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AR Valentein
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
11480 N Torrey Pines RdLa Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: Sorrento Valley
(848) 453-4420
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Upscale, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual, ocean view atmosphere. We specialize in having local and/or organic ingredients. Our dishes are… read more »
51 reviews for AR Valentein
Review Highlights
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"The golf course is something out of Tiger Wood's wet dreams." In 6 reviews -
"We were given a lovely amuse bouche of crispy pork belly to..." In 3 reviews -
"We were served a cucumber sorbet to cleans our palates." In 3 reviews
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Katherine S.
La Jolla, CA
This restaurant is super yummy, even though it is super expensive. Went here with my mom, and had a great experience.
The soup appetizer was super yummy--carrot and coriander with a touch of lobster. I had the salmon, my mom had the halibut, and the Fiance had the steak. They were all tasty, but my personal favorite was my salmon. The salmon was cooked perfectly, and it was served on a bed of awesome mushroom risotto.
I recommend the side of buttermilk mashed potatoes--you will not be disappointed.
As far as desserts go, I wasn't particularly impressed with the lemon chiffon cake or the tropical cake. They were creative and nicely presented, but were extremely small, and really not worth 12$. However, the complimentary dessert plate at the end was PHENOMENAL! I would have easily paid 12$ to get another plate like it! There were fresh doughnut holes, and a little brownie bite thing, plus other small baked goods. It was all fantastic, and I wish those were options on the dessert menu!
Overall, this restaurant is a must try if you can afford it, and I will absolutely go back when my family is it town again :) -
Review from Andrea R.
Glendale, CA
4/18/2012
I am not very happy with this place right now.
I have gone their twice for dinner with my family, and both times we have had to deal with some sort of caveat because my sister (whose birthday it was both times) has food allergies. While I understand that not all menu items are going to be easily changed, I was very disappointed to learn that they could not accomodate a food allergy to garlic, which is a fairly common intolerance.
Our poor waitress couldn't have been more concerned in trying to find solutions, but needed help from the maitre d' who gave the impression that he did not want to be bothered. When he was asked to help in this circumstance because my sister was getting obviously pissed, I found his customer service skills to be elementary at best. He interrupted us in the midst of our conversations, started talking over us without asking permission or saying "excuse me," and curtly told me sister that they could make a piece of chicken without garlic, with a "take it or leave it" attitude. No apology and no other options were offered. To further our dissatisfaction, my mother's steak was brought to the table cold and my husband's pork mimicked a cafeteria/hospital preparation, e.g. no flavor.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised to get inconsistent quality and very limited options at a mediocre restaurant, but a restaurant of the self-touted caliber and hefty price tag of A.R. Valentein? After spending $1100 at this establishment for a B- meal and C- service (all demerits on this account because of the maitre d') we will not be returning until they demonstrate considerable changes to their food and folk.
I hope the executives of this restaurant consider my critique of their food options and managerial staff. I do see the potential in this restaurant in that some of their dishes were delicious and the waitstaff (minus the maitre d') was terrific, but they have some work ahead of them if they truly are going to live up to the image they are trying to convey to the public. -
Review from sasha h.
4/10/2012
-Attentive service
-Fantastic sommelier - they poured our glasses to the top and gave us several tastings of different wines
-Appetizers: Citrus Salad, Carrot and Coriander Soup (very good but not amazing)
-Entrees: Alaskan Halibut, Salmon with mushroom risotto (both fish dishes could have used a bit more flavor but the risotto was phenomenal)
-Vegetable: Roasted Beets (yummy, very heavy), complementary broccolini from the chef (good side)
-Great cheese course and bread (5 stars) - definitely order this
-Dessert: Black Magic Cake (this was too heavy at the end of our meal and not original, wouldn't recommend this)
Overall an enjoyable meal but we were so full by the end we fell asleep 20 minutes later -
Review from Kimi O.
Chicago, IL
3/11/2012
My husband and I enjoyed breakfast and dinner here. For dinner, We had the carrot and coriander soup, potato gnocchi, and duck. The chef also sent out complimentary amuse bouche to start, a side of broccolini with our dinner, and a plate of small dessert bites (Bob loved the mini donuts and homemade marshmallow).
For breakfast, I'd recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes with raspberry syrup!
Service and ambience were outstanding. Sit outdoors if you can. -
Review from Mary Anne D.
Pasadena, CA
2/8/2012
Somewhere between a 3 and 4 star restaurant. My mom brought me to Torrey Pines and, as a Pasadena resident, I was excited to see the resort inspired by the Gamble House. Torrey Pines captures the simple elegance of the Gamble House and didn't disappoint.
