awesome!

The wine list has a handful of San Diego/Baja wines, so decided to try one. We were pleasantly surprised when the waitress brought out the two San Diego wines we wanted more information about, so we could read the labels and decide. We chose one and she set it on the table next to us. It took at least ten minutes for her to find two wine glasses. The service followed this beginning, not really bad, just inconsistent and distracted. The Spanish chorizo flatbread was excellent, and turns out the best dish of the evening. The two salads were good but nothing exciting. We split the Andouille Orecchiette which that night was on the menu at the same price as the local fish. We had to search for the andouille. Overall not a meal to repeat anytime soon, although the other entrees might be better.

I broke my cardinal rule "never eat out on Valentine's night". Usually it is a prix fix menu that is over priced, boring, and tasteless. But I was on vacation with the family so what could we do. The menu was prix fix, and it was more expensive than usual... but... it was not tasteless. And, we had the option to order off the regular menu. For the youngest, we ordered the meatballs from the regular menu. They were so good, the rest of kept stealing bites. We ordered the lamb lollipops and yellow tail for the main course. Both were excellent. The only miss for me was ordering a salad instead of the mussel app. The sale was a little boring while the mussels were excellent. I wish we had time to go back and try the regular menu.

My wife and I have been eating here for a few years now. Mostly happy hour. Love the cocktails, the the food, and the staff. I recommend the Red Door Burger at happy hour and the Blue Smoke cocktail (vodka and single malt whiskey with blue cheese stuffed olives in a martini glass) is a personal favorite.

We visited Red Door on a Sunday evening with another couple. The service was very good, and the menu had great choices. We ordered a bottle of wine a few appetizers to start, as well as entrees. Three out of four entrees ordered were great! Unfortunately I had the one that wasn't. Normally I would have sent back my Schnitzel plate, but due to the company, I didn't want to cause a scene. The Schnitzel looked great on the plate when it arrived, with some braised sweet red cabbage and a celery root and potato puree. But the Schnitzel tasted like grease and the grease flavor overpowered everything. The celery root and potato puree was cold. It was a bit disappointing after the good wine and appetizers we had. I may consider Red Door again, but I won't expect much.

Our daughter took us here for my wife's birthday. It's a farm to table restaurant. What they don't grow on their farm, they source locally. We shared a Fried Green Tomato salad, which was very good. My wife and daughter each had the Garden Ravioli, which had a cashew sauce and came with roasted baby carrots and beets. They said it was delicious and I believe them. It disappeared quickly. I had the Autonomy Farms Burger. It was also delicious. It was topped with caramelized onions, tomato and lemon aioli. It came with house cut fries, which were very good and tempting, as my dinner companions proved by helping themselves. We finished with some Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler. Overall, an excellent meal. At times, it seemed the service might have been a little slow as our drink glasses were empty for awhile. Also, our table was a little too close to the next one for my liking. It was like the loud talker there was sitting with us. We went early and by the time we left the place had filled up and was quite noisy. Minor complaints. I would put this on my list to go back to.

I went on Valentines Day 2010 and was told that the food was out of this world gourmet style. After chicking in with reservations, we still had to wait around 30mins to be seated. This place has only a few tables so there is not a lot of space for large parties. Once we were seated, the menu was given to us. Not a large selection but it was alright. I chose their chicken plate. For drinks, they only serve alcoholic drinks (unless you want water). I don't mind an alcoholic drink but not with my meal. This was a BIG minus. Lastly, the food showed up about an hour later (more on the later side) and to my surprize the portions were extremly small!!! Though it was good, it was not outstanding.....in fact It tased like something I could make at home. The chicken, after taken off the bone was around 4oz, the vegetables were green beans and carrots in which I had 4 green beans and and 4 carrot slices. I was also served Mashed potatoes which was also a small serving. At the end of the night, I was left with a huge bill and an empty stomache. I have never left a restaurant hungy and this place did it to me and my wife (and she's on the thin side). We ate again after getting home. ***I would not recommend this place.

Friendly staff in a cute place with fabulous fresh eclectic meals. Half price wine on Monday night was an added treat!

This quaint little restaurant, located in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego, is a real gem! The food is excellent, the service is outstanding and the atmosphere is charming. It is my "place to go" for lunch. Dinner is superb, but can be quite noisey on weekends.

This place has great locally sourced food that is expertly put together and cooked to perfection. The thing that I want to highlight is the incredible service that we received and perfectly metered table service from the very experienced wait staff. A must for all, and an overall great experience. Also, expect a rotating menu because the food is local.

We have a wonderful time at The reed Door, the food like always spot on flavors and fresh;the ambiance nice and comfortable to have a good night of catching with good friends.You have to try the amazing shrimp and polenta with chorizo sauce is sooo goood!!!hoping that they never take it out of the menū.

the food delicious, service very good, but they seemed to need a bit more help for a saturday night.

Really interesting and delicious small plates. I highly recommend a visit. A real gem. We had a shrimp dish and a duck taco that I still dream about. Very interesting flatbread (usually a special that changes daily).

The decor is very nice. You have a feeling of comfort and yet casual elegance. It feels like walking into someone's home. Monday is half price on bottles of wine. So purchased one and took the leftover home. I had a wonderfully delicious salad! Everything looked delicious; so it was hard to make a decision. And our server was friendly and helpful. Won't go wrong here!

We had a lovely time at the Red Door in San Diego. The food was wonderful. The presentation was fabulous! A fantastic night out with friends. We've dined here twice and loved it both times!

I was staying in Hillcrest and decided to take a walk around Mission Hills to find a place to eat. The Red Door was a good surprise. They don't have many options for those who don't eat read meet, but the vegetarian Canelloni I chose (with eggplant and other vegetables inside, and fried onions on it), was extremely delicious!! The flavors matched perfectly. I asked for the waitress to suggest a glass of wine to match the dish, and her suggesting was also very good. If you want to go there with more than one person with you, I suggest you to make a reservation.

