Came here on a Saturday night and it was absolutely packed. The food is ok and the service is good. The tables are too small and there's a lot of people standing by the bar because they didn't make reservations. It's a little difficult to get aesthetic photos because of all the people but it is cute inside. read more

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Starlite is stunning the ambience and aesthetic are truly the highlight. From the lighting to the layout, the space feels elevated and intimate in the best way. It's the kind of spot you want to hang out in. The cocktails were excellent, well balanced and creative definitely worth coming back for. The seafood tower also stood out it was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the rest of the food didn't live up to the setting. It wasn't terrible, but it felt forgettable. What also brought the experience down was the service. We were there to celebrate a birthday (which they knew), but we often felt overlooked or forgotten throughout the night which was disappointing for a special occasion. If you're considering Starlite, come for the drinks and the vibe both are worth it. But you might want to grab dinner elsewhere first. read more

Starlite - Seafood Tower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a mixed experience here. On the plus side: the drinks were good, and the venue itself is beautiful -- great ambiance, lovely décor, and nice views make for a pleasant setting. However, the seafood tower was a disappointing let-down. At $150+ I expected more substance -- most of it was just ice, with very little actual seafood, so you don't really feel like you got your money's worth. Overall, it's decent -- nice for cocktails and the atmosphere -- but be wary of overpaying for what amounts to a showpiece platter that doesn't deliver the substance. read more

Starlite - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Starlite absolutely stole our hearts! We had the shrimp cocktail and tartar -- both so fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere was warm and full of good energy; we ended up chatting with so many wonderful new people. It felt easy and welcoming, like we'd been going there for years. And being just a short stroll from our favorite spot, Aero, made the night even better. Can't wait to go back! read more

Starlite - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

10/10 experience!!! Our server, Rafael, was so sweet & attentive and you could tell he definitely loves his job which made the experience all that much better! Food was great, the fries were amazing! We ordered the yellowtail/wagyu tartare, scalloped potatoes, 2 orders of the fries, shrimp cocktail, ceasar salad, 2 Goldeneye Estates and I got the Starlite Mule! Ambiance was out of this world and i would definitely recommend outside seating at this establishment because WOW it was so beautiful read more

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Okay first, I need to apologize to our server, Emily, because she was absolutely amazing and I did the math wrong and left her a shitty tip. I'm so sorry, Emily!! Blame the 2.5 drinks. Speaking of the drinks, delicious. Especially the after dinner Irish iced coffee one. The food was so much better than I expected, I mean the roasted broccoli was a favorite of our table. The tartar, the mac n cheese, it was all delectable. But again, service was excellent from our hostess, to the guy who took our drink orders at the waiting area and then of course, lovely Emily. Please make those rad jumpsuits in a linen fabric that is more breathable for your wonderful servers. Otherwise, great experience at Starlite and will be back! read more

Welcome to a hidden Gem in San Diego. I used to come here before it was remodeled still a great restaurant. The food was really good. Now that has been revamped and remodeled. It's literally a hidden gem so stunning when you walk in you don't even know that you're in San Diego anymore. The staff is so friendly and so accommodating. The restaurant is basically broken up to three sections you have the entrance area main dining room with the chandelier then you have like Tulum inspired dining area with a beautiful fire pit and then you have the grotto the cave area which has like a waterfall. You can experience all different kinds of settings and ambience in this restaurant. The drinks and the food are amazing highly recommend getting the margarita and the old-fashioned. We really enjoyed the apps And the main courses we got steak and the Seabass with a bunch of sides. The cherry on top is a delicious dessert we got the ice cream sandwich and it was so good. read more

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The aesthetics and design of this restaurant are absolutely stunning. We did apps and drinks which came out super fast. We had the french fries and carrots and they were cooked to perfection. Our server was very kind to offer recommendations and checked up on us a lot. read more

Starlite - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is a MUST SEE when visiting San Diego (or if you're lucky enough to live there). I went there for my birthday and everything was a 12/10. The food, the ambiance, the service, the overall vibe. And I didn't even see the disco cave!! Such a treat to even step foot in this place, absolutely cannot miss it. read more

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Made a birthday dinner reservation through open table for my mom that flew into San Diego. Mentioned on the notes that we had an infant and then we were turned away at the door as it's 21 and over. I understand that they couldn't let us in but they could've called to let us know or canceled our reservation as we mentioned we had an infant with us. The girl host was somewhat nice but the male was rude and they didn't seem sorry at all. Sad because we were excited to try but won't return now because of their failure to check their reservation notes. read more