I wish I could say the same for AR Valentein. I had the dungeness crab quiche with lemon and jalapeno. I expected bold, bright flavors but the quiche was very bland and luke warm.
My mom had the brick pressed chicken, which unlike the quiche, was succulent with a crispy, slightly salty skin. Fortunately my mom was kind enough to share some of her chicken with me so I had something to eat for lunch (even if it wasn't what I ordered).
We ended the meal by sharing the peanut butter and jelly chocolate mouse, which was truly memorable. Thick, chocolatey layers topped with squares of jelly.
The food certainly had its highs and lows but I would be hesitant to go back. Although, despite the problems with my meal, their wait staff certainly deserves five stars. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
Wow! Really, our meal was just plain and simple Wow!
We had come to San Diego for a getaway weekend for just the two of us and we had a great time. We wanted to make the last night special so we walked over here from our hotel. The calm atmosphere of quality and caring were evident the minute we hit the lodge. We were greeted by every staff member like we were totally special to them.
We sat on the terrace which was completely comfortable even though it was a somewhat chilly night. The heaters and the way the terrace is protected added to the overall ambiance of over the top luxury of the night.
We selected the tasting menu which began with an amuse bouche of lobster and scallops which was whisked away and replaced with a fig and apple taste when I just hinted at an allergy. We then had a creamy root soup, mouth watering lobster, mint/lemon sorbet, steak with vegetables, coffee, a three part dessert plus complimentary mini cookies. It was a slow meal with small portions that ended up being the completely satisfying.
Wow! Did I mention that the meal and restaurant just completely wowed me?
Wow!Listed in: San Diego experience
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Review from Clifford S.
Frankfort, IL
10/29/2011
If I had a lot of money, I would eat here every night. We were treated like royalty and had course after course of great food.
My wife talked me into the tasting menu. There is something about the word "taste" that didn't seem to me to be a meal. But I was wrong because we had way more than enough food. I would recommend you try it if you tend to order the same things. We had a cream soup, lobster, steak, vegetables, dessert, a little something to start the meal and another little something to end it. The individual plates were small amounts but the whole meal was huge.
When I win the lottery, I will become a regular.Listed in: Pleasure trips to CA
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Review from Caroline P.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2011
*** Gluten Free / Celiac Review ***
They are very good about accommodating people who cannot eat gluten. My waiter let me know what was safe to eat and they took special care to ensure that I have a safe meal.
I got the scallops and they were the best scallops I've ever had! The veggies are amazingly fresh and full of flavor. The sugar-covered grapes (I think that's what they were) are something I think about on a weekly basis!!
We had a great view from the patio. Great food, wine, and scenery! -
Review from Mitch K.
8/29/2011
This is a beast of a restaurant.
My parents took me out here for a small celebration dinner on a Sunday night. It was so nice to find a fine dining establishment that operates on Sundays.
Finding the Lodge at Torrey Pines was a piece of cake with the GPS. Parking was free and close. The grounds are truly beautiful! The golf course is something out of Tiger Wood's wet dreams. Quick Tip, ask to be seated outside. The indoor dining room is nice and very old school, but the patio outdoors has the nicest view and is perfect for enjoying San Diego's flawless weather.
As far as service goes, the hostess was friendly and professional. We were seated right away at a nice table inside, but I asked to be seated outside if possible, my request was taken care of on the spot.
Our server was a well spoken, refined woman, who gave the impression of having lots of serving experience behind her belt. The busers were effective and polite, while not being overbearing. Great balance!
The Food!
YES, short version: It was Great! not the best in my life, but Great!
Long version:
We were seated outdoors and the weather was slightly warm, perhaps 74 degrees. The amuse bouche was a chilled melon soup with an elderberry froth. The combination of flavors was an orgasm in my mouth! First off I am a St. Germain lover, so anything elderberry is fantastic, but the natural sweetness of the melon worked so well with the floral flavors of the froth. It was the perfect choice to start this summer nights dinner. A+ chef!
I chose to indulge, and went with the evenings tasting menu. A four course, 3 proteins, and a desert, for $70. The wine parings would have been an additional $40, however I had my own ideas about the wines.
The first course was a Salmon crudo. When I read this on the menu, I knew I would love it before even reading the slight description. But it gets better, the plate was elegant and perfectly portioned. the four slivers of crudo were rested on top of crisp romaine. and there was this oddly beautiful ball of avocado napping in the center of my plate. The crudo tasted divine, and just like I expected. However, I was pleasantly and sincerely surprised to find out that the avocado ball was not really what I thought it was. It was a Salmon tar-tar ball within the beautiful avocado ball. WOW ingenious and amazing attention to detail. I have told everyone about this starter! So cool!