I went here with my friends to celebrate one of their birthdays. We always try to find a new restaurant. We were all very happy with the menu, service and atmosphere

I took an out of town guest to The Red Door for brunch. This was also my first visit. The food was fresh, very flavorful, and beautifully presented. The restaurant deco is simple, but original and pretty. I would definitely go back to The Red Door, and I recommend it to others.

The Red Door is a comfortable, hip restaurant in the Mission Hills area of San Diego. Parking is good. The food and service is excellent. The short ribs and burgers are excellent. They serve Chamay on tap.

I was expecting to enjoy a pleasant evening, but was very disappointed and am really surprised by the other reviews. I found the restaurant very cold and noisy. The food was bland and highly overpriced. The exception to the experience was a very thoughtful and courteous server. In spite of the service I would not dine here again.

We absolutely LOVE this neighborhood restaurant in the walking district of Mission Hills. We've enjoyed dinner, brunch, and a quick evening stop for delicious dessert and a glass of wine. It's always good with exceptional service. We are always treated with great respect and end up having a great time interacting with staff while enjoying freshly grown foods from their private gardens. Try it...you'll like it.

A rather inconspicuous restaurant, located in the Kensington District of San Diego. The menu is not large, but the selections are delicious. My wife and I ordered the Osso Bucco, and it was so tender, delicious, and so large that I had to bring some home. It was served over a bed of risotto, which was also very tasty. The chef/owner came around and offered shaved truffles over earh of our dinners, which only added to the exquisite flavor. We will return when the opportunity permits.

The Red Door was amazing - great food and service. Very quaint seating with room for both larger parties or a romantic table. Food quality is excellent. A lot of variety on the menu while still being very approachable. The cocktails were an experience as well.

Love the decor and chairs setting very welcoming, cozy, charming and warm - The service was great and every single thing we ordered was delicious! we'll definitely go back!

We went with a group of 10 and we got 8 different entrees. All received raves. We covered burgers, fish, pork, steak and lamb. It was a Monday night and wine in the bottle was half off! The fries were excellent.

I love the farm-to-table concept of this restaurant and I've always read great reviews so perhaps my expectations were too high. First, the place is cozy but I felt like the four of us were sitting at the kids table. I hate when there is barely enough room for your plate and beverage glasses to fit. You end of feeling crammed. The service was horrible. We met two people who had been sitting for 10 minutes without a greeting then we joined them and waited another 15 minutes to be greeted. We had to ask twice for water. And I should note, it was not that busy. I empathize with servers having been one but this service was just plain bad. The food was delicious and fresh however it is one of those places that you'd better not go if starving. Farm-to-table can be expensive but it doesn't mean they have to be chincy on their portions. Come on, $24 and you get three small lamb meatballs? I'd like to say I could recommend the place, but honestly there are too many good places to eat in San Diego. Before eating here I would have invested in the concept. Now, not so much.

Went Sunday early evening meal and it didn't start off so great. They were out of a few items. One of which (shrimp) impacted choices for a number of dishes. We started with a cheese platter. The jam and cheese were great but the pickled strawberries didn't have much flavor. Could have a few more slices of bread. The Mac and cheese sounded great on menu but it was not. They threw in bacon to sub the shrimp and it had only three small pieces of sausage. When it came out the pasta looked dry--as if it was sitting out for a while. I was expecting it to be rich and creamy but it was NOT. It had no flavor and when moved the the mac around all I saw was oil on bottom. Disappointing.

Great farm to table restaurant with flavorful ingredients. No heavy sauces or seasonings needed here with the best produce. Everything was delicious from start to finish. Noise level can be high and lively. Ambience/decor very nice.

Our friends chose this restaurant for our farewell to San Diego Brunch. It could not have been more appropriate. Our waiter, Arturro was excellent. He explained the various dishes to us and proceeded to serve up some excellent fare. The location of this restaurant may be a little out of the way but given its popularity on the day, it need not be concerned. Our visit was completed by the lovely singer who sang during the meal. That was a really nice touch.

Three years had passed since our daughter took us here for my wife's birthday. She took us again. I liked it then and I liked it even more this time. Last time I thought the tables were too close together. We had plenty of room this time. The service was great. Our waiter was very attentive. The food was excellent. I had the Free Range Chicken which was two chicken breasts, roasted potatoes and mushrooms, in a Marsala Demi Glace. We also had Eggplant Parmesan, Short Ribs and Orecchiette. All were very good. The chef/owner came around several times to see how we were doing and seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say.

Modernist Italian cuisine: innovative technique matches traditional elegance. The results are beautiful and delicious, Fresh flavors, vibrant colors. Excellent service. Insightful wine list, representing less well known yet exceptional characterful and classic Italian varieties. This is one of my favorite restaurants on the west coast.

We were here for Brunch and so happy to have tried this place as I will definitely return. It is cute, classy and quaint all rolled into one ... nicely decorated inside with an upscale feeling, yet casual attire is appropriate. The menu was truly interesting and unique and for brunch they have a bottomless Mimosa or seasonal Bellini - Cranberry/Sage was the Bellini on our visit and two of us indulged (YUM). We started by ordering the "Cinny Bun" for the table and WOW, it was delicious and decadent. Looking around at other tables, it seemed to be the Brunch appetizer theme. It was warm and delicious with a homemade lighter version of a cream cheese frosting. (if you go, order one) Our table had the Protein Egg White Scramble, Spicy Patatas Bravas, Braised Short Rib Benedict and our Vegetarian Girl ordered a fresh fruit bowl and Vegetable Hash. ALL were delicious in their own right. I actually tasted the Vegetable Hash and would likely order that if I returned for Brunch as it was delicious. The only shortcoming in our experience was the service. The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, but nobody really checked on us throughout until the very end. I had to flag down another waiter to get a second Bellini after sitting for 30 minutes with an empty glass (which doesn't really make it bottomless) but after that - he was on it. Had to ask twice for a to go box. To be fair it was Mothers Day - but the restaurant was not filled to capacity at any given time. It appeared that they all help each other out as a server team... so maybe that is where the disconnect was for our table... but again they were such a gracious staff, even with the inattentiveness (and I am not high maintenance in this area).

