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    A.R. Valentien

    4.1 (436 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American, Wine Bars
    Open 8:00 am - 11:00 pm

    A.R. Valentien Photos

    A.R. VALENTIEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Quiet

    Recommended Reviews - A.R. Valentien

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    Derek N.

    Came here for breakfast with my sister and I'll say this right out of the gate... this place is sitting on absolute prime real estate. You've got ocean vibes, Torrey Pines views, and golfers out there living dangerously before coffee. It's like brunch and a live episode of "How Not to Fix Your Slice." Now let's be honest. This is not a walk up and glide to your table situation. We stood there for a bit at the front wondering if we were early for our tee time or just invisible. No hostess, no check in, just two people hovering like we lost our caddie. Not a deal breaker, just a slow start out of the gate. Once we got seated though, completely different story. Wait staff was elite. Like tour level service. Our waiter was dialed in, super professional, never missed a beat. Manager was floating around checking on tables like a ranger making sure pace of play stayed tight. You could tell they actually care once you're in the round. Food was really solid. This is one of those places where you can go full country club brunch or play it a little more casual. And here's the little local caddie tip they don't advertise... There's another spot downstairs. Same kitchen. Less fancy. If you want a simpler breakfast, think egg sandwich, omelet, no frills, you can ask for it and they'll make it. They are not handing you that menu like it's on the scorecard, but if you know, you know. Also a scratch kitchen, which means you can kind of call your shot. Within reason they'll work with you. Felt a little like ordering off script and getting away with it. Views are ridiculous. Ocean, cliffs, one of the most famous golf courses in the country, and a front row seat to pre round optimism slowly turning into reality. Coffee tastes better when you're watching someone rethink their entire swing before 8am. Overall this place plays like a solid round. Not perfect. A little slow off the first tee, but once you settle in, it's smooth, enjoyable, and worth coming back to. Call it a comfortable par with a couple birdie moments. I'd come back and tee it up again.

    Swordfish bresoala
    Tracy M.

    The food here is exceptional. The waiters are so sweet. They bring you everything. The ambience is pretty quiet and 1 PM. We are giving them five stars today.

    Model time.
    Mira Y.

    First time We came impromptu on a Saturday at 11:30 AM and wanted to eat with the view of the golf course. We were seated right away. Patio seating is a must. The service is good, there was an issue with the amount that was charged then credited but will have to see what amount ends up being charged on the card. (Mark, we will connect with you in a couple days) We ordered: Mussels Lunch tasting with asparagus, tuna salad, and zucchini chocolate cake. Everything was perfectly seasoned and made with love. We highly recommend coming here for a lunch or dinner date but when you can enjoy the views.

    Brussel sprouts - deliciously done with no dairy which
    Carolyn K.

    Such an amazing experience to come to this beautiful restaurant at the family owned Lodge at Torrey Pines. The walls are adorned with beautiful painted Landscapes of California by AR valentien the painter and potter who came from Ohio to Calif., who the restaurant is named after. The fine dining restaurant features contemporary California craftsman decor and furnishings, beautiful custom stoneware and ceramic plates, and is the perfect setting for romantic dinners and celebratory birthdays (like mine). The wait staff is superb and friendly. Really appreciated Ryan and Kasha who served us. Both were personable. The prime rib was excellent , the chef made my Brussel sprouts with no dairy which was so delicious and I loved the dairy free grapefruit and anise sorbet. The special quince sorbet was delightfulZ The whole evening and birthday were memorable!!!

    Chocolate Acai Bowl
    Kay C.

    We visited AR Valentien on a quiet Thursday morning to celebrate a birthday. We were the only ones outside on the covered patio overlooking the hotel pool, golf course, and ocean. It was chilly so they turned on the hearing lamps and offered us blankets. We ordered the acai bowl and fritata, and both were scrumptious. The waiter even brought two chocolate truffle balls on a plate with "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate. Nice touch. It was a fantastic brunch experience.

    Littorai Pinot noir 2020
    John M.

