Winesellar & Brasserie Reviews

From the outside, this is an industrial unit selling wine. Once inside, you discover a brasserie of the highest standard, beautifully laid out with great service, ambience, food - and of course, wine! I had contacted them beforehand about my dietary requirement for gluten free (celiac) and the wait staff were very helpful - their menu indicates GF options and the kitchen had kindly made some GF bread. The poire william cocktails were delicious. Menu had really inventive dishes - the goats cheese, mushroom and truffle seared polenta cake for starter was particularly good and nicely presented. Likewise the mains - confit of duck and New Zealand rack of venison both excellent. Could not resist a lovely crème brulee to finish. Massive wine list with something to suit all wallets - including $26 bottles of very good wines. Definitely worth seeking out - especially close to Hyatt House Sorrento Mesa where we were staying.

I did not really like the seared Foie Gras as it was a bit bitter and did not taste as fresh as the one I tasted in Quebec City. I liked the portobello mushroom salad. The salmon was OK and the risotto was rich. Overall, it is a bit too expensive for the level of quality of food. Service seemed to be OK.

Went to the WineSellar & Brasserie for their Wednesday Wine tasting. Two whites and two reds. First time they served a wine from Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico very nice. Went upstairs for dinner, I had the red and green gazpacho. Prime steak. Enjoyed my dinner very much. My husband also had the soup and then the Salmon. Our friend who we were celebrating her birthday had the beet salad and mussels. They also enjoyed their dinner. The restaurant is one of the few that you can go to and enjoy your dinner quietly. The also have linens on the table, that my husband really appreciates. We have been going here for years. They also have a private dinning room.

The WineSellar & Brasserie has been recognized for decades as being one of the best dinner restaurants with the finest wine list in town. The restaurant is also open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and has become my go to place for an appropriate business lunch. The menu is seasonal and creative, with extensive wine pairings to consider. The room is elegant and quiet, and the service impeccable—there is also a private room that has seating for about 12 for client dinners, board meetings or a closing group lunch. There simply isn't anything like it within a 5 mile radius. They mix it up on Saturdays with constantly changing wine tasting lunches where you get six different wines to taste and compare on a blind basis. It's something fun to do with other couples or with your significant other. I highly recommend this fun and educational experience!

The food in the upstairs restaurant is INCREDIBLE. I've never had a bad meal (or even one that slightly disappointed. Always great!). The service is impeccable, and ambiance is nice. Downstairs you'll find the wine shop with thousands of bottles to choose from. There's also a bar on one end where you can get delicious tapas, fresh local beers, or sample the wines (flights or by the glass). This place is fantastic.

I just love this place and to me it gets better all the time (at least over the last couple of years). Not only is the food outstanding, but the restaurant staff seems to have this kind of flow and harmony going where each person looks around and helps each other make sure the tables are well cared for. Plus Gary and Lori are great hosts when they are around and I have always felt welcome and appreciated by them. The ossobuco on the night I ate there was my favorite dish. Nice job!

Downstairs is a great wine store and wine tasting bar. Upstairs is a very good French restaurant. for people who like wine, they have known about this place since 1989. Lovely authentic French style Brasserie setting, quiet, wonderful menu, excellent preparation, professional service and mouth watering desserts. You can actually hear the people on the other side of the table. This place is hidden in an office area not near any other restaurants just off the Sorrento Valley area. Food is consistently good, wines are moderately priced and you can buy your wine and then bring it up stairs or they will and you do pay a corkage fee if you drink it there. Make reservations!

Our wine was excellent, my duck breast was very good but my wife's white sea bass one of the daily specials was more than a little over cooked as it was very dry and not had lost a good bit of it's flavor as happens when fish is overcooked. I will say they do not rush you. If it were not for the wonderful conversation with my wife and the people watching, I could have taken naps in between times our waiter came by. Pleasant experience glad we went but not sure we would go back.

The WS&B is a great place to go eat wonderful food, drink great wines and be spoiled to death. The people who work there do not rush you out--it seems you keep your table for the night--and are very attentive. The food is great, and they are very accommodating in changing things around if you ask. I've been going there for over 10 years, and have NEVER had a bad experience.

