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    Communion

    4.1 (302 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Communion Photos

    Business Info

    COMMUNION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Communion

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    Reviews With Photos

    Dana P.

    Great rooftop restaurant to grab drinks with a friend. Quick and friendly service. Picturesque views of downtown San Diego from the patio!

    Chicken skewer
    Jennifer S.

    Excellent ambiance, view, food, and service! I hate that I have to take an elevator up but the view is gorgeous!!! We went during happy hour on a Monday night and sat at the bar, then watched the sunset. I don't think many people know about this restaurant but they should! We got the steak frites, chicken skewer, and fish in a chip. Service from host and servers and bartenders was excellent! I cannot wait to go back!

    Creme Brûlée
    Keri W.

    We returned to communion and their new chef is great! We highly enjoyed their last chef as well. We ordered a few items and shared everything. We also brought our own bottles of wine and the corkage fee was only $35 with a 2 bottle max. Brioche loaf- it had honey drizzled over it. It was good but it was sweet. Ahi Amarillo tiradito- absolutely fantastic. Little gem salad- so fresh and the shaved carrots - yummy! The chef gave us a melon salad (not on the menu on the website) that was so delicious, fresh and perfectly ripe. Hanger steak- very cooked perfectly and seasoned nicely and the onion rings were crispy and very good! Heritage Pork chop (I don't see it on the menu on their website)- it was juicy and tender and big! My husband had a fabulous dish but I can't remember what it was called (not on the menu on the rebate) but it was a crab pave- holy cow it was good. If you like pave and crab- when they are married, they are fantastic! Dessert- creme brûlée and ice cream with espresso over it. The creme brûlée was perfect and my husband definitely enjoyed his ice cream. We of course enjoyed our view and our dinner! We will be back!

    Chicken nuggets
    Shreyasi D.

    **This place has the best bread in San Diego** The bread in Communion is amazing. It comes out warm and soft topped with honey and salt. The butter is sweet. The bread is a bit sticky but it melts in your mouth and it's just so tasty. I only wished they had a cup of coffee so I could enjoy it properly. The rest of the meal is really good too. The chicken nuggets are amazingly good. It's again comes out hot and soft and so flavorful. The zucchini on the menu is the most different but it tasted fresh and Smokey. All of the food had a great flavor profile. Service here is really good. Great staff. The noise in the place is loud from everyone talking. Overall, amazing place!

    Crème brûlée
    Vinetia J.

    Communion is a beautiful restaurant. We took an elevator to the top floor where it opened to brightness and windows that showcase downtown and pt. Loma. We were promptly seated and provided water. Our waiter was quick to take our drink and dinner order and we always had a fill up on water. The food was amazing and was served in beautiful china pieces. Will certainly go again.

    Steak frites
    Jan H.

    I went here with a small group to celebrate a birthday. Parking is street parking so plan ahead. You first enter downstairs on the ground floor, where there is a large seating area and a hostess stand to check in. The hostess was very nice and said we could either wait downstairs or head up for our reservation. Since we were early we decided to sit downstairs while we waited for our reservation time. We took some pictures and played a game they had on the table. It was a card game where you ask each other questions to get to know each other better. The questions were very fun and a nice way to pass the time. Once we were ready we took the elevator upstairs to the rooftop for the restaurant is located. It's not a huge space, but very nice. We sat in the corner near the ledge so we had a great view of the area. The server came over and was very nice and went over the menu with us. It's not a huge menu, so unfortunately it is a bit Limited. They do make sure at reservation to ask about dietary issues or allergies, and they review that again at the table to make sure nothing you order interferes with that. We decided to order the bread and the steak frites. The bread was delicious and you definitely want to eat it all. The steak was good and not chewy. It wasn't the best I have had but it was still good and the flavor was nice, nothing too overpowering. The french fries were good as well and made fresh. We also ordered drinks, I went with the Sadie Hawkins which I definitely recommend if you like an old fashioned. It had cherry, and cola reduction, and was a very good take on the drink. Prices were a little expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the area. The Vibes are nice and coming for a sunset dinner like we did is a good idea for a special occasion. We all enjoyed our time.

    Potatoes
    Rosy C.

    Their outdoor patio seating has some of the best views of San Diego! Highly recommended anyone to book a spot out there at least once. I timed it close to sunset and even though it was overcast it was still a great view. For dinner we ordered asparagus, salad, and the pasta plate to share. It doesn't sound like much but it was filling. FY they might rotate food options throughout the year. Service was great, the staff were very attentive and friendly the entire time.

    Kia S.