My second starter was a chicken dish. Imagine a giant 1 euro coin, where the inside is tender, lightly seasoned breast meat, and the outside section is very seasoned moist dark meat. And make is about 5 times larger than the coin. And rest that coin on a bed of braised spinach. The meat was spectacular and paired well with the neutral flavor of the spinach.
We were served a cucumber sorbet to cleans our palates. While not very tasty, it really did a perfect job of preparing us for our next courses.
For the entree I had a hangar steak, with a vegetable side. This entree would only get 4 out of 5 stars. The actual meat was prepared at a perfect med rare. The portion was far too small, probably around 2 to 3 ounces. It was great tender steak with beautiful flavor. Unfortunately the meat was not hot when it reached me, i would say luke-warm. I didn't inform the server as it would take time to cook up a new steak and the flavor was outstanding. The vegetable sides were nice but nothing memorable.
My original desert was supposed to be a hazelnut trio. But the server informed me that it would be a 20 min wait for the hazelnut flan of the trio and informed me that I could have any desert of the menu in substitution. I took her up on the offer and chose the St. Germain panna cotta. It was very mild in the elderberry flavor. I would have liked more elderberry. The texture was perfect as was the temp too. It was plated with a bunch of melons which all went nicely with the panna cotta. The cook who prepped the desert wrote "congratulations" across the top of the plat in the finest chocolate cursive imaginable.
We were also brought a variety of small deserts, all of which were tasty.
THE WINE:
I originally wanted to order the ZD founder's reserve Pinot Noir, I thought they would have this because the carry some other ZD wines. No such luck.. Ohh well. So instead I order a bottle of the Cain Cuvee Mertitage $60, Great Bordeaux blend, it went great with the food.
We also ordered a glass of the stag's leap cab. Very complexed wine, but steep at $20 bucks a glass.
For four people 1 and 1/4 bottles of wine $335 pre tip
Overall, a fantastic night and I can't wait to come back. -
Review from Karen L.
Irvine, CA
12/16/2011
I wanted so badly to like this restaurant. I love golf, so eating next to Torrey Pines was meant to be special. Unfortunately, the food is quite average and it's dripping in butter. We tried to get them prepare our meal in a lighter manner but, alas, it just wasn't in their make-up. We had just eaten the night before at the wonderfully delicious Market del Mar and this was a very weak rebound.
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Review from Liz S.
1/5/2011 3 photos
I can't imagine a nicer spot for lunch on a sunny, southern California day. We sat overlooking the pool and golf course, with a big outdoor heater warming our backs, with just the sounds of a few other guests and the view of the ocean in the distance to distract us.
The inside looked more formal, but the outdoor setting was perfect for a mid-day break.
The service was top-notch, starting with the delicious bread and butter that I could not get enough of - both the sourdough and multi-grain were great.
I had the chicken under a brick, which I would highly recommend. The chicken is incredibly juicy, with just the right crispness to the skin, served with wilted greens. The others in my party loved their meals, too.
We didn't order dessert, but lingered over some of their delicious coffee, and they brought us some white chocolate coconut truffles with our bill.
If you are in the area, be sure to stop by - and leave a little time to explore the inside of the Lodge and the grounds afterwards - lovely! -
Review from Scott M.
5/12/2011
We are not normally the types who are overly influenced by the marketing hype present on a web page, but the idea of fresh local food seemed so appealing that we not only made reservations for breakfast Easter morning, but we also cancelled our reservations at another restaurant on Good Friday to eat here. We were more than happy with our choice on both occasions.
The physical layout of the restaurant is very appealing. They have two smaller dining rooms which allow for a quieter dining experience while optimizing the view of the golf course and ocean. The room is done in Craftsman style and is pleasing to the eye.
Our dinner began with an amuse bouche sent out by the kitchen, followed by salads. Both the Coleman Farm and Caesar salads were very well done - not over dressed and nicely presented. The dressing on both salads had sufficient tang to make them interesting without overly tasting of vinegar or lemon juice.
For entrees, two of us chose the Niman Ranch strip steak and one chose the duck. All were excellent and were beautifully presented. The steaks were flavorful and cooked exactly to our liking. Our guest declared the duck to be exceptional.
The Black Magic cake will satisfy the needs of any chocoholic and the sorbet served with it was the perfect complement to the chocolate. The Cara Cara Orange Polenta cake combination was also declared a winner.
