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Indigo Grill

Nestled on cozy India Street in picturesque Little Italy, Indigo Grill has been a gem of San Diego’s culinary scene for years. While many diners may be familiar with one of the Cohn Family’s finest restaurants, they haven’t seen anything like the recent transformation that has elevated the grill to the next plateau of dining experiences. Head Chef Deborah Scott, one of the finest chefs in all of San Diego, finally has a spectacular venue in which to showcase her phenomenal dishes that combine old world charm with modern culinary flare. Close to the Gaslamp, Convention Center, Seaport Village, and the train station, the Indigo Grill is a must-stop dining destination for anyone craving a unique take on Latin and Mexican cuisine. Despite the many changes to Indigo Grill’s interior, exterior, and menu, fans of the restaurant can still count on the same warm, inviting environment they’ve enjoyed for years at this Little Italy mainstay. If the average selection of San Diego’s Mexican fare has you searching for something more adventurous, look no further than Indigo Grill.

The Heart of Oaxaca in the Heart of Little Italy

Nestled on cozy India Street in Little Italy, Indigo Grill has been a gem of San Diego’s culinary scene for years. While many diners may be familiar with one of the Cohn Family’s finest restaurants, they haven’t seen anything like the recent transformation that has elevated the eatery to the next plateau of dining experiences on the eave of its 10th anniversary. San Diego icon and Head Chef Deborah Scott finally has a fitting space in which to showcase her phenomenal dishes that combine old world charm with modern culinary flare. Even with her recent creations like Vintana or the Chop Soo-ey food truck, Scott still dedicates much of her time to keep one of her very first San Diego restaurants the very best it can be. Despite the many changes to Indigo Grill’s interior, exterior, and latin-inspired menu, fans of the restaurant can still count on the same warm, inviting environment they’ve enjoyed for years at this Little Italy mainstay.

Indigo Grill’s recent renovation is noticeable from the moment I approach the restaurant. In addition to the vibrant neon sign outside the building, the patio has been extended out onto the sidewalk to include a spacious fire pit and small tables made from recycled oil drums. It is separated from the old patio by two large, ancient doors that looked like they once sat at the entrance of a hacienda or chapel. As I enter through the front doors just west of the sign, the light of dusk filters onto statues carved into a wall reminiscent of a Mayan temple. Vibrant reds and blues cover the walls, blending with earthy stone and aged wrought iron décor that lends an aurora of an authentic Latin kitchen. An enormous blue, vibrantly decorated stage curtain that once hung in some great hall now adorns the bar area and spacious stone oven, even stretching up to the ceiling. As dusk turns to night, hanging lamps cobbled together from scrap metal shine demure light from antique bulbs that barely reach the large wooden beams that crisscross the ceiling. Beneath those beams lies gorgeous sconce from a time long past. There are so many classic touches of old world décor and repurposed fixtures, I notice that even the air vents have been adorned with latticed, steel grates found in turn of the century buildings.

Aaron O’Marra, who is no stranger to the Cohn Family brand, manages the new Indigo Grill. He was previously the head chef at the Dakota Grill on 5th Avenue before relocating to Los Angeles to manage his own restaurant. It was while working there that he learned Indigo Grill’s manager had left just a month before the restaurant’s grand reopening. He was recommended for the position for the position by a very special Cohn Group employee – his wife – and was urged by the Cohns to take the helm. His knowledge of fine and fun dining, as well as the Cohn’s passion for family-inspired restaurants, made him an impeccable choice to manage this enchanting grill.

As I walk through the restaurant, I notice how many new seating options are available. In addition to traditional bar seating illuminated by sheer vintage silk screens and adorned with an antique sliding door, diners were also strewn about the adjacent bar overlooking the aromatic kitchen. Near the front of the restaurant there is communal seating at high, narrow tables made from recycled conveyor belts; perfect for enjoying Indigo Grill’s signature cocktails and small dishes. Unlike other restaurants that only offer happy hour a few days a week during obscure hours, guests of Indigo Grill can enjoy special offers from 5pm to 6pm every day in the picturesque bar area. In addition to great deals on some of the grill’s most popular Latin-inspired cocktails like the Tomas Colina and Piña Envy, the happy hour menu also features appetizers like Chef Deborah’s Pipian Crusted Brie and Baby Kale & Quinoa.