Wonderful customer service and great food. I always make it a point to have a meal here every time I visit San Diego. Consistently great food and service.

We were told about this restaurant and made a reservation. We were seated promptly and they knew it was one of our birthdays....and everyone wished her a happy birthday.The chef/owner came to our table and was extremely pleasant and nice and made this a more intimate experience. We split the Brussel sprouts/ bacon and the butternut brie for appetizers and they were delicious. I ordered a martini to start and they did not skimp on it. My seafood fettuccine was loaded with mussels, calamari, scallops, shrimp and clams in a squid ink fettuccine and was one of the best I have eaten. The others in our party had the free-range chicken, the short ribs, and the salmon and we were all extremely pleased. The wine list compliments the food and is not overpriced. We were too full for dessert but because it was a birthday, they brought a plate of sweets with a candle in it. In all, this was a terrific dining experience and I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant

We had a very enjoyable evening at the Red Door. The service was great and the food was even better. Great wine!

A non-descript exterior maks a cozy interior that feels French countryside and tasty meals to match. I eat here often with friends and business associates. Nearly everyone I have brought here bring their friends back with them. They don't advertise much. They don't need to. It is not unusual to see one or two of San Diego's civic or political influentials having a quiet lunch or dinner with social or business intimates. Much of the food they serve is grown on their organic farm.

A college friend, my daughter and I stopped in for lunch and I am so glad we did! The menu is all based on the freshest ingredients and you can taste it in every bite. My Cobb salad was one of the best salads I have ever had, ever. The fresh pea soup was divine and the cardamom creme brûlée was spectacular. The staff was delightful. The chef stopped by our table; the owner and the general manager both ensured everything was perfect. Our waiter, John, was the epitome of customer service. The decor was beautiful and, I found out, was designed by the owners' daughter. I am from Las Vegas and have a multitude of top restaurants to choose from every day. However, I will be making the 5 hour drive to San Diego to return to the Red Door. I can hardly wait to share this experience with my husband.

My husband took me here for my birthday, since it is my favorite restaurant! We had the fresh vegetables as a starter. These were one of the most delicious dishes we have ever tasted. Probably because they have a farm where they grown their own. I had the locally caught yellow tail served over vegetables. My husband had a pork chop in a red wine demi-glace. I never really liked pork chops, but I tasted his and had serious thoughts about snatching that chop off his plate and running off with it. It was tender and juicy and you could taste rosemary in the meat. So delicious!

When you step through a Red door off of an alley in the heart of Toluca Lake, it’s like stepping back into the 1940s and 50s… In a good way. Dark, cozy, friendly, and intimate best describes the interior of this surprising restaurant. The owner was there to greet us, and he is also an excellent chef – – the dinner was delicious ( I had the fillet mignon, my friend had the salmon), the bartender was fun and funny, and everyone in the establishment was friendly. One fun aspect is that on a series of TV monitors around the bar they play old classic movies. We will definitely go back.

Under the new owner and chef, Lucicano Cibelli, this is now a restaurant that I highly recommend. Any older reviews should be totally ignored as he did keep the name. We went for the tail end of happy hour followed by the regular dinner. The Opaque Malbec on their happy hour list was excellent as was the appetizer eggplant parmesan was a superb version of this classic. We progressed to the clams, and were not disappointed. The risotto special was mushroom. Large chunks of tasty mushrooms make me hope it was avail the next time we dine there. It happened we visited on a Tuesday when they have a selection of wines at half price. The South African wine was a steal at half price. As a final salute to the new owner, he makes a point of visiting all the diners to introduce himself, and again to check on you enjoyment of his meal.

I have been looking for an authentic Italian restaurant and our friend introduced us here. The ambiance is very relaxing, and cozy. The Italian chef/owner came out to greet the patrons, he told us the pasta is made fresh! The food is very flavorful and not too salty. We will be back as we are very happy with our dinner. Street parking available. This is a hidden gem where the locals go to.

A Great Steak Restaurant in North Park Loved the steaks, burger and service . But really loved the Piano and luvw music Go Red!!

Reasonably good food and wines but pricey - even with 50% off on wines on Tuesdays. Great service made the occasion an enjoyable evening.

Street parking only. Reservations highly recommended. Arrived on time for our 6pm reservation, no waiting, table was ready. Due to COVID 19 only outside tables available. Very limited seating along the outside of the building, no awning or shade over tables. Prompt service. Full bar. Our waiter, Mario provided excellent service. Very good entree selection. The restaurant owner and chef, Luciano Cibelli, stopped by our table to welcome us to his establishment. Very pleasant evening with excellent service and gourmet entrees. Highly recommended.

We arrived and were promptly seated. The interior is small and intimate. We were given water and advised of the menu. They had a very nice "Prix Fixe" menu. Nice wine selection. The food was very good and the service was excellent.

Great dinner this evening. Cocktails were proper size to start the meal, light, and effervescent. We loved them all. Apps were great, I particularly liked the Bone Marrow and Egg. Very tasty, but I can appreciate, not everyone's cup of tea..... Dinner (Especially the lamb shank) was excellent. Polenta was just right, slight crunch, and the lamb was perfect! Other dishes were well done too. Dessert as very good, and overall, I'd have to say one of the best meals I've had in a long time. I've not reviewed a restaurant in awhile on TA, but this was worth it. We brought our own wines, and I felt that the list, which was very "neighborhood bistro" price and selection, could go deeper and pair with the food, which was really in a different class. Admittedly, I think I'd love to come back and try some of their wines to compare against the outstanding execution of the food. Thanks Red Door! Great, great meal.