Service at dinner was attentive but not rushed. We had plenty of time to enjoy our individual courses with just the right amount of time in between for conversation.
Breakfast the following Sunday morning was equally as good. Our waiter appeared as soon as we were sat and quickly provided us with coffee, tea and juice and then allowed us time to peruse the menu and make our decisions.
The breakfast menu is considerably less complex than the dinner menu, but it still offers a wide variety of interesting options.
Of special note are the Home Made Rosemary -Strawberry Jam Doughnuts - they were freshly fried and served warm rolled in sugar and with a small pocket of jam on top. Death to your diet, but oh so good...
Service at breakfast is a bit crisper than at dinner - but not rushed.
I am looking forward to further explorations on their menu on future trips to San Diego. -
Review from Angela A.
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
A friend was in town for one day and we decided to take her for breakfast here. I had not been here in a few years and was hoping they were still as good as I remembered. They did not dissappoint us at all. The food and the atmosphere were as remarkable as it has been since it opened. This is the perfect place to come to if you need to slow down and relax. There is such a calm about the Lodge environment. You feel as if you have been transported to some Mountain Lodge and your body commands you to relax.
I ordred the frittata and it was perfectly cooked. The combination of flavors in this frittata were perfect, but it doesn't hurt that they pick their ingredients very carefully. The new potatoes that were in this frittata should be served on the side, they are so tasty and tender I wanted more. My guest ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes. I do not enjoy pancakes, but when I tasted some of hers I realized I have never had pancakes like these. They are light and full of flavor, they are delicious. I am definitely ordering them next time. The chef is so picky about his cooking that the ricotta is made fresh in house and it showed in these pancakes.
The service was 5 stars and the smiles were 10 stars. I love coming to a restaurant where the staff enjoys working. It is so evident that they were happy to be there.
The Lodge has valet parking and A. R. Valentien is right off of the lobby. It's easy to come have a great meal here. Ask to sit on the terrace if it's a nice day, you will love the view of the pool area and the Torrey Pines Golf Course. -
Review from Anna G.
San Diego, CA
8/3/2011
I went to A.R. Valentien about a week ago with my co-worker and our CEO and CFO of our company. I had really high expectations, and I am happy to report, that for the most part our group was pleased.
Service was on point. Knowledgeable, unobtrusive staff members that were very present, but did not linger, were amiable but not offensive. Exactly the type of experience I would expect from a high-end establishment. Even more impressed with the formality because it was lunch. 5 stars for service.
Among the four of us we had the fried green tomatoes, the ravioli, the duck, the quiche and the halibut. Not the best duck I've ever had, but it was quite good and presented well. I thought the temperature was a little higher than the alleged medium-rare. The halibut was very good, I thought the crust should have contributed to the dense texture of the fish, but I found it to be a little flakier than I would have liked. The bed of corn was good, but it was probably GMO corn and, well, I don't necessarily love that. The ravioli were excellent, and the fried green tomatoes pleased all.
The bad news is that one of the diners in our group ended up getting sick. We attributed it to the duck because it was her entree and she ate about 90% of it. She was violently ill for about 36 hours. Obviously, foodborne illness isn't always just about the food and could just be the way her body reacted to the meat since she doesn't really eat duck.
That being said, I would like to try it out for dinner, to see them bring out the big guns, so to speak. Wine list looked great. -
Review from Garett T.
10/10/2011
Three words: Roman Style Duck.
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Review from Malaise L.
Dublin, NH
4/22/2011
I will preface this review by saying there was not a one vegetarian dish in the menu. Not one. None. Zero. I thought California was more vege friendly. Oh well.
Now... We had a party of 7 and everyone left happy. Even I after I got a plate of every veggie side dish imaginable. It did not look too attractive nor was it colorful (I love me my colors) but it was tasty and satisfying.
The desserts looked amazing and judging by the way they were consumed I will say they tasted good as well.
Service was impecable and the tables were set with crisp white tableclothes. Although maybe not the best vegetarian experience to be had we had a good time and felt well served. -
Review from Jenn K.
8/17/2011
You know when you so look forward to a lovely little lunch and it ends up being a huge disappointment and messing with your entire day? Well, how wonderful that A. R. Valentien is not that kind of experience! We pretty much loved everything they put before us, and left thoroughly satisfied. We enjoyed the terrace setting over the pool, and service was excellent. Go!
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Review from Ann G.
San Pedro, CA
4/27/2011
This was a great dining experience! My Hubby and I decided to go since we heard some many great things. I called ahead to ask if they could accommodate a Vegan meal. And yes they could!