While there are no private rooms in the restaurant, there are many tables that can provide a more private dining experience for larger parties. Tucked into a cozy enclave, the “white table” provides seating for medium parties in the light of an elegant, mounted chandelier. On the opposite side of the restaurant against a warm red wall, a plush couch lined with soft pillows allows diners to cozy up to friends or family. A large, family-sized table sits on a sunken floor by the slatted windows, providing a touch of privacy, a breeze, and a view of the brilliantly lit street. Any of these tables are available by request when making your reservations.

Even if you’re out for an impromptu rendezvous with friends, there are plenty of atmospheric seating options that require no prior notice. Outside, the patio is now covered with corrugated tin, lit by hanging lamps with long cords insulated with reused fire hoses. The many windows that now surround the patio are reminiscent of a greenhouse wall, allowing light to into the dining area. A newly poured fire pit is lined with couches, making it a sublime spot for date night.

I choose the more traditional seating option: a heavy wooden table with wrought iron chairs with plush leather cushions. I’m adjacent to the patio, separated by a rounded wooden door paned with tiny windows that allowed light to filter through. My waitress arrives with a smile and suggests a signature cocktail. I select the Oaxaca Old Fashioned; a refreshing take on an Old Fashioned that replaces bourbon with smoky tequila and mescal and adds sweet agave nectar. Indigo Grill’s cocktail menu features many traditional drinks made unique by mixing in a dash of Latin flair. In addition to signature cocktails, the drink menu boasts a wide selection of superb wines. Sparkling wines and California whites are well represented, but the collection of Spanish and South American reds is certainly the most impressive.

The most interesting change to the menu at Indigo Grill is not the dishes themselves, but the types of dishes. Keeping in line with the restaurant’s commitment to intimate, communal dining, the menu is now largely composed of smaller dishes meant to be shared with friends and family. Even the many new, tantalizing entrees come in such large portions that you can’t help but share with everyone at the table. As I scan the menu, I have to remind myself to start at the beginning.

There are many tempting starters to choose from: the many kinds of ceviche sound refreshing, and the Pozole Rojo at the table next to me looks hearty. However, for my first dish I choose something that I’ve heard recommended by word of mouth: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Served in a wide brimmed white bowl, it is topped with roasted corn salsa, a sprinkling of pepitas, and swirls of cilantro pesto and crème fraiche. I immediately taste the corn salsa, its sweetness complementing the robust butternut squash and the dash of creme. The pepitas add to the robust flavor, and their delightful crunch contrasts the creamy texture of the soup nicely. The cilantro pesto is a masterful touch, adding just the right amount of spice to the creamy concoction. It is the ideal dish to whet my appetite.

With the warmth of the soup still lingering, the next tapa arrives. Many of the seafood appetizers like Oven Roasted Mussels & Clams and the Ahi Tostada are prepared simply, letting the quality of the seafood speak volumes. The Salt & Pepper Shrimp is no exception, and is among the most flavorful and savory shrimp that I’ve ever tasted. Coated in a light, yet crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs, the salt and pepper in which it is seasoned accentuates the rich flavor of the fresh shrimp. While there is a slight crisp with each bite, the coating melts in my mouth in no time at all. It is served with cups of two truly unique condiments: lime fish sauce and jalapeno “tartar sauce”. While the lime fish sauce provides a tang of citrus to the salty shrimp, the creamy tartar sauce plays well with the richness of the panko crust. On the recommendation of my waitress, I try to the two sauces together. Lime, tartar sauce, jalapeno, salt and pepper make my mouth water as their bold flavors envelop my mouth in rich collusion. It is surely a dish that should not be passed over.

