Amazing brunch, wonderful view, service was impeccable. Really enjoy celebrating my friend's birthday.

We had an outstanding experience here, thanks not just to the food, but to the above-and-beyond service from manager/sommelier Paul Krikorian and the recently departed Sous Chef Phil Hoffer. We've been here in the past under Jeff Jackson and his various kitchen staffs; we went more often back in the day after it opened, when it was THE game in town for farm to table fine dining. It was fun to come back with Chef Phil in the kitchen, before he heads on to his next gig. The cocktail menu is not posted online anywhere (I took a pic) but the mixology was shockingly good. I loved my bourbon bramble (which I had on the rocks instead of up), but I do have to say that it was really, really strong - maybe too strong! It felt like 2-3 drinks alcoholwise, which was a little much for me as an aperitif. I also had a few sips of the delicious and reasonable Justin Cabernet Sauvignon - and a drop of the Westside Manhattan which was also really really yummy. Bread plate: excellent little biscuits. Multigrain: so-so. I didn't try the sourdough but those who had it liked it. Amuse bouche: sweet little soup (vegetarian!) with a parmesan crouton. For appetizers, we each tried something different on the menu - I had the super outstanding smoked trout appetizer. Huge, gorgeous piece of smoked fish, with cute and appropriate accompaniments. My sweetie enjoyed the soup of the moment (I think butternut squash with pomegranate). My friends got the charcuterie plate, which they really enjoyed, and the fresh pasta with lamb (?) sauce. For our entrees, two of us had and LOVED the sablefish entrée. Perfectly cooked - so good! I can't remember what the meat-eaters got, but they were also pleased. We also got all three side dishes: beets with pistachios (which my friend loved), potatoes (which were good enough), and my absolute fave the green beans (the veggie of the day), which Chef Phil had some kind of gremolata (?) on. So good. For desserts, we shared 1 of the fudge brownie, pistachio cake, and the beignets with macarons. I think the beignets were my favorite along with the really good ice creams on the brownie and cake plates. We loved getting to see Chef Phil at the end of service. We've been a fan of his at several restaurants, most recently Vistal, and look forward to his next adventure. But it was fun to eat his food and Jeff Jackson's here at AR Valentien, one of the classiest and yummiest restaurants in town, with excellent service! read more

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Fantastic. My first time at the Lodge at Torrey Pines ended with a trip to their signature restaurant, A.R. Valentine, which I was super excited to go to and did not disappoint. The restaurant is literally to the right a little past the front lobby. Coming in, there is a nice indoor area, but I was so happy to be sitting in the gorgeous patio area. you get a wonderful view of the pool but also a gorgeous look at the rest of the resort - especially gorgeous as the sun is coming down. I couldn't help but keep looking out and at the wedding ceremony that was wrapping up. What I Got: +Biscuit: Yep - they definitely serve you complimentary bread. Out of the ones I tried, the biscuit was the drool-worthy item to get. Really delicious / well-seasoned. +Amber Envy: I got the Amber Envy which was one of their two whiskey drinks. It was a play on the Aperol Spritz with a whiskey twist and wasn't bad. I do think I would next time just get the Aperol Spritz instead personally though if I had to choose between the two for the more refreshing flavor profile. +Ahi Tuna Carpaccio: I was surprised to see this iteration of the tuna carpaccio come as a giant tuna slice versus cut up. And it did not disappoint. It was topped with fried capers and had horseradish all over. The tuna was fresh. The flavors were popping. Super solid and not too heavy. +Sea Scallops: Wow. The scallops themselves were delicious / not too fish-y and well-cooked. But surprisingly, it was the pasta that took the prize. Just perfectly cooked and made with such flavor. I wish there was more than three pieces as I would gladly pay for a whole pasta dish with just these items, but really brought the whole dish together perfectly. +Tropical Sundae: I debated with my server between this and the pumpkin mousse, and ended up with the sundae as something a tiny bit lighter. And it was a great way to cap the night. I don't think most people would find this to be like a signature dessert, but after this meal of a lot of seafood dishes, it was refreshing and the coconut sorbet hit just right. +Extra goodies: Throughout the meal, the kitchen was super kind in bringing out extra goodies like a corn chowder amuse-bouche, a fresh bean salad, and truffle/donut hole. The winner in this group? The truffle was so good. Service was also excellent. Always checking up well on me and was pretty candid about what to get. Dug it a lot. Price-wise too, it's about what you expect from a fancy New American spot and I think well worth it. So hope I get to come back in the near future. Such a treat! read more

