Lighting so you can read the limited menu. And maybe a margarita with less ice than a drink!! And not threatening you to be on time for your reservation or lose it!! Also, got there ten minutes early and won't seat us until our reservation time, despite the table being ready and available! read more

Very cool decor. Unfortunately we were put in a dark room and ordered several dishes not labeled as containing nuts, and my boyfriend, who has a nut allergy, suffered through the entire meal. Please label for food allergies. Waiter was nice, although he also did not disclose the abundance of nuts in their mexican? Food. read more

Quixote - Me after the meal - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

They have gone all in on the aesthetic. It's a cool vibe, as others have commented, but the inability to see anything (super dark) is like a sensory deprivation experiment! The ceramic tiles on the floors, ceiling, and tables means that sound reflects off of everything, so even a small crowd sounds overpowering. The food is good, but small plates are $16-27 and they advise 3 per person. Add in drinks at $15-16 each and a shared dessert and you'll spend $200 for two people after tip easily. It's a place you'll want to say you went to once, but they'll need to work on some of the above elements to get many to return. read more

Came here for a friends birthday and the vibe is it! It looks like a small church with unique artwork, very much notre dame but make it small and dark. The menu is extensive and all too yummy as well. read more

If you're Latino don't go here. They will seat everyone before you. The hostess and manager where terrible to us this weekend. Sat everyone that walked in and said oh it cause you missed your reservation. It was all BS. We talked to a lady who had a 7:15pm was 30 minutes late and got seated. Half of our party of 4 was ready at our reservation time 7:30pm they refused to seat us. We waited till 8:30pm, everyone that came in after us was seated. read more

My friends and I were visiting from out of town and randomly stumbled into this spot -- and thank God we did. Kiyomi was hands-down the highlight of our entire trip. Her energy, her attention to detail, the way she made us feel like we were regulars even though it was our first time there -- unreal. She seriously made our night. Drinks were perfect, timing was on point, and she had this effortless way of keeping the vibe fun but still super professional. You can tell she genuinely cares. If you're lucky enough to catch Kiyomi while you're here, do yourself a favor and stay awhile. Service like that is rare these days. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

Loved the restaurant and the atmosphere. I'll even say that I really enjoyed the food for what it is. However the place is very pricey. I would come here more often if the prices matched the food quality. They are definitely charging you for atmosphere. I can eat at a fine steakhouse and get superior food for the same price or eat much better Mexican food elsewhere for 25% of the price. If their prices were normal I'd be a regular customer here. You should come here at least once to experience the vibe but the prices will make you think twice about coming for a 2nd time. read more

Great service, too loud for my preference and make sure to make a reservation! We visited on Thursday and it was pac read more

Quixote - Shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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I have dined at Quixote twice, and both meals were so good. The ambiance and decor were very unique. You can dine in the main dining room which was decorated like a gothic church or in one of their adjoining rooms called Heaven and Hell. We really enjoyed the various mezcal drinks and tapas. The crab donut was one of my favorites! I can't wait to return to order it again. Yum! read more

From the moment we entered, Tommy made this a fantastic experience. It is a gorgeous place with delicious food. We came on a late Thursday afternoon for some drinks and appetizers. Tommy was our server and had great recommendations on the drinks. He thoroughly explained the Oaxacan-inspired menu and made some good suggestions on how many appetizers to order. We got the squash blossoms, octopus, chili garlic shrimp tacos, crab corn donuts, and memelita Duck carnitas on a thick tortilla). If you like Horchata, this is the place to get it! It was a great experience! read more

Wow. Have you ever read the book "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara? Well I have, and it changed the way I viewed fine dining. Tonight, for the first time - I experienced what unreasonably hospitality actually FEELS like. I had called a couple days ago and made a reservation for 2 for my 37th birthday. My date cancelled on me an hour before dinner... crushed and embarrassed, I decided to show alone anyway. I am a native San Diegan but my dad is from Oaxaca Mexico and I've been dying to try this place. They did not disappoint! I ordered the spicy tuna tostada, and the Memelita. Both were divine! An explosion of flavors in two very different ways. Delicious! and then something amazing happened... I don't know if it was the hostess or the waiter or who the heck felt sorry for me dinning alone on my birthday or what the heck happened honestly but Quixote showed all the way up for me tonight! They brought me the best flan I've ever tasted (creamy, nutty, decadent) with a birthday candle, comped my drinks, and slipped me a $100 gift card. I was speechless. Not only was the staff so kind and professional, but the food was phenomenal, and the ambiance is one of a kind. I was not expecting anything other than a tasty meal for one but this place delivered more than I could have ever imagined when I needed it most - unreasonably so. Thank you Quixote for making my birthday night special read more