My appetite now fully engaged, larger and larger dishes began to arrive. An order of tacos arrived next, where diners are allowed to choose any three mouthwatering selections. I’m drawn to the Carnitas, Crispy Jalapeno Chicken, and the Tempura Mahi Mahi Cheek. All three are served on golden corn tortillas with black beans topped with cotija cheese and a stripe of crème fraîche, shredded lettuce, and spicy pickled vegetables like you’d find in most taco shops. The tacos are also placed in a slotted taco holders, keeping them upright and preventing the contents from spilling out. The carnitas are incredibly tender, its saltiness contrasted by the subtle sweetness of pickled onions and charred orange braise. Knowing that fresh corn tortillas and well-cooked carnitas already complement each other, this taco is kept relatively simple. The Crispy Jalapeno Chicken is encrusted with panko breadcrumbs; but unlike the shrimp, it is pan-cooked with a bit of sugar that creates a slightly thicker crust and seals in the flavor of the chicken. It is topped with a chili aioli, blending classic American fair with spicy Latin flavor in true Southern California fashion. Though not the most traditional item on the men, the inventiveness of the Crispy Jalapeno Chicken taco delivers real flavor. If you think Mahi Mahi is already one of the most flavorful and succulent fish in the ocean, you need to try the cheek. The most tender part of the fish, Indigo Grill surrounds it in a light tempura that accentuates the almost buttery natural flavor. I think about how any other breading than tempura would likely overwhelm the flavor of the fish, or make it too greasy. With a drizzle of the jalapeno tartar sauce and a touch of lime, the Tempura Mahi Mahi Cheek taco is one of the finest fish tacos in the city.

The next dish to arrive is the Pork Belly Flatbread, served on a rustic wooden cutting board. While other flatbreads like the Potatoes & Peppers and the Serrano Ham looked amazing, it was the promise of tender pork belly that enticed me into ordering this flavorful dish. The flatbread itself is visually stunning with its many colorful ingredients, including succulent pork belly smothered in dark hoisin sauce, bright yellow pineapple, vibrant red onion slivers, smoked gouda toasted slightly brown, lush green peanut-jalapeno slaw, and brilliant red slivers of Fresno pepper. Even cutting into this dish is a treat as it flakes beautifully under my knife with a small, satisfying crunch. At first bite, the many flavors blend as harmoniously to the palate as they do to the eye. Sweet hoisin finds a counterpart in juicy pineapple; salty pork belly, garlic olive oil, and sea salt melt in my mouth; peanut-jalapeno slaw and moderate portions of Fresno pepper add both a bold kick and touch of sweetness that completes a flavor trifecta. One might expect so many competing flavors to overwhelm the taste buds, but the complicated tastes of each ingredient instead achieve true chemistry together.

After many fantastic small and medium sized dishes, it is time for the main course. Much like the dishes that populate it, the Grande Platos section is by far the biggest section of the menu. My eyes desperately scan mouthwatering Braised Pork Shank, savory Mushroom Papardelle Pasta, and flavorful Alderwood Plank Salmon in a cucumber-dill moleto, but one dish stands out on name alone: Skirts on Fire. Served on a large plate fit for two, the marinated skirt steak is flanked by a kiwi and tangerine medley, arugula salad with a cilantro dressing and carrot shavings, and two triangles of chili acuzar glazed quesadilla. The fruit medley serves as a respite from the other spicy components of the dish, as does the crisp and mild flavor of the salad with cilantro dressing. The quesadilla is a curious one; unlike many you’re likely to find in San Diego. While it’s drizzled in a fair amount of smoky chili sauce, it’s pan fried in a sugary glaze that complements the sweetness of the cheese within. The chef recommends ordering the skirt steak cooked medium, leaving the meat tender and juicy on the inside and grilled to perfection on the outside. It is served in strips still drizzled in a spicy and roasted chili sauce, adding a demure piquancy that lingers just a second or two. I can still taste a hint of tangy, salty soy sauce used in the marinade, and the flavors of this simply seasoned dish play wonderfully on my palette. The meat is cooked so well it practically melts in my mouth, and the next bite can’t come soon enough. Even sharing the dish, it quickly fills me to my brim.

The sun has set and the streetlights awakened by the time I finish my meal. I’m so full, I’m glad for the support the thick wooden arms of my seat provide as I rise. The restaurant is much more crowded than when I arrived, locals strewn about as they enjoy one last drink and appetizer before they walk home. After thanking the manager, waitress, and hostess for their stupendous hospitality, I linger in the cool night air and the glow of the Indigo Grill’s beckoning sign as I reflect on the many delicious ingredients and flavors I’ve encountered on my stay here. I immediately reach one conclusion that seems fairly obvious to any of the diners: I wouldn’t change a thing for a very long time.