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I've been to this restaurant, usually for special occasions, a dozen times over the last five years or so. I remembered carefully crafted food and a upscale unique setting and atmosphere. Tonight with four friends just celebrating what we hoped would be a fun Friday night, we made rezzies to share a fine dining experience. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre at best. The Ribeye was a poor facsimile for this cut of meat, and was not warm and tasteless. The salad was OK and the cheese plate was pretty fair. The dessert was a quite mundane Strawberry shortcake, nothing to write home about. If you eat inside the restaurant, it is a bit stuffy, so if I ever find myself there again, it would have to be on the outside porch, because that is clearly the claim to fame for this restaurant. Better yet, eat downstairs at the grill and have a great burger. The service was very good though. read more

Great customer service. Everybody that worked there was so accommodating and friendly! We were seated immediately when we arrived. Do note that we had a dinner reservation and did not try to walk in. We came for a birthday celebration and they had a nice "happy birthday " menu for the birthday person to use. It just says happy birthday at the top, but hey, it's a small but thoughtful detail. When ordering, the waitress who took our order was well informed and was able to answer all of our questions. I am lactose intolerant, so when I mentioned that to her, she actually told the chef and asked that my scallops be made dairy free. I was very appreciative of that. I loved their scallops, I believe it was everyone's favorite with whom I dined with. Trout, halibut, all the seafood. Even the duck confit was well done. They are a farm to table restaurant so they do source locally. I loved knowing how fresh all the ingredients were. Would come back here. 10/10 read more

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The views outside the restaurant at sunset are amazing as you can see it set just over part of the golf course - you can catch parts of the north and south courses out on the balcony. The food isn't anything necessarily spectacular but it wasn't bad either. We were there on a business dinner so the prices didn't scare us. Still, $46 for a plate of spaghetti seemed a bit excessive (no one ordered it so we couldn't try it). read more

We had a wonderful dining experience. The setting for the restaurant is lovely. The service was relaxed but attentive The food was incredible. We celebrated a birthday dinner, enhanced by some special touches such as the menu printed with happy birthday wishes and a beautiful dessert. We started by enjoying the roasted bone marrow with salad, roasted garlic and toast points. The mushroom, chestnut soup was good but single dimensional. The medium rare Roman duck breast and confit leg was incredible. The caramelized sea scallops and lamb were also excellent. The sides of roasted beets with pistachio butter was creamy and fantastic. The Brussel sprouts were crispy and delectable with pomegranate and five spice seasoning. The bread offerings were terrific, especially the sourdough and the biscuit. Overall an excellent dinner! read more

We were staying at The Lodge In Torrey Pines recently and decided to try one of their restaurants - A.R Valentien. Incredibly special evening of fine food, drink and overall classy atmosphere. Our waiter's name was Alex .... who was professionally friendly, helpful and efficient. My lady and I started with cocktails - she had her usual, a Gin and Tonic and I experimented with the Basil-Lime Martini (Beluga Vodka, Fresh Basil, Lime Juice and Can Sugar). She was happy and I was surprisingly impressed with my drink. We began our meal with wine - for me, a Cabernet from Robert Craig and for my partner a nice Chardonnay from Liquid Farm. We were also served a Amuse-Bouche which I think consisted of pureed peas with some type of fish eggs .... along with bread, not bad at all. For our main course, we selected the Caramelized Sea Scallops and the Roman Style Liberty Duck Breast and Confit Leg. Both were marvelous. The Scallops were mingled with a Warm Salad of Bloomsdale Spinach, Pancetta, Sherry Vinaigrette, Poached Egg and Crispy Onions. Our duck included Balsamic Roasted Radicchio, Cherries, Charred Cipopllini Onion and Hazelnuts. We also ordered Cornmeal Green Garlic Biscuits. Just describing this meal makes me hungry. We finished with expressos and B&B. I will return the next time I am in the San Diego area. read more