I have been dining at the Red Door since the restaurant opened and as a regular, enjoy the service, ambiance and cuisine. The restaurant has a small bar and Happy Hour and the restaurant is airy and lit by open windows reminiscent of a New England cottage. Ask for one of the window tables when you reserve. The bar makes delicious cocktails with premium liquors and has a well chosen affordable wine list. The cuisine features the best of Southern California and many of the ingredients are from the owner´s farm out in the county. The Greek style lamb burger on brioche is one of the stellar lunch selections. All meals are accompanied with fresh cheese cracker lavosh. The menu is small but well chosen and I find the meat dishes exceed the seafood and fish ones. Avoid the mussels or clams which are miniscule without much taste. The short ribs and gourmet hamburger are some of the best in San Diego. The service is extremely professional and friendly (especially David and Vasili). Parking is a little tough in the area but you can find a place on a nearby side street. The Sunday brunch is truly amazing and comes with live music such as a harp and ukulele duo. Also, the shrimp and grits are the best brunch dish. Please try this Mission Hills destination when in San Diego!!!! Also, the prices are very affordable considering the quality of the cuisine and ingredients.

My husband and I were invited by another couple, who had been raving about the Italian food, to join them on a Saturday evening.We had reservations in the bar area, separate from the restaurant. As we were enjoying our salads, an opera singer came in and started singing .We were blown away. This is happening more frequently, Luciano, the main chef and owner, told us. I had outstanding lobster ravioli and my husband had a mushroom risotto. Luciano asked me to try his onion soup, which I had to admit was better than anything I had eaten in Paris upon three separate occasions. The wine was also delicious. Luciano picks all fresh ingredients every day and makes everything from scratch. I can highly recommend this outstanding Italian/ mediterranean food.

The menu is interesting and diverse and we all loved our food; we had a reasonably priced bottle of wine that was delicious. The staff was solicitous and helpful without hovering too much. There was a minor issue with the bathrooms that we mentioned and it was quickly corrected and our dessert comped because of the inconvenience. We will go here again!

Every year, I visit San Diego once for business. Each time, I stay in the Mission Hills neighborhood because it is low-key, friendly, and has terrific restaurants. At the top of the list is The Red Door. On this visit, I ate at the adjoining Bar at the Red Door. The bartender was engaging, the food was terrific (as always), and the feeling homey and comfortable. I started with beets and burrata followed by orecciette. Both were delightful. I look forward to coming back next year and having a memorable evening at The Red Door.

Went here on a date night, after being seated we were eventually greeted by the chef who introduced himself and went through basically the whole menu and explained how he had designed each dish himself. It was so great talking iwth him, and he would periodically visit each table to ask how they were liking their meal... very classy :) The food was so delicious, not one thing I ate was mediocre. I had the seafood pasta, there was so much shellfish that I actually got full off the shellfish and couldnt finish my delicious pasta! even though i was full I still decided to get a dessert and what a treat it was! I will definitely be coming back

The personable new owner, Luciano Cibelli, has infused his restaurant and its menu with renewed fervor. Four of us dined there last night and it was simply delicious. The Brussels Sprouts & Bacon, plus the Butternut Brie starters were sensational. The clams were succulent and too many to eat. The pappardelle with meat sauce or sauce Bolognese was one of the best ever. Nice drinks and good wine by the glass and the above goodies made it a heavenly evening.

Dinner with close friends , we had two bottles of wine , their Pinot Noir house way is smooth and I would recommend drinking first before moving to a stronger taste. Food was very good , owner took time to say hello , deserts where good , bill was decent , expect $40ish per person if moderate drinking . Worth it

Very clean and cute restaurant with farm to table fresh ingredients. The staff knows their food and makes great recommendations. Nice wine list, reasonably priced. Even though the restaurant was fairly full it was still quiet. I ordered the short rib sandwich and it was scrumptious! Comes with either a side salad or french fries. My husband had the opah burger which was very good. Vegetarian and vegan options also.

Today I just walked down then street where I was having a meeting, and saw an interesting name for a restaurant: The Red Door. So, as I walked in I knew it would be quite an experience. The personnel were really welcoming. The decorations were very cozy. Then the menu came up and I was so surprised with the unique and different options. I chose the Vegan Nachos. They were chili powdered salt nachos with black bean, chunks of avocado, pico de gallo, and cashews "cheese". It was delicious! Not too spicy, the cashews cheese was incredible. All the flavors really blended great together. I come from a place where good food is very pricey, so I found the price to be ok. Definitely a place worth trying. Bon appettit!

This is adjacent to and part of the Red Door. The Martini's are the best. The Vesper Martini from Vasili is James Bond Perfect. The Beef Wellington is their signature dish and worth every penny. It's a very small establishment and cozy inside. NOT for kids. It is a sophisticated adult dining moment good for couples, business, friends, and solo.

I've been here with friends for lunch. We looked it up on Tripadvisor and just tried it out. The atmosphere is very nice, a little French but modern. We had awesome food, good wine and a very nice conversation with two ladys sitting on the table next to us. Highly recommended!!

We love this place!!! Always try to come back because the place is really amazing and cozy. You feel at home from the moment you walk in. The Chef is always there making sure you have the best dinner!!! I had the scallop risotto and I think it is the best I have ever had. The service is impeccable!!! They have a great bar too and know how to make the best cocktails!!! This is a must if you are in San Diego.

My wife and I went for dinner last night, and loved it as always. Romantic and charming, with great food and great service. The wine pours are also generous, and reasonably priced. We split the Spanish Chorizo flatbread, and loved it. I had the Panzanella Salad as an entree, and it was fresh and flavorful, and my wife had the tomato bisque soup, which fortunately she let me had some spoonfuls of, as it was wonderful in flavor and texture. The place is a local favorite, and I have had their lamb shank before, which was awesome. A must go to in the neighborhood, and easy to get to off the I-5 freeway, with convenient street parking.

this may be my second review and i don't believe it's any different than my other. go here. eat. meet Luciano. it's a treat in many ways. if we lived closer we would eat here more often for sure.