The food, service, and ambiance of this place was a whole vibe. My journey from star to finish: parking was a nightmare they have limited spots so I recommend taking a ride-share if possible. When you first walk in you are transported to a spaceship vibe, I felt like I walked into a Star Wars bar. It's 21+ so they check IDs at the door. I had an outside table reservation, thankfully because it was dark inside. When you go to the outdoor patio it is like you're entering a jungle planet. We ordered the steak and tuna tartare, burger and a steak to share. Everything was so tasty and cooked perfectly. At the end had to top it off with the pistachio ice cream sandwich and that was divine. read more

Starlite - Ice cream sandwich - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Checked out Starlite on a Monday after they reopened from the renovations. We had reservations, but the place is packed. Parking can be difficult too. The decor is gorgeous. We shared the wagyu and yellowtail to start, both were delicious. The burger was phenomenal, and the fries came with a tasty aioli. My friend ordered the Caesar salad, but it missed the mark. Service definitely needs improvement. It took 45 minutes just to get our first drinks and nearly two hours to get our food then twenty five minutes for the check. We were there two in a half hours in total. That said, it's a really cute spot. The front room is perfect for cocktails and appetizers - it's literally star-lit. Upstairs has more of a Tulum-inspired vibe. read more

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Service was friendly, though a little inconsistent when it got busier, with longer waits between orders. Overall, it's a solid place for drinks and atmosphere, but the food and consistency don't quite match the upscale vibe it's going for. read more

We attended the Old Globe Production of The Grinch on a Monday night right before Christmas. I mention this because I was sure to have a reservation well in advanced and this is key. Reservations are a must because this is a hit spot. You walk into the bar area and it looks like a modern, warm, and mood lit gathering room. There is a noise level, but it is bustling and alive, not overwhelming. The dining area is all the way through this are and into what really is an outdoor space, but has been transformed into a tropical, cozy dining area. We were celebrating a birthday and the floor manager was sure to stop at our table and acknowledge our party. The drinks were very good, we had The Wave and and few Old Fashions, no cherry unless you ack because they use a maraschino liquor, very nice touch. We ordered mozzarella sticks, chard wedge salad and a seafood tower for the table. The tower stole the show with two varieties of oysters that were amazing. Dinner was two different potato's, mashed and twice cooked and petite cuts of the Ribeye. Steaks were cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with your choice of side sauce. We received celebratory slice of cake which we shared, nullifying an opportunity to try the desserts, but that leaves another reason to return. Parking is a block up and easy to do with your phone. Sides and appetizers are shareable. read more

Came for my birthday and my boyfriend and we booked the reservsation the morning it became available on Open Table (aka 30 days in advance) and put it in the comments that it was for a birthday and that we wanted a specific area. We tried to call multiple times to confirm and was not able to get through and we left multiple voicemails. We got there tonight and it didn't even seem like they read any comments left. No one knew there was a birthday until we mentioned it again. We didn't get the room we wanted and asked the hostess on the way out how we can get it and got a response that essentially said you had to book it separately and then asked if that was an option on open table and she said no it needs to be in the comments. Disappointed in the service overall. So I guess good luck. read more

Starlite is stunning! I have gone twice now and the quality of drink & food is 10/10, ambiance takes it to the next level - no detail was left behind. You quite literally feel like you're in a different city, different mindset, different place the second you step inside. I've enjoyed multiple cocktails, ginger & cola mocktails, the burger, the yellowtail tartar, the crab salad, and the delicious ice cream sandwich! The only feedback I have is both times I've been it's been well over 50 minutes before receiving the main course. Thankfully, I love the company I was with & I understand this place is slammed most nights. The ambiance & food is so great, worth the wait! read more

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My boyfriend and I went to Starlite last night for our anniversary and it was my favorite dining experience of all time. The hostess and server wished us a happy anniversary and everyone we encountered was so courteous and friendly. The layout and ambiance of this place is stunning and so unique. We got to be seated in the waterfall room where I was hoping to be seated and it did not disappoint. The drinks and food were equally amazing. The GM Jack personally came over and checked on us and wished us a happy anniversary which was such a classy touch. As a San Diego native this is my favorite restaurant hands down. Thank you for making our evening so special! read more