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My husband surprised me with a weekend at the lodge and a dinner reservation here! I was so excited because I had alway heard good things about this place, but we never make it up to La Jolla for dinner. Let me start off by saying the service was top notch! Alex was our server and was very attentive and answered all of our questions. As any other Yelper would, I researched the menu before hand and knew what I was going to order. I got the scallops AND WOW! Perfection. I love a great scallop and the sauce they were in... I couldn't get enough. I told my husband he had to get the duck after the reviews I read and he was so happy I pushed him in that direction. (He normally orders a steak.) The duck was cooked two ways and he was in heaven. We also got two veggie sides. My favorite was the beef with pistachio butter. Great dinner, great view, will be back! read more

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The food is superb. I love the farm to table concept and they really mean it. The service is extraordinary, definitely star worth. The breakfast is especially delicious. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes and eggplant "bullseye" dish. The environment is casual and upscale. The view is beautiful with trees and mid century charm. read more

Remarkable restaurant! Cant say enough about this exceptional dining experience. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's my favorite restaurant in California! The rooms themselves are as elegant and beautiful as the many artworks that grace the walls. And there is no better view. Let me say that this is a quiet, elegant restaurant and you should use that to match the occasion for which you're looking. Two men in baseball caps and a woman who looked like she just came from the pool kind of downgrades the clientele. I love Maestros Ocean Club as well, but let's face it - it's a bit gimmicky and showy. To me, THIS is the real deal - top shelf and classy. My wife started w a cranberry spritzer and we began w a tasty shrimp amuse bouche. Shishito peppers were a new dish that dazzled. We also shared a chicken liver pate that seemed flown in from Paris. A complementary side of the most outrageous thyme biscuits and butter pleasantly accompanied our meal. My wife's halibut was so finely cooked and presented I was envious. Luckily I enjoyed an outrageous ribeye steak that came w an indescribable wee sweet salad of croutons, greens, and red peppers - unusually excellent. A side bowl of fantastic smashed potatoes rounded the meal ... inside and out. A tiny complimentary assortment of tiny sugary treats were enjoyed w my date's fresh pressed tea and my Grand Marnier over ice. Superb!! The wait staff was attentive, kind, and good humored through out the evening, top to bottom, without exception. Seriously, one cant imagine a lovelier dining experience. Cost w tip 290. Certainly steep but fair enough for this epic experience. Go, dog, go!! Merci. read more

We came for their artisan table chef series. If you are going to eat here- go on the lodges's website and check out the chefs series- artisan table. Yes it's $160 per person but totally worth it. Chef series- artisan table is an event that they do where they bring in a well known San Diegan chef to partner up with the head chef at The Lodge (Jeff Jackson) to create a unique tasting menu of about 6-7... and best part it does come with free flowing alcohol, whether wine, beer or craft cocktails. We came with chef Jason McLeod- Born & Raised/Consortium Holdings. The menu items were so good. They seat you outside on the patio of A.R. Valentin. You get the whole dining experience. We had some appetizers/finger food upon arrival. The meal was family course style: beef tartare, salad, halibut crudo, lamb, chickpea, grilled asparagus, and dessert- lemon tart and cheese. If you're gonna spend a lot here anyway, do the artisan table! read more

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The food was excellent, but what I remember most about the evening was this incredible waitress name, Maria. I just moved to SD she made the dining experience very special. I have not once had to wait on anything she is a true gem paying attention to details without overwhelming herself with her presence. The kind of person I would want on my team that leads by example if I had a restaurant. It was my first night in SD. I would go back to the restaurant to have her service us. read more

