Carruth Cellars

I wish I had photos. I used to order a cheese board for pickup in the afternoon and walk over to…read morethe park nearby and enjoy the sunshine and eat delicious cheese. Their charcuterie boxes are phenomenal- so well thought out, and everything was always delicious with lots of little add ins like pickles, nuts, flowers, dried fruits, jams, etc. They were very responsive and attentive to dietary preferences. 11/10 love love love I think about them all the time.

Venissimo is a niche micro shop that offers a nice variety of various cheese globally. It's just…read morestanding room to browse and order. There's usually parking in the lot behind the shop. The staff are friendly and helpful. There's french cheeses with truffles and creamy Italian cheese and lots of other stuff to create your own charcuterie board. If you love cheese, you'll like a visit at Venissimo. Recommend

Vlaskas from Holland won gold awards and is best tasting Gouda, so I purchased it, only the best for my palate

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Cinque Plate cwd

Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant

4.8(726 reviews)

2.9 mi•Little Italy

Our second time here, first review. Both times 10 stars. The food is fantastic, clearly. I can't…read moreadd much more in that area that hasn't already been shared. What I would like to emphasize is the professionalism of the inner workings of this restaurant, the behind-the-scenes efforts that truly make it a 'next level' venue. Some places hit near perfect on food, or on service, or on ambience / cleanliness. Vinarius is a unicorn, a trifecta hitting all three. From the moment you enter, the staff's enthusiasm to have you as a guest is evident. The warmth, their inflection - so intentional, so genuine, so wonderful. From welcoming you from the curb through settling your account. The staff has multiple eyes on plates as they enter the chef's window, the constant and subtle movement on the floor means you can request something at ANYTIME without filling rushed or bothered. The intimate design and layout are authentic and create a peaceful yet exciting experience. In closing, Classic Expressos to begin, vast and wonderful wine selection, Fettuccine Alfredo with salmon, Pollo al Marsala and the Tiramisu to close out could NOT have been better. If I knew the names of the entire staff, I'd call them all out - as they truly function as a world series level team. But of note, Jacob - thank you for making our night extra special and taking such great care of us. Vinarius = as good as it gets. See you soon.

A hidden gem, for sure! The food here is amazing and the service is even better! Paula behind the…read morebar is incredible and she's always giving the best recommendations both with food and wine! Absolutely love coming here and can't wait be back!

Atmosphere

Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant - $40 Apericena special:
-Flatbread Margherita
-Frittura Mista
-Sicilian Meatballs
-Crostini Bread
-2 Drinks of Choice (wine or spritz)

$40 Apericena special: -Flatbread Margherita -Frittura Mista -Sicilian Meatballs -Crostini Bread -2 Drinks of Choice (wine or spritz)

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Old Fashion

Venissimo Cheese - North Park

4.5(102 reviews)

4.9 mi•North Park

Stunning. Only in San Diego do you find a passionate cheese shop inside a passionate beer shop…read more (Inside Bottlecraft beer) Amazing craft beer. And a cheese shop with over 50 common and exotic cheeses. You pick how many cheeses you want and the build a tasting tray for you. So delicious and beautiful.

We had the pleasure of Venissimo create a cheese wonderland at our home for my daughter's wedding…read more It was so lovely to look at and delicious to devour! All the guests loved this charcuterie! Highly recommend this business if you want something special. Thank you guys for making the day memorable.

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Assenti's Pasta

4.7(253 reviews)

2.7 mi•Little Italy

Of course, when in town, Assenti's is a must-visit! We love their customer service and the…read moreattention to detail, everything is made fresh, and the pasta is top-notch. This family-owned spot has been a staple in the community forever, and for good reason. Their authentic Italian dishes are consistently delicious. The owner and staff truly care about their craft, and it shows in every bite. Whether you're craving fresh pasta, gnocchi or something more adventurous, like their house-made sauces(Puttanesca, my fav), Assenti's never disappoints.

