9 times out of 10 I don't enjoy the steak in this type of lunch-like restaurants, and this is the exception. That chimichurri steak is fire. It's always hard to decide which side from the many options to pick, but any grilled vegetable is a great choice. read more

Urban Plates - Chimichurri Grass Fed Steak - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

What happened to my beloved Urban Plates? I used to frequent their Carlsbad and Irvine locations. Always a treat. Every bite. Service was not friendly. We always tip but gave $0. Not friendly or helpful, very short, like she was annoyed helping us. They just opened so I assumed the freshest ingredients. Not so. My favorite Tomato Soup - meh. Nothing special. Like it came from a can. Steak was ok. Tough. Used to be better quality. Shrimp was just ok. Toasted bread was meh. Nothing special. It used to a crispy treat. Not crispy. Being the second people in, the tables were sticky, even when asked to have them wiped down. Men's restroom had no paper towels, sticky floors, greasy finger prints on the door. And they just opened. This lack of sanitation in the front of the house makes me question their kitchen sanitation. If they don't care here, where else are they not caring? Maybe it's just this location. I made a special drive here to introduce my husband to one of my favorite dining experiences. Embarrassed to disappoint my easy-to-please husband. read more

My work orders from here quite a bit for individual lunches and for large catering orders. For individual lunches, I've tried their Urban Superfood Salad (did not like it at all) and the Chili Glazed Grilled Tofu Bowl (I really enjoy this and it is now my go-to from here). Regarding the catering, I know a lot of people from my company love this place, but I just don't find it very impressive. My favorite things are the mac & cheese and the bread. The chicken has been dry every time and their potatoes are overly salty. The steak has such great flavor with the chimichurri, but most of the pieces I get are majority fat and I end up spitting it out. Maybe I'm just not trying the right things, but oth read more

Urban Plates - Catering plate - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Located in La Jolla where Trader Joe's is at. Plenty of parking. Have seating inside and out. The place was clean. The service was friendly. Got the surf and turf with truffle fries and a Caesar salad. The drinks are refillable. The food was not bad. Wish the fries were not as soggy. The surf and turf hit the spot. I would come here again. Saw some items I would like to try when I can back. read more

Came here for a Saturday lunch and left satisfied. We love the atmosphere of this location. Sitting outside with a lovely breeze on a warm day was amazing. We ordered and got our food pretty quick. I got a chicken Caesar wrap and my fiancee got the blackened salmon with Brussels and harissa cauliflower. My chicken Caesar wrap was amazing as always, well dressed and delicious and fresh. My fiancees salmon was even better this time and we loved the harissa cauliflower! However the Brussels were, for the lack of a better word, disgusting. They were unseasoned and barely edible. They seemed boiled? Instead of roasted which if we would have known we definitely would not have gotten them. They stayed on the plate. Service was a little spotty but overall we enjoy this location more then the mission valley one and will be back, but never ordering the brussel sprouts again. read more

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Stopped by here after my Torrey pines hike and I was helped my Noemi. I told her what I was craving and she suggested the steak sandwich. Let me tell ya, this was one of my favorite sandwiches I've had! The meat was super tender. I also got the truffle fries and they did not disappoint. Noemi also dropped the food off and kept checking in on my friend and I to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. I will definitely be returning. Hoping Noemi is there when I return because she made this visit read more

Urban Plates - Grilled Grass Fed Steak Sandwich - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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We went a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the food. So we returned. Not local but definitely like the place to keep returning when in the area. Highly recommend. Giselle A read more

Came here for a second time after shopping in the area. This place is off in the corner from the TJs and it's so spacious. We ordered on the kiosk and found our own table. Everything is pretty self serve except they bring the food to you. We got the braised short rib bowl, the steak sandwich and cranberry apple ginger drink. We both loved the braised short bowl. It was tender and juicy. The drink was refreshing. The person who brought our food was very nice. She almost missed us bc we were towards the back and the restaurant moody lighting. They have a variety of food which is nice bc anyone can find something they like. read more

Urban Plates - Braised Short Ribs with mashed taters + Cranberry Apple Ginger Replenisher - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

great service from Kandice - outstanding plates - clean & very attention to detail definitely will be returning read more

Urban Plates - Urban Sides Plate - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

11-17-2025 Forgot how much I enjoy dining here. I scheduled a date to meet my gf here for lunch. When we arrived my tummy didn't feel right so I just had a little sample of my friend's Moroccan Chicken. It was yummy delicious! Tender chunks of chicken lathered with creamy mashed potato in tasty gravy. Too bad I was not able to eat. Definitely will be back for their fresh n scrumptious food. Until next time! read more