We had the pleasure of taking an impromptu weekend staycation down to Torrey Pines and stayed at the Lodge. We were unable to secure a reservation at A. R. Valentien being as we booked on Friday, but the very helpful host let us know that there are three tables available first come first serve, and we snagged one of those after some Saturday pool time. We loved that they were dog friendly as well! The service was impeccable, and our server Trevor was polite, helpful, and attentive without being intrusive. I wish all dining experiences could be as seamless and lovely as this one. Every dish we sampled was delicious - the ahi carpaccio was reminiscent of really really excellent lox... but without any of the overt fishiness you get from salmon. The horseradish was the perfect addition and I'll definitely be using that as inspiration in meals to come. The duck two ways was perfectly medium rare for the breast, and the confit leg just so tender and luscious. Scallops were perfectly cooked and all the accompanying sides complemented them with textures and flavors galore. The kids burger was just about bigger than the kid's head! We tried two desserts based off of what our neighbors suggested, and they were both light and perfectly delicious. I'd love to come back and see what they serve up during the fall/winter months, as I'll bet it's a bit more decadent then. The view is unbeatable and everyone is friendly and warm and inviting. All in all a top notch stay and meal at the Lodge. read more

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I recommend reading the reviews on the "not recommended list" at the bottom of the review page. Somehow they get Yelp to put the bad reviews on a separate page! I wish I had read them before eating there last week. Food was disappointing, and service worse. The hot cup of tea I had in the bar though was excellent. read more

We had a wonderful evening celebrating our wedding anniversary. The service was extraordinary. Our server, Alex was extremely helpful in accommodating some requested adjustments to the entrees. Fine dining at its finest. Kudos. read more

A.R. Valentien - Our complimentary dessert celebrating our anniversary. - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Staff was fabulous! The food is okay. I believe people come here more for the pretentious ambience than the food. The steak was okay, everything else was okay. Nothing spectacular. There's also a weird smell to the restaurant, almost like unwashed carpet smell? Overall, it was a great experience thanks to the staff but definitely a pass in the future. read more

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What a fantastic luncheon at this restaurant for a special Birthday celebration. We sat on the porch with views of the pool, golf course and ocean enjoying a Strawberry Blonde cocktail. Started with an appetizer charcuterie platter that was absolutely delicious. Cheese,honey,toast,jam Wow! Gluten free bread for one of us. Our 3 entrees were Scallops,Chicken under the Brick, and Hangar Steak. All very good. My mashed sweet potatoes were delicious. From the delicious bread, food,dessert and fantastic service this is a special restaurant. Enjoy when visiting Torrey Pines. read more

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Great patio. Amazing service and food. The pates and duck plate we had were delicious. read more

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This restaurant was outstanding. I was extremely satisfied with the quality of food and portions. The customer service was very impressive, all staff went out of their way. read more

We arrived early for our 12 pm reservation and had a drink in the bar. Was told that as soon as the restaurant opened they would come and get us....they forgot about us and i had to remind them that we were still waiting at 12:15....We were then promptly seated. We were not approached for 20 minutes, ordered drinks and appetizers and waited another 30 minutes for water...finally when drinks came, a bloody Mary was completely spilled on me and my wife...all over her dress, my hat and jacket. They offered us soda water and a towel. The manager came over 15 minutes later to apologize and comp that round of drinks. We received the bread 1 hour after sitting, right before our appetizers. Our water glasses were not refilled until our food was delivered, 1 1/2 hour into sitting. We sat at 12:15 and walked out at 2:30?????? Brandon our server was chatty and nice enough, but other than that, the service was the worst that I have EVER experienced at a supposedly nice restaurant. This was for my daughter's graduation from college. Have played Torrey before and expected first class in restaurant. Very disappointed....would never go back. Only reason they get two stars was because the food was decent. read more

Exceptional cuisine, impeccable service. Grateful for the memorable evening you crafted for my date. I enthusiastically endorse this restaurant for anyone seeking a romantic ambiance with a picturesque view to savor their meal. read more