Dropped my this little Italian grocery store while visiting Little Italy! They have an amazing…read morevariety of fresh pastas and dry pastas. Found some bucatini pasta and had to grab it. I talked to the owner and he told me they supply many of the Italian restaurants with their fresh pasta. I'm definitely coming back.

Inside

Italian seasonings, oils, groceries

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Dry pasta

Murray's Cheese Shop

4.0(6 reviews)

3.5 mi•Hillcrest

As indicated from another review, Murray's Cheese Shop is located in Ralph's. However, this is the…read moreplace for cheese lovers. Great service and knowledgeable shopkeepers will help you to navigate the various types of cheeses available. The cheeses are grouped together. My favorite is the Gouda type cheese called "Ewephoria" . These best cheese I've ever had. Creamy, sweet, flavorful and delicious!!! The cheese comes wrapped in small pieces so you can certainly try a few or perfect for when you are putting together a charcuterie board for a gathering.

Huge selection of cheese but it is a stand inside Ralph's and not it's own shop. Therefore no…read moreopportunity for samples or discussion when we stopped in.

Inside Ralphs Hillcrest

I was a regular at their West Village location in NYC. They know cheese.

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Conveniently located inside of Ralph's in Hillcrest

J & Tony's Discount Cured Meats And Negroni Warehouse

4.5(127 reviews)

3.8 mi•East Village

J & Tony's Discount Cured Meats & Negroni Warehouse in East Village is easily one of the best spots…read morein San Diego for a top-tier aperitivo and great vibes. The eccentric, high-energy decor and low-key atmosphere make it a favorite, but the bar service takes it over the top. If you go, ask for Julian--he is genuinely fantastic! Friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and super welcoming. I ordered a White Negroni , and it was perfection--crisp, impeccably balanced, and easily one of the best drinks I've had in a long time. You can tell Julian takes real care in dialing in the recipe and technique. Whether you're swinging by for a late afternoon drink, grabbing a prosciutto sandwich, or settling in for a full cocktail night, this place delivers. Huge shoutout to Julian for making the experience unforgettable--I'll definitely be back soon!

Always a stop after a Padres game! The Lovely Lex was so helpful and attentive tonight and deserves…read moreALL the tips!

J & Tony's Discount Cured Meats And Negroni Warehouse

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The frank nasty

Le Charcuterie Bar

4.5(46 reviews)

3.9 mi•East Village

This is the perfect place to meet a friend or coworker, date night or even for tourists visiting…read moreSan Diego and want to drink wine @ a place with a chill vibe. I come here w/ my husband and also by myself as it's very calm and comforting. Chad & Marlene are the two main staff and they are amazing! Chad helps you find the perfect wine (Le Charcuterie also serves several local craft beers.). I love that the wine selection comes from smaller, less known wineries. And they serve a wide range of price points, affordable to more expensive bottles. Marlene creates the charcuterie boards. She's like an artist's with a canvas. The boards have meets, cheeses and accoutrements that you can't find at the local big brand store. I try to come to Le Charcuterie every time I'm in San Diego.

What a cute little gem right near Petco Park. I had a delicious glass of Sav Blanc and an arugula,…read morecheese and prosciutto flatbread that was crispy and had a balance of savory and sweet. The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.

Event charcuterie board

Two mini boards combined for happy hour ($16 total)

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Mini Board and flatbread

Monzu Fresh Pasta

4.7(1.1k reviews)

3.9 mi•East Village

We were walk-ins and were able to snag an outside table after a short 15 min wait. We ordered the…read moreTuscan Boscaiola, Gnocchi allo scarpariello, Tagliatelle alla bolognese, and an Across the Spiderverse cocktail. My friend said the cocktail was really good but I couldn't stomach the $16 price point. I'm not sure if this is a mark-up cuz of the con happening or their usual price point for cocktails but it was definitely more expensive than the clubs. Everyone liked their pastas and thought they were tasty. While the portions were not huge, it was decently sized for freshly made from scratch pasta. This is definitely a date night place that won't break the bank. I will point out that one person in my group thought their portion size was rather small for the price point, but they were full when they left. It seems they change their menu seasonally so there's always something new to try! The service was nice and our server, Alberto, was accommodating when the second half of our group came upon us before our orders arrived by adding them to our table. He came by twice to check on us, once after our meals arrived, and again midway through. I recommend checking this place out. We will be back.