First let me say that the food was superior. Any foodie would have been in heaven with our Lunch-and we all purchased the wine flight to go with it for an additional $16. Average entree price was about $22.00 3 of us had the special fish of the day, which was yellowtail, but we asked to substitute the grouper and the chef was happy to accomodate the change. We had a friend show up impromptu and join us, and they were extremely accomodating. After lunch we stayed for the French Wine tasting and purchased a few bottles of what we had sampled. While we waited for our friends to arrive, I chatted with Laura McCLean who runs the wine club, and signed up after hearing of their program. $35 for a monthly white/red combo. You can pick up your wine and you also are entitled to discounts on the tastings and on your dining. Laura is very knowledgeable and friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to going back!

Finally made it to Winesellar & Brasserie Saturday night. When we first walked in, all we saw was a nicely stocked wine shop. We were directed up some stairs where we found a very attractive dining room. We both ordered the filet which was excellent--tender and tasty--and a bottle of wine from their special $25 list. We thought it was a steal. Really delicious. We'll be back for sure!

A hidden gem in business park, but well worth your effort to find it. You walk in through their wine store and go upstairs and are transported into a French Bistro with a sophisticated ambiance, but with warmth and friendliness. Though the ambiance is wonderful, the food is equally impressive. We’ve been dining here for years and everything we’ve ordered has been excellent. Last night I had their filet mignon with a silky bordelaise sauce which was amazing and my husband had their scallops which were perfectly cooked. Both their wine selection and their cocktails are reasonably priced and the service is truly some of the best!

Small unassuming restaurant on the 2nd floor with a retail wine store on the first. The fish dishes are outstanding. Just the right portion and excellent complements of vegetables and starch. Did not have wine for lunch but they have a large selection of wine and the waiters can help with the selection. if you really like it you can buy downstairs. Had black cod today and have tried tuna on a previous visit, both are outstanding. I would suggest calling them in advance for reservations as they have limited seating.

We live close to this restaurant and for years have been meaning to try it. Finally made at there. The location and outside are deceiving, but once you enter the dining area, it's intimate and charming. We ate at the restaurant upstairs. There is casual dining at the bar downstairs, we didn't try that. White table clothes, nice lighting and very good service. Our group tried many things off the menu and everyone was very happy with their choices. The Beet Salad, Salmon Gravlax, Gazpacho Soup and Foie Gras were all ordered as appetizers. Personally I had the Salmon Gravlax and it was thinly sliced with a wonderful honey mustard sauce. For entrees the Diver Scallops were a hit, the Lamb Shank and Sea Bass were all tried.The seafood dishes were buttery and tender with a risotto served with the Scallops and a vegetable medley with the sea bass. Subtle flavorings that are layered really made the dishes stand out. Our server advised us that the summer menu would be changing after Labor Day. Looking forward to see what is offered next. This is a good choice for a special meal.

Excellent food, impeccable service, and a true fine dining experience. The staff are very attentive but not invasive. I took 3 friends from out of town on a Saturday evening and everyone was impressed. I enjoyed the Octopus as it was cooked to perfection which can be very challenging for the best of chef's! They offer a very good wine selection as well and is truly a hidden gem that you must try if you are truly seeking fine dining at one of San Diego's best, or a great wine tasting experience in the comfort of the casual lounge/bar on the lower level. Bon Appetite!

Always enjoy the atmosphere; understated, more European than Western. Excellent service. Deep wine list. Food not up to its usual standards. Classic escargot dish was excellent ($16), better for dipping with the house bread than the brioche that came with it. Very fatty short ribs ($37), left about half. The duck two ways had mixed reviews (confit was fine, rich Madeira sauce; roasted breast was dry; $39). Entrees come with a mix of vegetables, mushrooms and potatoes. Unremarkable presentation. Corkage $15. Used to be a go-to for special occasions. Less sure now.

Most restaurants that promote themselves to foodies are CRAZY EXPENSIVE or so PROUD of their wines that they are priced out of this world. NEITHER is the case at the Winesellar & Brasserie. The wine list is EXTENSIVE and VERY REASONABLY PRICED. This is the very reason why our dinner party went through 7 bottles of wine over the course of the evening. The service was perfect - attentive, but not stifling. The food was fantastic. Generous servings of gourmet food. The offerings were numerous - rack of lamb, pasta, beef, salads, and a delectable butternut squash soup with hazelnuts. You cannot go wrong - our friends that live in La Jolla come here all the time. We are sure glad that they brought us! It is a lttle difficult to locate - in the rear of an industrial park, but it is worth the search!

A nice place I liked a lot, a great downstairs with wine bottles everywhere and a nice bar, and friendly staff. Upstairs is a small restaurant where we had a very nice meal with some lovely wine. Service was good apart from right at the end for dessert which was a shame, we were waiting soooo long we were all tired and impatient by the time it finally arrived which was a shame. For that you loose a star. Everything else was very good and we had a very nice business dinner here.