Outstanding cuisine and first class service. Wine list is a stand out prime selection of pairings. Mario was my waiter and very precise on recommendations. Try the crunchy toffee dessert, a bucket list item and chefs favorite. The chef, Luciano, greeted everyone and was very personable. Thanks for an exquisite experience!

Last night we went to The Red Door for dinner. As usual, everything was delicious and the service was excellent. My husband and I had a whole fish for two and our daughter had the seafood fettuccini (one of our favorite dishes there). We are so lucky to have this caliber restaurant in our neighborhood.

Lovely decor, surrounds and great staff who were very professional. I had the Steak Wellington which was as lovely as it appeared, deserts are amazing.

First time at The Red Door, which seemed like a place frequented regularly by locals. Excellent food and very friendly service, which we enjoyed. The lasagne was especially tasty and other dishes were also satisfying. Quite a neighborhood gem if visiting San Diego.

Following my culinary nose that has so often helped me avoid downtown tourist traps I discovered the Red Door, not least drawn by the promise of an exceptional wine list. When you walk in it's a cozy, homey place, like someone's dining room, with a nice view of the street corner for people watching... As for the wines, the ones served by the glass weren't quite as "adventurous" as announced - instead, they nodded to mainstream Cal palates, missing freshness and finesse. I tried a Santa Barbara Pinot Grigio and found it - too buttery. For dinner I started out with a beet salad. I got a truly generous XXL serving and was full by the time my burger arrived. The burger - you had a choice between a number of sides - came with delicious purple potatoe mash - was an ok burger but it didn't wow me. Or was I too full? Best for last: the service was really friendly. I got an extra side of purple potatoe mash and loved it!

We enjoyed a special occasion meal at this restaurant. It was their anniversary and the menu was set. All dishes were delicious and service was excellent.

We got there early ( 3:00 ) and a very nice lady invited us in. We chose a table by the window in this cozy little restaurant. It was still empty. So we decided to have cocktails and they were really original and delicious. I had one with Champaigne and lime that was really fresh. She invited us to see their menus ( Brunch, Lunch and dinner ). They all looked good !!! Small great menus !!! We decided to stay for an early dinner !!!! Enjoyed our cocktails with great music !!!! People began to arrive and we had one of the best dinners in San Diego. Located in a very nice neighborhood ( Mission Hills ). Beautifully decorated. Excellent service and Amazing food !!! For sure we will be back !!!!

We live close by, but haven't been in a year or so and took our family this evening.... WOW, what a delight from start to finish. Arturro met us at the front door and charmed us from the start. An interesting menu, great food, delightful service and wonderful ambiance have made us vow to come again and again. Our two adult sons, (foodies both) said it was the best meal they'd had during their 3 week visit to San Diego... that says something! Arturro and the rest of the service staff were so much fun and on top of everything -- kudos to everyone! We are returning in 4 days for a dinner with friends and looking forward to it very much. Yay!!!!

My husband and I have been to the Red Door before, but it is now under new ownership so we thought we would give it a try. We had a reservation, which is always a good idea, and were seated immediately. The interior of the restaurant is the same, but the outside is now very Mediterranean looking with the orange stucco and red door (thus the name). The menu has changed with fresh pasta, fish, steak, burger, etc. It is very varied with something for everyone. There is a new risotto and ravioli each day. The wine list is sufficient with all excellent wines and there are cocktails and craft beers. Both of us ordered the specials. My husband had black linguini with a lobster tail. It was delicious. But the waiter never told us the price, and I made the mistake of not asking, so we were a bit shocked when the bill came. Nevertheless, I’m glad we ordered it. I had the ahi over beet puree and vegetables. The vegetables were perfect. The Ahi was overcooked, dry and tough. Our waiter did not offer to replace it and I did not ask to send it back (my second mistake of the evening). The chef, who is also the new owner, Luciano Cibelli, came over to ask us how we enjoyed our meal. (I had noticed that he takes the time to talk to everyone). I told him the truth and he was aghast. He said next time I should talk to him before choosing and he would tell me what was best that evening. And he insisted on a free dessert for us, the tiramisu. I was going to pass on dessert but accepted his offer. And boy was I glad I did. Luciano said it was the traditional tiramisu, served in a tall glass. It was light and heavenly. We will be coming back, but next time I won’t make the same mistakes. ​

had 3 different plates and they where horrible. One was very greasy the other had no taste. Service was average, a little load but the food is horrible.

This amazing little cozy restaurant situated in a beautiful area is one of my favorites ever!!!! It’s a great place to have a lovely dinner!!!! The Chef Luciano is the best!!!! He really knows how to make a marvelous meal!!!! He comes out to greet people and his menu is outstanding. The service is impeccable. Really love this place and will come back and back!!!! Congratulations!!!!

Our party of two decided to try this restaurant since it has a new chef. Looking over the menu, we decided to forego the usual entrees and focused on very interesting, to us, starters. So we ordered roasted beets and burrata cheese, brussels and bacon, thin-shaved brussel sprouts, and the daily soup. We were delighted with the taste treats and we intend to go another time to try several of the other items on the starter menu.

My husband and I have been celebrating our wedding anniversary for 2 years in a row at this restaurant, and this year was no exception. We love both the food and the service. I had the Summer Blossom "Pasta" and it was delicious. Menu changes all the time depending on what is on season. We love that this restaurant serves locally grown organic vegetables. So, by eating here you not only support a local restaurant, but also a local farm; it's a win, win! Highly recommended for people that love fresh healthy food that is cooked in a creative way that tastes delicious!

My wife and I came here for lunch and it was really a great dining experience. As others mentioned, you wouldn't know it was such an intimate place by looking at it from the outside. It's not too big but plenty of room separated by two rooms. There is the small bar area that has a few tables with sofas and the main dining area. There was only one server when we went for lunch but she was very efficient and our food came out quickly. We tried the flatbread, some salads and my wife had the chicken salad sandwich and I had the Red Door Burger that came on a pretzel bun with some "secret sauce". It was quite tasty. In the bar area they had several magazine articles on the wall so it's clear they have been honorably mentioned in a few magazines. I can see why. The food is really good and the atmosphere was very charming. I'd definitely go back here and can recommend it!