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Reservations


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Restaurant Info

  • Address: 1536 India Street, San Diego CA 92101
  • Cross Street: Cedar Street
  • Location: Downtown | Little Italy
  • Cuisine: California |
  • Cost: $$$ | Moderate | $50 - $75
  • Category: Fine Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Dinner |
  • Parking: Street | Valet Parking |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
  • Corkage Fee: 20.00 | Per Bottle
  • Phone: (619) 234-6802

Business Hours

Monday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Happy Hours 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Happy Hours 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Happy Hours 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Happy Hours 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Happy Hours 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Features

  • Full Bar
  • Sunday Brunch
  • Famous Chef
  • Organic Ingredients
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Smoking Area
  • Takeout Available
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Happy Hours
  • Personal Wines Allowed
  • Healthy Options

Occasion

  • Child Friendly
  • Dining Alone
  • Business Dining
  • Meet for a Drink
  • People Watching
  • Special Occasion
  • Trendy / Hip

 


F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions

Indigo Grill is about one mile from the San Diego Convention Center. It’s about a 6 minute drive, or would take about 25 minutes to walk.
Yes, you are welcome to dine with your dog on the patio.
Yes, Chef Deborah Scott is both the Executive Chef and Partner of Indigo Grill.

Menus

Gluten Free Menu

  Completely Gluten Free. This is a sample menu only. Prices and availability may be subject to change.


Beginnings

Entrees

Entrees-Sides

Desserts

Beverages


Map

Restaurant Address: 1536 India Street, San Diego CA 92101

User Reviews

Unique & Fun  

Want something new and exciting for your palet. Try Indigo Grill. The food is great and so are the people.

Great service and food!!  

Great service and food!!

Our experience was fantastic!  

We took my parents to Indigo Grill for their anniversary dinner, we had a reservation and were immediately seated. We were completely satisfied with our entire experience and my parents had a wonderful time and fantastic dinner. The service was amazing, the manager went out of his way to make sure that our experience was fantastic! I can't say enough about the food or the portions (enormous). We had the red snapper, trout, ribs, and pork porterhouse and it was all fantastic and well worth the price. They even brought out a wonderful dessert for them with a candle to celebrate the occassion. The appearance of the restaurant and ambience were excellent! My husband and I agreed that this restaurant is definitely on our list to return to and take visitors to.

Excellent flavors and presentation!  

Although I have dined numerous times at Kemo Sabe over the past few years this was my first experience with Indigo Grill. I had high hopes due to the relationship with Kemo Sabe, one of my favorite restaurants (they share the same executive chef, Deborah Scott). The food and service at Indigo Grill met and exceeded my expectations. We foolishly ordered salads, entrees and dessert and couldn’t finish it all but it made great leftovers the next day! Just as with Kemo Sabe, the food was divine in flavor and inspired in presentation. The seating is not as comfortable as I’d prefer, a bit “packed in” and the neighborhood parking can be difficult, but the overwhelmingly positive factors outweigh these small inconveniences. I will definitely make it a point to dine there again.

Delicious and unique--you will love the food!  

My husband and I have been here twice with friends--it gets rave reviews from everyone who goes with us. Indigo Grill is unique and the food flavors you get here are unlike anything I've gotten elsewhere--dishes like "pasta with squid ink" make you pause for a moment, but after ordering, you find yourself savoring every bite. The menu is short, around 10 meat/seafood/vegetarian dishes plus a special, but there is a good reason for this--every dish has been thought out thoroughly, paired with perfect side dishes, and cooked to perfection. The salmon is to-die-for!

Indigo Grill...What a thrill!  

