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    C Level

    4.3 (5.6k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    C Level Photos

    C LEVEL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - C Level

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    Reviews With Photos

    Complimentary for our Anniversary
    Cezar S.

    Check in staffs was nice with a welcoming attitude. Our server needs some energy and enthusiasm. SURCHARGE IS INCLUDED ON THE BILL TO "COVER RISING COST". RIDICULOUS! Food was great. Just took more than 30-35 minutes to serve the main dish. Appetizers were served in about 5 minutes. Crispy Calamari was one of the best we've had. Crispy with a balsamic like dipping sauce. Ahi Tuna & Salmon Poke was delicious as well. Everything was fresh! Seafood Fettuccine was great as well; it's just that the mussels were on the smaller side, as if it was a peanut size. The place was nice and cozy, especially its location by the bay. Been here years ago with better experience. Will avoid ordering their old fashioned, might be the worse one I've ever had. Will order another cocktail next time. Overall, it's a great place to celebrate any special occasion. We were here for our 10 year anniversary.

    Amazing views!
    Greg R.

    Incredible views. If you can get a reservation for sunset; you won't be disappointed! The food is amazing and the staff are nice. One thing they can work on: We knew from a previous visit that they have an extensive wine list on an iPad. We asked our server for the wine list and she said it was on the menu. Then we asked for the "secret" list. She seemed to reluctantly bring out the iPad . We bought two $500 bottles that the manager graciously spent some time locating. It paid off for C level to spend some time and bring the secret wine list lol.

    lobster mac 'n cheese
    Mara K.

    First time here! We came to celebrate a bachelorette in San Diego and wanted to eat at a restaurant with an ocean view! The view did not disappoint. Building is joined with another restaurant. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Menu has a lot of variety. Portions are big and can be split if you're not a big eater. We ordered to share and took back leftovers. All are pretty yummy and has flavor! Even the salad was delicious! Drinks are good. Presentation can be a bit better but decent overall. Definitely recommend and will go back when in town.

    Located next to the water
    Andrea V.

    Very disappointed with the service and overall experiences here. I've been here multiple times and the service every time has been lacking. The food has been average, the prices are on the high end, the service is slow, parking is $10, and the only highlight was the view. There are a few free parking stalls available. However, they close off a majority of the parking lot for the $10 valet. It was annoying, because the parking lot was half empty, but roped off for paid parking. We had reservations, but still had to wait some time. The restaurant is by the harbor and has a beautiful view. We were seated outside and had a view of the harbor. We had whiffs of sewage throughout dinner, and it was unknown if that was from the harbor or some busted pipe somewhere. There is a 25% gratuity added to groups 6 or more. Which isn't a problem, however, we rarely were checked on. We had to flag them down if something was needed and would wait long periods of time to be helped. The food was alright, nothing memorable, and the portions were small for the price. Overall I have never been impressed with this place. Out of the many times I've eaten here, I have left disappointed. If you're looking for a view, go somewhere else.

    cabrillo cooler | tiktok & insta: @trinhiesworld
    Trinh T.

    Food: Lobster & Fontina BLT (7/10): Surprisingly creamy and comes with its own sauce. It's loaded and a great portion. The lobster tasted more like imitation lobster than fresh lobster. Lobster Mac 'n Cheese with side salad (7.5/10): Really cheesy, creamy, and served hot in a skillet with chunks of lobster throughout. The apple walnut side salad was pretty good too. C Level Wagyu Burger with truffle fries (7/10): A pretty decent, average burger. You can choose your own cheese and how your meat is cooked. The truffle fries had the perfect crisp to potato ratio and a generous amount of parmesan. Ricotta, Pesto & Spinach Lasagna (8/10): A unique mix of flavors with artichoke pieces and a noticeable pesto taste. It was cheesy, creamy, and served hot in a skillet. The leafy floral garnish also made the presentation really pretty. Crispy Calamari (7.5/10): The coating was more flaky than crunchy. It tasted like it was fried in coconut oil because it had a light coconut flavor. The sweet and sour sauce paired well with it, but it was on the saltier side. Cabrillo Cooler (8.5/10): Refreshing, fruity, not overly sweet, and the alcohol wasn't overpoweringI found it enjoyable Service: I added a note to my mom's birthday reservation a week in advance asking for a table by the water, but as expected it was really busy. When we arrived, we ended up getting seated in a booth toward the back, so getting a waterfront table is definitely hit or miss. I hope to experience it one day! The staff were really nice, friendly, funny, attentive, and conversational. Ambiance: The outdoor seating is bright and beautiful during the day. If you're seated inside, the large windows let in natural light. Overall, it has a relaxing, laid back nice restaurant vibe.