Wine was great, bread was great. I couldn't have the biscuit (which the hubby loved), but they brought out some yummy olive oil for dipping.
Overall, great service, we opened a split of wine and the bottle was coated with residue all over oddly, so they took it back and we got great glasses of some Justin (yum) wine. My vegan surprise dish was a medley of seasonal veggies and farina. The beets with pistachio 'butter' we're amazing, best beets I've ever had.
The amuse bouches were great (and they made mine to fit my dietary needs). We got two over the course of the evening. The view was lovely as well. A great place to have a special meal. Oh, and the husband got the steak (which he savored) and was super happy. He rarely orders steak but since the restaurant was so committed to clean, local food, he thought it was the time. -
Review from Jonathan W.
12/6/2010
Exceptional food for restaurant week. Like an old stuffy country club but with a great air of tradition. Beautiful views to the golf course. You can impress your parents or a date but make sure you're in the mood for controlled elegance.
The food was the biggest surprise. Just a great combination of flavors, portions and plating.
Wear a jacket and soak in the history. -
Review from Lori N.
10/20/2010
You can tell if a restaurant is fancy shmancy when there's a separate waiter to serve you slices of bread upon request rather than a waiter just dropping off a basket at your table. Someone's job is solely to serve bread, sour dough or multi grain, how awesome!
There's really nice patio seating that over looks the pool & golf course, so have lunch outside if the weather is nice. The menu is inspired by what local farmers are growing/selling & what's in season, how great is that? Very simple, very fresh, very good!
For lunch, I had the swordfish with fresh beans, fennel, & linguica (a Portuguese sausage) ($18) & boy was it tasty. The fish was perfectly seasoned & melted in my mouth. Others had the butter fish, pork sandwich & brick cooked chicken on creamed corn & celery, all looked equally elegant & delightful. The best part of the meal (surprise, surprise!) was the dessert, pumpkin cake with buttercream frosting with a scoop of brown sugar butter ice cream!! Paula Dean would go crazy for this butter ice cream, it's sooo sweet & creamy, like eating cold butter, haha.
And to top off such a fine lunch, they bring you pumpkin spice truffles as a little something to remember them by. Ahh, heaven. -
Review from Stephen O.
La Jolla, CA
1/27/2008
Jodie's review couldn't be more off:
Heard so much about the fabulous restaurant at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. I found the dinner menu to be bland, the dining room is very small and filled with tourists and that means kids as well. It thought it used to be darkly lit, but the track lightening was turned way up. Also the inner tables face the outer tables so you are staring at your fellow diners....weird arrangement.
The servers are all very young and inexperienced...and the food was lacking any inspiration from the kitchen.
I was brought an appetizer of proscuitto wrapped greens on recommendation from the server (which ended up being sour, inedible collard greens). WTF? can't believe this even made it out of the kitchen, obviously no one tasted this crap. When I told our server, she went back and brought back some broccolini that was equally rank and sour...ohh and it was "on the house". The entrees totally sucked (its been a few months--it was a fish dish--totally mediocre). Peoples please don't even bother with this place. Go to Market, Jack's, George's--real restaurants!!!.... -
Review from Stuart J.
San Diego, CA
3/14/2011
I brought clients here for lunch. The service and food was excellent. We had a view of the pool and could see some of the golf course. We sat outside on the deck. The ambiance is great, birds chirping and a tree sticking out of the deck, (be careful as I saw a tall guy duck to miss it as he was seated at his table. There was very little wind as the restaurant and pool are tucked inbetween the building, but it still provides for a view. My clients didn't want desert but we received a free chocolate truffle at the end of our meal which was a great finish.
I will be back!!! -
Review from Bill H.
San Diego, CA
5/18/2008
If you're looking for a mid-point, where coastal north and south county friends can meet up in a nice atmosphere that's a cut above the options on PCH's Restaurant Row, this just might be the place. Unlike Dave C., I was wowed by the Arts & Crafts Design of the Lodge and this restaurant, and thought the brick and stone work at the entrance were exceptionally well done.
A group of eight sat out on the deck overlooking the pool, under the biggest and grandest, old Torrey Pine on the property. It was a hot day, just about 90 F, and this tree didn't provide all the shade I would've liked, but on your typical mid-70's day, I could see how one might might find this spot a bit chilly if underdressed. So, at quarter to one during a heat wave, we we're quite comfortable and just where we wanted to be on a day when the beaches would have been a zoo.