    Sunday brunch, loved it!!! Brunch is only offered on Sundays and last Sunday of the month, there is a drag show which is featured inside. Tickets for the show are available online. The service is excellent and the food tasty. What I admire most is that every detail was thought out. The restaurant was designed around this amazing view. There truly is not one bad seat in the building.

    Mei T.

    My April is off to an amazing start! Last night my girlfriends and I had a rooftop dinner celebrating one of the gal's birthday. We came early and were able to snag one of the free parking spaces in a residential neighborhood 2 blocks away. We were early for our reservation and while waiting for the birthday girl, we took advantage of the beautiful entrance that separated Communion from its sister restaurant, Paradis. Between the 3 of us, I'm sure we snapped about a hundred photos, and more when the 4th member of our party arrived. We were escorted to the elevator where we rode up the to the top floor. The entrance to the restaurant was very welcoming and had the most beautiful ceiling. We were seated at a corner table and had a spectacular view. To start off the evening, we each ordered a drink. I was the designated driver, so I ordered the Pink Moon. One of my friends didn't want the mint that came with her Aurora Borealis, so I added them to mine and it made my drink even better than it already was! If you like pomelo and don't want an alcoholic drink, then I recommend giving it a try. I enjoyed its refreshing taste. We ordered a brioche for the table and can honestly say we could've easily devoured one for each of us! It was coated with honey and came with a side of whipped butter. Make sure you order this, you'll thank me! For my entree, I ordered the Market Catch. The fish of the day was salmon. The salmon was perfectly grilled, juicy on the inside with the skin still crunchy. It was served over a bed of jasmine rice and surrounded by yuzu dashi butter sauce, pickled daikon, turnip, beech mushroom, and toasted sesame. The dish was beautifully plated and cooked to perfection. I was very pleased with my dish and my friends each tried a piece of salmon and agreed it was a masterpiece. I have a bite of the steak frites. The skirt steak was cooked medium rare, just how I like it. The meat was packed with flavor and the right amount of salt. The fries were addicting, but I was good and only had 2 pieces. We ordered the Pistachio Entrement for dessert and the birthday girl got a smaller version of this dessert on the house. If you like Dubai chocolate, the wafers used as the crust gives it a similar taste to Dubai chocolate. I'm sold at pistachio and dark chocolate mousse. I watched my girly figure and only allowed myself a few bites of this incredible dessert. It took some serious willpower not to eat more or to get one all to myself! We had a few servers tend to our table and they all did a great job making sure any crumbs were dusted off the table and water glasses promptly refilled. Our evening was perfect and we definitely want to come back for brunch! They are very busy so make sure you reserve a table in advance! Note: It can be chilly on the rooftop, even with the heat lamps. If you forgot to bring a jacket or wrap, they do have blankets available.

    Roy S.

    Very solid meal with fantastic views of downtown from the rooftop patio area. My party of 3 started off with a Cadillac margarita at the inside bar. We moved to our table where we shared a bottle of wine, ordered the Little Gem Salad with Brioche Loaf and all ordered the steak frites. Food was tasty and the steak was a generous portion (had to be 12 ounces). Would definitely come back here for food and/or drinks.

    Steak
    Dasha K.

    Let me start by saying I'm extremely selective about where I eat. I cook every meal, track my macros, and when I go out, it has to be WORTH IT. Communion delivered on ambiance and some standout dishes, but it's not perfect across the board. WHAT WORKED: Hamachi Crudo - Buttery perfection with garlic confit, sweet onion, fried leeks, ponzu, and sesame oil. No notes. Focaccia - NOW THIS IS A FOCACCIA, MY FRIENDS! I literally questioned our waiter Daniel to make sure it was genuinely good before ordering because I don't waste carbs on mediocre bread. Worth every bite. Australian Winter Truffle Pasta - Still dreaming about this. Absolutely divine. Yes, it's $50, but if you split it with your table, it's a must-order. Filet Mignon - Perfectly cooked medium rare (if you order steak any other way, we can't be friends ). Tried it with a bite of the truffle pasta and it was HEAVEN. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake - My favorite dessert. The gingersnap crumble, poached pear, and honey caramel combo was chef's kiss. WHAT DIDN'T WORK: Steak Tartare - It's my favorite appetizer ever, so my standards are high. This was good but not the best I've had. The bread it came with was mental though (in a good way). Local Line Caught Swordfish - Dry as hell, unfortunately an absolute pass. The cannellini bean stew had maybe 3 beans total (lmao), but the broth tasted like artichoke and was actually good. THE SERVICE: Daniel G was THE BEST. Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about our experience. He asked what we didn't get to try and recommended: Local Seabass Ceviche with cucumber, mint, plantain chips Sesame Crusted Ora King Salmon Maple Leaf Duck Duo PRO TIPS: Come with 2-3 people and share dishes (portions are generous, prices are not cheap) Happy Hour is 4-6pm daily + ALL DAY MONDAY with that incredible view Perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or impressive date nights Sunset during happy hour would be incredible THE BOTTOM LINE: Communion is beautiful, the service is top-tier, and when they hit, they HIT. Just be strategic with your ordering. I'd give it a solid 7.5-8/10. Would I come back? Yes, specifically to try Daniel's recommendations and hit that happy hour with the view.

    basque cheesecake with a sea salt caramel sauce
    Tiffany A.