    Chicken Pot Stickers
    Eid F.

    I was expecting it to be nice but didn't expect it to be perfect! Great Job!! Amazing dinner at sunset!! The views of the bay are unmatched. From sunset over Point Loma to the city lighting up at night... not a bad seat in the house. Service was equally amazing. Never an empty drink or plate at the table... from when we sat at the bar until the check came at the end of the meal at our table. I felt pampered. The food... wow. We had a ton of apps and everyone cleaned off their entree plates. It actually got quiet at our table as everyone focused on their delicious meal. The vibe was so chill and relaxing. Great place for a business dinner, romantic meal, or family gathering. I would 100% recommend and return.

    French Dip
    Donald G.

    Great lunch today at C Level. Carla was our server. She was friendly and efficient. We started with the chicken potstickers and French onion soup. Both were good. I had the French Dip. It wasn't me if the best in town, the meat was flavorful and tasty. The fries were hot, crispy and tasty. The skirts on Fire salad as good, the steak spicy. Free parking is available during the day and valet for $10 in the evening.

    Bryn S.

    View= incredible Food= artichoke were fantastic Ceviche was fantastic My main lobster sandwich was okay- i am open to trying a different main dish next time im there

    Michelle M.

    C level will always be one of my favorite restaurants to celebrate occasions. - Amazing views of the San Diego skyline - Delicious Food -Great service! - fancy enough for all types of groups The location is the number one place why I love this place. You get the San Diego vibe all the while treating yourself to a delicious meal. Note: If you have a long layover in sd. Definitely try this place! It's across the SAN airport.

    Complimentary birthday cake
    Abby D.

    I've been coming here for years and it's honestly my favorite waterfront restaurant in San Diego for dinner with a view. My new birthday tradition is treating myself to a solo birthday dinner here during golden hour and watching the boats and jet skis go by with the San Diego skyline in the background. The ceviche verde is delicious and has just the right amount of spice. For my birthday I got the complimentary strawberry shortcake which was light and not overly sweet. The manager even came over to wish me a happy birthday which was such a thoughtful touch. I had such a nice evening. If you're looking for a great date night, birthday dinner, or even a peaceful solo dinner with beautiful bay views, I'd definitely recommend this spot. A couple tips: Try to make a reservation for a table outside. They have outdoor heaters but I always try to bring a jacket just in case I get cold. Also I would recommend booking for about an hour before sunset although there really isn't a bad time to go. Yesterday when I went, it was a Sunday night so it was fairly busy. One thing to keep in mind is that the parking lot is pretty small, so I'd give yourself a little extra time in case you need to find parking nearby. They also have valet for $10 if that's easier.

    Outdoor seating view
    Steven T.

    The wait staff was very courteous and rapid. My water was constantly being filled! The skyline view from the outdoor seating area is probably the best view I've had in a restaurant in San Diego. I especially love the sight of the Coronado Bridge. Absolutely aesthetic! For my order, I had the Lobster Bisque and C Level Wagyu Burger. The Lobster Bisque was tasty but I had expected a stronger lobster flavor. I had the lobster bisque at its sister restaurant Island Prime a long time ago and remember the lobster flavor being punchier. As for the burger, you can taste quality in the patty. However, the burger could have used more seasoning. The bacon was delicious--as were the included Parmesan fries which were perfect in texture. This restaurant encompasses beautiful views of the Downtown skyline. While I enjoyed my experience and the food was pretty decent, I was left wanting a little more in the flavors of my food.

    Desserts
    Taura G.