We found the wine selection good and the food only OK but definitely NOT worth the price. My pasta was not cooked well and the shrimp did not seem fresh, My wife's halibut was overcooked and dry. Service was OK - but the waiter attending water and bread was not paying attention at all times and missed chances to refill both. For this kind of money we expect better service. And, it was not busy -a Friday night and less than 10% of the tables were occupied - that might tell you something. If you must have the "pick you wine and have it with dinner" experience this may suit you, but again, the food is WAY over-priced for what you get in terms of quality. We won't be back. Note the numerous other reviews saying the same thing - you've been warned.

Great food, fantastic service, wonderful chef. Only drawback is the location, but if you work in the Mira Mesa area, it’s a great place for a business was lunch.

Don't let the bldg. exterior fool you, this is a very nice restaurant. You choose your wine on the first floor from a large selection; as its a retail wine shop. Then carry it up to the nicely decorated restaurant on second floor. The food is always prepared in an excellent manner. Great for a date or business dinner.

Excellent meal. We had the escargot, mushroom toast & leg of lamb salads. All were absolutely delicious. Also had a fantastic Paso Robles Grenache. will definitely return.

Not sure why this restaurant doesn't get more recognition. I feel it is one of the finest in town. We went to dinner for my husband's birthday and decided on the three course Prix Fixe menu for $40 per person. I started off with a pear salad that was excellent as was my husband's pumpkin soup. We both had salmon as our main entree and it was wonderful. The chef did a beautiful job with the sauce and the fresh vegetables. We finished off with a very tasty bread pudding. We have been to this restaurant a number of times and the maitre d' recognized us. He offered us our favorite table and checked on us frequently. He also suggested a French Chablis that was just right with our fish. This restaurant includes a fine wine store on the bottom level, so the wine list is wonderful and it's a great place to try something different. In fact, we like to go to the wine tastings for lunch on Saturday's. The tasting is around $15 - $20 and the chef always has an excellent dish to go with the tasting for $12.50. The service is truly high end with great attention to detail. The menu is small, but everything on it is a winner. The location is definitely different. It is located in a high tech industrial park in Sorrento Mesa, but the interior is very nice and comfortable and unlike so many restaurants you can have a conversation without shouting. That makes it much more relaxing. We'll be back.

The wine Sellar is a good choice because it's not very crowded. The food is good, it's ok, it's interesting, it's rich, and it's expensive. They try hard. The service is good. It's in a very weird location and the wine store is an Achilles heel. The best I can say is that the WS is odd.

We have eaten here from time to time over the years. It is a pleasant and quiet venue above a wine shop. The menu always has a good selection of entrees with an excellent wine list. The food is excellent and nicely presented. It is upscale without being over priced..

If you are looking for a restaurant to treat yourself and your favorite significant other this is the place. My wife and I selected dishes from the Father's Day Price Fix menu which was priced at $45. I had the Veal Bone Marrow appetizer which at first I was hesitant to order, but the waiter patiently talked me down from the chandler. The bone is cut length wise and served with superb sauces and spices. They even supply a small espresso spoon to get the marrow out of the bone. Unique dishes and an extensive wine list makes this restaurant a sure hit to all that come. There are five tables by the window, two of which make superb people watching. Ask for the tables closest to the bar and enjoy the food and great care by the staff.

The Winesellar is hidden in a Sorrento Valley industrial complex, but once you step into the wine store downstairs from the restaurant, you forget all about the external world. Wines of every country, style, price point and vintage line the walls and fill the bins. The restaurant is a top zagat rated French restaurant. We enjoyed perfectly prepared grilled halibut on a bed of caramelized leeks and roasted new potatoes, pheasant medallions, garden-to-table greens, and delicious bread. We had purchased a couple bottles of wine downstairs and had them opened for our dinner. The lemon tart for dessert was outstanding. The atmosphere is lovely without being stuffy. Music is low, diners are quiet (except us), and service is impeccable.

When you enter the facility on the ground floor you will find excellent selections of wine from around the world along with items that go with wine too. Walking up the stairs to the wine tasting bar and restaurant is decorated with their TOP Awards for their food and Wine Lists. Wine tasting done by "Vidal" is the best anywhere. He knows his wines no matter what country or vineyard. You can have a full course meal at the bar or seat at one of the exquisitely set, white table cloth, cozy tables. Every dish I/we have had there over the years has always been perfect. Bacon wrapped stuffed Dates, the Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, Orange or Cherry Duck, Salmon or whatever your taste buds desire, it will be done perfectly and with deep juicy flavors. The ind-credible list of what wine is available will surely go with anything you order plus "Vidal" is a perfectionist when it comes to making special cocktails, current style or from the 30'-40's era. Enjoy

Hidden in a random strip mall and a little hard to get to - best wine selection and wine events in San Diego. Great menus with wine pairings. A great hidden gem.

