We took our son and his family to West End to celebrate my birthday on Saturday. Christian and Alberto were a perfect team making for a very enjoyable brunch. The food was great (clam chowder, calamari, burger, salads, kids chicken meal, etc.) and the table by the estuary provided great views - especially for our 4 year old grandson. Although we couldn't enjoy a cocktail that day, we saw Christian serving up some great drinks - and we look forward to coming back soon. Thanks again for the hospitality and service - much appreciated.
Curt
I hosted a business meeting for 6 at West End on Saturday. As always, we were met with the smile of Alberto and our waiter (newer guy - begins with a D) who provided excellent service. The food was outstanding and, since it was the first time for my five guests (who all live in the area), they each said they would be back - well done and thank you. As an aside, Alberto asked why they don't see as much of my wife and I there on weekends, I told him it's simply because if we want a cocktail, there is no bartender and the servers just don't know how to make them. Just an FYI for management. Having said that, we are still fairly regular for lunches - great location, view and an excellent chef.
Philippe
Our waiter was great. The food was great. But the stress level with the Italian guy moving on the floor freaked out my wife. I'm a guy who likes to show up early. I like a bottle. I'll drink a bottle. Then one more. Then I get chatty. Come over. Let me buy you a drink. But when you then tell me there's no time, there's no place, that's not what I'm looking for. Have fun with me. I'll gladly pay. Just don't tell me there's no place for drinking in your bar.
Maggie
A real gem! Excellent service, the food was delicious, one of the best clam chowders I have ever had, service was well paced, reasonably priced and great quality! I recommend it highly!
JoeyM
Have been here twice and the food and cocktails were great. However, the hostess is horridly unpleasant and rude. We encountered her bad attitude on our first visit from the moment we walked in and as she seated us. Then after collecting our bill she my lost my credit card on the way to the register. We tried to help looking on the floor around us and she barked at us to stay seated and they will find it. She and another sever frantically looked for it and finally found it, but she never apologized or even said anything to us. We chalked it up to her having a bad day. The second time dined here our experience with this woman was even worse. We made a reservation for a patio table, but she seated us inside (this happened the previous visit too). We didn't make a fuss and would not have requested a table change but she sat us right near a door where there was a very cold breeze. We asked to change tables because there were plenty of open tables inside and on the patio. But she said they were "full" and refused to seat us elsewhere. They were NOT full and more tables became available as the night went on. We almost left but asked our very kind server (Nate) if we could move and he was happy to seat us away from the door. The host saw what was happening and she stepped in to "help" move our items to the new table with much disdain. She literally threw our napkins and silverware on the new table. We could hardly believe how rude and inappropriate she was. Since our waiter was so wonderful we ignored her terrible attitude and lack of customer service. But, we probably will not dine here again because she ruins the whole experience and treats patrons poorly. It's a shame because it's a great place other than her.
SDlocalresident
I provided some special instructions on my reservations and they were carefully and discreetly filled by Petunia who was a gracious host! The wait staff was a bit rushed for us but we asked them to slow it down so we could enjoy the lovely sunset, view, bread, appetizers and company without feeling pressured to eat and leave. They were very accommodating. Would highly recommend.
S B
Food is always so well prepared! Our waiter was fantastic! A hidden gem in del Mar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
PhilB
Large menu and reasonably priced. Food was very good. Cioppino was good but limited variety of fish. Plenty of clams and shrimp but no fish meat. Tasty broth. Service was efficient and prompt. Wine options were very good.
PCL1963
The service was excellent. Only two things that I would want to improve on, and that is having oyster crackers with your chowder, and obviously just a victim of the weather, but the place was extremely cold. Again, your staff was very positive even though they got hit with large parties.
View is fantastic. Food wad very average. Nothing to send back, but unremarkable. Service is lacking, with requests for drink and dessert menu going unanswered, being served old, cold coffee, asking for my PIN when paying for the check instead of presenting pin pad, and then asking if I wanted a receipt. Beyond that, it was a general feeling that my family wasn't welcome there. My son had observed some conflict between the hostess and wait staff.
Both the Turkey Club and the Salmon Burger were amazing. The fries however were overcooked. Great portion size and great cut for the fries, just sat a bit too long in oil. The atmosphere and service is great. Prices are adequate for the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ron Holmes
Loved the old Iris and it's replacement just as good.Parking: Due to its location can be a issue finding parking. Rear lot is big. Liked it for lunch both times I visited.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
RickyJM
Staff seemed overwhelmed so maybe shorthanded. Food was good but our server was bartender as well and was very preoccupied while taking our order and ended up forgetting part of order . Didn't get that feeling that we were special enough to be cared about briefly at least that we were spending $350 for our dining experience. Food was good so if service is not your concern then I would recommend for sure.
LauraC
Always great view, food and service. Best place to sit is in the outside covered area with a view of Torrey pines and if your lucky a sunset. Meatloaf and clam chowder are a must try.