Quaint restaurant that was ruined by one obnoxious table of eight. Owner asked the table to quiet down three times and they ignored his requests. The owner was apologetic to us - though he could / should have asked them to leave after being dis-respected

Farm to table --locally grown both fresh and tasty.Spicy Seared Shishito Peppers to start were cooked to perfection. Roasted Beet & Squash Blossom Salad was delicious but a little heavy on the dressing (order it on the side). Kale Salad was flavorful and healthy. Catalina Offshore Fresh Catch Seared Big Eye Tuna was seared on the outside, and barely cooked on the outside- just perfect and with a tasty sauce. Lamb Meatballs were good (but not great probably because my husband declined the sauce). Baked Chocolate Mousse for dessert was good, but a small portion, so don't count on sharing it. The service was great, but on a weekend night it was noisy, so ask for a table in the smaller front room, or maybe a booth on the side? I will find out next trip, because I am certain to return. The website says no reservations, but Open Table took our reservation and it was acknowledged when we got there-- good thing too, because it was busy. The ambience is comfortable and there is a full bar and decent wine list.

Our party of four went to Red Door for dinner. We ordered a $50+ bottle of wine which was quite tasty. Our waiter tried to be charming but when you have to ask for water over and over the charm fades away. My dish of fried‎ mushroom, roasted pumpkin purée, caramelized pearl onions, roasted turnip, charred greens, quinoa, fried parsley, etc. was not noteworthy and a little greasy. It was so noisy you could not converse.

There aren't many restaurants where the chef will come out not once, but twice to check on your meal. Luciano does most of the cooking himself and it shows. Perfectly cooked scallops on a bed of flavors that just pop in your mouth! And they're fresh every Monday. The wine list is heavily Italian, befitting Luciano's origins. Such authentic cooking is hard to find anywhere, much less in Mission Hills, San Diego. Oh, and the tiramisu is the best we've ever had. Seriously good food!!

Have been here many times. Love the service and the food. Easy to talk with each other. Noisy only on Sunday with music. Great neighborhood eatery.

We visited this place on a Sunday for the brunch. Checked reviews on yelp to see what was recommended as we always do. We are restaurant lovers and like to go to new places for breakfast ever Sunday. Reviews were good and we were excited to try it. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros which was a new take on this Mexican plate. The description on the menu sounded promising (poached eggs and a quesadilla instead of fried tortilla? Sign me up for that). Unfortunatelly the result did not meet the expectations. It was ok at best. Nothing spectacular. Poached egg was good, quesadilla was good, the combination just didn't work. My wife had the Chilaquiles which were very very average (there are very good options for this in San Diego) and also we had a bad experience when one of our plate (the other couple ordered chilaquiles and french toast) didn't arrive with the rest. It's always uncomfortable to be waiting or eating while somebody gets their plate. It took like 10 minutes. So overall I would say it was average to good. I will probably give it another shot but as of now it left a lot to be desired.

We've had brunch and lunch here several times and the food has been fantastic every time. The service has been excellent on almost every visit. My gf loves the chilaquiles and I could eat the short rib hash every other week (it's pretty rich). They give you a couple of mini-muffins and scones, which is a nice treat and the coffee is pretty good as well. My gf devoured the brownie/ice cream dessert (get vanilla over pistachio) on both of our lunch visits and is looking fwd to going back again. They have a decent happy hour menu as well.

Four of us ate here the other night and everything was great! We started off sharing the Shrimp & Frumpling - ignore the funny name and order it. The dressing on the fennel and greens was really good, as were the frumplings, their version of a dumpling. For the entree, there were 2 orders of the Pork Tomahawk, 1 Schnitzel and 1 Lamb Meatballs. All were very tasty - the Tomahawks were juicy, the Schnitzel was very tender and the Meatballs nicely flavored and plentiful. We split the Chocolate Mousse and Goat-cheese Cake for dessert and almost needed a rubber spatula to get the last tasty morsels off the plate, they were both delicious! Our waiter(s) playfully tag-teamed our table which made the evening even more enjoyable. The ambiance gets lively when it's full, so don't plan on quiet dining, but do plan on leaving very satisfied!

A wonderful, quaint little restaurant with amazing food and a quirky, fun staff. A really great place!

I found this restaurant on a review site. I decided to try it out. The menu was very unique. I had locally grown pork and vegetables. The food was very well done. Creative. Very tasty. I wanted to go a second time, but there was a torrential rain in San Diego, the restaurant was flooded and thus closed.

We celebrated my wife's birthday here on a Thursday night. We had requested a special table for the occasion and got one. Service was friendly, helpful,and prompt without being intrusive. Cocktails and wine were delicious. Food was delicious. The restaurant has a nice, quiet hum. All in all, a great evening and dining experience. When we visit San Diego again, we'll go back.

I've been here twice for lunch and each time thought, I must return. Not a huge menu, and the food is fresh and creatively coupled. It is good for quiet conversation.

Had lunch here with a friend...one of her favorite places in Mission Hills! She is in Real Estate and takes many of her clients here for lunch! And I can see why! Great service, they know her by name and always reserve her "special" table! Great location right in the "hood"...but parking can be difficult!

The Red Door was one of our favorite restaurants that we visit during our two week California road trip that included a number of fine dining experiences. The restaurant, located in an easily accessible part of Mission Hills, provides a true farm to table experience in a warm and comfortable setting. In fact our seating in a corner table with some benches and pillows was somewhat unique and very much to our liking. We started with a local craft beer and some wine that were reasonably priced and quite good. This was followed by a creative vegan nachos appetizer that was delicious and very generous. We then had the fabulous Farm to Fork Greens in a light chimichurri sauce combined with a squash that was bit spicy and could have benefited from the addition of one or two more vegetables. We finished with a shared Grouper entrée, which the staff split for us without us even asking, that was flavored nicely with a light sauce and accompanied by a selection of fresh vegetables. The quality of this Restaurant is just outstanding but also consider that each half-entrée included a sizable piece of fish that could have easily passed as a complete entrée in many other restaurants. The Red Door is terrific and not to be missed. I only wish that can open a sister operation in New Jersey.