Hidden away in a business park and a little bit of a challenge to find, the excellent fare served makes it worth to find this place. An extensive, somewhat pricey menu offers something for everyone, and wine tastings of six glasses at $45 are a popular, regular event. Located upstairs above the WineSellar, the absence of a lift other than a freight elevator could be seen as a draw-back by some. All in all, this restaurant is one of the better French restaurants in town.

Went to The WineSellar & Brasserie last night with some friends. We all met and had a glass of wine downstairs and then up to dine in The Brasserie. Was delighted at many new choices on the menu. I was told that there was a new chef. When I ordered my entrée, I asked if it would be alright for a slight change with one of the sides. It was not only no problem, which was very nice, but also everything we had was delicious. The portions are sizable, and we were getting full, but decided to take some food home so we could try some of the new desserts. Was the right choice! The service was great and they were so knowledgable and pleasant in helping us to choose a great wine at a great price. To top off a perfect evening, Chef Loren came out to our table and we had a lovely chat with her. She is fun and full of life and energy … couldn’t have been better! Will be back soon…..

My experience was identical to the review by trojans#1, June 12, 2006 - a great indicator of consistent attention to detail. Unlike a more recent review, we found the decor to be very pleasant, contemporary, and quiet. Impeccable service from all staff, GREAT food including home made bread and a delightful amuse bouche. We had the 5 course tasting menu with matching wines - at $100/person this quality is a bargain. Please phone for serving hours as they are not open every day. The wine store below stays open until the last person wants to leave!

I love this little place. Fantastic selection of wines, great French food that is very well prepared. It's not usually super busy (good for me) and the servers are very attentive and committed to making sure you are well taken care of. Don't be fooled by the industrial surroundings, it's very nice inside and actually surprising. Check it out.

Went there for dinner, pretty odd location in a business park with a wine shop on the ground floor with the restaurant above. Parking is between the building and the main road (the location faces MM blvd). The service was very good, polite and helpful. The meals were tasty and the dessert was great. Since they are a wine shop they have a good wine list. Will go back and try again.

Wonderful menu but seriously in need of redecorating

Attended a business dinner at WineSellar on the second floor of the establishment. Thursday evening. Small crowd. White tablecloth dining in a relatively intimate setting. Second visit in a year and left disappointed this time. Had the halibut, which was overdone and served on a flavorful sauce and vegetables. Very pricey for the quality of the food. Did not make wine selection, so cannot comment on value. Service was average. Too many other choices that provide finer cuisine at more reasonable prices.

My husband and I attended a wine dinner that is occasionally offered throughout the year. In this scenario, pre-selected wines are paired with various optional entrees via a prix fixe menu and there is a wine representative discussing the wines. The evening begins with an apertif and appetizer as you wander through the wine bottle section of the store. The dinner guests are then asked to go upstairs to the dining room. Although this soup is on many restaurant menus, the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup was excellent with melded flavors, but light consistency. Both the Brasserie Risotto and Rack of Lamb were delicious. If you are not there for a wine dinner, there is an extensive wine list and many are offered at reasonable price points! The service is friendly and attentive.

The WineSellar is off of Mira Mesa Blvd, below the grade of the road on a side street with signage facing Mira Mesa. The restaurant has a first floor wine store and bar. But the real star of the location is the second floor restaurant, which has been consistently outstanding as to the food, it's preparation and presentation, and service. We have been here very often, and have never been disappointed. You may be lucky and get Moro as a server. He has been there for years, and provides, distinguished, professional and unobtrusive service. Also, he is a budding sommelier, and can give great guidance on your wine selection.

I have been going to this restaurant for business lunch for 20 years and have never had anything less than a great experience. Today’s meal was particularly notable with the fish of the day, which was just delicious and generous in portion size. We had a very relaxed business lunch in a quiet setting, with exceptional service. They do the best business lunch in the region every day except Monday, and there is also a private room that you can reserve for customer or closing lunches. This chef is killing it and the restaurant is also open for dinner and weekend wine tastings. While the location is a little eclectic, know that going in but go for the wonderful food and service experience, plus one of the deepest wine lists in the region, very friendly in it’s pricing.