    Came with a table of 8 for my birthday. Before being seated started at the bar for a cocktail. Whiskey sour was great. After being seated and ordering the amuse bouche was great! A agua chile shrimp on a small salty tostada. Got the burrata as a app. Was not expecting it to be hot... but wow it was soo bomb. Moved into the ribeye as my entree. This is the only thing I could say could've been better. I ordered medium on it. That thing was raw or like a little under medium rare. At least to my standard. And ribeye is fatty as heck which is why I like to cook that thing down a lil more. But it was still boasting amazing flavor, with a truffle after taste. All the sides were money. Especially especially the beets.. very creative flavor combination with the pistachios. All and all an amazing birthday dinner with great service and a great atmosphere. Would recommend for a special occasion!

    Shirley F.

    Food is amazing well done. Service is excellent and they are very helpful. Ambience is beautiful and quite relaxing. Love the vibe.

    Grilled flat iron steak - terrific!

    Friends treated us to lunch - had never even heard of the restaurant, but it was a favorite of theirs. So glad we went! Very upscale, fine dining experience for sure. We went on a Saturday for lunch - reservations at 11:45 a.m. It wasn't busy at all. We were seated right away, and we were given menus and water immediately. Our server also arrived promptly to take our order. We ordered the duck, fettuccine, steak, and the halibut. Also ordered the cheese plate. Also got dessert - creme brûlée, pavlova, and the salted caramel chocolate bombe. Note that these desserts weren't listed on the online menu. Everything was superb!! The fettuccine was mine - and I can say that the flavors were exquisitely balanced - ricotta cheese, fresh tomatoes, great pasta. And, the portion sizes were very good. My husband had the duck and he said the skin was crispy, the meat was tender, and all the accompaniments were terrific. Our friends enjoyed their choices as well. The desserts were also phenomenal. The lodge itself is beautiful - craftsman style, old charm. The restaurant has that same feel, and a beautiful view. Yes, it is pricey, but for a fine dining experience on a special occasion - definitely worth it! In summary, unique and delicious food, attentive service, beautiful location - what's not to like???

    Melon and Burrata Salad
    Marcie L.

    This was easily one of the best restaurants I've been to in a long time. When you arrive, valet parking is complimentary. The restaurant offers both indoor seating and a covered patio with a beautiful view of the golf course and hotel pool. We started with an excellent martini, and for my first course I had the melon and burrata salad with pecans. It was hands down the best salad I've ever had, so fresh and flavorful. For my main course, I ordered the grilled coulotte steak, which was phenomenal. It came with a side salad that was simple and not my favorite, but still decent. At the end, they surprised us with a complimentary chocolate treat for dessert. Our server was attentive throughout the meal, gave great recommendations, and made the experience even better. I'd recommend this place 100%.

    Lunch menu
    Jason W.

    This is the nicer of the two restaurants at the lodge at Torrey Pines, which is right on the grounds of the Torrey Pines golf course. Fresh farm to table vegetables feature in salads and entrées. For lunch I had the arugula salad, which had some delicious deep fried artichokes. For my entrée, I had the coulotte steak which was wonderfully tender, deliciously seasoned, and came sliced. It was not the largest portion of protein but came with a heaping serving of sautéed vegetables. Overall, the food was very good. Service was attentive and we were seated at a table on the balcony overlooking the pool.

    Liina V.

    This is French cuisine, quite different from the typical American fare you'd find in a hotel (I've had enough of crab cake and BBQ wings here). I absolutely love the kanpachi and duck. The halibut choy sprouts are also unique. The scallops are also delicious, even presented beautifully. The best part is, the entire table of four came to just $474. What a steal!

    Palms Springs and Cosmopolitan

    The new chefs are so amazing and the food presentation to match. The existing pastry chefs do an amazing job with the desserts! Had the Easter pre set menu and so good!

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    Always amazing food and service love it there and the view and they always treat us w fantastic quality

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    Page 1 of 11

    A.R. Valentien Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - A.R. Valentien

    Are you able to grab drinks and appetizers here without getting a 4 course meal?

    Yes! Executive Chef Jeff Jackson sources only the best local provisions, and the menu changes frequently based on the seasonal fare available. Also, we have live music every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

    Does staff (both public facing and in the back) still wear masks?

    We are in compliance with San Diego County public health order and masks are required for unvaccinated guests and staff.

    I have reservations for a Saturday in July. What is the parking situation? Valet parking, street parking?

    The parking garage belongs to the hotel and is complimentary.

    Do you have to be a guest at the lodge at torrey pines hotel to dine here?

    No. We went for a awesome lunch to celebrate a birthday. We were not staying at the resort. We enjoyed walking around the grounds and the beautiful views.