    OMG! As I stated before, I love to have a dining experience where I know it's gonna be excellent every time. We came here for lunch and I am so happy that we did. C-Level never disappoints. We were seated right away after about a five minute wait. I did have a reservation on OpenTable but when we got there, there were several challenges I believe in the seating area. Once we were seated, I noticed Chef Deborah walking around. She was greeting customers and being her very friendly and professional self. I was so impressed. We ordered.: Tempura Artichoke Appetizer, Fish and Chips, and a Chicken Caesar Salad. Everything was DELICIOUS! It was also awesome because Chef Deborah came by to greet us and talk to us and I had a chance to express how much I really like her Casa Gabriella restaurant in La Mesa. I told her how I have been a fan of her restaurants for a long time and I absolutely miss Bo Beau that used to be in Hillcrest, and then Ocean Beach. She updated me that it is now located in Long Beach, which is still good to know. Being able to dine and speak with the actual executive chef of this brand was awesome. Thank you, CRG for providing a wonderful lunch experience and for your consistency and delivering an excellent dining experience. I advise that people join their CRG Dining Loyalty Rewards.

    Annie B.

    Jessie was phenomenal server today very attentive with my group today. A beautiful view omg l could've stayed there all day. The food was so yummy with great presentation very yummy and made to order. When in San Diego l recommend and will return soon...

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    1 day ago

    You tell me! Fix cocktails according to recipe. Or just have wine. Watered down martini not correct for what they charge!

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    Page 1 of 140

    C Level Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - C Level

    Do they allow diners to split entrees? Is so, is there an extra charge?

    Yes split. No on extra charge

    What time is their happy hour?

    3:30-5:30 Mon-Fri

    Is the parking free?

    Yes there's free parking

    Is C like the letter or does it mean something?

    I'm guessing it's another way of saying "sea level" :-)

    Is there a menu for children?

    Yes it has filet mignon 4oz, grilled chicken breast, grilled cheese, grilled salmon, cheeseburger sliders on it. All come with fresh french fries and vegetables .

    Is there happy hour on Sundays?

    As long as your happy

    What time does the menu change from lunch to dinner?

    It's the same menus for lunch or dinner!

    Hi! Do you take reservations for outdoor seating with a bay view? And is there a dress code for dinner?

    I don't sorry

    Do you have happy hour?

    Yes

    Are dogs welcome on the patio?

    I don't think so. I didn't see any but I also wasn't looking for any. Sorry we were celebrating Christmas on the boss and getting gifts 😞

    Do you sell gift cards so that I can give them to my son as a birthday gift?

    C Level is part of Cohn Restaurant Group (CRG) and accepts CRG Gift Cards. Go to https://www.dinecrg.com/gift-cards/ for more information and to buy Gift Cards. Sometimes during the year, Costco locally offer CRG Gift Cards, typically at a 20%… 

    Are walk-ins welcome or is it reservation only?

    Both

    Are you open Thanksgiving?

    I am not

    Do you have other menu option besides anything containing seafood or salad? All I see on the menu is seafood but no other options aside from chicken salad?

    Hi Carlos, Thank you for reaching out! We have a very wide variety of non seafood options. Some of… 

    Do you guys do takeout?

    I don't

    I've only read about the seating outside. Is there inside seating as well?

    Yes there is seating inside.

    Is the warm spinach salad available at dinner?

    Hi Candice, Unfortunately our warm spinach salad is only available during our lunch service.… 

    Do you offer a daily kids menu. I see it only posted for special events?

    Hi Carlos, thank you for reaching out. We do offer a kids menu at all times, not just for special events. Hope to see you soon!

    What is the current corkage fee?

    10 bucks

    How to make a reservation online?

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    Born & Raised - Chicken - great idea but the sauce was way too salty

    Born & Raised

    4.1(3.5k reviews)
    1.2 miLittle Italy
    $$$$

    Came here as our celebratory dinner before college starts and it did not disappoint!…read more Beautiful classic old school steakhouse interior with classic booths, dark lighting and stunning decor! We were seated quickly and our service was impeccable all evening! Began with some cocktails and their bread and butter service which was perhaps the best anywhere! Warm, soft Parker house roll that was simply perfect, served with garlic butter. For appetizers we had the best crudo we have ever had! It was absolutely perfect with the freshest fish and perfect dressing, we also enjoyed the Uni spaghetti which I loved and I am not the biggest pasta fan and the farmers market fruit salad. I don't eat meat which was fine as they had a pretty spectacular sea bass topped with caviar and served with mint and peas. My husband and daughter enjoyed their steaks with sides of broccolini and a caviar topped hash brown! Though I love dessert, we were simply too full to move. We walked off our dinner having had a spectacular meal! This, so far, is my best meal of 2026!!