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Super bummed. Haven't worked in the area but, often think of this place. Coordinated lunch and movie in the area. Was excited to introduce my friend to Urban plates Walked in and was confused.. you no longer enter the area where the chefs are cooking and food is prepped You used to be able to taste sides and see them so you could decide. I got the chimi churry steak. Bummed it was cooked more than I would have liked. Wasn't given the option to get more chimi churry. The brussel sprouts are now boiled ...I could hear frozen in the microwave for a better result. I won't be craving or missing this spot anymore. Can make better at home. ;( sorry I didn't get pics. My friend wasn't all that excited about her meal read more

Yummy steak and quick service. Good selection of entrees, will try next time. Friendly service by Kandice

Ate here 2 weeks ago. The food was cold and my chicken looked like it was in the fryer for a couple days. Then today 5/21 my girlfriend ate the chicken sandwich and it gave her food poisoning. We used to love this place, but it slowly has been going downhill. I would avoid this place if you like good food. read more

Urban Plates - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

I come here for my lunch break often because I work nearby. The staff is friendly and attentive. Michelle was very nice at the register. She is knowledgeable about the menu if you have any questions. Today I had the chimichurri steak plate with mashed potatoes and the Caesar salad. It was delicious. I recommend getting the plate pass if you come often. You save 20 percent each time on food and drinks. The pass has already paid for itself after a few visits. read more

Urban Plates - 2 Chicken Tender plate, Karl Strauss Mosaic IPA and chocolate chip cookie. - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I've come here a few times with my best friend for lunch and we love the salads. We usually get the Caesar or the grilled chicken Cobb. Both are super fresh and large enough to share. The service has been good and everyone is friendly. We love sitting out back and everything is pretty clean. They also have a pretty decent wine selection as well as fresh lemonade for the under 21 crowd. read more

Urban Plates - Urban Caesar Salad - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Came here for a quick dinner before a game. You order at the counter, and they bring the food out for you. The sitting area is very large and nice. Very clean too. The steak we had was very good. A quick healthy meals read more

Urban Plates - Steak Plate - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great selection of food with few healthy options Service is good However this location has very few indoor seating. Most is outside and can be chilly read more

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Urban Plates is a fast casual restaurant serving New American plates, salads, sandwiches, bowls, and soups. AMBIANCE Clean spacious interior with an open concept kitchen, spacious covered exterior seating SERVICE Patrons order at the register, and staff brings orders to the table. FOOD 5/5 Side House Salad (substituted fries that came w burger): refreshingly crisp slices of jicama and carrot, bright vinaigrette that's tart and the right amount of sweet and salty, fresh spring mix 4/5 Grass Fed Double Cheeseburger: Bread is dense (would be nice if this was toasted/grilled), beef patties are grilled moist and tender with melted cheese, sauce is flavorful, crisp lettuce PARKING Lot read more

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We came here as a party of 8 after graduation and were so thankful that they had space. We immediately seated ourselves at a table in the patio area and scanned the QR code to start ordering. It was a seamless process and we even signed up for the Plate Pass because it got us 20% off our check. I ordered the wild ahi nicoise salad, which was very refreshing since the veggies were tossed in a mustard champagne vinaigrette. A lot of our table ordered the chimichurri steak and they loved it. Our food came out in about 20 minutes so the service was relatively fast. It's a fast-casual restaurant so the quality was great since they really emphasize freshness and healthy eating. read more

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Ordered the Chimichurri Skirt Steak (only 4.5 ounces) so I asked for extra meat. I paid $40 for 9 ounces of chewy skirt, steak and greasy mushrooms plus carrots and beets. 10 more dollars would've got me an 8 ounce filet mignon at a sitdown restaurant. Service was good, ambiance was just fine read more

Urban Plates - Chimichurri Grass Fed Steak (only 4.5 oz) with Roasted Mushrooms W. Garlic Parmesan Butter and Rainbow Carrots & Golden Beets - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

This spot is one of my family's go to because the food is always a hit! We went in on a Saturday around dinnertime, and after placing our orders at the counter, we found outside seating immediately (if I'm not mistaken, they only offer outside seating, but there are plenty of heating lamps to keep you warm). We got our food relatively quickly, which was nice because there has been times where the wait here can get a little long, but they are always busy is how I feel. What I got: - Grilled Grass Fed Steak Sandwich: hand carved grass-fed steak, slow roasted tomatoes, chimichurri aioli, served on grilled rustic bread with chips - Mac & Cheese Everything I ordered was really good! The steak in my sandwich was tender, and the overall sandwich had great flavor. The Mac and cheese was cheesy and hit. As it is one of our go-to spots, we will definitely be back. read more