Very good food, attentive service. Enjoyed very much. The curry cauliflower was just right. Can be loud if crowded but dining room is nicely arranged for privacy.

Ate here before on trips from Seattle before and this place was my highlight of our trip. It still was a decent place but kind of puzzling highs and lows. I had a macaroni and cheese appetizer and it was truly one of the best things I'd ever eaten. Very big and filling but I'd kill to have this again. Really. My wife loved the "mushroom hodgepodge" and mussels. On the other hand the brussel sprouts salad was raw and tasteless. I also had short ribs that were nothing special and the polenta it was in was in (I believe it was polenta but I couldn't eat it) was bizarrely salty. Things were like that here on this visit. Highs and lows and little consistency and made me wonder if things are tasted by the chef on the way out to guests. Otherwise, I loved our server. He was friendly and helped us choose a great and economical wine and actually suggested a cheaper alternative to the one I would have chosen and was much better. Not sure what's changed here but still kind of nice but seems to have declined somehow.

What a cute place - would have been romantic if I hadn't been traveling alone for business! The staff took great care of me, though, and the braised short ribs were delicious! Will definitely return next time I'm in town.

This is a great place for date night. The farm to table menu and creative cocktails are a perfect complement to the cozy interior. Definitely on our "return" list.

We had the opportunity to dine at The Red Door in Mission Hills last night for dinner. The service was asome the waiter very attetative to us even tho was a busy night.We started with starter appetizers, the fried calamari n Kale plate with a Chipotle dip delicious 😋, and flat bread with basil pest sausage n cheese also delicious 😋. Our main course was free-range chicken braised, roasted potatoes mushrooms, and a marsala. Glace sauce is so delicious. Seared scallops with cauliflower Puree, carrots, squash, string beans, and bacon cooked to perfection and so delicious, and the special of the night Seared Tuna in a bed of Vegetables carrots,string beans and squash so delicious.Great place to have a good authentic Italian dinner.

We visited the Red Door for our last meal in San Diego. We were looking for something special for our last night and w e found it here. The food was beautifully presented and was quite innovative; it was all very tasty. Service was relaxed and friendly. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

It was a great option to visit Red Door after the long quarantine!! And the best it was not only the Incredible flavor that Chef Luciano gives to the excellent ingredients he used, like the fresh burrata on his grill beet salad; it was the attention from the service of every single one, even the Chef came out to ask us how it was everything and we have a little conversation, it was very nice of him to take time out from his kitchen. Definitely Red Door is a must to go dinner in San Diego!!!!

We were staying in the gas lamp quarter and not impressed with any restaurants in that area, so we ventured to Hillcrest and The Red Door based on reviews. Please go! You will not be disappointed. The food is local (most) and prepared very well. We had lamb meatballs and short rib - both very good. Small quaint restaurant. Great for small parties or couples. Our waiter Scotty was so kind and took time to make other restaurant recommendations. An FYI on price - so much more affordable and better than anything in gas lamp. 2 entrees, 2 drinks, starter, dessert and coffee - $80!

What a gem! Recently visited San Diego and a friend recommended Red Door. So glad we went. The smell of fresh Italian cuisine was spectacular- couldn’t wait to try homemade pasta dishes. Everything was delicious: Free Range Chicken, Seafood Fettuccine and Seared Scollops. Even the portions were perfect! To top it off Chef & Owner LUCIANO CIBELLI came over to meet us and ask how everything was. Of course we shared a hug 🤗 so much appreciation for his creative and delicious menu as well as his tireless work that we truly enjoyed! Thank you Luciano!! 🇮🇹 🍝 🍷 🍮💚🤍❤️

Attached to the Red Door is their beautiful bar that offers small bites from the same kitchen as The Red Door so if you are in the mood for a little something and wine, beer or cocktails, the Bar by Red Door is your spot to be if you are in the central San Diego area. Close to the airport and open layout, it is a GREAT place to meet clients or friends for a nice casual evening. BIG PLUS... you get to eat the food from Chef Miguel Valdez and the Watlington family, both of whom have a mission to bring amazing fresh, local farm produce to every guest. Happy hour is 4pm - 6pm with wines of the day at $6, Beer of the Day at $5 and special cocktails at $8. Cheers!

I have eaten here a few times. My chicken was ok, The restaurant seemed to be out of many items. Our waitress was nice, but at times she seemed distracted. The place wan't busy.

We chose the Red Door for our last meal of 2021 because of the reviews and of course the menu items. It did not disappoint and ended our year on such a high note! We had the truffle fettuccini, the scallops, burrata and beets, crostini, and the beef Wellington. Oh and Lava cake too! The burrata and betts was sublime. So fresh, so flavorful, just the right amount of balsamic glaze. Light yet satisfying. The pasta we ordered to share and we ate every last bite. The pasta was fresh and cooked perfectly al dente -- the waiter came and shaved fresh ruffles all across the top -- it was perfection. Not drowned in sauce, not over done with anything that would take away from the wonderful truffle flavor. Really exceptional. The scallops -- perfectly cooked with more risotto than you could possibly eat! All the portions were huge. The Beef Wellington?? What can you ay for a place that makes it to near perfection? First ,it's never on menus so we saw everyone in the restaurant ordering it. Second -- they did't skimp on anything. The Filet was a true, beautiful, tender filet cooked perfectly. The crust a golden brown and the madeira mushroom sauce? Amazing. Even the side vegetables -- the dreaded "mixed vegetables" were incredible. Yes. Baby carrots, squash, green beans roasted with the perfect butter and salt that they added so much to the meal. Enough butter to stop your heart but isn't this what heart's beat for? Finally, the lava cake. Delicious, fresh, perfect chocolate. I'd have gone for the toffee pudding myself but it was a perfect end to a perfect meal. Our waiter was fun, fabulous, and so wonderful. Extremely nice, accommodating, and really just made Sure the entire experience was exceptional. Great service. The owner/chef also came by within doubt his signature red sneakers to match his Red Door restaurant. A charming touch to such an excellent experience. We'll go back regularly and definitely take friends so they can see how food should be treated. Highly recommend.