A.R. Valentien - Charcuterie and Baja Shrimp - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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This pretty restaurant is located inside the homey Lodge Torrey Pines, overlooking the golf course. You can dine inside or outside, but we opted outside to catch the view of the golf course & hang gliders. Loved that they had heaters because the ocean breeze can be chilly. The inside was super cute but extremely quiet & my girlfriends & I had a lot to talk about. Service is extremely polite & professional. We came here for lunch & were not sure what to get from their menu. Our server suggested the off the menu burger which we all got. Burger & Fries: I customized mine with bleu cheese & it was tasty! Such a hearty meal that I had leftovers. It was my girlfriend's birthday & they gave her complimentary truffles, thank you! Valet is free. read more

Cannot recommend this restaurant enough. It feels cozy and tucked away. The service was amazing!! We went for our anniversary and they really treated us well. We even got a keepsake of the menu for that evening with a custom message to us! The food was fun and delicious!!! I loved the way the chef played with flavors and textures! The tempura quail dish was fantastic! Everything was delicious. We've been to quite a few nice restaurants in SD, but this is easily at the top of my list. I plan to come back many times. read more

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Forgot to add that 4 of us had the most delicious Sea Bass we had ever had. #5 had Chicken Under a Brick and was delighted with it. Thank you Chef. read more

A.R. Valentien - Bread Pudding - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I was out in Torrey Pines taking a hike and walked back to the Torrey Pines Lodge. I wanted a quick bite to eat so I decided to stop off at the A.R. Valentien. First, the A.R. Valentien is located in the Torrey Pines Lodge, but it is fairly easy to find. Once I was at hostess stand, I was seated on their exquisite outdoor patio, which came with a view of the pool and the golf course. Soon after being seated, our drink orders were taken, which was followed by our menus being dropped off. Eventually, Austin our waiter came over and took our appetizer orders. I went with the Caesar salad. Later, I ordered the chicken "under the brick" for my entree. The salad came out very fast and was beautifully plated. There were about four large wedges of lettuce that were drizzled with some dressing, shredded cheese and pepper. Even better than the presentation was the taste. The lettuce was fresh and the dressing went perfectly with it. Almost immediately after finishing our appetizers our entrees came out. My chicken under the plate was served hot and plated on top of some lentil beans and a tomato sauce. The chicken was moist and juicy while also being deboned making it is easy to eat. The skin, which was left on top added a crisp texture and of course some extra favor! I also tried some of the seared ahi tuna, which someone else in my party got. It was excellent! The tuna was fresh and was beautifully marinated bringing out a wonderful taste. I also enjoyed the seasoning on its sides. Finally, I got the chocolate torte at the end, which perfectly ended my meal. It came in two layers. One chocolate cake and the other chocolate mousse. They were both rich and flavorful, but their thickness really added two different textures and tastes. The hazelnuts, bourbon caramel sauce and of course the lightly burned bananas and banana ice cream. As I hinted before,the service here was superb. They paid attention to me at all times and met all my needs. Austin, Robert and Reuben were all fantastic. Also, get the tasty candies at the hostess stand! Altogether, the A.R. Valentien serves some of the best food in the San Diego area in beautiful Torrey Pines. read more