Walked by one day and decided to try this place on a date night with the hubs. Firstly, nothing…read morebeats a quiet outdoor Italian dinner on a California summer night. Second, the pasta was delicious - perfectly al dente with flavorful sauces (hubs got the amatriciana and I got the Cestini Al Tartufo which has a pecorino white sauce and comes in a beautiful Parmesan crisp edible bowl). We both really enjoyed the pastas after the arugula artichoke salad. Very satisfied and full. We barely had room for the lovely homemade tiramisu at the end. Alberto made our night. He greeted us warmly, made it feel like he was welcoming us into his home. He did all the usual stuff - asking us about seating preferences and going over specials- but he has that flair that made him memorable. He was never obtrusive, checked on us just enough, and always exuded warmth and welcome, like he was so happy we stopped by. Highly recommend for an intimate meal/date night.

Golosa Salad

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Strawberry & Almond Burrata

Melting Pot

4.1(1.3k reviews)

3.5 mi•Gaslamp

(As said on google)…read more First time ever! Shaunna, the Hospitality Manager she served our party of 4 on 04/15/26. This was after our visit to Sea World. She answered all our questions and gave us recommendations. We did the four-course meal. (spanish artichoke as the cheese, caesar and strawberry almond salad, coco-vigne as our cooking style, did the steak lovers, and we did lastly the dark and dulce for chocolate.) Everything was delicious. Shaunna was amazing. She was helpful. She definitely served us and gave us an experience we will never forget. For sure out of 10, it is a 10. We would love to come back. We were full but we are happy to leave happy and full thanks to the Melting Pot Staff and especially Shaunna. Thank you! And definitely look out for Shaunna, she is AMAZING!!!! Ambiance is amazing. Pretty chill! Mood lighting. And also this skyscraper use to be a bank (fun fact).

My friend and I tried this restaurant last night in San Diego…read more It was such a pleasant experience The restaurant is off of fifth ave in downtown San Diego It has a beautiful atmosphere The building is an old structure with amazing looking ceilings We were placed at a cute and cozy corner boot The lighting was very relaxing Our server senior Silvio from Spain was so kind and attentive The restaurant manger was very welcoming and friendly Our other server was also very polite and helpful The three course meal Was delicious and tasty We don't even know how the time passed as we were so busy enjoying our food and our conversation I definitely will recommend this beautiful restaurant for any occasion To

Things to do in San Diego

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ashley B.

Elite 24

254

146

133

2 years ago

As a longtime fan of Carruth Cellars from their charming Little Italy days, I was admittedly a bit wistful about their move to the new Liberty Station location. That cozy, romantic urban winery vibe is somewhat lost amidst the more family-friendly, open-air surroundings. Don't get me wrong, the outdoor patio area is lovely and provides a welcome casual atmosphere. But as my friend and I bellied up to the indoor bar on a recent weekend visit, we couldn't help but miss the intimate ambiance of the old Italian-themed space. Rambunctious kiddos running around outside put a bit of a damper on the intended relaxing wine tasting experience. Once settled at the bar though, the excellent service quickly won us over. We were promptly greeted and didn't want for refills as we slowly savored a smooth, fruity Syrah from their quality wine list. The real standout was the crostini flight - an ample sampler of different cheeses, spreads, and toppings artfully arranged on crispy baguette slices. From the sweet and tangy fig gouda to the earthy pesto hummus and bright lemon-thyme chevre, it was a flavor-packed accompaniment to the vino. My only other small quibble was that we felt a tad rushed out around 8:30pm despite the posted 10pm closing time. I would have preferred a more leisurely pace to fully enjoy the evening without feeling like we were loitering too long. All in all, however, Carruth still delivers on the most important aspects - warm hospitality, delightful wine, and delicious bites. The new location may cater to a broader crowd, but the stellar product remains intact. While a nostalgic part of me yearns for those Little Italy vibes, I'm keeping an open mind and palate as they settle into their new Liberty Station home. Here's hoping they find that sweet spot of lively yet relaxing evenings amidst the changing scenery. read more