It was not crowded at all, our waitress seemed to have only one other table, so I can't see how service would have been anything but prompt. But we got there about ten minutes after the rest of our group had arrived, so immediately upon sitting down I was being poured sparkling water, while someone else relayed my drink order to the bar, and two other servers were laying down an assortment of appetizers.
Within two minutes, I was sipping on a Bloody Mary and nibbling on a sliver of crisp toasted batard, schmeared with a wedge of short-rib terrine--the star of a very impressive Charcuterie Platter that also had a chicken liver pate that was smooth as butter. If I'd been stressed out before, I'd be well on my way to having my rage assuaged. As it was, I was in indulgence nirvana before I'd even had a chance to look at the menu.
The service was just about as well-healed as you can expect for a typically young, San Diego staff. Everyone was trying hard, it wasn't snobby at all, and there were a lot of between course utensils being exchanged, without seeming obsequious.
As our meaty appetizer might suggest, this is not spa food they're serving here. Even the lunch menu is heavy on steaks and chops, with only one pasta choice among the items. My wife's Halibut on a bed of Melted Leeks was delightful, but there were no other veggies on the plate, just a big slab of protein.
My selection was the Braised Veal Cheeks, with something I'd never seen on any other menu, Ramps, often called Wild Spring Leeks. I'd rather have had regular leeks though, as these not-as-flavorful substitutes were presented whole, like grilled green onions, and equally as difficult to slice with a table knife. A fun, seasonal market addition that just didn't hit the mark.
If you don't want to emulate the three martini, country club lunch of a previous era, you could create a lighter lunch here for yourself by concentrating on the "first course" portion of the menu. In fact as I sit here, a bit burpy and typing this, I wish I'd tried the roasted beets and added some more roughage to my meal. But it's a day off and a nap is certainly not out of the question. Good times. -
Review from David G.
La Jolla, CA
1/12/2009
We ate here for San Diego Restaurant Week (RW) tonight. It was out of this world.
I've been doing RW for 5 years now and this was absolutely one of the best meals and values ever.
The Charcuterie plate was enormous and the best. Worth the cost of the meal alone. Our group had all 3 entrees and loved every one. All 3 desserts were gr8, especially the Tangerine Feuilletée.
Service was impeccable and besides an amuse bouche, there was an after dinner dessert amuse in addition to the included dessert.
WOW. Eat here for $40 at RW and nothing else will compare. -
Review from allison b.
Oceanside, CA
11/9/2010
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is beautiful in its own right. A.R. Valentien is a very fitting compliment.
When we arrived early they were not ready to seat us. We sat at the bar and looked at the wine list. It was a bit overpriced for the wines listed. And I'm not a wine novice, in fact I love wine. I am quite choosy about it as now, in my mid thirties I can have glass or two and then I have to stop. So I had some Rose Brut for $20. The husband completely balked at the prices and refrained.
The decor is rich and lush in a craftsman fashion. The seating is complimentary to intimate dining. We were seated at one of the round booths on the far wall. They pulled the curtain to ease the rays of the setting sun, yet we didn't miss the sunset - the draperies were just transparent enough.
I have gluten intolerance which means I don't eat wheat, barley or rye. Our server was amazing. She was very knowledgeable about the menu, asked the kitchen if there was an issue and even brought out the pastry chef - Jennifer - when my husband was swooning over the corn/tarragon biscuits. They gave me the recipe and some tips about how to get more rise out of my gluten free biscuits (butter). Thanks!
The menu changes often, so you may not get the same choices so I'm not going into the dutiful detail I usually do. My husband ordered the "farm to table" tasting menu. I didn't hear much talking from him besides mmmm this is good and uhmmm. I had the veal sweatbreads to start - this was lovely and the duck for my main. I had pumpkin trio for dessert and my husband had the chocolate trio. Our vegetable was green beans. Everything was perfect. I'm going to have to figure out pumpkin brittle.
We ordered a half bottle of pinot with our meal - it was $50- see what I mean? That's a bit much. I was wearing black and had to ask for a black napkin, but they had one. The staff was so very attentive. We had a wonderful time.
Our bill was $162.00. If you think about it maybe it is out of your price range - but once a year - it is okay. It was worth the money to me...if you think about it my champagne was $20, our half bottle was $50 so the food was under $100.00 for 3 courses, a side vegetable and coffee with dessert. A BARGAIN - I'm sure they have a corkage fee and next time I'm bringing my own.