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Wow. We were really impressed with the food here tonight (a Tuesday). The ambiance is very dark and a bit loud (music- not the people), but super cool and vampy feeling. I was tempted to eat in the Hell room, but the music was so loud there was no way my husband and I could have talked to each other. Honestly, the music in the main room didn't bother us once we were seated. But the food and drinks... oh my! We both got the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and they were absolutely delicious. I was pleasantly surprised how many cocktails had sherry in them (amontillado and Pedro Ximenez). I definitely want to try some of those as I'm a huge sherry fan. The guacamole was HUGE. We got the crudite to go with and everything was seasoned with Tajin, which was a nice touch for the veggies. The ceviche was delicious. We also ordered the tamal, pulpo and memelita to share. All were absolutely outstanding. The pulpo was done well- marinated first and super tender. No chewy pulpo here! We were completely stuffed after those 5 items and couldn't do dessert (even though we'd planned on it). The service and timing of dishes was outstanding. Each item came and we had some time to eat it before the next arrived. Our table was never overwhelmed but we weren't left waiting either. We were asked about allergies/ food issues when we sat down so they could accommodate if needed. Overall, an amazing experience. We've been so underwhelmed with many restaurants post-Covid (both flavor and cost) that we tend not to try new as often as we used to. This was an absolute winner and we'll be back for sure. We found street parking with ease on a Tues at 5pm, but I think The Lafayette offers valet. read more

Yari was amazing! She was sweet, sassy, and downright hilarious -- she had our whole table cracking up all night. Thanks to her, dinner felt less like a meal and more like a little family reunion. Thank you, Yari for turning an ordinary night out into a memory we'll be smiling about for days! read more

The decor here is breathtaking, the food not so much. We loved our margaritas (suggested by the server), but it was downhill from there. Tostadas that came with the guacamole were stale, my beet salad was over-dressed, and the squash blossoms were fried to rock hard consistency. To their credit, they made another and didn't charge us. Stop for a drink and enjoy the cool transplanted church, eat elsewhere. read more

Quixote - Beautiful interior - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food is phenomenal!! The ambiance is incredible and absolutely stunning!!!! Definitely my favorite restaurant when I visit SD! The service is great and staff is sooo nice! read more

I had a nice time visiting Quixote in November 2023. It was pretty newly opened. Our friend got there early and put our name in so we really didn't wait too long. It's definitely a hot spot though so I recommend a reservation or try an off hour if you don't want to wait too long. We got a lot of different dishes and ate everything family style! I loved how our waiter recommended mixing different things together (i.e. add queso to the tacos!). We had the crab corn donuts, oaxacan fondue, squash blossom, and the lamb belly! It was pretty dark which was very vibey but some may not like that. It was crowded both by full of people and a little tight inside. My one detractor is the price. I thought things were a little pricer than I thought necessary, but I totally understand that's how we keep the doors open now a days. I'd definitely recommend trying this place out! A very young hip new place read more

Our fav thing on the menu were the shrimp tacos and the tamal. Shrimp tacos were so flavorful with the salsa macha and the veggies really brightened up the entire dish. The tamal was so unique with the crispy part on top and the perfect amt of masa and filling. The queso was also really good, you just wanted more and more. The guac was a little too thick and creamy for my liking. Def recommend and everyone was so friendly! read more

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The food was exceptional but it is just too dark inside even during the day. Absolutely delicious though.

The ambiance is fantastic with dark gothic candle lit vibes, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. But as expected from CH, the food is mediocre at best. The dishes sounded unique and delicious on the menu but the execution was not great. Everything seemed to have too much salt and/or not cooked properly. I hope they can figure out the food because this place is very cool. read more

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Love this place! The flavors have been artistically curated. Beautiful experience. It's popular...Be on time or you'll lose your table if your party isn't there within 15 minutes of your reservation, which kinda sucks but understandable. read more

Nice but wouldn't come back. Our son recommended this place after going this summer and loving it so we thought tonight would be amazing. We ordered the Duck carnitas, chips and guacamole, shrimp tacos and the whole fish that the waiter said they are known for. Everything was good but super tangy with way too much lime on everything and a little greasy. Also the service was ok but not as high end as you'd want for the price you're paying. The different servers that bring the food never took away the dirty plates or glasses and didn't refill water. read more

Great place. Food was good and service. You get o explore more of the la Fayette hotel after. Great ambiance.