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A.R. Valentien isn't perfect, but it is reliably stellar. In a city with so few legit fine dining options, I'll take that. Let's start with the positives: Service is always excellent. It's located in a woody, luxurious resort and overlooks the 18th hole of the legendary Torrey Pines golf course. The food is pretty. Occasionally I'll order something sublime, something that convinces me that A.R. Valentien belongs in the same conversation as Addison as San Diego's best restaurant. And then I'll have a meal at Addison and realize how much of a stretch that is. Here's the thing: when I spend ungodly amounts of money at Addison, I feel I've gotten appropriate value for my splurge. When I part with far less cash for a meal at A.R. Valentien, I second guess myself, I groan over it, I shake my head when I pay my bill. I'm well-fed, and I've enjoyed my meal, but I start asking myself how many tacos I could have tried instead. My car needed an oil change. I could have gotten ten oil changes. My daughter wanted the Barbie Dream House for her birthday. I could have bought her a Barbie City. You get the point. And yet I'm back a few more times each year. It could be because of the "Liberty Duck Breast and Confit Leg," which is outstanding. "Duck 2-Ways" is one of my favorite dishes to assess the culinary competence of a kitchen, and this version has become a measuring stick for me. I ask myself when I have it elsewhere: Is the breast as tender and supple as it is here at A.R. Valentien? Is the thick skin crispy with delicious, rich subcutaneous fat underneath mingling with the juicy leg meat? Are the flavorings and seasonings as pitch-perfect? Let's be clear: you won't find this done much better than it is done at A.R. Valentien. Depending on my state of being, I could instead order the "Seared Sea Scallops." These are outstanding, plump diver scallops that taste as clean as the plate beneath them. The accompaniments change from season-to-season, with my favorite being the vinegar-spiked frisée and chorizo salad with roasted fingerling potatoes. The buttery golden brown surfaces are blistered with flavor that is both rich and intense. If I have any complaint, it's that three scallops of this size are not enough for a filling meal. Also, by way of the north Pacific Ocean, A.R. Valentien occasionally features a "Pernod-Braised Halibut," which is served bare on top of an arugula and fennel salad, rather than smothered in this or that. Sometimes you need to let the fish speak for itself, and when your sourcing is impeccable as it is here, it's an easy choice. The desserts I have had at A.R. Valentien are solid, from the contrasting textures of the "Chocolate Hazelnut Trifle" to the "Donuts," which are actually Hawai'ian-style malasadas. But Mrs. K and I prefer to order their "Cheese Plate," which is always satisfying, and consists of a sharp blue cheese, a funky soft cheese (such as camembert), and a piece of hard, nutty cheese with notes of caramel or butterscotch (like an aged gouda or comté). In all matters fromage, A.R. Valentien is superior to any other restaurant in San Diego. Long known as one of the top restaurants in southern California, A.R. Valentien is difficult to ignore. I've waited years to write this review, hoping that I'd have something absolutely mind-blowing here to evangelize, but it's not that kind of place. Think ambiance, service, décor, excellently-prepared (but not mood-altering) cuisine, and location, location, location. In other words, more than enough to enjoy a lovely dinner out. Food/Décor/Service: 4.2/4.6/4.6 What to Order: Liberty Duck Breast and Confit Leg, Seared Sea Scallops, Cheese Plate read more

I came here with a colleague for dinner during a conference and if I were to say that we were both dramatically underwhelmed, it would be the understatement of the year. We sat in the outside covered area, which had heat lamps around the patio (needed on this day in February). After a long wait--emphasis on long and wait--the waitress came over. She had been standing at the register for at least ten minutes and seemed to avoid our section of the restaurant. I ordered the sweet potato soup and Roasted Liberty Duck Breast & Confit Leg, and my colleague had a salad and the scallops entrée. The soup was certainly not bad but was altogether unremarkable in terms of flavor and texture, except that the mint was overpowering. I'm a fan of duck and had my mouth set on a nicely cooked duck leg, so I was sad when I found that the duck leg was overcooked. Quite overcooked, at that. The confit, in contrast, was oddly chewy. Womp womp, Mr. Valentien (although he made wonderful vases and paintings). The green lentils that accompanied the duck dish were quite nice, though. The salad and scallops triggered little more than an "ehh" from my colleague. From the time we got the initial bar menus to actually getting the dinner menus to having the food--which, might I add, was forgotten about by the back staff and required reminding--service was positively glacial, in addition to being highly impersonal at best. There were multiple times when the two of us would look at each other and swap estimates on how long before we would see a staff member. In the beginning, the restaurant was reasonably busy, but by less than halfway through the meal, we were two of only eight people in the whole place, and everything was still exceedingly slow. Asking for more water became a project. Ironically, each time we would locate and inquire with the waitress about the status of a(nother) course, the course would show up within 30 seconds of her appearing on the scene, even if it had been 30+ minutes in waiting. Strange. Despite the lackluster food itself and impartial, tortoise-like service, the patio is at least positioned nicely on the back of the Lodge with views to the ocean. However, view alone does not a good experience make (and it was also fairly dark outside when we visited). For the remaining three days of my conference, I hopped down to The Grill, which is more casual in vibe but offered consistently better service and more memorable dishes. This review is a 2.5 given the low cost-value of the restaurant, but I'm rounding up to three as a two seems harsh and having the backdrop of The Lodge itself is at least worth something. read more