    Do men have to wear a blazer or dinner jacket?

    While we do not require a dress code, we do recommend guests to dress smart casual!

    View All 7 Questions

    Seasons 52

    Seasons 52

    4.0
    (2k reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Outside restaurant is attractive with palm trees and easy to identify name on the top…read more Wednesday night walked in solo around 6:45pm, greeted right away and directly lead to the table. The staff who led the way seemed to have a really bad day, cold tone and no facial expression when asked politely to switch to a mini booth instead a four ppl table. And he was able to accommodate . Then there comes Hannah, she is very sweet, friendly and easy to talk to. Her smiles and just right check-ins, totally work 5 stars service. Unfortunately the dishes were not impressive as the service, big failure is the Tuscan white bean soup, too salty to swallow, the ahi tuna tartar is good but seasoning was a little plain. And the sea bass tastes fresh, but the flavor is boring -- tasted like something easily comes out from home. When Hannah noticed that I didn't drink much of the soup, she asked me about it. And she even went to her manager to take that off my bill without asking or complaining. .... Great mental values I got from her during this meal. Overall Hannah's service is FiVe , and food taste 3 stars . So overall total 4 stars . The restaurant is big , fits for small and big parties.

    Date Night Done Right at Season 52!…read more My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous date night at Season 52, and it exceeded our expectations! A special shout-out to Victoria, our waitress, who served up outstanding customer service from start to finish. She kept our drinks flowing, checked on us often, and made our evening feel extra special with her warm smile and attention to detail. We started with the Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and a bowl of Lobster Bisque--both were flavorful, fresh, and absolutely delicious! For my entrée, I ordered the 8 oz. wood-grilled Filet Mignon with a lobster tail, potatoes, asparagus, and warm butter for dipping. Everything was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. My husband enjoyed the caramelized glazed scallops with a filet mignon, Yukon mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Another winner! The biggest surprise? The value! At around $55 per entrée, we felt the portions, quality, and presentation were exceptional. Steak, lobster, and scallops at that price point made this meal a fantastic value. Bonus: Plenty of parking at UTC, and Season 52 validates your parking ticket! If you're looking for a romantic date night, delicious food, and outstanding service, head over to Season 52 and ask for Victoria. She'll make sure your experience is just as memorable as ours. We left as very happy customers and can't wait to return with our family and friends! Happy Customers, Laura & Mike Songer

    Photos
    Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops served with broccolini and mascarpone risotto.
    Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops served with broccolini and mascarpone risotto.
    Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, marble potatoes and dill-mustard sauce
    Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, marble potatoes and dill-mustard sauce
    Seasons 52 has a wide selection of varietals on our wine menu

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    Seasons 52 has a wide selection of varietals on our wine menu
    Cutwater Spirits

    Cutwater Spirits

    4.5
    (2k reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    If you haven't visited Cutwater Spirits, what are you waiting for. This place is a must stop,…read moreespecially if you enjoy your cocktails. The ambiance is an entire atmosphere. From decor, to seating, to the outdoors patio seating, it's great. They have a full bar with seating. They take reservations but, depending of the size of your party, there's automatic gratuity. They have viewing tours here and a full purchase area for all their cocktails. The service we received was 5 stars. We were a party of 15 and they were so tentative. They would bring cups of ice with our canned drinks, we didn't have to wait long after ordering, etc. the staff that assisted us needs to be recognized. All the employees working Friday late afternoon who tend the left corner in the front - kudos! We stuck to the cans because we went for happy hour. During happy hour cans are only $5 and their Ssignature cocktail drinks are only $10 instead of $15. Their Happy Hour appetizer menu is great too. The bulgogi loaded fries are sweet with some heat from the aioli. I do wish the meat were chunks like the original bulgogi instead of slow cooked braised beef that's shredded up. I would also ask for the sauce on the side because it can be a bit much if they put too much. The bbq pork sliders were yummy. The bread was soft, the meat had a subtle sweetness, and the coleslaw added a nice bright freshness to the heaviness of the meat. I only wish there was more slaw on them. The habanero buffalo wings were some of the best wings I've have. They were crispy, the meat was seasoned and not just sauce, and the buffalo sauce was chefs kiss. They are spicy so if you don't do spice definitely get another flavor. If you love visiting breweries or just want to try a new place out you have to come to Cutwater. It's amazing and I can't wait to go again

    Wasn't impressed. Slow service…read more First time. Never again. Love cutwater. Better at petco park.. I know it was pack. Short on staff. No excuse..