The food we ordered was delish! No to mention the service we received from Sarah which was also 10/10 this was our first time here and we're definitely coming back. The drinks: Motomami and Vibras were refreshing and delicious! The ambiance is top notch, the vibes of the place are all around unique, dark, beautiful. read more

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Ok where to start. Bathrooms by Quixote were not working. The server and hostess couldn't even tell us where the other restrooms were. People serving food didn't know what they were serving, the waitress didn't know if steak was prime, choice, etc, she also said it was "this thick" and it was half of what she said (that's what she said ) also it was very dark and I couldn't see what I was eating. Nothing on menu for kids, had to go to the diner place to get something for kids (server was whack there too) it was pretty inside the hotel with Christmas stuff. But this place is so overrated it's not even funny. If the queso fundido fondue thing wasn't so good, I would have rated this place 1 star. Never going back to Lafayette thanks but no thanks. read more

Quixote is a fabulous space with incredible food! We always make it one of our first stops when we go to San Diego

My favorite restaurant right now. Love the vibe . Love the food. Love the decor. I tried a drink with Sotol and now I love that too. I can't wait to come back for my birthday. Thank you for making my girlfriend's birthday dinner memorable read more

Quixote - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

The restaurant is beautiful upon walking in! We were excited to be in the small, moody curtain room. With that said, unfortunately the room was even moodier than normal as the restaurant had unexpectedly had to change their lighting so it was basically like eating in the dark. The restaurant is sharing style and they do a great job at recommending the number of plates you should order for your party. Unfortunately the tables are so small that the number of plates they recommend do not fit on the tables and they weren't super quick to pre-bus. The party beside us had the same issue. We also had to wait a long time for drinks. The food itself was good but not as unique as proclaimed! read more

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I dont typically write reviews but this experience requires one. I have visited this restaurant a few times prior to Valentines but this visit was abysmal. The set menu for Valentines was $150 and the food was below average. For $150 most courses were shareable. The first dish was two tiny tuna tacos, nothing special that you couldnt get at your local restaurant. Second was a seafood soup in a cup with one shrimp and tiny cubes of vegatables. I would compare this to a microwaveable soup. Third was a tostada with Kampachi that was actually good. Next was quail mole that was extremely salty. The dinner was finished off with a cornbread and coconut ice cream. This place is trying way too hard to be upscale and bouji but there food doesnt meet the demands of that title. Lastly there was no mention of an automatic 20% gratuity to every party regardless of size. We will not be coming back and will not be surprised to see this place run themselves into the ground. PS: The lafyette and atmosphere itself is an amazing place. Quixote, do better. read more

I have came here before plenty of times, we asked for a classic cocktail and got up charged about 20 dollars per drink compared to the rest of the hotel without verbalizing. The bar tender was kind enough to recommend a higher end pour which was politely declined but then stated he wanted to give of something a little better than the well. Over 100$ for two cocktails. It wasn't so much the price that mattered but the principle. Still tipped more than 20%. Beautiful bar and nice staff, just wish the communication would've been there. Following this we came back a SECOND time same bartender was just outright rude to us and to the couple next to us, saying a nasty remark making the girl next to us feel bad. Wont be returning to quixote, I suggest lou Lou's or the main lobby bar. read more

I've been wanting to try this place since I heard about it's opening and finally got to last night. We did not have a reservation for three of us on Saturday night, we waited about an hour for a table. We were able to go over to the main bar at the hotel for a drink while we waited. When we sat down for dinner we opted to have 4 shared plates that was filling enough for the three of us. The guacamole was really good. We then got the Oaxacan fondue that was really good too! And my favorite was hands down the tamal. We also got the shrimp tacos that could have used some more flavor maybe with a better sauce. Overall great experience with amazing service! Me and one of my table mates just got back from Mexico City and we felt that this place was really authentic to the region! Happy to have this restaurant in the neighborhood! read more

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Someone knows what they are doing in the kitchen. Someone knows what they are doing with the decor. Someone knows what they're doing when they hire servers. Someone knows what they are doing with the music. Great experience. read more

Delicious food, amazing ambiance, and great service! While the food was a bit on the pricier side for what it is, I recommend visiting to check it out and admire the restaurant! read more

Quixote - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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A unique Gothic experience hidden in the sprawling attraction that is The Lafayette. Inspired cocktails (primarily containing Mezcal) and a gorgeous venue that's sure to take your breath away. read more

Went here for my birthday dinner and it was amazing. Food was great tuna tostadas were delicious and the Oaxacan cheese fondue was to die for ! Very gothic and romantic loved the ambience. Definitely recommend coming if you're looking for a different dinning experience read more

