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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 60 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • 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 Gourmand2023
  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2022
  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2021

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

  • Chef's Table March 12th

    $260.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 12, 2025 only
    This experience is available for parties of minimum of 1 guest up to 8 guests maximum, at $260 per person tax and gratuity included. ** All purchases are final sale.

  • Small Cabana Reservation

    $100.00 per party

    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 1,426 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kettner Exchange is a delightful dining spot, celebrated for "amazing food, great service," and a "wonderful atmosphere." The inventive menu features exquisite small plates perfect for sharing, with highlights like the duck meatballs and frog legs. Guests enjoy the "great cocktails," rooftop ambiance, and live music, making it ideal for date nights or special occasions.

1,426 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was the star of the show with the best being the roasted duck. It was super fun and engaging where you can “make your own” bao’s with duck, peanut sauce, cucumber, and more. The duck was so tender and cooked perfectly, would highly recommend. The only thing that may have topped the food was the amazing view of the harbor during sunset. Our table looked right out and was a very romantic ambience. Would highly recommend coming here for a date or night out for good food.

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  2. SDSuza

    San Diego1 review

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    They have 21% surcharges and 4% charges for expenses added to the bill. 25% tip charges all together??? For parties 6 and up. Not liking it.

    Is this helpful?

  3. melanie

    Los Angeles14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every item was perfect and the special birthday treat for my colleague was incredible. Waiter Alejandro was fantastic.

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  4. SheilaS VIP

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time at this restaurant and it was terrific! Highly recommended.

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  5. Tim VIP

    Orange County9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique dining experience. The downstairs dining room is upscale, but offers tapas style dining which is great for large for groups. The service here is exceptional, and Miguel was a great server for our table. The upstairs is a very different vibe with a more nightlife style vibe.

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  6. CG25 VIP

    Los Angeles7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Took 10-15 minutes for a server to greet us at the table once seated. Your $32 for a monkey tonic is quite excessive…and this coming from someone who lives in LA. Food somewhat one note for the most part. Not much depth of flavor.

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  7. Kit64

    New York City18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Don’t be influenced by the look of the exterior, it is gorgeous inside and a top notch experience. Small plates to share have all of us a chance to try the variety of offerings. Every single item was incredibly delicious, fresh and flavorful. The cocktails were fabulous. Our server was professional, friendly, efficient and gave us perfect service. It’s a lovely scene and great for a fun night out. We sat upstairs in a comfortable round banquette. The upstairs corner glass enclosed rooms looked perfect for a special private party. Highly recommend.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    None of the dishes MISSED. Absolutely amazing and delicious flavors with each dish served.

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  9. Jackie

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, service, and ambiance as always and with a live DJ during Sunday brunch! Would be great if DJ started before noon (started just before 1pm when we were about to leave), but was fun to have some good vibes at the end :) My fave spot in San Diego by far!

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  10. Barbara VIP

    Cleveland7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The portions are minuscule for most items. Delicious, but a 1.5 oz piece of halloumi for $20 is going a bit too far. The space is beautiful and it’s obviously a hot spot.

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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 1426 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 60 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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