Starlite absolutely blew me away. From the moment I walked in, the decor and vibe were on point: intimate, moody, and chic. The lighting is dim, the music is vibey but not overpowering, and every corner feels thoughtfully designed. The first floor, where the bar is, has a gorgeous starry ceiling with a stunning chandelier that sets the perfect ambiance. Head upstairs and you're transported into this unexpected mix of a cave-meets-disco-ball atmosphere, complete with a waterfall. It sounds like it shouldn't work, but somehow it totally does. Service was equally impressive. Our server and bartender, Sheraya (such a beautiful name), was amazing. She was super attentive, warm, and had great recommendations. The host was also sweet, and we were even checked on by the manager, which made the whole experience feel really personal. You can tell they truly care about the guests and want you to have a great time. Now into the food. Honestly, I don't know why some reviews say it's not memorable, because we were blown away. Everything we had was packed with flavor. We ordered the sea bass and it was perfection. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and served with this dreamy garlic black roe sauce. We also had the chicken, and it was juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. For sides, we went with the mashed potatoes (made with wagyu fat, and they were a full-on chef's kiss) and the mac and cheese, which was ooey, gooey, cheesy heaven. All in all, Starlite hit every mark: atmosphere, service, and food. This was hands down a 10/10 experience, and I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in San Diego. read more

Starlite - Sea bass, Jidori Chicken, Mashed potatoes, Mac n Cheese. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Spent our Valentine's dinner here and I was so happy we did! Of course reservations were made a month in advance, highly recommended. We waited a short while with several others but once we walked in, the space was much more beautiful than the pictures. Each room within this restaurant had its own aesthetically pleasing concept. I loved everything about this place, such a vibe! Service was amazing so attentive, helpful, and friendly. Everything we ordered was so delicious and fresh. I loved the valentines specials and the prices are surprisingly affordable for how amazing this place is. A burger and fries (top tier) was only $17! I also loved the rose on each table for guests and a complimentary chocolate at the end was a nice treat. Sad we were too full to try the pistachio ice cream sandwich but we can't wait to return! read more

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Absolutely yes! Starlite is so grown and sexy. We had to wait for our reservation but not too long. I found the upstairs was made for groups of 4 vs downstairs was more for tables of 2. Each area had their own vibe. But we did prefer upstairs more. We sampled everything but the winners for sure are the herb scallop potatoes and French onion soup (one of the best I have ever had). Cocktails excellent. Bathroom, interesting. Staff, so-so, definitely a few snarky people, some good gems too. No one ruined the evening though. Reservations are so necessary, and I mean necessary. Parking can be ruff if you are a night owl. read more

There's street parking and one block down there's a public parking. Pay online and I think it's $8 for 4hrs. You'll need that 4hrs if you're dining here!!! Trust me! We decided to come on a weekday because it's fully booked on the weekend. We come from LA. It was my husband birthday so it took us 2hrs to get there. First impression, the entrance! So mysterious! Loved it! Greeted by the host and I requested if we can be seated in the Grotto if possible. Second impression, the stars, walking on carpet is definitely different in a restaurant, and workers dressed in sailor uniforms. We ordered the Golden finger drink and I thought it was good but not for the price. The ice took up most of the drink. Our table is ready and thankful to be seated in the Grotto. On the way, you pass through the outdoor patio but not really outdoor. Which has a bit of the Tulum vibes. It was a cold day so this area can be nice and toasty. Then onto the Grotto. It's like a disco cave with an outdoor small waterfall. It's a bit colder near the waterfall but for the pictures, it's perfect! We ordered the dry aged porterhouse, roasted broccoli, potato scallops and fries. All came out good. Aesthetically it's cute! I'm uncertain about the theme they're aiming for but all three rooms are interesting. Our reservations was at 745pm and didn't leave the door until 915pm. Everything took a while. Literally. I wasn't fond of the people in the bar area but Kristina in the Grotto was really nice and attentive. Let's talk about the slice of cake! Like wow!!!!! It was super cute, they laser your name on it and it's good! Perfect! read more

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Service - great Food - also great Ambiance - vibey Tables/seating a little too close to each other read more

A solid 3.5. I surveyed the group and this was our average rating. I was so excited to go back to Starlite after the "glow up" to see what beloved things they kept and what they changed. The thing that made me saddest? No more green curry fish with noodles. The thing that made my husband happiest? The mule is still on the menu. I ordered a glass of Mendocino Pinot noir and they brought me the last pour of the bottle and it tasted off. And sure enough, when they brought me a fresh glass, it was so much better. At first, our server was not nice about it but when they told her it was the bottom, she was kinder about it. And the person who brought my wine, almost spilled it all over me. But lucky I was holding on to it. The timing was off too. We were there for almost 3 hours. We got our last round of drinks right before the bill. So it was super awkward to sit there with fresh drinks and the bill. The crab Louie salad was my favorite thing! The tempura crab was a perfect foil for the tangy dressing. The burger was the guys' favorite. In fact, they gave it a 10/10 rating. The chicken is excellent. The sides were okay but $18 for a few mushrooms? Meh. And they were super salty. Another standout was the salted croissant with tomato jam. I love tomato jam! And this was a good one. Now, do you remember the outside dining of the old Starlite? It's completely different. Black marble tables and white stone booths. Faux foliage everywhere. They should probably do a demo seating at each seat and trim the plants as needed. One of us was always in plants. Overall, I was expecting more. Now, I know better. read more