Nicole O.

Elite 26

1245

159

472

1 year ago

I visited Carruth Cellars on a Thursday evening with a friend, and while it had a relaxed, welcoming vibe, the experience was a bit hit or miss. First, the space itself is lovely -- a chill, laid-back spot with a great outdoor patio. It's dog-friendly (huge plus!) and I learned they host trivia nights on Tuesdays, which definitely makes me want to come back and give it another shot. Service was solid. The bartender was super friendly and attentive, which made the visit feel warm and easygoing. However, the food was where things faltered a bit. I was bummed to find out they were out of the burrata, which I had been looking forward to. I ended up ordering the French Onion Baguette, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to its name -- it tasted nothing like French Onion, which was disappointing. On the other hand, my friend ordered the Heavenly Grilled Cheese, and that was a total win. Rich, gooey, and flavorful -- definitely recommend that dish over mine. We also shared a wine tasting flight since she is a member. Overall, the wine was decent, but not great. Overall, Carruth Cellars has a cool atmosphere, friendly service, and some potential with their food -- just a bit inconsistent. I'd definitely return for a drink on the patio, especially on a trivia night, and give the menu another chance. read more

Kyle D.

8 months ago

As a long-time member, I am truly disappointed by the recent changes that have stripped away what once made this venue special: its genuinely family-friendly atmosphere. The spacious front patio used to be a place where families could gather, enjoy live music, and feel welcome together. That sense of inclusion is now gone. While a separate "family area" exists, it feels more like being pushed aside than thoughtfully accommodated--especially for those who want to spend the day enjoying tastings and the full experience. There are now very few places where children can sit with their parents, listen to live music, and connect with friends or family. Hearing the music through open windows and doors is not the same as being part of the performance. In the past, bands engaged with kids and even invited them on stage, creating moments that families genuinely cherished. Seeing people escorted away simply for having a stroller was especially troubling. It sends a clear message that families are no longer a priority here. Because of this shift, I will be canceling our membership. A venue that once prided itself on being family-friendly now makes families feel unwelcome, and that is both unfair and deeply disappointing. read more

J P.

129

523

2 years ago

If you're on the lookout for a place that serves not just wine but vibes, look no further than Carruth This urban gem has it all. First off, the décor? Absolutely on point. Think cozy meets hip, where every corner is Insta-worthy. You'll want to snap a pic of your glass of wine before taking that first sip. The food? Let's just say the kitchen team--Ashley, Wade, Giselle--are wizards back there, whipping up dishes that are almost too good to share. Pro tip: don't skip the charcuterie board. Jen, the manager, is the real MVP--always around with a smile, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Service here is top-notch too. The bar team (Parker, Chad, Alan, Maddie, and Berny) are all legends, each one bringing their own flavor to the experience. Whether you're into wine or just here for a beer, these folks will make sure your glass is never empty. They've even got live music on Sundays! Add in the fact that it's dog-friendly and family-friendly, and this place checks all the boxes. read more

Paula B.

195

154

3 years ago

My recent visit to the wine bar at Liberty Station was a lovely surprise. The service was exceptional, with our waiter and waitress going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I needed some hot sauce and she was like, "hold on let me see what I can get". Shout out to Chef Ethan for whipping up a delicious chili sauce for my sandwich! Allen, our server, was fantastic, making sure our experience was top-notch. The ambience was great, especially sitting outside. Overall, a delightful experience after a long day. Highly recommend this charming spot for a relaxing evening out! read more

Lalo G.

