- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Mediterranean Room Rest-La Valencia Hotel
Rating Details »
Categories: Hotels, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: La Jolla1132 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0771
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
18 reviews for Mediterranean Room Rest-La Valencia Hotel
This is my 'go-to' place to take out of town friends to brunch. Not b/c the Sunday brunch spread is great but simply b/c they view (on the back terrace/patio) is just unreal.
Free valet parking for FOUR hours when you eat there!! FOUR freakin hours. And for the hefty Sun brunch price of $50/pp, you better sit there and eat your a** off.
Reservations were easy as pie - the girl i spoke to was awesome and she made a special note that i absolutely wanted a table w/ a view, no exceptions. So when we got there, the hostess greeted us w/ a smile and said 'you have the best seat in the house'. And OMG, was she sooo right. Just beautiful, simply beautiful (on back terrace).
This is what was offered today:
- raw oysters, crab claws, crab legs, large peeled shrimp: This was ok. The oysters were small and the crab claws tasted so-so.
- sushi rolls
- salads/breads/croissants
- pancakes, french toast, warm maple syrup, whipped cream, strawberries: French toast was so-so. The whipped cream and berries were awesome.
- eggs benedict
- omelette station: My friend loved this
- carving station: prime rib, lamb, and i think ham. Horseradish sauce, au jus, demi glace, and mint jelly: Prime rib tasted mediocre. The demi glace sauce wasn't good.
- paella: really good dish, nice and fresh
- clams/mussels linguine
- tortellini
- chocolate fountain w/ strawberries, marshmellows, pound cake
Sounds weird - but I thought there'd be more food. I mean, by our 3rd plate, we felt like we pretty much tried everything.
The quality of the food was just 'ok'. It's all served in the back piano room.
Unlimited free coffee, champagne, and fresh oj. I hate champagne but oh my goodness, the champagne they served was FANTASTIC.
Wonderful service. My friend and i hadn't seen each other in forever so we wanted to make the most of this brunch. And wow, it was really nice that no one there rushed us.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Went to the Mediterranean Room for Sunday Brunch. It's just on the so-so side. Way too pricey for what you get. It was about $50 a person for the all you can eat buffet.
The buffet offerings were minimal: breakfast was omelette's, cheese blintz, french toast with whipped cream and strawberries. Green salads, small cheese platter, some California rolls (no chopsticks to go with them), some other side salads, tortellini, mahi mahi which they ruined in some kind of sauce, paella which was decent. Fresh seafood on ice: crab legs, jumbo shrimp, raw oysters. Carving station: prime rib (too well done), pork loin, lamb. Dessert: Chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmallows for dipping in, chocolate cake, too sugary creme brulle, warm peach and blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Seriously, there may be just a couple of dishes I didn't mention but that's pretty much it.
Champagne and coffee comes with the meal. The champagne served, Kenwood, was very good.
Service is mediocre. We had to keep asking our server multiple times for an iced tea and for a steak knife. We asked about chopsticks for the sushi and that really sent his head rolling. No chopsticks.
The view on a clear day is fabulous. Make reservations early enough in advanced to get a window table. Service begins at I think 11am, come later as the place empties out and you don't have tables on top of tables of people pushing for the little food that was out.
If you want an excellent Champagne Sunday brunch in Southern California, go to the one on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Much more extensive selection of foods, better atmosphere, and the last time i was there was only $35 a person.
Having gotten to work early, I decided I would treat myself to a fancy breakfast. What better place than La Valencia... so I thought.
I ordered the Chorizo tacos, at $16 ! nothing special abouth them at all. I get better $4 chroizo breakfast burritos at Mr. Taco down the street. My potatoes were cold and over salted. The coffee was good, better be for $4.
The service left much to be desired. My waiter never came back to refill my tiny coffee cup, not unitl I recieved my breakfast did I ask him to do so. I see him return to the dining room and start refilling at the other end, ending with me :( Never asked me how everything was. When I was done though and he came to retrieve my plate, he did ask if I wanted more coffee. I said no, and then waited another 10 minutes for my check.
I feel like such a sucker when I go to places like this (and spend my hard earned money!) and am soo dissatisfied.
Go for a cocktail and avoid the hype of the overly priced foods.
We have eaten Sunday brunch here twice, about 10 years apart. The last time, we had reservations for a certain time, but we were not allowed to enter until 1 hour and 5 minutes after our reservation time. I guess you're expected to slip a $100 bill into the host's pocket or something if you want to get in at your appointed time. In spite of that we thought the food was good, the typical extravagant ritzy-hotel-buffet-brunch items. I can't remember the price now but it was pretty high. I guess it's a good place to celebrate an occasion such as Mother's Day or whatever, but for regular times I'm just as happy to buy a sandwich somewhere and walk down and sit on the seawall and watch the ocean while eating.
Love, love, LOVE La V for Sunday brunch!!!!!