    Not only are the vibes at Communion immaculate, they are genuinely breathtaking. The views of San Diego are stunning, and the space has been designed beautifully and thoughtfully, plus getting to see the planes fly by is always fun! I've now been twice, once for dinner and again today for brunch with a group of gals, and both were such a treat. For dinner, the sourdough was amazing (no like seriously worth it), the steak frites was perfectly done, and the Basque cheesecake with caramel sauce we all fought over to the last bite (still dream of the caramel sauce btw( Brunch was just as wonderful. The smoked salmon flatbread was so yummy, but the clear winner at our table was the sticky bun. We split one, and it was unbelievably good. The Tincho cocktail was also absolutely delicious and so refreshing and the perfect treat to a Sunday morning. More than anything, the service made the whole experience unforgettable. Abraham, Marissa, and the entire team were so warm, attentive, and kind, and truly made us feel taken care of. You can feel the heart behind this place, and that is what makes it somewhere you want to come back time and time again, truly such a treat!

    Nugz
    Ryan B.

    Came for a company happy hour and was beyond impressed. First the view is unbelievable. It's the only tall building in the area and has glass windows on all sides so you can see the city, the ocean, the hills, everything. The happy hour deals were solid and the "Dealer's Choice" drink was awesome. Only $12 where that would easily be a $20 custom drink elsewhere. The bartender asked my preferences for the dealers choice and brought it out and explained the tasting notes. She seemed like the actually cared which was really nice. The Nugz were amazing. Hoping to come back for a full dinner soon but definitely satisfied with the happy hour deals!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Communion

    Would I need to make a reservation for the happy hour menu? We are looking to do happy hour and possibly regular menu items.

    Thank you for asking! We serve Happy Hour at the bar and outdoor drink rail seven days a week from 4-6PM and all night on Mondays. The seats are first come, first served. We do not reserve these seats. You can also order off of the regular dining… 

    Is the restaurant child friendly?

    Thank you for asking. We love children and are really friendly. We, however, do not have a children’s menu or room for high chair storage. We have many kids visit who share in the love of our menu and we are happy to assist in modifying something… 

    Can you go to the bar just for drinks or is a reservation required?

    We love welcoming guests for cocktails at the bar. Reservations are not required as it is first come, first served in those seats. It can get pretty busy on the weekends. We hope to welcome you soon. Cheers!

    Is patio seating ok if it is rainy?

    Yes

    Is there parking nearby?

    It's all street parking near by, so plan accordingly before going. It's worth it though!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Stopped by here after dinner and had a blast. This place is a vibe…read more They had a DJ. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Service was awesome from start to finish, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus. They're dog friendly, which is awesome. Overall, it had a great crowd and an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Definitely a fun spot to hang out.

    Dope cocktail bar in Morena area. Just dropped in on a routine Saturday night for 1 cocktail and…read moreended up having many lolol They had a DJ in playing which was cool and kept the vibes right for the night (although I think the volume could have been a bit lower as I felt like I had to yell to talk or do the awkward lean in to hear). Bartenders were cool. Nick was our fave though for sure. He made some mean cocktails. Solid liquor selection plus a list of cocktails to choose from. I initially ordered the something and picante (can't remember the full name) and found it to be way too sweet. Then switched to a basic Lalo with soda and lime to cleanse my palette. After tried their version of an espresso martini which was quite good but made with nitro brew and kahlua so a bit on the sweeter side. I ended the night with my fave drink though which was a Hugo spritz and it was perfectly balanced. Definitely will be going back, especially for the love band Sundays. Parking is all street parking.

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    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.