    Photos
    The main bar
    The main bar
    Fried green beans
    Fried green beans
    Double delightful!

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    Double delightful!
    Wine Smarties

    Wine Smarties

    4.7
    (33 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    I'm a beverage geek at heart. Some of my best food and food/travel moments have been when there is…read morea huge educational component to a tasting. However it wasn't until 2020 that I fully embraced my passion in wine - while I have wine tasted in a few places around the world, Paso Robles in particular stressed the importance of education in the wine tasting experience. Many of the tasting room staff and sommeliers have at least a wine certification (usually WSET or CMS) and proudly boast it. So I figured if I'm going to spend quite a bit of time and money on wine, I might as well be an educated consumer in the process. Since I don't work in the industry (I'm actually in healthcare) and I don't want to work in the restaurant biz as a sommelier the Court of Master Sommeliers cert route was a no-go. Plus the CMS route emphasizes self-study and I prefer classroom learning. For a hobbyist who may in the future want to dabble in the industry on the side, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust was the way to go. Being based in SD Wine Smarties with Lindsay was the most practical choice. She offers three levels of the WSET plus the diploma - first level being just a 1-day class followed by the test followed by the 2 and 3 being 4 and 8 1x/weekly classes, respectively, with an in-person as well as an online option. She offers her classes in San Diego as well as Temecula. Having dabbled in wine and tasted wine in parts of CA/Mexico/parts of Europe for at least 5 years my knowledge alone was enough to skip L1 plus for the cost of the class (~$300) I would rather spend on wine club allocations. So I decided to start at L2. If you are not sponsored by your employer the cost is around ~$700 for L2 and ~$1300 for L3 and if you are taking the online portion you'll also have to purchase your wines separately. While you could also skip L2 and go straight to L3 in theory many people have advised to at least take L2 to get used to the WSET testing style and to also get used to the "systematic approach to tasting", which is essential if you want to pass the L3 tasting portion of the exam (L2 is only a 50-question multiple choice exam). Plus Lindsay does have a discount for L3 students who have taken her previously for L2. Lindsay was an awesome instructor who has such passion for wine and has a lot of experience gaining that knowledge from all over the world. She does have a propensity to go slightly off topic to talk about her travels but as a fellow traveler myself I actually enjoyed those anecdotes. But in the end I highly recommend to study off the WSET course material - after all it is the WSET that tests you at the end of the day. Even while handling a full time job and other activities I studied on an average a few hours a week. There was a miscommunication at the end regarding my exam date that I had specifically mentioned a month before in an email starting the class. While the original date wasn't honored she did work with me to schedule an alternate date to take the exam. Turns out that I did pretty well - got a 94% on the L2, which qualifies as a "Pass with Distinction". The best part about taking Lindsay's WSET classes? Getting introduced to wines that I have never heard of or tasted before. I thought I knew a little more about wine than the average consumer but this was before I had ever known about a carménère or tasted a meursault. Because of this class I consider those wines some of my most favorite wines along with the usual Paso or Valle suspects. For this specifically I am super grateful. Looking forward to taking the L3 with Lindsay in 2022 and will update this review as such to detail the L3 experience.

    I've studied with Lindsay and taken many of her classes over the last year or two, including WSET 2…read moreand 3. No matter where you are on your journey to learn about wine, Lindsay always makes you feel great about your level of understanding. Lindsay is so encouraging, and her classes are so enjoyable, that you almost don't realize that you've also learned a ton! She has the highest level of certification available (Master of Wine), and within that certification, received the Bollinger Medal, which is awarded to one person each year for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement! Lindsay is incredibly gifted at understanding wine, and sharing that knowledge. I'm so glad she is in San Diego.