1 year ago

Carruth Cellars is my favorite San Diego wine bar. I'm not big on writing reviews but this place has consistently stood out above the rest. The excellent customer service, delicious food and solid pours are all good reasons to come here. But if you sit at the bar, don't be shy and bury your head in a book - be prepared to make new friends. I highly recommend going when Ian, Allan, Parker and Brie are working. Excellent combination of laughs and service with lots of love. read more

Powder Room D.

2 years ago

Alan and Ian are THE BESSSTTT BESST BEST!!! Always smiling, always pay attention to who's next. Just the best customer service. I'm not sure why I was ignored 2x before Alan came to shift. Just take notes from Alan and Ian if you can. God bless read more

Nicole T.

644

2 years ago

The absolute cutest local winery. Came here for an impromptu date night and immediately became a member. The service Madi provides every time is amazing! Now it's our weekly go to. Highly recommend as the wine, cheese and people are amazing. read more

Danika S.

2 years ago

Such awesome ambiance with phenomenal wine and food! Madi understood exactly what I was looking for and picked the perfect glass. The choice to become a member was so easy! Will be back tomorrow! read more

Katie G.

2 years ago

love this place! great wine selection and the make your own cheese board is perfect. great date night spot or afternoon out on the patio with kids and dogs! read more

Rebecca G.

2 years ago

Wine is delicious, but the food is also delicious! The chef always takes care of us! Live music on Sunday and Tuesday! You can't go wrong!

Sean D.

2 years ago

This place is amazing and maddy provided the best service!! Great bites, great wines! We will be back! :)

Marne G.

2 years ago

Madi was amazing and we had the best evening with great food and wine can't wait to come back!

John K.

2 years ago

excellent service....excellent staff....had a really excellent time on a rainy San Diego day!!

Lou G.

2 years ago

A fun relaxed vibe with tasty wine, food and cheese. I love the Liberty Station location

Doug S.

2 years ago

Fantastic food. Great wine. I highly recommend. Servers are very friendly. Dog friendly.

Scott P.

Elite 25

311

2 years ago

Great food and great service! A wonderful place to come to for hard to find cheeses.

Carruth Cellars - wineries - Updated September 2026

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Stopped in with a few friends on a weekday night, didn't get to check the entire place out just the…read morefront bar, it is a really nice setup. The owner was there telling us all about the wine choices. They have an orange rosé that was unique and tasted pretty good. Although I decided to stick with the regular rosé. They have trivia nights on Thursdays and comedy nights on Wednesdays. I for sure want to come back and do a trivia night!

I thought I was gonna be one of the first people to review this place since they just had their…read moresoft opening a couple days ago. But I guess if you move, you can just update the address and keep past reviews. Well. They definitely deserve the stars they have. Their wines are good and so is the service! They are now located in Hillcrest, where Cellar Hand used to be. And if you have been there before, you know about their cool bar setup. I love the half indoor, half outdoor bar seating so you can pick your side depending on your preference. I also learnt that they have wines on draft and you can buy them by the growler!

Quigley Fine Wines

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Amazing exclusively sourced (yet affordable) wines in a tucked away location on the edge of…read moredowntown. Warm upscale neighborhood bar atmosphere with lots of string lights and wood accents. Coming here I can always expect to find something unique to fill my glass or take home.

This is a beautiful quaint little neighborhood bar stop! Parking will only be the hardest thing as…read moreit's downtown San Diego. Met some cool dogs here so bring your well behaved pups. Wine was delicious and not enough time to try a flight. Few private rooms for special events and cooking classes. Bar top with a beautiful live edge countertop. Bartender was helpful, friendly and beautiful. I look forward to coming back again! Save me a seat Milo!