    Love using the reservation app and arrived on time but had to wait a good seven minutes before we…read morewere seated. I have old eyes, and it was pretty dark in there. My daughter had to read the menu and receipt for me, because I'm too embarrassed to turn on my cellphone light just to read. LOL! Other than that, the interior was entertaining, the food was as expected, we got our steak about five minutes before we got the side dishes, so, I preferred to wait for that. It would have been more ideal to have the side dishes before the steak so, the dining experience could be more pleasant. That's a personal preference, my daughter didn't mind it al all. Overall a very good experience. Warnings about parking was stressed well enough. There was a line of customers after we dined. It looks like a very popular dining spot. Four stars for me.

    Photos
    Born & Raised - View from our table

    View from our table

    Born & Raised - Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

    Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

    Born & Raised - Steak sampler

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    Steak sampler

    Moe's - Filet

    Moe's

    4.4(401 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    Great food, great happy hour/social hour…read more The service was friendly, prompt and attentive!

    Moe's is one of our favorites when we visit San Diego. Mission Beach is our happy place and Moe's…read moreis a big part of that beach community. The cocktails, service and food is all really solid but my favorite thing is the old school feel of the design. It's dark, warm and has a nostalgic Rat Pack vibe. We love the black and white photos throughout. Nothing better than meatball Mondays when they serve insanely good meatballs and homemade Bucatini pasta (pic 12). What better to accompany that deliciousness than some signature cocktails. Some of the fam loved the "Fields of Italy." (Pic 3) It's a fresh, crispy champagne cocktail made with vodka, Aperol, St. Germain, strawberry/basil jam, lemon and prosecco. It was perfect for a summer day. I had one of my favs that has been on the menu for a while now called "Party with Elvis." (Pic 5) It starts out like a boss with walnut-infused bourbon, Montenegro (Italian Amaro), tiki bitters, orange bitters and an orange garnish. It's exceptional!!! The last cocktail in the rotation was a traditional Manhattan that always goes perfect with a plate of Italian love (pic 13). It's always classic and the Moe's staff captures it perfectly with Basil Hayden bourbon, Antica sweet vermouth and angostura bitters. If you haven't been to Moe's, you should make the effort because they never disappoint. It's easy to find bright, fancy joints throughout San Diego, but they're an elevated old school gem that's hard to find. Salute @thejohnnycocktail Fields of Italy Vodka Aperol St. Germain Strawberry/basil jam Lemon Prosecco Party with Elvis Walnut-infused Bourbon Montenegro Sweet Vermouth Tiki Bitters Orange Bitters Orange Garnish

    Photos
    Moe's - Beautiful decor

    Beautiful decor

    Moe's - Caesar (no croutons)

    Caesar (no croutons)