This is not a place you want to bring small children for dinner. Please don't. I think I was seven when had my first fine dining experience, at that age I had manners, knew what to order and how to behave in a nice restaurant. That said, most children under 13 I've seen recently couldn't sit through a 2.5 hour meal. Instead, Sit in the lounge and snack on things, watch TV, have a nice fire and chat in a more relaxed atmosphere. -
Review from l s.
La Jolla, CA
Updated - 9/6/2011
We went for my birthday again this year. It was great again. Yum!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2010
We went for my birthday dinner and it was great. I would easily recommend this for a special… Read more »
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Review from sandi s.
San Marcos, CA
12/30/2008
This is a beautiful and delicious place to come for a romantic dinner. My husband and I were married at the Lodge so we come back every year on our anniversary to eat dinner here.
First off the service is amazing. Usually the manager comes by to great us and say happy anniversary. Now I'm usually a person with simple tastes, and I look at this menu and honestly don't know what 80% of the stuff is. I always have to ask the waiter what stuff is and they are so polite about it that I never feel like a moron asking what something is. They also give great recommendations when you're not sure which thing to order. I usually end up ordering something that I've never heard of and it's always been delicious. Usually they will bring out a little something from the chef too which is nice because you get to try a little someting different here and there. Presentation is beautiful and they always go the extra mile like writing "Happy Anniversary" on the dessert plate in chocolate sauce.
Wine selection is great too... but of course, be prepared to spend money when you go there. It's a top noche place and a bit pricey but well worth it. -
Review from Tony K.
Torrance, CA
7/11/2011
went there looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch and found the place to have excellent food and service. i had the (small) pizza appetizer and skirt steak. both excellent!
can't vouch for dinner, but if it's anything like lunch, i can imagine it being excellent. -
Review from Mishel F.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/1/2010
This is a solid four-star restaurant but loses a star because of their misleading web site listing restaurant week dates as 1/14 to 1/22. We reserved a table on 1/16 thinking we would get access to the 3-course prix fixe advertised on this page: http://www.arvalentien...
Of course we did not get access to that menu and were asked why we thought we would. After they checked their own web site the manager returned to apologize and offer free corkage for our two bottles of wine as a consolation. There was nothing we could really do but were very disappointed, as we came specifically for the prix fixe menu.
The food off the main menu was well executed and presented thoughtfully. I even got the chef to make the chicken under a brick for me, even though it was not on the main menu. Service was excellent and anticipated our needs for a table of four with diverse needs and varied pace. I was a bit disappointed that the birthday I had specified when making the reservation wasn't acknowledged, but I can let that pass.
The prices are well above average, even for the standard dishes, so expect to pay a premium. Though simple dishes can carry a distinctive flair which makes it obvoius the chef really know what he's doing, and that makes it worth it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2010
This is a solid four-star restaurant but loses a star because of their misleading web site listing… Read more »
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Review from Leni T.
San Diego, CA
3/17/2010
This is such a beautiful restaurant with stunning design and plentiful artwork that I think I would give it 5 stars even if the food wasn't good but it really is.
Great date spot. -
Review from Mary Kate M.
San Diego, CA
5/29/2011
Way overpriced, the food was barely just ok and portions were so small. We, a party of four were very disappointed. We left embarrassed that we had brought an out of town family member here. Below average caesar salad ($12). I had the lobster entree ($39), the 6oz was 2 claws that made up 3 oz and they were not tasty, it was a la carte. It was served on a small plate so that it would appear larger. The service was very good but they must be holding there breath when they serve the dinners, but the astonishment of our table was stunned silence. The highlight of our meal was the biscuit. We skipped desert, the entree experience was too shockingly poor to keep going (and I love desert).
There are many better restaurants in San Diego. If you must, just go for a drink and move on to dinner elsewhere. -
Review from Dave C.
Carlsbad, CA
3/29/2008
The restaurant continues the theme of faux Greene and Greene/craftsman design--very expensive looking (and was to build), but ultimately, leaves you wishing to revist the Gamble House--or a really inspired restaurant.
The kitchen seems to be trying, and while the menu does seem to be trying to get seasonal ingredients, too many items on the menu simply don't succeed. (For example, a 'minestra' of fresh spring vegtables (spring onions, fava beans, peas, etc. lacked any depth in a watery broth; a trio of puddings comprised a bland starchy lavender-flavored white pudding, a gritty hazelnut/chocolate, but a butterscotch had some depth of flavor.)
The wine list is nearly all California. There is a range of wines by the glass and a good selection of moderately price offerings as well as the expected high priced cult wines (for the credulous on expense accounts).
Service can be obsequious to pushy for the higher-priced items; otherwise it can be efficient though lackluster. Even on a mid-week night, the wait between courses was excessive.