Vino Carta

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BEST all natural wine spot downtown!…read more STAFF knows everything about the wine and will recommend anything you're looking for. Get it by the bottle or by the glass. Maggie, Sam, and Jack are the chillest people you'll ever meet. Indoor and outdoor seating, with a vibe inside that's unmatched. Meeting with friends, date night, or chilling solo. Local or traveling, this is the place to be.

WORST SERVICE EVER! This place has the rudest staff in all of little Italy! I came to a birthday…read moreparty here for my best friend and upon arrival with a small stroller the staff started rudely yelling at us that "NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED "! After politely advising them that they mentioned it when making the reservation and no issues were mentioned, and we could hold the baby outside of the patio, they still rudely forced us to leave the premises completely ruining the birthday party. Ruined both our day and our friends party for a miscommunication that was their fault and didn't even offer to make it right. Worst experience ever!

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San Pasqual Winery - Seaport Village

4.4

(185 reviews)

After dinner, we took a stroll along the waterfront and came across the San Pasqual storefront. I…read morewasn't ready to head back to the hotel just yet, so we decided to stop in for a glass of wine and enjoy some time outside watching people pass by while taking in the beautiful waterfront atmosphere. The employee working that evening was friendly and welcoming. After asking about my preferences, she guided me toward a sweet wine that was exactly what I was looking for. I can't recall the name of the wine, but it was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of sweetness. If you're in the area and looking for a relaxing place to unwind with a glass of wine, San Pasqual is definitely worth a stop. The combination of great service, good wine, and a scenic waterfront setting made for a very enjoyable evening.

We came here multiple times on our trip to San Diego. Loved the wine slushy the first night... esp…read moreafter long walks on the Seaport boardwalk. July 4th we enjoyed a sweet passion fruit white watching the fireworks It was perfection!! The owners are so sweet and accommodating! Highly recommend

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Came for happy hour and saw they had a good seasonal menu, but ordered the espresso martini. Really…read moregood (dairy free) espresso martini! Good blend of flavors not too sweet or tasting too much of the spirit . I've had other espresso martini's that were too sweet and that is not not for me. With this one you can appreciate the coffee and the liquor (not too much so this can be a dangerous drink). Only had time for one cocktail, but next time I'm coming prepared for at least two lol. Bartender was great and answered all my questions. Loved that he took his time to make the drink taste and look good.

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It was our first time here and we enjoyed our time checking at their great selection of beers. We…read moredecided to try Pillow Talk and the Pfriem BBA Imperial Stout. Both are strong beers from 9.3% to 11.5%. They were super tasty and easy to drink for me. We sat on the patio which was nice view of India Street. I love all their decor because everything is beer related as it should be. The bathroom has beers listed that I remembered trying in my early 20's which was fun to see and gave me a nostalgia feeling. The nice gentleman that was working was super helpful and friendly. Gave us his recommendations on what beers to try. Overall it was a great experience trying a new beer spot that has delicious beers.

8-23-26 6:45pm While on my way to a near by venue I found…read morexcellent parking in front of Bottlecraft Beer Shop & Tasting Room...this place was buzzing as I walked by...it was only natural to stop by after leaving my planned destination...i walked in to a welcome in take a look around...the music was real chill...i walked to the bar, opened a tab and had a real chill time here...definitely will be back...

The Collective

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The girls and I gathered on Sunday night to support our friend for comedy night. We got lucky and…read morefound parking across the street, but having to pay until 10:00pm wasn't fun. This venue is so cute. I love the natural and rustic aesthetic look. We sat at a high top and seats we're comfortable. Tables were kind of close together, I brushed elbows with my neighbor more than once. Drinks were good, ambiance was good and the talent was both painful and hilarious. I commend them for braving the stage. I like that you can tip the comedians via Venmo!

Is this place still open? I tried to inquire about hosting a party here. I filled out the online…read moreform, then I tried emailing and texting but never heard any response back after several weeks. Too bad they lost my business.

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