Chip VonBurg
Really great place that we'll definitely be back to.
We took our son and his family to West End to celebrate my birthday on Saturday. Christian and Alberto were a perfect team making for a very enjoyable brunch. The food was great (clam chowder, calamari, burger, salads, kids chicken meal, etc.) and the table by the estuary provided great views - especially for our 4 year old grandson. Although we couldn't enjoy a cocktail that day, we saw Christian serving up some great drinks - and we look forward to coming back soon. Thanks again for the hospitality and service - much appreciated.
I hosted a business meeting for 6 at West End on Saturday. As always, we were met with the smile of Alberto and our waiter (newer guy - begins with a D) who provided excellent service. The food was outstanding and, since it was the first time for my five guests (who all live in the area), they each said they would be back - well done and thank you. As an aside, Alberto asked why they don't see as much of my wife and I there on weekends, I told him it's simply because if we want a cocktail, there is no bartender and the servers just don't know how to make them. Just an FYI for management. Having said that, we are still fairly regular for lunches - great location, view and an excellent chef.
Our waiter was great. The food was great. But the stress level with the Italian guy moving on the floor freaked out my wife. I'm a guy who likes to show up early. I like a bottle. I'll drink a bottle. Then one more. Then I get chatty. Come over. Let me buy you a drink. But when you then tell me there's no time, there's no place, that's not what I'm looking for. Have fun with me. I'll gladly pay. Just don't tell me there's no place for drinking in your bar.
A real gem! Excellent service, the food was delicious, one of the best clam chowders I have ever had, service was well paced, reasonably priced and great quality! I recommend it highly!
Have been here twice and the food and cocktails were great. However, the hostess is horridly unpleasant and rude. We encountered her bad attitude on our first visit from the moment we walked in and as she seated us. Then after collecting our bill she my lost my credit card on the way to the register. We tried to help looking on the floor around us and she barked at us to stay seated and they will find it. She and another sever frantically looked for it and finally found it, but she never apologized or even said anything to us. We chalked it up to her having a bad day. The second time dined here our experience with this woman was even worse. We made a reservation for a patio table, but she seated us inside (this happened the previous visit too). We didn't make a fuss and would not have requested a table change but she sat us right near a door where there was a very cold breeze. We asked to change tables because there were plenty of open tables inside and on the patio. But she said they were "full" and refused to seat us elsewhere. They were NOT full and more tables became available as the night went on. We almost left but asked our very kind server (Nate) if we could move and he was happy to seat us away from the door. The host saw what was happening and she stepped in to "help" move our items to the new table with much disdain. She literally threw our napkins and silverware on the new table. We could hardly believe how rude and inappropriate she was. Since our waiter was so wonderful we ignored her terrible attitude and lack of customer service. But, we probably will not dine here again because she ruins the whole experience and treats patrons poorly. It's a shame because it's a great place other than her.
I provided some special instructions on my reservations and they were carefully and discreetly filled by Petunia who was a gracious host! The wait staff was a bit rushed for us but we asked them to slow it down so we could enjoy the lovely sunset, view, bread, appetizers and company without feeling pressured to eat and leave. They were very accommodating. Would highly recommend.
Food is always so well prepared! Our waiter was fantastic! A hidden gem in del Mar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Large menu and reasonably priced. Food was very good. Cioppino was good but limited variety of fish. Plenty of clams and shrimp but no fish meat. Tasty broth. Service was efficient and prompt. Wine options were very good.
The service was excellent. Only two things that I would want to improve on, and that is having oyster crackers with your chowder, and obviously just a victim of the weather, but the place was extremely cold. Again, your staff was very positive even though they got hit with large parties.
View is fantastic. Food wad very average. Nothing to send back, but unremarkable. Service is lacking, with requests for drink and dessert menu going unanswered, being served old, cold coffee, asking for my PIN when paying for the check instead of presenting pin pad, and then asking if I wanted a receipt. Beyond that, it was a general feeling that my family wasn't welcome there. My son had observed some conflict between the hostess and wait staff.
Restaurantji Recommends
Both the Turkey Club and the Salmon Burger were amazing. The fries however were overcooked. Great portion size and great cut for the fries, just sat a bit too long in oil. The atmosphere and service is great. Prices are adequate for the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Loved the old Iris and it's replacement just as good.Parking: Due to its location can be a issue finding parking. Rear lot is big. Liked it for lunch both times I visited.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Staff seemed overwhelmed so maybe shorthanded. Food was good but our server was bartender as well and was very preoccupied while taking our order and ended up forgetting part of order . Didn't get that feeling that we were special enough to be cared about briefly at least that we were spending $350 for our dining experience. Food was good so if service is not your concern then I would recommend for sure.
Always great view, food and service. Best place to sit is in the outside covered area with a view of Torrey pines and if your lucky a sunset. Meatloaf and clam chowder are a must try.
Really great place that we'll definitely be back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5