A.R. Valentien - Lounge menu - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

A.R. Valentien embodies the laid-back elegance of the La Jolla lifestyle. This local gem perched on a prime spot of land on the cliffs above the famous Torrey Pines Golf course offers both great food and service. You will feel the enchantment from the moment you enter through the heavy wooden doors. The rustic charm of high-beam ceilings, comfortable leather booths, spacious redwood decks and classic architecture are reminiscent of days past. My favorite client invited me to a celebratory dinner after a successful project and he the selected a perfect restaurant. A lovely bartender, Julie made us a Manhattan to set up the festive spirit of the evening. We shared a snapper carpaccio which was thinly sliced and presented under a beautiful drift of microgreens in a delicate sauce to kick off our meal. For the next course, we split a rich risotto of jet black wild mushrooms which we enjoyed with house-made cornbread biscuits. This dish is perfect for sharing and really satisfied. My favorite course of the night was the scallops, my followers will understand this as I can never pass on scallops. Large U8-12 scallops are especially great with a nice crusty sear on them in brown broth and the chef cooked them to perfection. They were served with tender young broccolini and cauliflower flowers on the house. Our waiter recommended the cheese plate so we finished our meal with a plate of creamy and sharp cheese and fruits that was the perfect ending to a fantastic celebratory meal. Generous complimentary additions like amuse-bouche, a side of delicious vegetables and handmade passion fruit candy elevated dining experience to another level. We dined on the outdoor patio inside of a thick fog bank which only heightened our experience. I felt like I was floating in a cloud, elevated above the earth and in a heavenly place that I never wanted to leave. If you are looking for an outstanding meal served with a classic sophistication I would highly recommend A.R. Valentin. read more

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TLDR: Excellent food and service, well worth the price. Even before you enter, the restaurant graciously offers free parking in the hotel facility, unlike other properties that charge. We had a short wait for our table in a historic lounge. We were not pleased with our two top right in the middle of server traffic, but were soon moved to a more comfortable banquette. I started with a double charcuterie plate - the chicken liver pate and the short rib terrine. The silky pate is better than your Aunt Sylvia's chopped liver, the short rib terrine was a bit more subtle and reminiscent of one I ate in rural Normandy. Daniel Boulud sometimes offers a similar one at his market in Lincoln Plaza - A.R.'s is a bit less vegetal. La Portena plumped for a sort of custard of parsnip, creamy and delicate. Every bit as good as the charcuterie. For some reason, the bread guy skipped us and we had to ask. Do not omit les pains, they are excellent. The biscuit is the best of a great lot. We moved onto the main course. I had the duck and confit leg. The duck was perfectly cooked, the breast being closer to medium than medium rare and was all the better for it. It came with a sort of spaetzle. When my wife's rack of lamb arrived, she must have given it the side eye - it was full on rare, rather than medium rare as requested. Still she accepted it. The maitre d' (Humberto?) must have spotted her expression, as he swiftly gathered it up, took it back to the kitchen for a correction, and returned with so quickly the pace of our meal was not interrupted. One of the most extraordinary, well executed, and professional gestures from FOH staff in my experience. She greatly enjoyed the results. Humberto also comped her a second glass of wine. I believe the lamb came with squash. Not realizing that each plate was enough food, I had also plumped for the beets with pistachio butter. These arrived in a portion that would have fed four. They were delicious but unnecessary. They are a little sweet and if you're a Brit you'd call them a pudding. My Negroni was spot on, and not over priced at $15. La Portena's Quintessa Illumination sauvignon blanc was a cut above the usual wine by the glass. Unfortunately, I don't have a handle on the glass of pinot noir I enjoyed with the duck. We were too full for dessert. My well made double espresso was accompanied by petit sweets, not to worry. Go here..... read more