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Wow this place is so beautiful and Romantic. I would definitely come back, the food was amazing. read more

Starlite - Delicious - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wow, this is an incredibly unsuspecting place sandwiched in between some auto body shops! The inside is beautiful with a very cool James Bond theme. Attention to detail, music, lighting, everything was top notch. We learned that the same company also owns Born & Raised, Lafayette and Leila in San Diego. All of which I have been to and can say this makes sense - they nailed it with each and every place in terms of the 'vibe.' We started with some wine (chose a fantastic red) and the yellowtail and tuna tartar, which was nice and light! Next onto the entrees... the star of the show for me was the bison short ribs with the red wine reduction. So flavorful and tender - paired perfectly with the scalloped potatoes. I'm not a big mushroom fan but I gave them a try and have to say you can't even tell it's a mushroom, incredible flavor with a slight kick. The sea bass melted in your mouth and the sauce was the star of the show. Lastly was the picanha - the chimichurri butter made it!!! Such a great pairing (great recommendation from our server). The meat itself was on the tougher side but that is just what that cut of meat is known to be so keep that in mind if you're thinking of ordering. Overall we loved this meal and the whole experience. We were celebrating a birthday and one of the managers came out to personally wish the birthday girl a happy birthday which was a very nice personal touch. Finished the night off with a personalized slice of birthday cake on a plate of sprinkles! read more

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Super cute and stunning inside after the remodel. It feels futuristic and like Star Wars inside. Our waiter was incredibly sweet and helpful. Very small inside so I don't recommend large groups. It's giving more like a cute dinner date. Booths are tiny and tables are limited. But overall it's an experience inside. Drinks can take very long they are handcrafted and to order. We didn't have dinner since we arrived like 10:30 pm. Just in time to order appetizer. Be sure to reserve a table or walk in. But the wait time can be long since it's small. Loved it overall and do recommend. read more

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Absolutely unacceptable experience. We came to celebrate a birthday and were turned away at the door with zero empathy or effort to help. No attempt to accommodate, no alternatives offered-just a cold, dismissive attitude like we didn't matter at all. After making the trip and planning the night, it was incredibly frustrating to be treated that way. Policies are one thing, but basic customer service and respect clearly don't exist here. Completely ruined what should have been a special night. Would not recommend. read more

Food and ambiance were great! I would definitely recommend to anyone celebrating something special

You basically can't book this place if you have more than 4 people. You can't do it online and no one would return your call or email to get assistance in reserving a table for more than 4 people. read more

Love the vibe! The low lights, the big chandelier over the sunken bar, the starry sky... Great for a girls' night or a date. Lots of gin forward drinks. Service was a little slow, which was not surprising because the place was packed. All the staff was friendly and helpful. Highly recommend a reservation if you can get one. read more

Starlite - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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First of all, definitely make a reservation on OpenTable if you know that you want to go there for dinner. There is a $50/person cancellation fee if you don't cancel 24 hours prior. Went to this place because a friend recommended it and it was a super cute place and the food was pretty good. Parking is hard to find so just be prepared for that. We had the tomahawk steak which was cooked exactly how we wanted it. The fries had an aoli dipping sauce that was pretty good with it. The mac & cheese and scallop potatoes were really good as well. The thing I didn't like was the honey cake. It was just a bit dry for my liking but still tasty overall. read more

Starlite - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is the anniversary or special occasion spot! Once you walk into the incredible bar area you know immediately that you've made the right choice for that special someone, this place is impressive! read more

went here for my anniversary and i can just say WOW. From all the beautiful details of the inside and how it changes in every room is amazing. there was sooo much to look at. You won't need a jacket inside it's very cozy. The service was amazing the staff knew everything in great detail. Here's all the food we got (photos attached) it was so hard to decide what to eat but everything was delicious!! restaurant of my dreams. can't wait to go back. read more