We did not care for the odd location in the back of an industrial park, seating is cramped on second floor of office, the menu did not excite, few servers on floor, food was average, this is not a 'brasserie' if they are trying to be French.

A bit out of the way but once you enter you know you have arrived. Upon entering you walk into a interesting wine store with a bar to the left. We pursued for a few minutes before going upstairs for dinner. Love the ambiance! Our server, Greg, was super professional and very friendly. He really enhanced our evening. Food was excellent. The foie gras was delicious with blackberry and peanut butter crumble. I had the short ribs which went really well with the cab. My wife had the scallops which which which were super tasty with a modest carmelization. Really enjoyed!

We vacationed in San Diego staying at the Country Inn. The Wine Seller was just up the street about a mile. We ordered the short rib ravioli, beet salad, tomato basil soup, duck confit and the duck breast. All where very good and fairly priced. The service was perfect. Wish we went here twice to eat rather then unloading my wallet at the Marine Room the night before!

Superb evening with new fall menu. Outstanding diver scallops and duck! Super service and excellent wines (although the list is a bit pricey). Nice wine store and tasting bar downstairs. Highly recommended!

I was surprised to find this dining option tucked away inside a business park location. The restaurant is actually above a wine shop. The service was good and the food was nicely prepared but expensive for the overall experience.

If you are looking for quiet, fine dining, and a great selection of wines, the WineSellar may be for you. It is in an atypical location (Sorrento Mesa), but don't be put off by that. There is a quaint bar downstairs adjacent to the crates of wine. There is a nice bar menu of tapas (try the olive tapenade) and a selection of craft beers on tap. But it is the dining experience upstairs (reservations needed) that makes the place special. We had a party of 7, and this was a post-meeting dinner. It was ideal for unwinding in a quiet place for conversation. The Flowers Pinot Noir went well with the duck breast. Importantly, the service was warm, efficient, and accommodating.

A surprising little gem hidden in the back of a non-descript building off of Mira Mesa. Not only a restaurant, but they also sell wine and wine accessories. You can choose a bottle in their store and only pay corking fee to drink it in the bar or restaurant. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Kirk the bar tender was awesome. They serve small bites at the bar and a full menu upstairs. Really good food. If your a business person on travel this is a great alternative to the chain restaurants in the area. An excellent choice when dining with colleagues or clients. Quiet with great ambience...once you get inside.

Many years ago our company had an office in Sorronto Valley and when the Wine Seller opened up we loved stopping here for either a great Bottle of Wine or a wonderful Lunch. It has been years since we have been back in this area and my girlfriend and I decided to go for lunch again at the Wine Seller & Brasserie. Still the best selection of Wines from around the World can be found here, either to enjoy on site or to take home with you. Our lunch was amazing! We each had the Caesar Salad with a Fried Quail Egg on top and I enjoyed mine with Chicken and my friend loved hers with Salmon. You can't beat the Service they are extremely attentive and very friendly. Make sure to try some of their Wines with your Lunch or Dinner you might just find that special one that you have been longing for!!

First let me say that the food is superior. Any foodie would have been in heaven with the lunch and we all purchased the wine flight to go with it for an additional $16. Average entre price was about $22.00 We had the special fish of the day, which was yellowtail, but we asked to substitute the grouper and the chef was happy to accommodate the change. We had a friend show up impromptu and join us, and the staff quickly set him up with a place setting so that he could join us. After lunch we stayed for the French Wine tasting and purchased a few bottles of what we had sampled. While we waited for our friends to arrive, I chatted with Laura McCLean who runs the wine club, and signed up after hearing of their program: $35 for a monthly white/red combo. Wine Club members are also are entitled to discounts on the tastings and dining. Laura is very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. **The best deal going here is to order whatever the special of the day is. For under $15 you will be treated to an excellent meal. We returned recently, and the special was perfectly cooked beef served with potato and fresh veggies. You can also order from the "express lunch" menu for about $10-$12.