Since all of the veggies and herbs are picked fresh from the owner's City Heights garden, the salads were phenomenal. We also enjoyed the city style chic decor such as the hanging plants and wall of newspapers. The shrimp were cooked to perfection in the Shrimp Slaw Frumpling Salad as was the char grilled Autonomy Farms Burger. I was just disappointed that I didn't save room for the alluring Meyer Lemon Goat-Cheese Cake. Next time!

This restaurant changed ownership over a year ago. The new owner is the chef, and his food is beyond good, you can not go wrong. The service is also fantastic, and very non Southern California, in that it is the opposite of corporate/make money. It is like being in a high end small restaurant in France or Italy. Great wine list as well. We will certainly be going back. Forget Little Italy, you need to check this one out you will not believe how good everything is.

This is one of those restaurants promoting fresh, farm to table dining. One significant difference that sets Red Door apart, is that they've been doing it before it was "cool". They do it well, too. Menu is a little limited. Not a lot of choices for any protein group. Food was very well prepared, and flavorful. Service was efficient, and friendly. Corkage fee is $16. Not a destination restaurant, but great if you're in the neighborhood.

Exquisite! Truly a great experience. We walked in and were seated right away. Food choices and drink options were perfect for us. Conversation was easy to have there. The chef visited all the tables to ensure the food met their expectations.

Came here for breakfast on Easter and although I live in Japan right now I'll definitely make it a point to keep this on my must visit list every time I come back. Of course the door to the restaurant is red and once you open it and step inside you are transported into a beautiful space, decorated with tan and white with natural sunlight - very summery & chic, with comfortable seating (we enjoyed the booth with a leather cushion and accent pillows). The whole back wall is a beautiful wine rack, another wall is newspaper print shellacked wallpaper (doesn't sound elegant but somehow it is!). I started off with the $8 bottomless mimosa (and they are VERY attentive - the second you are finished voila, they are at your table re-filling your glass). I then had the chilaquiles which were absolutely hands down the very best I've ever had (and they happen to be my favorite so I've certainly had my share and these top the list). My friend had the spinach, artichoke, goat cheese omelet with breakfast potatoes and again I say yum!!! We sadly had to pass on the homemade scones and biscuits that come with breakfast because we knew we'd never be able to finish it all... Though after seeing them at another table we immediately began to regret telling the waitress not to bring them! 5 star breakfast with excellent service!!! Now I'm dying to go back for lunch (or dinner) before the end of my trip for that macaroni & cheese I saw on the menu...

We were the only ones in the place on a late Thursday afternoon and we were welcomed and enjoyed a nice meal. Our seven-year-old especially enjoyed the fried radishes (!)

We went for a date night and it was delicious. We had the brie starter, soup, harvest salad, Beef Wellington, Lamb Shank, and sticky toffee dessert. Everything was delicious. The Wellington was THE BEST dish of the night. If I had to trade one, I'd say the dessert was just ok.

Excellent experience; would highly recommend the beets as an appetizer and the beef Wellington as an entree. Definitely worth the extra cost.

ok now i was visiting town for a conference and had heard about this place from a friend...she's always spot on but come on...how good could the place be?? ooooh she just got food goddess status! there are meals that you will always remember -- i have a top 10 list and on that is a tagine i ate in a hole in the wall in Marrakesh, or the masala dosa i had on the side of the road on the way to Agra, brunch at M Henrys in the Chi, or that linguini I had in Rome outside the Vatican......the red door just made the list!!!! what we ate: mussels and shrimp creole for apps (like you died and went to heaven) perfectly spiced, we barely stopped ourselves from licking the plates. - lamb meatballs, turkey meatloaf and scallop risotto --- couldn't choose which one we liked better - and the banana cream pie ---- it tasted like clouds -- sweet but not too sweet, a touch of chocolate, fresh cream, real bananas -- and i don't even LIKE banana cream pie!!!!! the service was absolutely impeccable, the food phenomenal, and the ambiance was perfect. no wonder my friends drove down to SD just to take me to this place! Ashley, Justin and Scotty --- remember those names. they will help you taste a little bite of heaven at the Red Door =0)

This was recommended to us by a friend in the neighborhood. We tried it on the way to the theater one night. It's a small place with a cozy atmosphere. The staff seems to be all young hipsters and service was good and professional. The food was good. The appetizers scones were super. We had a grilled romaine salad, tasty. I had the meatballs, a little heavy on the garlic (which I like.) My wife had the catch of the day, very good. We've been back a second time and it was just as good. Only criticism is that the background music was inappropriate for the venue. Not relaxing music but that kind of pop music that sounds like power tools.

My wife and I were visiting San Diego and met some friends who suggested we have dinner at The Red Door. Our friends had eaten there some years before but ownership changed about a year ago. The new chef, Luciano Cibelli, introduced himself to us and welcomed us. He told us he designed the menu himself. The restaurant features farm fresh ingredients, most locally sourced. All fish are fresh and line caught. My wife and I shared a shaved brussels sprouts and feta cheese salad. For my entrée, I selected the orecchiette. Luciano told us he makes the Italian sausage himself using only pork, fennel, salt and white wine. Anyway, the orechiette with mushrooms, pearl onions and a brandy sauce was one of the best I’ve ever had. One of our companions had the risotto and loved it. Luciano says he rotates the risotto’s on a daily basis. We will definitely be returning and bringing the rest of our family with us. Excellent Italian food without the crowds and parking problems of Little Italy.