    Moe's - Manhattan

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    Manhattan

    Rare Society - Associate board

    Rare Society

    4.2(697 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$$

    Came here with friends for dinner…read more I started with one of their signature cocktails, the Hot streak, blanco tequila, dried pineapple, lime, jalapeño and basil. Basically a spicy pineapple margarita, it was delicious, the pineapple stood out and so did the spiciness of the Jalapeño. It was both sweet and spicy. Got the Hamachi crudo which came with curry aioli, pickled pineapple, peanut crunch, yuzu and Serrano peppers. It was ok, pretty standard hamachi sashimi in a ponzu type sauce. The Hamachi was tender and the sauce flavorful but not so different than any other you've had. Shrimp Cocktail came on a bed of ice and nicely cooked. Firm and sweet. Dusted with old bay and came with lemon and cocktail sauce. Oysters on the half shell also came on a bed of ice. They were fresh and briny. There were two types; east and west coast they were notably different. One was more briny than the other, I cant remember which. It came with mignonette, horseradish, hot sauce and lemon. I only needed lemon. they were fresh and went down easy! It's listed as Bacon on the menu but it is the furthest thing from bacon. It's basically a slow cooked tender pork belly sliced to about 3/4" then glazed with a soy/gochujang sauce under the broiler and topped with chives. Super tender and tasty with a little heat from the gochujang. A definite must! BBQ dry aged meat balls: A mixture of pork and beef, I thought were good but not as special as the Bacon. They were meaty and flavorful but I think if you're getting a steak you can get your meat fix there. The Parker house rolls were amazing! They came in a cast iron skillet topped with truffle butter and herbs, They were so soft and airy and the truffle butter was so good. Im not usually a fan of truffle butter, it's often too strong a flavor but somehow this was very good and balanced. Caesar salad, says comes with "a lot of pecorino" man they weren't kidding! It was covered in cheese! I liked the crispy romaine lettuce, cheese, and croutons, it came with a fried anchovy which I didn't really care for. It was a nice touch and very different but I guess im not a fan of straight up anchovies, I prefer them mixed into a sauce where they just add saltines and flavor. I guess if I took a small bite with each bite of salad. I got the 16 oz cedar river prime ribeye. It was super tender and cooked to perfect medium. We got a bunch of sauces but they were not necessary. My friends loved the creamy horseradish, I think it just covers up the steak. I feel like most places under temp there steaks these days. USDA medium rare is 130º which is a pink center, most places go by sight or feel which is a red center. So I always go with medium which is think is actually 130º (USDA medium rare). For sides we shared Shell Mac, which was very cheesy and gooey! Excellent granted that I don't usually like Mac and cheese. Whipped potatoes were very smooth. too smooth for me in fact, but my friends liked it a lot. Truffled creamed spinach again very smooth and creamy and I loved the truffled flavor which I usually don't like. Maybe they use actual truffles or truffle powder rather than truffle oil. IDK but it's unusual for me to like truffled items. For dessert we got the butter cake and brookie tart. The butter cake came topped with sourcream ice cream, the cake was soft and buttery and ice cream was smooth and creamy. I preferred the brookie tart, the chocolate cookie/brownie had a nice crunch and a good chocolate flavor. The chocolate ice cream further enhanced the chocolate flavor while adding a nice contrast in texture. if you like vanilla then go for the butter cake if you like chocolate go for the brookie tart. Rare Society is a smaller steak house, run by the Trust group and chef Brad Wise. Service was great, very attentive. There is no private lot but I easily found parking on the street on a week night. The standouts were the Bacon, Parker house rolls, steak, shell Mac, truffled creamed spinach. and brookie tart. I'd highly recommend reservations.

    Got the Caesar salad, Parker house rolls, carrots and fettuccine Alfredo. All were delicious…read more Didn't get steak this time and this location but I've had at the Solana beach one and it's good. Also the Chardonnay they have here right now is probably the best one I've ever had. Super light and crisp. All the wait staff was lovely. And parking is all street parking and that can be tricky in this area so just know that.

    Photos
    Rare Society - Restroom

    Restroom

    Rare Society - Parker house rolls

    Parker house rolls

    Rare Society - View of the inside dining from the entrance.

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    View of the inside dining from the entrance.

    Cowboy Star - C - Star Signature Steak Tartare

    Cowboy Star

    4.3(2.4k reviews)
    2.1 miEast Village
    $$$$

    Cowboy star had good eats and my favorite drink during my bar hopping day in San Diego…read more We came during happy hour so they didn't have the full menu sadly, but I will definitely be back for that. We ordered the New York steak frites and two drinks. The steak was a tad overcooked for medium rare but still so flavorful and juicy! The fries it came with were amazing as well, they reminded me of McDonald's fried but on crack. Steak is always good but the Lost Cowboy cocktail was the star of the show. The red wine float on top really made the flavor and vibe of the drink insane. We also got the Angie's painkiller, which was good but the Lost Cowboy was definitely the better drink.