Went to The WineSeller & Brasserie for my wife's birthday saturday night. What an awesome restaurant. The food, the service (Steve Barr, the General Manager) and wine were the best!!!! 1st Course-Duck Foie Gras (melted in your mouth) 2nd Course-Corn Chowder soup ( Licked the bowl) 3rd Course-Comice Pear salad (Very good) 4th Course-I had the scallops and my wife had the filet Mignon ( Both were perfect) 5th Course-Creme Brulee (The best my wife has ever tasted) Every course came with wine to match the food and Steve Barr had everything down perfect. The best champaign to toast my wife's birthday to start out was incredible. Not a big champaign drinker but we finnished off the whole bottle (Polmiry ??? I think was the name of it). If you are looking for a special place to take your wife for a birthday or annivarsary this is the place!!!!! Just ask for Steve Barr and put yourself in his hands for an incredible dinning experience that you will talk about for along time!!!! Located at 9550 Waples Street Suite 115 off of Mira Mesa Blvd.

We have been a regular vistor at Wine Sellar for the past 10 years or so - when I say "regular" I mean once or twice a year on special occaisions since it is a fancy place. We had a party of 9 there last night and were a bit disappointed with some of the changes going on. Someone in our party sent something back for the first time ever, and my dinner did not make me want to return every chance I get. It was good and the atmosphere is great for a small party, but the quality has gone down in recent years. The wine shop down stairs and the wine list at the restuarant also have shrunk with very few wines at on restuarant for under $100. Wine Sellar was always known for its huge selction marked up much less than other restuarants, but that seems no longer the case. Browsing in the shop could have lasted an hour and half in previous visits, but now it is more like 20 minutes. Still a very nice resturant for San Diego, but not as nice as it has been. I expect the economy has forced some economies - understandable but disappointing none the less.

Best restaurant in San Diego. Excellent food in a small but very nice restaurant. Wine lovers are in heaven since this place lives to his name. The service is very good.

great to have a nice quiet dining experience and wine was just fine but food was not so great and pricey.

The WineSellar & Brasserie, in San Diego, did one of their fun food & wine tours with us here in Spain. I am one of the owners, I noticed the enthusiasm of Lori and Gary Parker the WineSellar owners, I decided to get out of the office and guide the trips personally. --- Their 2 groups of 15+ persons, all told me they loved it. Also it was their 10th wine tour around the world and their "polish" in putting these tours together showed. I worked with Lori Parker on putting all the pieces together for an exceptional Spain experience. I think the customer's satisfaction of their wine tours are most telling by the fact that most of the people on the tour had been on one or more tours with them in the past. The group had a great time and one could easily tell that they loved traveling with Lori & Gary of The WineSellar! I hope they come back to Spain, Portugal or Italy with us, for more fun in the wine, food and culture of our country, but I would highly recommend going to any wine region they go you to. saludos dese España, Dan partner - Magical Spain

I was hesitant to write a review about this restaurant because...well, I did not want anyone else to know about it. I wanted this place all to myself. I went to this restaurant with a co-worker during lunch time. It is located in the back of an industrial complex inside a wine shop. It is pretty hidden. The restaurant is located on the second floor. The ambience is elegant, yet relaxed, and the wait staff is very attentive. The service is slow but I think works this way for a good reason, so there is no rush to finish your meal. The customers appear to be executive level business folks who typically have lunch meetings there. In fact, the CEO of the company where I work was dining there. As far as the food goes, it is outstanding. As an appetizer, I had pan seared polenta topped with goat cheese, fricassee mushrooms, and truffle oil. I could not believe how delicious it was. For dessert, I had the chocolate terrine topped with roasted marshmallow, graham cracker powder and a sauce that tasted like raspberry and chocolate. At that point, I thought to myself "wow, my life is complete now". That's how delicious it was. I went to work and I felt like I was on cloud 9. My co-worker reported the same feeling. Note 1- I drank no wine during lunch! Note 2 - I've eaten at other wonderful restaurants in the states, the Caribbean and in Europe and I've had the pleasure to experience impeccable dishes, but this is definitely one of the best. Without a doubt, I would highly, highly recommend WineSellar & Brasserie.

We ordered the lamb rack, duck, and scallops. The lamb rack was lukewarm at best -- seems to be the norm in the San Diego area. The duck was an overly salty dish and was sent back. The best dish was the scallops. The place is very expensive.

WineSellar is unusual. It doesn't face the street and takes some looking to find. Upon entry all you see are wine racks. The restaurant is upstairs. A few tables are at view windows (of parking). Prices are fairly high. Doesn't sound like a formula for success does it. Wrong. The setting is upscale and charming. Food is different and good. Wine is obviously available. Staff is also upscale. If "upscale" and different makes you happy, it is about the best place around. If you want a sandwich or a quick in and out meal, this isn't your place.