Urban Plates - Grilled Grass Fed Steak Sandwich - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Same as the trendy good quality food sandwiches and salads or plates serving beer and wine. Good service. Very casual ambience. You order your food and they bring it to your table. Utensils and water stations to help yourself. The steak was not marinated so it tasted meaty. Good fries. Nice place for a quick bite to eat. read more

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Great experience no lie, beautiful spot to grab a bite to eat. Very helpful people to direct you if you're new. I went with my Wife and two children. We enjoyed ourselves after a day on the beach. I got the lamb with mashed potatoes. My Children had chicken tenders and the fries were so great. Only problem i had... $7 Kombucha wtf man. That might have been the sweetest robbery ever. In the history of Jackas.. besides that will be back to enjoy after a beach day. Beautiful building in a beautiful neighborhood. Take care read more

I think of urban plates fondly for their entrees as being well planned dishes and clean tasting, but this was my first time having a lackluster meal. For an early meal I thought I'd go for roasted veggies and while it was nothing special I ordered, the execution was also not great. The Brussels were decent but had no crisp at all and the dash of balsamic glaze wasn't impressive or especially fitting. They almost tasted soft like pre-frozen. I found myself wishing for more flavorful seasoning. The roasted heirloom carrots and beets had a nice light garlic flavor with good texture, but I could swear I only had one cube of beet. Maybe better luck next time. Last of all the little potatoes of my three up were fine. Soft but not dry mushy. Looked cuter than they tasted. The reason my review is much lower is in part due to the bread. Both I and and my lunch buddy noticed our slices had an unpleasant, dirty-grill flavor even though the grill lines were faint and the bread was unburnt. Neither of us dared to finish it. Service and ambiance are consistent and I like the kiosk ordering. That was the main reason this visit was not a total disaster. Still a letdown and I won't get the three-up again. read more

Urban Plates - Three up 3 up: brussels, potato, carrot (and beets) - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

This place is rude. They wouldn't attend to me while I was in line and then they moved me to the pick up line and when I told him the name they wouldn't even hear me the bag. She pulled the bag away until she saw my phone for the Order, super rude and unprofessional. read more

The ambiance is amazing nicest urban plates I've been to yet. The service is wonderful for this "fast casual" restaurant we were helped by a very kind team member by the name of CANDACE. She helped us in selecting our choices and attended to us quickly. We have been to a few of these restaurants before but it's been really spacious and looks almost like an office this place is half outside which really is a treat. Plenty of spaces to host a group or to sit alone and catch up on work. Ample parking and seating to match. Thank you again to Candace for helping us out and showing us complete kindness. We thank you urban plates in La Jolla!! read more

First time here and for some reason I assumed it was a sit down / full-service restaurant. Was surprised to see if was order at the counter and open seating (not complaining! I like the more casual and efficient style.) We ordered on one of the two tablets they had by the door and grabbed a number for the table. The menu mostly consisted of plates/sides, burgers and chicken sandwiches, and soup/salad combos. I love how they have an everyday value section with reasonable prices for a full meal. I opted for the cheeseburger with fries ($11.99) and my husband had the Nashville chicken sandwich with fries ($11.99). The prices were very reasonable given how expensive food has been lately. The burger/sandwich were not huge, but a normal size as you would expect. Burger was good but the chicken sandwich was too sweet. Fries were great, seasoned with coarse sea salt - great flavor and tasted fresh. read more

Urban Plates - Burger - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I adore this place before any event at UCSD. Food feels fresh, is flavorful and if you can snag a table by the front fireplace, even better. They have a decent wine list. I'm here to recommend the Parmesan mushroom. And the sea bass. Both excellent and decent portions. I had the steak with chimichuri. My dinner date had the sea bass. It's a walk up and order kind of place and they pour you wine in a real glass. And you go sit on the patio with your wine while you wait for your food. Perfections! read more

Urban Plates - Sea Roasted Barramundi Seabass - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Always great food here and super convenient. Candace was amazing today! The Chimichurri chicken is delicious.