    **Cowboy Star -- Yeehaw for Happy Hour! **…read more I absolutely LOVE Cowboy Star, and in my humble (but clearly correct ) opinion, **the happy hour is the best in town.** Great food, great drinks, great people, and enough temptation on the menu to make "I'm just stopping in for one" a hilarious lie. This is an easy **5-star ** for me. I especially have to give a shout-out to **Cassandra, Kaleb, Victor, and the whole crew**--they always make the experience even better. They know how to make you feel welcome, and that goes a long way. Now, if I could make one tiny suggestion to my fellow patrons: **the restaurant could use a dress code.** I'm all for casual, but wife-beaters and cutoff Daisy Dukes on some of the customers aren't exactly doing Cowboy Star any favors. There's "Western chic," and then there's "I just escaped from mowing the lawn at a trailer park." But hey, the food is fantastic, the happy hour is fabulous, and the staff is terrific. So saddle up and go. **Cowboy Star gets five stars from this cowgirl!**

    Photos
    Cowboy Star - Chef's Counter

    Chef's Counter

    Cowboy Star - Potato Skins

    Potato Skins

    Cowboy Star - Inside

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    Inside

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen - Skirt Steak with a Red Bell Pepper Chimichurri Sauce and Mixed Organic Vegetables

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen

    4.7(284 reviews)
    3.4 miSouth Park, North Park
    Family-owned & operated
    Established in 2023

    This is probably the longest overdue review I have ever written, but at this point, not writing it…read morealmost feels selfish because I would very much like to always be able to get a table here. But alas, Carbon Angela's Kitchen deserves every flower, every reservation, every "you have to try this place" text thread, and every bit of love. This place has become one of my absolute favorite hidden gems in San Diego. Easily top five for me, and as someone who dines out a lot for a living, that is not a casual statement. There are places you like, places you recommend, and then there are places that start to feel woven into your actual life. Carbon Angela's Kitchen is that for me. Angela is truly the heart of this place. She has this way of making you feel like you are not just coming in for dinner, but being welcomed into something she deeply cares about. And Emanuele is absolutely part of that magic too. Together, they have built something that feels warm, generous, soulful, and so special. They feel like long-lost friends and family now, and I am honestly just so proud of them and all they are creating. The food is the kind that makes you want to order with the whole table in mind. The griglia mista is hands down one of the best investments you can make if you are dining with a group. It is the meat platter, it is the moment, and it is absolutely worth ordering. Four to five people can split it, especially if you are also doing appetizers, salad, wine, and a few extra things for the table. It is such a perfect nod to what Carbon was before Angela took over, when the space leaned more BBQ, but now it feels beautifully married with Angela's warmth, Italian influence, and the kind of hospitality that makes the whole meal feel like an experience. And please do not sleep on the rest of the menu. The short rib is fire. The arancino trio is always a yes. The eggplant croquette? Obsessed. The crespelle? So good. The Everything Salad is my favorite salad on the menu, and the street corn should never, under any circumstances, be skipped. I said what I said. The wine selection is top tier, the appetizers are memorable, and the whole place has that rare magic of feeling cozy, intentional, and completely unpretentious. You can come for a low-key dinner, a girls' night, a celebration, or one of those "we just need a really good meal and a really good glass of wine" kind of evenings. And the back patio? Perfect for an evening under twinkling lights. It is one of those spaces that just begs for a long table, good conversation, clinking glasses, and the kind of night that accidentally turns into a core memory. They also have catering menus available, which is very important information to keep in your back pocket if you are hosting anything soon. What Angela has built is honestly something to behold. One of the hardest-working restaurateurs doing the dang thing in a city like San Diego, and now opening Bedda across the way too? I am in awe and wonder watching it all unfold. It takes so much courage, grit, taste, excellence, and heart to build what they are building, and you can feel all of it in the room. Carbon Angela's Kitchen is a true labor of love, a hidden gem, and one of those places I will keep cheering for again and again. Go hungry. Order the griglia mista. Get the Everything Salad. Do not skip the street corn. Share Share Share, so you can try a little bit of everything and do a tried and true family style meal, you won't regret it.

    Food is Delicious! Service and attention was sound. Ambiance is quaint since it's in South Park. I…read moredon't recommend the $21 Bone Marrow. Not worth the price. Spend that money on another dish. The BAD: you will dine and fight your meal with FLIES! The owner sons' excuse was because "it's summer", lol...I said maybe it's because the Trash is around the corner from your restaurant.

    Photos
    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen - Arugula Salad

    Arugula Salad

    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen
    Carbon Angela’s Kitchen

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    The Amalfi Llama - Truffle & Mushrooms Pizza. The light truffle flavor combined with tender mushrooms & indulgently rich cheese exceeded expectations.