This is a small upstairs restaurant in essentially the upstairs loft of a wine store. I've been here a few times before, but I've never really had time to spend in the actual store, but it looks like they have an extensive and very interesting wine collection. Upstairs in the restaurant they have a few tables, and I've been there with small parties and also with larger events that are business related. In all cases I thought the restaurant really stands out: the food is excellent and the staff is professional and stay relatively in the background and don't try and become part of your experience (which I really appreciate). And, because of the extensive collection of wines in the downstairs floor, which obviously they leverage, the wine selection on the menu is extensive! The location is essentially in a one-off location, in a building with a bunch of other businesses and not surrounded by other businesses catering to walk in customers. Also, you have to drive into the parking lot and the entrance to the restaurant is around the back side of the building. However, in some sense this is really nice, as you don't have to fight for parking and once you are inside you have the ambiance of the downstairs wine store (which I believe also has wine tastings and wine parties occasionally).

Took wife here for Valentine's day and had one of the most memorable meals in a long time. We ordered a bottle of the Elyse Zinfandel with the two Fois Gras supplements as an appetizer. The wine was excellent and had enough fruit to compliment the fois gras perfectly. Next, we moved to first course of roasted beet salad, which was mine, and a cream of mushroom soup, my wife's. Both were flavorful and delicious. Second course, we ordered a bottle of the Plumpjack that went well with both the duck breast, my wife's, and the fillet mignon, mine. The Plumpjack was absolutely delicious with both dishes. We followed with dessert, which was delicious and seemed infused with roses. All in all, a wonderful and memorable meal!

The food here is delicious. Of course no shortage of wine. You can buy it downstairs and bring it upstairs for a small corkage fee. The fee seems kinda of silly unless upstairs and downstairs have different owners. Anyway back to the food. First it is reasonably priced . I recently ate at Addison and the food was fives times the price! This was just as good. The ribeye was tender and perfectly cooked. The octopus had a grilled flavor which I love. This is in an out of the way spot but no reason not to make the effort to go there. You will feel so adventurous!

We have been to the Wine Sellar and Brasserie several times, and were never disappointed. For this visit we took two friends for their first time. Among us, we had a chance to enjoy grilled salmon, Australian rack of lamb, fish of the day (I think it was a bass), some excellent wines of course, and delicious desserts: apple pie and chocolate cake. All are to be recommended.

GREAT staff, better food, ever better drinks! One of very few places in Sorrento Valley that is not a chain, has a full bar, and also serves local craft beer and great wine.

The food at this restaurant overall is not bad. There are not many restaurants in San Diego of this genre, so one might say that in comparisson to them, the food is good. What is disappointing here is the value. Do not be tricked by the "prix fixe" option. If you order an appetizer, dinner and dessert separately, the prix fixe option only saves you a couple of dollars, but the biggest disappointment is the size of each course. This prix fixe is not like your typical prix fixe meals where the portion sizes are the same (or similar) whether you order the prix fixe or not. In this restaurant, the $40 prix fixe option is a "tasting" menu, and believe me, all you are going to do is taste! Picture the smallest salad you have ever had at a restaurant and divide it by 2 and maybe you get the size of the salad at this restaurant. The same goes for the tiniest piece of salmon I have ever eaten at a restaurant. Although the salad and entree tasted good, the desert was mediocre at best. The meal was definitely not worth the $40. So, if you decide to eat at this restaurant, just skip the "prix fixe" and order what you want. You will spend a couple of dollars more but you will not leave the restaurant hungry!!

The wine selection is excellent in the shop, great wine events and the French resraurant is exceptional, both veggie risotto and duck confit.

Had an excellent meal in a nice restaurant above a boutique wine store in suburban San Diego. The difference from the hustle and bustle of a tasting event below to the serene ambiance of the dining room above was marked. Menu choices were diverse and, of course, many of the wines sold below were on the wine list. We enjoyed a juicy New York Strip and beautiful Diver Scallops, but perhaps the hit of the meal was the chicken liver pate with strawberry rhubarb jam appetizer. Cocktails were generous and service was professional and friendly. A keeper.

My family and I have dined at the WineSellar and Brasserie on several occasions and we keep going back to celebrate special occasions. Chef Albert and his crew go out of their way to present wonderful menu items with service that is first rate. On this occasion, we indulged in the chefs menu selections that were inventive, wonderfully tasty and matched perfectly by wine selections made by the sommelier. We were very impressed by the quality of the food, excellent wine selections and phenomenal service we experienced at the WineSellar!