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We had high hopes for our return to the newly upgraded STARTLITE, and let me tell you, as many have expressed here... the ambiance is spectacular! We arrived last Tuesday evening with reservations - seated in the ultra-cool "DiscoCave"! Intimate - Dark - The room sets the mood for sure - with a flowing waterfall in the background! Super comfy with purple velvet booth seating. The table tops are absolutely gorgeous with a mirage of colors! Our waiter took great care - explaining the food and drink offerings with mouth-watering suggestions! Started the evening with their delicious and strong Beretta cocktail (an over-the-top Old Fashioned!). We ordered just about every side dish - ALL did not disappoint! Our favorites were the Wagu Fat Mashed Potatoes, Scallop Potatoes and Salted Croissant with Herb Butter - served warm - absolutely decadent! We'll have to try the steak sampler next time, but we ended up with the Starlite Burger - excellent flavor while honoring my request for well-done. The burger came with hot - crispy french fries that included a delicious dill-aoili dipping sauce. My friend ordered the Sea Bass - she was in heaven with the rich flavors, including cavier! My husband enjoyed the Meatball Sub! We ordered all the desserts - The Starlite Ice Cream Sandwich was the best feature of the night! The ambiance, overall service, menu of food and drink options will keep us coming back for more! *WARNING* There is no parking! We had to park behind Starlite in the residential area with poor lighting, so be prepared to give yourself extra-time. We arrived before 5p, and as the night moves on, parking can become even more scarce! Luckily, it took only an extra 10 minutes to find a spot with a 1/4 mile walk - not too bad, it was a beautiful evening! read more

TLdR: Cool experience but overhyped overall. Go for the vibes and a cocktail but there's better food to be found for the price. I ate here with a few of my friends a month ago. We sat in the back patio and it was really pretty. Everyone enjoyed their food and drinks, but I was a bit disappointed in my expensive wagyu picanha entree. It was so lean and noticeably missing the fat cap picanha cuts are known for. Overall I think I liked the apps better than the entrees (tried a few of my friends). Also, we were charged for a dessert we didn't order, and a drink that the manager took from my friend and replaced with something more to her liking. We were able to have the bill corrected later on but it was annoying getting ahold of anyone because no one answers the phone and the email address on the website is incorrect. We were only contacted after I spammed a few of their IG posts asking for someone to reach out. That said, I'd go again if only to take someone who hasn't been before, or out of town guests. read more

Starlite is a trip! Love its unique vibe! From the entrance, to the bar, to the dining rooms that feel like you've stepped onto another planet. It's a must do. read more

I am visiting starlite after they remodeled and the interior and vibe is 10/10! the architecture, the theme, the outdoor patio is straight out of a magazine! I'm going to be honest the drinks are good but the food is still very similar to the prior to the remodel just plain average. We got alot of food items and everything was just okay. I would come back again just for the drinks and amazing service read more

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Late post 01/01/26 delightful choice for new year's celebration Highly rated spot, ambiance is cozy,great music, delicious food (Starlite burgers and steaks are a must try, perfectly seasoned), fantastic cocktails and friendly staff, thanks to our server Jay P, super attentive and made our celebration memorable. Overall, it was an impeccable dining experience . Highly recommend. read more

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Oh WOW (that's me picking up my jaw from the floor). We flew in just to have dinner here (and flew back in a couple hours) and it was worth.every.penny. The restaurant is conveniently located less than 2 miles from the airport. When you enter, it's like you're in a whole new world of shimmer and sparkle. Emily was our server and she provided top notch service, from recommendations to anticipating our needs (including making sure wha we ordered would give us time to enjoy it and make it back to the airport on time). We had the Steak for Two entree (where every single piece of meat melted in our mouth), and the twice cooked baked potato which was cooked to perfection, super smushy on the inside and a little crisp on the outside. We also had a "side" salad, but that was not a side, it was a whole head of iceberg lettuce (grilled or slightly charred at that) which was the perfect starter. Drinks were fabulous too, and we asked to be seated by the waterfall. YES, there is a whole a$$ waterfall inside (open air so dress warm). Like I said, the whole place was a vibe with the sparkle bringing together the whole ambiance. From Emma at the front to our server Emily, we felt VIP. highly recommend. Looking at flights now to make a return visit to try additional menu items. PRO TIP: DEFINITELY make a resie. Dress cute, lots of picture ops. read more

Decided to risk it and not make reservations based on other reviews that mention reservations were not honored. Well it was a busy Thursday night and they were fully booked. We were not able to get on a waitlist, but were able to find a small table in the bar area for drinks and apps/sides. Ambiance was a date night one, but still a good for place for anyone to go for drinks. We ordered the Starlite mule and Mays margarita. Both were good and the mule tasted like the ones they made before their temporary closure. We also ordered fries and roasted broccoli (small table no room for much plates). The garlic aioli that comes with the fries was so GOOD! The lemon aioli paired with the broccoli was delish as well, but the garlic aioli really stole the show that we added it to the broccoli. Didn't stick around as we were hungry and wanted to order food (not just sides). Next time definitely will make reservations to avoid not being able to get a table. read more

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