My husband took me there this morning for my birthday - YEAH! - we have been on many occasions before - including the morning after our wedding night - and have always had a fantastic time. If you can, sit on the "oceanview terrace" - it's the best spot in the house. Actually, this morning, we got to try out both seating venues: we started outside, and ~ 1 hour later it began to rain, so we transferred to an oceanview with a cover inside ;)
The food is fantastic - especially considering that it is a buffet (as gourmet as it is) - you can't beat the view, and the service is absolutely top-notch. OJ is fresh squeezed (or Naked Juice) and wonderful. There is no rush to get you out of there, so you can sit and enjoy the food, view and company for as long as you wish (or until 3pm).
Faves on the list: strawberries & fresh whipped cream (near the waffles), eggs bene, crab claws and paella. I'm not a huge dessert fan, but I always appreciate the extremely tasty and unique Haagen Dazs ice cream :-)
Yes, it's not the least expensive place to go, but it is definitely one of the best in the county - So Cal for that matter - for Sunday brunch. After looking at the water from afar, you can take a walk along side it to "work off" that wonderful brunch!
Splurge once in a while - life's too short - and you'll never regret it :-)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Went to the Mediterranean Room Restaurant very last minute. We quickly made a reservation on http://opentable.com and headed straight there. When we got there, we had a hard time looking for it. We did not realize it was in the hotel until we got there. We had to call 411 for information. We were wandering across the street looking for it for a good 15 minutes. There's no sign whatsoever in front of the hotel. When we finally arrived they seated us quickly. I ordered the quiche with soup. The quiche which was filled with lobster and crab meat was the perfect size and not too filling. The soup was a bit small and the taste overwhelming. The sole was quite good. Can't really mess up sole. I think it's my new favorite fish.
Plus, we had an ocean view with a wedding downstairs too.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
The Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, has a great spread for Sunday Brunch!
First, Sunday Brunch means unlimited Champagne to me! They serve this liberally. Love my Bubbles!
Next, I love a great selection of buffet items. The Mediterranean Room offered many choices: Oysters, Crab, Lox, Omelettes and Sushi made to order, plus so many salads and carb-riche breads and desserts!
Lastly, I enjoy the views. La Valencia Hotel looks over La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Lovely!
This is priced at $49.00 and offered on Sundays from 11 am - 3 pm. Reservations are recommended.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
What can I say about the Sunday Brunch at the Mediterranean Room and Tropical Patio at La Valencia Hotel...? Two things...
1)so much damn good food your eyes (and stomach) might pop out
2)the view...its incredible on a sunny day like today
If you have the chance to go here one sunny Sunday afternoon, definitely take the opportunity to check it out. Definitely on par if not better than Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Del. Its the kind of brunch that lasts a couple of hours because you just soak up the food, the service, and the view (oh, and the free flowing champagne...lol) of the ocean. Will definitely be going back again in the near future.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
The Mediterranean Room at La Valencia is a great breakfast spot. I've been going there regularly for breakfast about once a month for the past year or so and I'd really recommend it to anyone who wants a great meal. Now I've only eaten there in the mornings, and when we go, there isn't much of a crowd, so don't know about the evening/lunch-time crowds, but for a great breakfast meal, you've gotta check this place out!
I've tried a variety of the items on the menu and my favorite, by a landslide is the french toast...I mean, who knew that corn flakes encrusted on french toast could be such a delight! Brilliant!!
The ambiance of the place is great - the whole place gives the feeling of old-school class...a great treat for a good morning meal!
I dont know why I keep trying brunch buffet places when I have come to the conclusion that I just dont like buffets.
This one was ok. Not bad, not good, decent selection. But nothing really stood out food wise. Everything was ok. I would not come back as I do not think it is worth $50/person.
I did like the location, but the decor inside this restaurant could have been a little nicer.
i went here for dinner while on a 'staycation' .. i'd only been to the valencia once before for a book luncheon and i thought of trying it again. We made reservations by phone on a sunday evening, same day actually when we arrived there wasnt that many people there. like others we were a little confused on the location so we asked a bellboy right away where it was. He directed us, it was right next to us DUh. we got seated quickly at a table next to the window, overlookingthe ocean yay! the view is definitely a plus.
it did take a little while for the waitress to bring us our drinks but she was very nice and apologized for the wait.
We ordered the steamed mussels with pommes frites. omg the best steamed mussels i've ever had :-D they were not tough at all and the broth was sooo yummy. I think it had garlic, lemon and white wine.. and i was surprised at how big it was.. we didnt even eat the pommes frites (the were kinda boring but who cares) they also give bread ( for dipping ;) )
For our entrees i had the Sea bass with panzanella.. and he had the Paella.. Panzanella was delish it had all the perfect flavors of mediterranean food. the bass was cooked perfectly. im not a huge fish fan but it had a really nice crusted on top from searing it and it was still moist. the paella i also had abite of and it was really good too. the flavor was there but not too strong ( i've had extremely fishy paella GROSS) .
i really wanted a dessert but it was getting late so i asked if i could have it to go. our server was so nice , she brought us a creme brulee, complimentary since we waited for awhile at the beginning. the creme brulee was good, not too sweet and it had fresh berries on top.
all in all i really like this place. it was pricey but for the experience we had , it was a nice splurge. i would definitely go back for the brunch that everyone seems to like also. :)
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
This is probably the most beautiful restaurant I have ever been to. The coral pink hotel looks like something out of a Fred & Ginger flick. You walk inside and you feel like you have been transported to another era. I think I just might get married here one day! Its gorgeous..