I am currently training and really focused on my fitness and nutrition and I was soo happy to come across this place! It not only has yummy food, but has all their nutrition information online, along with really reasonable prices and portions. I ordered the chimichurri steak with the roasted potatoes and asparagus. Everything was cooked sooo well I was actually super impressed. I felt perfectly filled afterwards and the service was very nice as well. There are lots of outside seating options and the restaurant is a nice casual place to hangout! read more

Urban Plates - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Casual and easy to get good, ourdoor seating space is huge and looks fancier than it is. You can order with a cashier or a kiosk. Some items are costly, like those with steak, but you can get a soup/salad for under $15. Lots of GF options and Veggie if you need it. Would return if in the area and need an easy lunch. read more

Doc's suggestion for dinner last night was spot on. You can dine inside, on their patio or outside with a roaring hot fire to keep you toasty. Amazingly in the chilly evening the ceiling fans were on in the patio with lots of diners. Perhaps view their on line menu before hand cuz I didn't realize you get 2 sides. I chose chimichurri steak which was tender and tasty. I'd get this again- yum! I chose basmati rice which does not have the seasonings like Indian restaurants and Brussel sprouts cuz I needed to decide fast. Luckily they had stevia packets for the unsweetened iced tea. Their desserts looked fabulous, maybe next time. Doc's steak salad was huge! The garlic bread looked drool worthy. There was more than enough to box to go. read more

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Patricia is a consistent, great help! I never know what sides to order and she always takes her time to give me the best recommendations. Great experience! read more

This place is a blend of fast food service with whole food restaurant quality dishes. The place is set up to make ordering and pick up quick and easy. Seating is plentiful, but it is a seat yourself place, with cafeteria style utensils and water. The food is fresh, well prepared and priced accordingly for the dishes. I absolutely love the local beet salad. A great mixture of greens, carrots, onions, cheese and gold and purple beets. I'll be back and order a protein to round out my review. read more

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I ordered takeout from this place and if I hadn't checked my order before leaving, I would've gone home missing an entire side they forgot to include. When I opened the box and asked where the mac & cheese was, the employee just laughed and said "you're embarrassing me" to the cook instead of apologizing. She turned away laughing with her coworkers while they were all messing around in the kitchen without apologizing or acknowledging me. It was completely unprofessional and nobody cared. One of the girl staff members was laughing and went to the back, then took the scooper from the cook and started serving my mac and cheese, dropping some of it all over the floor. The cook then told her to get out, which made it clear she was not supposed to be in that area. I'm not sure if she was trying to flirt with him or what was going on, but the whole interaction was inappropriate and unprofessional, especially happening right in front of paying customers. Let alone unhygienic. The food itself was awful. The cauliflower tasted old and was cold. The "mac & cheese" was basically plain noodles sitting in watery sauce. The bread was stale and hard as a rock. It was genuinely disgusting and not worth the $27 I spent. I ended up throwing most of it away. Between the poor customer service, the employees joking around the entire time, and the low quality food, this place felt unsanitary and badly managed. Whoever owns this restaurant seriously needs to hire staff with actual customer service skills and pay attention to food quality. read more

Had a great dinner last night at Urban Plates. I appreciated the plentiful parking (spaces could be bigger), easy ordering and right now they have a half off deal on bottles of wine! We got a bottle of Ammunition pinot noir for less than $21! I shared a cheeseburger with fries, added brussel sprouts for $3 (was surprised they crammed it all on one plate so it seems you get less fries) and the braised short ribs with my sister. Short ribs and mashed potatoes were great. Cheeseburger plate was okay. Burger was just OK, no char and bland. Great, easy dinner break from holiday shopping if you are in the UTC area. read more

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Love this place! The food is good quality, delicious and great value for what you are getting. We have done numerous times and have never been disappointed. A lot of self-seating for small and large groups as well. The parking situation is also awesome and this location is right off of the freeway exit. read more

Urban Plates - Bowl - Seafood Chowder - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Felipe went above and beyond. Although this was his first week, he was well-versed on the menu and provided great customer service. If this is him on Week one I know he'll be an outstanding employee in the future. read more

Urban Plates - Seared Aji plate - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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My visit was exceptional! Food tasty and perfectly seasoned! Service was superb, kept my food warm until my arrival. The location access is good.comfortable seating inside and out!!! read more

I absolutely love urban plates and their mac and cheese is delicious. However I am an amazing chef (michelin star) and my recipe for mac and cheese is way way better so save your money 2 cups pasta 1 cup cheddar cheese Half cup gruyere 1tsp vanilla extract 1 egg 2 cups milk 1tsp garlic powder 1tsp salt 1tsp flour Cook pasta according to box Mix flour and milk and vanilla Add cheese and melt add seasonings Add sauce to pasta read more