    The Amalfi Llama

    4.3(827 reviews)
    10.3 miUniversity City
    $$$

    The food, cocktails, ambience and service was amazing! We had a girls night dinner and our server…read moreIrey was so attentive and perfect. I had some cocktails and the filet mignon. We had the crab cake as well! The Focaccia was delicious. I will definitely be back to try more things.

    Food: To start we tried the burrata, calamari, and shrimp. The Burrata was Kat's favorite…read more Refreshing and light on the palate. The bread serving was a perfect ratio to the burrata and tomatoes. The calamari was Jack's favorite. The fry was perfect and the 2 sauces provided were great pairs. Overall, very fresh. No notes here. Would definitely order again. Lastly, the shrimp came in a respectable portion. Slightly tough on the cook, but there was a rich flavor in the sauce. For the entree, we tried the rigatoni bolognese. Lovely flavor overall however, the sauce was slightly thin making it hard to pick up. Pasta itself was a perfect al dente. Drinks were good but we'd really like to highlight Amelia's Carajillo. She introduced the drink to us and we are definitely a fan. Tony, the manager, was incredibly personable. He approached our table many times with great conversation and energy. He truly cares about the experience of his guests. When we asked what his favorite dessert was, he recommended the flourless chocolate cake. It's very rich and dense so he said it would be best enjoyed with a bit of vanilla gelato in every scoop. He was right and we savored every bite. Ultimately, Almalfi Llama is a wonderful place for a late date night dinner. The ambiance is sophisticated and energetic. The live music from Erin Ross and the kind staff really added to the experience. We will be returning!

    Photos
    The Amalfi Llama - Dining area.

    Dining area.

    The Amalfi Llama - Truffle & Mushroom Flatbread. Love the mushrooms and truffle flavor. Cheese is rich and obviously delicious.

    Truffle & Mushroom Flatbread. Love the mushrooms and truffle flavor. Cheese is rich and obviously delicious.

    The Amalfi Llama - Short Rib Empanada

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    Short Rib Empanada

    Cardellino - Carrot cake

    Cardellino

    4.3(580 reviews)
    2.1 miMission Hills
    $$$

    From the moment we walked in, Jeffrey, the manager, greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome. The…read morerestaurant had a warm, inviting atmosphere, and we were seated promptly and given a great rundown of the menu and specials. The dim lighting was perfect and really set the mood for a great date night with my wife. Now, the food--we ordered A LOT, and nothing missed! We started with the lollipop lamb chops. Absolutely amazing! If my wife and I were at home, we would've been chewing the bones! The tuna tartare was light and fresh, with the perfect hint of citrus and salt. For the main course, my wife had the rib, which was cooked and seasoned to perfection. I had the tortellino. The portion was on the smaller side, but honestly, it was perfect because we ordered so much food. And that sauce? I wanted to drink it! For sides, we had the potatoes, greens, and polenta--all delicious. The sauces were so good that we had to order bread just to make sure none of it went to waste. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and outstanding food. Jeffrey and the team made it a memorable date night. Definitely a place we'll be talking about--and coming back to!

    We ordered the 38 oz Bistecca Fiorentina $125 and requested it medium. Unfortunately, it came out ,…read moremed rare which was not how we ordered it. We decided not to send it back because, at that point, it felt like doing so would take away even more from our evening. For a steak at that price point, though, I do feel it should be cooked to the temperature requested. That's one of those details that really matters when ordering an expensive cut of meat. The other disappointment was our table. Since it was our anniversary, we were hoping for a nicer, more comfortable spot, but we were seated at what felt like one of the worst tables in the restaurant. We were facing a wall, with people constantly walking behind us, and the alternative direction would have had us facing the backs of people sitting at the bar. It just didn't feel like a special anniversary setting. The drinks were good, although nothing particularly memorable. On the positive side, our service was attentive and the staff was pleasant, which we definitely appreciated. Overall, I think there is potential for a great experience here, but for a $125 steak and an anniversary dinner, we expected a little more. Unfortunately, the food and seating situation didn't quite live up to what we were hoping for.

    Photos
    Cardellino - Calamari

    Calamari

    Cardellino - Lamb lollipop

    Lamb lollipop

    Cardellino - Dining Room

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    Dining Room

    C Level - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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