Quixote - Tuna tostada was delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Finally got around to trying Quixote and my feelings are mixed. The drinks were good, the food was just ok. The ambiance was great, the tiny tables were annoying to eat off of considering the candles were the size of a small plate. The mamelita was probably the best bite of the night. Creamy beans, hearty sope shell, savory tender duck and refreshing garnish all came together perfectly. I wanted to love the crab corn donut but our donut came out still a little raw inside and some of the crab was FISHY. Like spit it back out and rinse your mouth with your alcoholic drink-fishy. The seasonal fish was very bland but I enjoyed the vegetables it came with. The braised lamb belly was ok, we were put off by the gobs of fat that had not yet rendered down. If I'm paying $63 for a dish, I want to be able to eat the protein. After we trimmed it down, it was only about 50% edible meat. I think I'd bring friends back for drinks and snacks at the bar. The entrees need help on execution. read more

Was very excited to try this place but was extremely disappointed with my experience and would not recommend. The hostess was extremely unprofessional and rude. She blatantly rolled her eyes to my face multiple times and was extremely condescending with her tone of voice. I have never been treated so poorly at a restaurant or by a human in general. She single handily ruined the expediting making me feel very uncomfortable and disrespected. If this restaurant was secrete shopped she would have been reported. She told us her name was Sarah but server said her name was Alu. As the first face and first impression, my advice is to hire someone professional and kind. Our server Luis however was absolutely great and felt bad for the way we were treated 5 starts to him, but hostess it's your fault for this review. read more

The food was great and the service was impeccable! We had the octopus, the shrimp tacos, the chicken tacos, the duck carnitas, the Oaxacan fondue, the squash blossom and the tamal. I have to say it was all excellent. Maybe pass on the shrimp tacos - to me they lacked the flavor that everything else had. My favorite was the duck carnitas. The restaurant has a beautiful, rich decor, but be forewarned: we were there on a Friday night and the place was VERY busy and VERY loud. Like deafeningly loud to the point that it was difficult to hear friends at your own table speaking. It made me think that I was dining while in line for a ride at DisneyLand. I say give it a try! It seems that anything on their menu is going to be great! But maybe avoid the place on weekends? Unless the loud, proud, hip-and-happening crowd is what inspires you...! I dunno - maybe it's just as loud during the week? read more

Food is very interesting and most of what we had was delicious. Ambiance is what I would describe as Mexican Gothic: Beautiful, dark, with plenty of dripping candles and stained glass. Cocktails were amazing! If not a little too easy to drink. The service though was abysmal. From hosts telling us our table wasn't ready and then seating us to having to get up to find our own utensils and constantly ask for more water, cocktails, and food. Plenty of people running around but I can't count the number of times one of us had to say, "Excuse me!!" If they tightened up their service this could be a really great spot. read more

Our group of six had a fun time here . Creative and strong drinks with fun food . We ate family style. The fondue , crab donut and the steak were enjoyed by all . We will be back . Go manga manga . read more

Quixote the newest restaurant to hit the El Cajon Blvd strip as part of the Lafayette hotel renovation. Obviously there are other things to check out in the venue, hotel, pool, lobby bar, recreation area. I should note, you have a lobby bar, restaurant bar, pool bar and recreation bars. You would not want for drink at the Lafayette. Back to the Oaxacan inspired menu of Quixote. Service was great and we were lucky to an early dinner reservation to avoid what appeared to be the influx of 20 and 30 something Friday night crowd, all curious to see the place. The ambience is Church influences since some of the furniture and decor came from a church. This included the chairs and some of the items on the walls and the bar. I don't know exactly which ones were old or new but they stuck to the theme including candles at tables and religous figures as part of the tiled tables. Oaxacan cuisine is very specific to the region, I am not a Mexican food connisseur so I will leave that to the experts. Our choices were plentiful and 3 out of 4 meals were outstanding the 4th was fine and nothing to write home about (the aguachile). The other items we enjoyed were the duck carnitas(tetela), the squash blossoms and the lamb belly. Of the entrees to share it was the option of the whole grilled fish, the steak or the lamb belly. The former two is standard to other restaurants but we never had lamb belly before. It was as presented with four tortillas. It was very good, I do think it should be at least 6 tortillas and the grilled cacti already sliced for easy topping to the lamb belly tacos we created. It needed just a little bit of salt and hot sauce to make it delicious. Of course, no dinner starts without a cocktail. I ordered the verdita green, my friends ordered the momotami and Oaxacan version of an old fashioned. We enjoyed the drinks, mine had a hint of spiciness to it. I kind of labeled it a as Oaxacan spicy margarita with no overwhelming sugary flavor. We ended the evening with black concha - a cinnamon infused brioche with a sauce with choco chips. It might get a visit again, possibly on a weekday (not Fri) to get a quieter and less crowded dinner. And possibly enjoyed the rest of the hotel without the weekend crowd. read more