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Kettner Exchange, San Diego, CA
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Kettner Exchange

$31 to $50
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 62 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Redzikowski

  • Award icon

    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand

    2023

  • Award icon

    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand

    2022

  • Award icon

    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand

    2021

From the OpenTable editors: Anchored by a striking 20-foot eucalyptus sculpture, this two-story, indoor-outdoor showstopper has been a Little Italy hotspot since opening in 2014. Snag a seat on the rooftop patio with swinging daybeds, a roaring fireplace, and bookable private cabanas for sweeping harbor views and inventive American dishes with Asian twists like Szechuan frog legs and spicy tuna and crispy rice with eel sauce from James Beard Award-winning chef Brian Redzikowski.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
  • Phone number
    (619) 255-2001
  • Website
    http://www.kettnerexchange.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Location
    2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
    3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Cross street
    Grape St
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
  • Entertainment
    Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

  • New Years Eve at Kettner Exchange

    $150.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Say farewell to 2024 in style at Kettner Exchange with a champagne tower, photo booth, live jazz, and DJs! Festivities will also include a 6-course tasting menu at $150 per person. Please note that only the New Year's Eve menu will be offered on this day, a la carte dining will not be available in the main dining room. An optional curated wine pairing will be available at $60 per person. No-shows or cancellations less than 1 day in advance may be subject to a charge of $25 per person. Tax, 20% service charge, and 4% surcharge will be added to all checks.
    New Years Eve at Kettner Exchange Photo

  • Small Cabana Reservation

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    This is not a Standard Reservation, please read below: *Mon-Wed evening Small Cabana Reservations have no F&B minimum but tax and 22% service charge will be applied. *Thurs-Sun evening Small Cabana Reservations have a $400 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. *Sun Brunch Cabanas have a $200 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. The Small Cabanas offers a space where groups of up to (6) guests are able to enjoy Kettner Exchange’s elevated cuisine and unique beverage program in a casual lounge style VIP setting. Guests may dine from the Lounge Menu till 10pm while being seated at the core of a lively open-air rooftop. Everything ordered will go onto one bill. Each reservation is for (3) hours maximum.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,354 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kettner Exchange offers a "great rooftop ambiance" and "excellent cocktails," making it a perfect spot for a fun night out. Guests rave about its "delicious and inventive food," particularly the duck meatballs and tapas-style dining. The service is often described as "knowledgeable and friendly," enhancing the overall "fantastic dining experience."

1,354 Reviews

  1. Kiefer

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and atmosphere. One of my favorites in little Italy.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Lisa

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had such a lovely evening at Kettner. We had the spicy tuna cripsy rice, house made bread and peanut dipping sauch, the pork chop and sonoma lamb and szechuan noodles. Everything was fantastic. My personal favorite were the noodles. They had great flavor. It was spicy but not too much.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Bryan

    VIP

    Phoenix

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    There was a snafu with Cabana minimums. After they got it wrong, we were given a table in not the most desirable area, although our server was amazing. The patio is cold and table/chairs not the best option for sharing small plates. Next time if you make a mistake, make better choices to assure the customer has a “level up” experience.

    Is this helpful?

  4. john

    VIP

    San Diego

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a classy place to dine. The staff is wonderful and always attentive. The food is delicious and there are options for everyone. The decor is beautiful and they have live music!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kurt

    VIP

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We did not dine here. Upon arriving, we were informed all of the dining area was bought for the evening. We were directed to the lounge area, which is an outdoor bar. After being served water and then ignored for 15 minutes, we left to dine elsewhere, which could not be reserved using the app since it thought we were still dining. I should have been informed of the seating status prior to the reservation. Disappointed in the restaurant, and the app. Won’t be back.

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  6. Maria

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It's truly one of my favorite restaurants. Brunch was simply the best. Freshest ingredients. It was so delicious. Love the presentation. We had the best time celebrating our birthdays. Thank you, Chef Brian. Best hospitality. 👌

    Is this helpful?

  7. Matt

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food & great service! We come here every time we are in San Diego for a visit.

    Is this helpful?

  8. LaQuisa

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Beautiful ambience and food was delicious. However noise level very high and it turned into a "night club" after 9pm so very difficult to have intimate conversation over dinner as difficult to hear. So just be aware.

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  9. Olga

    VIP

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What makes great food even better? Great service and that is what you get here. Plus a wonderful ambience and excellent cocktails.

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  10. Kay

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall we enjoyed our experience, it was unique and exceptional. The only thing I like to say about the menu is that it was limited and the salmon I ordered was served cold.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kettner Exchange offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 255-2001.

Kettner Exchange is rated 4.7 stars by 1354 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 62 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Kettner Exchange

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
    3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
  • Cross street
    Grape St
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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