My wife and I went here for dinner and, though the food looked and tasted great, the portion size was pathetically small. I thought it was a joke. We had the expensive steak entree and it must have been 4 oz or less of steak. I could have eaten 3 of those entrees. For a $40 dish I felt ripped off. Again the food tasted great and the presentation was great, but I've never felt more ripped off for such an unexpectedly small dish before. I won't eat upstairs there ever again, but downstairs happy hour would have been a lot better.

The WineSellar & Brasserie is a real find. It's tucked away in an industrial complex but it's worth searching for. They have a retail wine shop that carries some of the best wines in the world. The restaurant is upstairs. It is small, cozy, and romantic. The food is amazing and with the wonderful wine pairings, what more could you want? We would recommend the restaurant and will certainly go back when we visit San Diego.

First time here. We went with a few other couples. Nice wine shop downstairs with reasonable prices. Pick a bottle and a $15 corkage fee to drink in the restaurant upstairs. Great food, the duck was excellent. The snails were just OK. Service was nice. I'd go again.

We were a party of 6. We called ahead 2 days before to book a table and give any dietary requirements. When we arrived we were surprised it's on a business estate and not the prettiest of locations and we're surprised to see a neon flashing open sign in the window. However once inside it all looked good. They didn't have our reservation on the system but the lady remembered speaking to me and told us to go upstairs. When we got upstairs they said we don't have a reservation I would have thought the lady downstairs would have dealt with this so we weren't embarrassed twice. I dread to think what would have happened if the woman who took my call wasn't there. However we were seated promptly but they wouldn't have received our dietary requirements which concerned us. We were keen to do the taster menu but this meant the whole table had to it but 2 wanted to do à la carte. The restaurant said this wasn't possible as the whole table has to do it. So we asked if 2 could sit at an empty table but again no the restaurant were adamant. We asked if we could see what was on the taster menu but no we were refused. So reluctantly the whole table had to go à la carte. We ordered cocktails and starters and main courses. We asked the waiter to pair wines with each dish which he duly did. I ordered mussels to start which I was disappointed with as I come from Europe moules as we call them are a staple and are delicious. These were very pungent chewy and gritty. My main which was moon fish in a tangerine jus was delicious and a true delight. The rest of my party all really enjoyed their dishes they ordered along with their paired wines. Our table was a 7.30pm booking and we were pretty much alone by the end of the meal. To sum up: Odd location and neon sign are off putting. When taking a reservation do it professionally and accurately. Could be more flexible with taster menu, the customer is King not your chef. Food on the whole was delicious beautifully presented and tasty. Wines were excellent. Desserts were excellent. Service was mediocre, polite but could be friendlier. At the end of the meal we went downstairs to the shop to browse and buy some wines and accessories only to be told the shop had closed and we couldn't buy anything. What a huge mistake we were ready to buy a substantial amount. How can you close a shop when you still have customers??? Also why did the woman not tell us they were closed and let us spend time browsing only to be told they were closed at the end. What a waste of time. We had an enjoyable evening but wouldn't probably go back on our next visit to the area.

Although a little expensive, we had a very nice tasting of six wines and a delicious lunch on a Saturday.

We've been going to the WineSellar & Brasserie for years. Whenever we are in San Diego, it is a must. We have never been disappointed. Arrive early and check out the bottles of wine for sale in the shop on the entry level. You may purchase a bottle to take upstairs for dinner. We have also had wine sent home. The restaurant is a sharp contrast to the wine shop. It is elegant and quiet, rather small and very romantic. The food is delicious and the service is wonderful. I can't say enough to compliment the wait staff. We look forward to visiting when we are in town. P.S.: It is hard to find at first. We started going there before the GPS was popular. It is hidden away in an industrial park. You might think that you had taken a wrong turn. But the search is worth it.

I attended a business dinner here and I the food quality was really good. Portions were small, but full of flavor and they looked excellent. Main dish was duck, which was a bit bloody for my liking, but it tasted really good.

Attended a Talley wine dinner the night I went and had a great time. The food was outstanding and the chef did a great job matching the food to the wines. On regular night, based upon my past experiences there, the food is excellent as well. WineSellar has had it's ups and downs over the years but it remains a personal favorite of mine and is back on great form.

I had dinner last week with friends at the Winesellar and Brasserie. We hadn't been to the WS&B since they had hired a new chef. They got a winner! The evening was special---the food was marvelous, the service professional, the employees so friendly and the wine delicious. We all remarked on what a perfect evening it was. All of us had enough food to take some home to enjoy, and the frosting on the cake was that we could buy some great wines downstairs on our way out. I can't recommend it more highly!