Free parking is easily available in the large lot.
Oddly, it was impossible to reach anyone by phone to make a dinner reservation (required for lunch and probably weekends). The ditzy hotel operator tried ringing the restaurant several times, but no one every answered. -
Review from paige m.
San Diego, CA
12/25/2008
this restaurant is awesome. first of all, it's beautiful...all wooden and overlooking the torrey pines golf course. the service is also really good, our waiter was extremely helpful and attentive.
but the food!!!
so good. i got the smoked atlantic char. it usually comes with a potato/parsnip puree, but that had gluten in it so the chef made me a really nice red wine sauce and it was just unbelievable.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
the place is 5 stars, for sure, however i have to dock a star because during my second experience with the restaurant, a vegetarian plate cost $75 on christmas eve. really? $75 for vegetables? that's pushing it dudes.
but yeah this is a nice spot. it's good for a romantic night, a business lunch or just a nice place to eat after going to the spa at the lodge. yum yum yum -
Review from Shez P.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2011
Let me start by saying that this is a 4.5 star review. We were given a lovely amuse bouche of crispy pork belly to start our meal. We then enjoyed a very nice salad (grapefruit slices, avocado, lettuce) which they were kind enough to split for us. I had the duck confit, which was excellent and cooked perfectly. We shared the brussell sprouts with bacon, which I would highly recommend and I'm not a fan of brussell sprouts. My girlfriends pork tenderloin was a bit bland although the sides (acorn squash, spinach, etc) were very tasty. The service was excellent, from our greeting by the hostess to the end of our meal. Their wine prices were a bit high and yet my Manhattan was priced as I expected. It was very nice of them to bring out a little bday treat for my gf as well. We were too stuffed to indulge in any of the desserts. Overall, we had a very nice meal and would return again.
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Review from Jason A.
Chino Hills, CA
8/24/2008
had dinner here and really enjoyed the food, ambiance and service. the place is small, but very quiet and personal. the waiters were extremely hospitable and attentive.
we had the sweet corn soup as our first course and it was sooo delicious. for our second course, we had the organic roasted hen and the white strip bass. the chicken was very tender and juicy and enjoyed every bit of it. i found the bass somewhat dry, but my wife enjoyed it. for dessert, we had the chocolate tart and that was sinful. we have had better, but it was good enough to make us want to lick the plate clean. some of the bonus features was our choice of breads at the beginning and the small fruit dish at the end after our dessert.
we really enjoyed our dining experience here and wouldn't mind going back when we decide to throw down again for a nice dinner. -
Review from Dana S.
Spring Valley, CA
8/16/2008
I have loved everything I have ever been served at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Catered meetings? Amazing. Catered lunches? Terrific! Pool side service from the Grill and Bar! Yay for the drugstore burger! Catered weddings? Wow! But my favorite is A.R. Valentien. I love their focus on local, seasonal ingredients. My duck was fabulous, the wine was fabulous and the strawberry shortcake makes my heart go pitter-patter. In some ways the bar may be low b/c hotel food is typically awful, but I do think the Lodge rises far beyond that bar and succeeds at providing food and service that merits the price. To say nothing of the priceless setting and views.
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Review from Mary K.
La Jolla, CA
2/11/2008
10 of us had a lovely meal here. Stellar service and the food was excellent: chestnut-mushroom soup appetizer, various entrees all excellent: striped sea bass, ny strip steak, and we all got the banana beignet for dessert which was wonderful. Prices are not for the feint of heart but they did a great job on food and service for a large group--a rarity in San Diego.
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Review from Nora S.
7/8/2009
I went here for the first time for a business lunch and was very happy with the food. It is pricey and the entrees are on the small side (which I prefer for lunch anyways), but not out of line for fine dining. The fish (Alaskan halibut) was excellent and perfectly prepared. The waitress emphasized the use of fresh, local ingredients and this came through in the food.
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Review from Arrabelle C.
San Marcos, CA
8/29/2010
Came here for restaurant week in the beginning of the year and it was delicious! The meal for 2 was only a little under $100 due to the deal. We got lost getting to the place, but once we got there it was amazing. Very friendly staff and romantic setting. Good for dates and anniversaries! Took one point off cause I got swordfish and it wasn't 5 stars, only 4! Still a great place for dinner!
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Review from Colleen C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 11/15/2010
Whoops, I did write a review. Been there since and still love it lots.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/19/2010
Aya - I agree about not so many reviews. I LOVE this place!!! I tend to give 5 stars easily...AR V… Read more »
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