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    Oculto 477 - Tsunami -- THE BEST

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    4.2(309 reviews)
    1.3 miOld Town
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    I plan to come back to San Diego every few months, and since I'm a creature of habit, I'm looking…read morefor something that I can do every single time. I'm really glad that I found Oculto because it has been one of the highlights of my San Diego trip. First of all, the concept of the seven deadly sins is really cool. The space is absolutely moody, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. It has an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy your drink rather than rush through it. And since I don't really drink, I was definitely going slow. And I was alone, but the good part was I found myself just taking it all in instead of reaching for my phone. I started with an espresso martini-style cocktail that was smooth, balanced, and the perfect way to ease into the evening. For my second drink, I asked for the bartender's choice, and it ended up being one of my favorite cocktails I've had in a long time. It featured lychee, strawberry, and cardamom, and was garnished with a beautiful little rose. It was creative, elegant, and every flavor worked together perfectly. The cocktails were outstanding, but what really made the experience stand out was the service. Devin was an excellent bartender and an amazing conversationalist. He was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging, making me feel welcome from the moment I sat down. He took the time to craft a drink based on flavors I enjoy, and it was clear he cares about creating a great experience, not just serving drinks. If you're looking for a cocktail bar with incredible drinks, a gorgeous atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality, I can't recommend Oculto enough. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    I visited Oculto 477 for the first time recently and fell in love with this delightfully charming…read morebar! Full disclosure, I'm a sucker for a themed speakeasy, and Oculto delivered with its Mexican gothic twist. Entering through a confessional booth, confessing your sins before once again giving over to temptation as you sample seven deadly sins-themed libations; oh yeah, this is the themed spectacle that I adore! For those wanting to visit, Oculto is small and reservations are a must. They also have a two drink minimum and the seatings are timed. Everything we ordered was fantastic and I adored the presentation. My only complaint, and the reason for the four stars, is that despite its small size, service was still on the slower side. I get that the bartenders are making complicated craft cocktails, but when you have a two drink minimum AND a time limit for your guests, maybe speed it up a little bit? We would have loved to order another round but sadly ran out of time on our reservation. But everything else about the bar was fantastic, and I will definitely be back for another night of debauchery in the future!

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    Starlite - Starlite Burger

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    4.1(2.7k reviews)
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    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    Snagged bar seats at Starlite on a Friday night around 8 PM! The atmosphere is stylish, beautiful,…read moreand super inviting. While the bartender's Old Fashioned recommendation was just okay for me, the Tarantula Room cocktail completely blew me away--an absolute standout drink. Great vibes, top-tier drinks, and a fantastic setting overall. A must-visit whenever you're in San Diego!

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    The Gärten - Daily Special Bacon, Jalapeño, pineapple

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    4.6(81 reviews)
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    This biergarten is awesome. As soon as you walk in, there's a food truck immediately to your left…read moreserving wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely phenomenal. They also offer a great happy hour special Tuesday through Friday with $5 off pizzas. I don't remember the exact hours, so you'll want to check those before visiting. One of the things I love most about this place is the variety. There are three different brewery stations throughout the venue. I got a flight from the back room, where they serve mead, which is tough to find around San Diego. I ordered a flight, which came with six selections, and every single one was excellent. The staff here are fantastic. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and one of the chefs even came out to give the pups some pepperoni, which was a nice touch that definitely stood out. The space itself is huge with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy a few drinks without feeling cramped. Overall, this is a fun and unique spot with great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back.

    This is a great space! Love meeting friends here - locals and tourists are always pleasantly…read moresurprised by this literal 'hidden' gem tucked in the middle of an industrial area (parking may take a bit to find). The main food available is from Pizza Cassette, which has delicious sandwiches and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pies. Drinks are available from a brewery, a trendy and unique wine spot, and a meadery! Truly something for everyone. It's dog friendly and great for groups to still feel intimate with standing areas, barrel table tops and picnic style tables. There's usually always something happening like trivia night or live music, but heads up, they don't stay open too late - won't be an issue for most, but in case you're looking for a spot at 8pm, double check the hours, especially for food.

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    insideOUT - Chips and dip

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    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    1.3 miHillcrest
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    Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every…read morebite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent.

    InsideOUT is one of my favorite places in Hillcrest, especially if you're looking for a restaurant…read morewith a fun atmosphere. What really keeps me coming back are the seasonal transformations. They go all out with the decorations, and during Christmas the entire restaurant feels completely transformed. It's one of the best holiday dining experiences in San Diego. The seasonal touches don't stop at the décor either. I like that they regularly introduce limited-time food and cocktail specials, so there's usually something new to try while still keeping some of their popular favorites on the menu. Everything I've ordered over multiple visits has been well prepared, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. It's definitely on the pricier side, so I see it more as a place for celebrations, date nights, or when you want a unique dining experience rather than an everyday meal. Between the food, drinks, and the incredible decorations, it feels worth it for those occasions. One piece of advice: make a reservation. This place is popular, especially during the holidays and other seasonal events, and tables fill up quickly.

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    Pear mocktail

    Communion - desserts - Updated September 2026

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