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Easily the best food and service in San Diego County since the old Prince of Wales Grill was replaced in the Hotel del Coronado. Be sure to call way ahead for reservations. Come at 5:00 pm for the sunset view. read more

We had a wonderful dining experience here. The ravioli appetizer and ribeye entree were to die for (5/5). I believe it was one of the best ribeye's I've ever had. The rosemary biscuits are heavenly (5/5)! The shrimp appetizer (3.75) was alright, and the halibut was delicious (4/5), The service was fantastic and we also loved the old rustic feel of this place. read more

Food was okay. I started with the duck pate which I didn't like. They comped this for me. I had the scallops which were soft and buttery but a little over salted. I had the Tres Leches for dessert which was okay. Their service was excellent and for me they had a great quiet ambience. They were a 3.5 for me read more

The food and the setting are exceptional. The building was inspired by the celebrated Gamble House, in Pasadena, designed by the Greene brothers. It's marvelous. My fish (a Japanese name which, unfortunately, I don't remember) and the accompanying side dishes were outstanding. My companion's pasta was outstanding. The gateau Basque was very good. The soup--a creamy, potato-like soup--was tasteless. The service could have been better. When we made our reservation, we specified that it was our anniversary and we wanted a window seat. The staff apparently hadn't seen this information. Other restaurants take anniversaries seriously. One of our coffee cups had a crack in it: this makes a bad impression. read more

Went to ARs for an anniversary dinner and had a wonderful dinner. Had an early reservation so the sun was still shining over the golf course and we really enjoyed the view. Took our own bottle of wine and the somm was great about decanting our wine and we had a great chat about wine and our favorite wine regions. Maria was our server and she was delightful and made sure everything came out right. Food was delicious across all three courses. Looking forward to our next visit!! read more

Amazing food! Perfect spot for a date night. Highly recommend it. My wife and I will definitely be back!

It was lovely! The Food, ambiance and service were outstanding and the grounds add to the overall experience . read more

If you dine outside the views alone make it worth your while but often times a restaurant with a nice view lacks in service and or food. Not this place. We brought our 4 year old and 1 year old and they were accommodating and friendly. There's a comfy waiting area when waiting to be seated with soothing live music being performed. Great experience read more

Overall, there was nothing spectacular or memorable about this restaurant that would make me pay this price or come here again. I wanted to like this place given the location and Yelp rating but it's no more than 2 stars at best. Came here for breakfast on a Saturday morning around 10am. There was maybe 5 tables filled, that should have been a sign already. We ordered the eggs and potatoes with a side of chicken apple sausage and the smoked salmon eggs Benedict. Very mediocre- potatoes could have been crispier and the tomato for garnish(?) could have been actually roasted instead of roasted on the outside, raw on the inside. The chicken apple sausage could have also gotten a better sear on it, they were flimsy when they were served. Great ambiance and view, but the food and service did not justify the price. read more

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful. It has one of the most stunning views and a very romantic atmosphere with live music. The service is great as well. However, the food is very average. Here is what I tried: 1. Quail appetizer- 3/5 2. Tuna crisp- 5/5 the best dish of the night 3. Scallops entree-3/5 and it took forever to come 4. Strawberry pannacota- 2/5. The dill was overpowering and did not compliment the other flavors. The pannacota was too set and the white chocolate disk on top too thick to crumble. The menu is very small and does not contain the "go tos" such as steak and seared ahi. Overall a nice restaurant with a gorgeous view but probably won't be back because of the food. read more