My best friend and I went down to San Diego for Memorial Day weekend and our night at The La Valencia was truly memorable. When we arrived at The Mediterranean Room for dinner, our table was waiting for us with soft candlelight. We started with the escargot just to be fancy, and it was so yummy. We also shared the tuna tartare which is one of the best I've had. I had the cioppino, for my entree, and that was perfect! Loaded with crab legs, scallops, shrimp, calamari, sea bass, clams and mussels (wow I'm getting hungry). My BFF had the famous paella which was seasoned perfectly. The service was impeccable! We felt like princesses. Everything was timed perfectly, the wine paired beautifully with our dishes, and we were allowed to take our time and talk (I hate pushy service). The dessert was actually complimentary (we were really surprised)! You must get the three layered chocolate mousse- its divine! Special place for a special weekend:)
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (1)
Just went here with my peeps (their treat) and really enjoyed it.... the lemon sole was outstanding. Service was kind. fast, considerate. Lighting was just right. Drinks came fast and strong. Dessert was great but not too heavy or too much... Once again, old school rules.
I came here for restaurant week, and while the service was really great, the food was only mediocre. We had the seafood paella and the scallops for the entrees. They were good, but just didn't have any outstanding qualities about them. The desserts, I think, were the best part of our meal. We got the Chocolate torte and the Creme Brulee and and those were just so delicious! The ambiance was nice too (I had the patio seating), if you disregard the fact that the people living in the hotel walk through to get to the pool area. They have mini lights strung above which would be beautiful once it turns dusk/dark.
Been here only for breakfast a hand full of times. The best tables are those close to the windows facing the ocean. Food is expensive but decent. I always go with the eggs benedict. Service is always good.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Sunday brunch at the La Valencia Hotel was the perfect way to start my boyfriend's birthday! We sat in the Mediterranean Room by the windows and enjoyed the view of the ocean as we ate tons and tons of tasty food! They serve pretty much everything you can think of, from breakfast foods to prime rib to sushi! This is accompanied by endless amounts of champagne and orange juice. Unfortunately, for $45/person, I'd only come here on special occassions or when I'm dying of starvation and will eat my money's worth!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Joined our friends for a Sunday Brunch to celebrate a Bday - I never tried brunch here. Great call on her part. We were seated in the Mediterranean room, I loved how the room was filled with wide windows-and we had a great view of the ocean and sunshine! Unlimited Champagne, and OJ if you wish...I took advantage of it - I can never pass a glass of bubbly! The food selection was a reasonable amount and I definitely got my fill. Love the fresh seafood! Loved the desserts! Creme Brulee and Creme Puffs that were shaped into lil swans - it was too cute to eat, but I sure did eat 'em up. Be sure to check out the Brunch Menu online to see the full listing of dishes, yah its $50 bucks a pop to get your brunch on, but you gotta splurge once in a while. I did compare this buffet to the Crown Room at the Hotel Del - if you want more of an intimate scene, I would recommend brunching here. The Crown Room is larger and busier, has more dishes to choose from and of course, costs more!
My boyfriend and I made reservations for restaurant week. Big mistake. The service was poor considering what a high end hotel this is supposed to be. The food wasn't so great that it made up for the poor service and atmosphere. We didn't even get a view of any sort! Despite being slow (we went on a Friday night) they seated us against the wall as far from the ocean view as you could get...we didn't even get a view of the courtyard, which would have been better than nothing. Not one, but TWO, ocean view tables sat empty the entire time we were there. They wouldn't even seat us in the middle of the room so we could have at least a glimpse of the ocean...and just forget about being seated on the ocean view terrace. It became clear that all restaurant week diners (you could tell because we were the only people actually dressing up...hotel guests and "regulars" dressed in jeans/tanks/baseball caps were given ocean view seats) were seated in the same manner. We heard at least one couple's request to be moved flat out denied (they were sitting right behind us...the waiter gave a curt "no" and walked away). We had several different people wait on us and one guy tried to give our first course to another couple! All told, there were only 7 tables with customers so they weren't busy. We also had the "pleasure" of sitting right next to the waiter's entrance to the kitchen so we spent the entire time listening to the hotel staff shout orders at each other.
No ambience, no atmosphere, no view and so-so food. We will NEVER set foot in this hotel, or any of it's restaurants, every again.