    Photos
    Teaming up with Taste Cheese for a Cheese and Wine pairing at the Andaz Hotel.
    Teaming up with Taste Cheese for a Cheese and Wine pairing at the Andaz Hotel.
    Concentrating.
    Concentrating.
    Myself and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman

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    Myself and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman
    Gravity Heights - Sorrento Valley

    Gravity Heights - Sorrento Valley

    4.2
    (1.1k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Takes reservations

    (Dined/Drank 06/10/26 WE @ 5:00pm): Gravity kept me from elevating to new heights at this brewery!…read more A friend recommended Gravity Heights' Sorrento Valley location to get caught with each other, but she ended up bailing at the last minute due to work. If you knew me, I always searched for breweries wherever I may be, so I was stoked to visit a brewery new to me. Founded in early 2019 by Arturo Kassel (Whisknladle CEO) and Skip Virgilio (AleSmith co-founder) by a chance encounter, Kassel wanted to move away from typical industrial taprooms and create a space with elevated food and a bright, coastal aesthetic that appealed to the tech-heavy workforce in the area. In 2024, they have since opened a second location in nearby Mission Valley. To what heights did gravity allow me to enjoy this brewery!? PURCHASE(S) Gravity Heights Sandbar Golden Ale Blonde Beer 5.2% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.00 HH): Bright golden amber color, citrusy malty piney aroma, light body, citrusy malty piney flavor, crisp refreshing finish, and citrusy malty slight bitter aftertaste. Shrimp Aguachile ($11.00 HH): A big portion of mixed avocado, cilantro, red onion, and shrimp with homemade tortilla chips, this ceviche-like dish was fresh, hearty, and a meal on its own - amazing! Gravity Heights June Gloom Hazy NEIPA Beer 7.0% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.00 HH): Bright hazy amber color, citrus hoppy tropical aroma, light body, citrus hoppy tropical flavor, juicy finish, and citrus hoppy tropical aftertaste. Paloma Cocktail ($10.00 HH): Crafted with Real Del Valle blanco tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, simple syrup, and soda water, this was refreshing and went down way too quickly. Gravity Heights Haulin' Oats Oatmeal Stout Beer 5.3% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.00 HH): Dark brown color, chocolate coffee roasty aroma, heavy body, beany coffee roasty flavor, drying finish, and beany roasty slight bitter aftertaste. 12" Diablo Pizza 6pc ($23.00): Made with tomato sauce, fontina and mozzarella cheeses, spicy calabrese, jalapenos, pickled fresnos, and chili flakes on a somewhat thin crispy crunchy slightly charred crust, this made my mouth tingle from the first bite and i loved it! Kind of pricey, though. Logo Beer Pint Glass ($10.00): I needed some local brewery glassware for the new place, so this seemed like as good a time as any. SERVICE Warmly greeted by two gentlemen behind the bar as I parked my ass on a barstool, I was given menus and a rundown of their happy hour which was going on (yes!). I quickly took advantage of the happy hour specials before they ended. My initial drink arrived immediately while everything else was received just as quickly. The place was packed, so I was amazed by the attentive service (I was frequently checked on as empties were removed). Once I was done, there was no pressure to vacate my stool - outstanding! PARKING (FREE): Although they had their own decent-sized lot, it was full, so thankfully I found a spot on the nearby street (carefully read all posted street signs; I had to in this case!) - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A clean modern open spacious layout with plenty of both standard interior seating and exterior covered patio seating with a large central well-appointed bar. Minimal to no promotional items were present. This place was impressive! Plenty of natural lighting in this quasi-exposed floorplan while an assortment of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several muted TVs mainly at the bar and throughout while classic rock & roll music played in the background. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a wonderful time at Sorrento valley's Gravity Heights and would visit again... or at least the Mission Valley location which was closer to me. They had plenty of beers on tap, the food was tasty, the prices were relatively comparable, the food menu was plentiful, and the service was great. Unsure if furry family members were allowed. Daily happy hour specials (3pm-6pm) and almost certain nightly entertainment such as trivia, music, and more was available. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $84.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

    Came here around 5pm for the 3-6pm happy hour on a Saturday. The place is not packed when we…read morearrived. Nice happy hour menu with varieties, about 2-3 dollars off on the drinks and finger foods. One of the few places has happy hour even on weekends.

    Photos
    Large marquee structure that houses extra seating.
    Large marquee structure that houses extra seating.
    Tinga Tacos. Tender chicken, great flavors.
    Tinga Tacos. Tender chicken, great flavors.
    La Pizza (Pepperoni). Personal-sized with crispy little pepperoni cups and a soft chewy crust.

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    La Pizza (Pepperoni). Personal-sized with crispy little pepperoni cups and a soft chewy crust.

    A.R. Valentien - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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