On an evening when ordering room service or making my way down to RICE, the hotel restaurant, were sounding like my best options. I began meandering the guide on www.sandiegorestaurants.com. I searched within walking distance of my hotel and stumbled upon a place called the Indigo Grill. I read the menu and was immediately enthralled with its oddities and eclectic flavor combinations. I continued to browse other menus but found myself always falling back to this one. So I got ready, ventured into Little Italy, and made my way over to the restaurant whose flavors are known for “spanning the continent, from Alaska to Oaxaca.” When I arrived, I was greeted by a hostess, after mentioning I would be dining alone, she recommended a seat in front of the Ceviche bar, and since the dreaded single table was the last thing I wanted, (just the thought of one almost kept me in with room service) I graciously accepted. Soon after I was seated, my waitress, Nika, who was very pleasant and extremely helpful, approached and offered menu suggestions. She brought me water and half a bottle of wine; I had mentioned not being extremely hungry and followed her recommendation of the mussels and clams, something outside my normal comfort zone. To pass the time while awaiting my entrée, I watched the chefs prepare patrons’ dishes in the aroma producing, wood-burning stove. I suddenly noticed that Chef Deborah Scott was standing on my left, talking to her chefs. I leaned in and mentioned how excited I was for my meal and that out of all the menus I perused; hers was the most interesting and desirable. We began a brief conversation and she assured me that my entrée choice was sound. I thanked her; she excused herself and continued with the supervision of her kitchen. A short time later, one of the chefs, a young, kind woman, handed me a salad, and mentioned it was a small version of their spinach salad and that Chef Scott would like me to try it, on the house. I thanked her profusely, and while noticeably blushing (things like this never happen to me) began to study the salad, and then dove right in. It was a delight, perfectly dressed, and included spaghetti squash, strawberries, some type of toasted nut or legume, and a crispy corn fritter with a gooey center on the side. Soon after the salad, my entrée arrived, this was the first time I had individually ordered mussels and clams, so I was a bit nervous about how to get started, but decided to just go for it. Nika approached soon after to check on me and reassured that I went about it properly. The sauce in this dish was absolutely delicious, offering the perfect combination of savory and spicy. Though conjuring thoughts of fullness from the delightful, yet unexpected salad, I was still unable to resist the temptation of every last clam and mussel in the bowl, and the final morsel of flatbread, asking to be dipped in the decadent sauce. I finally concluded my meal, the best served, plated, and possibly tasted I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. After finishing my wine and paying the bill, I thanked all the employees who took part in making my evening so pleasurable. Then as I walked back to my hotel, I couldn’t wait to write my first restaurant review. My experience tonight, on a night when dining alone sounded like the a chore, may top my list as the most memorable and enjoyable dining experience. My next trip to San Diego, I’m trying the Good Things Growing. Thank you again for your superb attention to detail and the kindness you and your staff offered this lone, business traveler from Wisconsin, I will never forget it.

Oh My!!!  

The Indego Grill was a delightful experience. From the person greeting us at the door to the person who helped me sop up my spilled ice tea, everyone was great. The restaurant is kind of small but very cozy. From the Southwestern decor to the waves scrolling up the walls everything makes you feel very warm. The desserts are something to behold. Everyone is an absolute work of art. The only problem is that once you finish dinner there's not much room left for dessert. I would suggest a double header. Go to dinner, go to your show, concert, meeting, whatever...then return for dessert. You can't go wrong with Indigo Grill.

Dog Friendly & Great Food  

Specifically searched for dog friendly restaurants. This one was very hospitable to both me and my dog. The food is great. I recommend the tamales - but everything we had was great!

Yum  

Indigo Grill has a great atmosphere with a variety of delicious food that is unique. Although located in Little Italy it is a bit off the beaten path. The presentation of the food is outstanding and shows great effort in the kitchen. I am going back to try other dishes and would recommend it to others who like great food in a cozy setting. Great place for a date.

Wonderful dining experience  

This restaurant is a must for anyone in the area. The atmosphere was cozy but not too fancy. The food was almost indescribable; large portions with very distinctive flavors. The service was perfect from the hostess to meeting the manager, who felt our short wait was inexcusable and bought us one of our dinners. I ordered the pork porterhouse which was perfectly cooked with sauces and sides that had unusual combinations of flavors that I doubt I will every find again. The presentation of the food was wonderful. The noise level was a bit high but the place was packed with several parties standing in line for a table. I was glad we had made reservations. It was truly a unique dining experience and we will go back if ever in the San Diego area again.

Fabulous Experience  

The exquisite food presentation absolutely matches the flavor! T.Hutchens, Dallas

A surprise in every bite!  

What a find! Checked out this menu on line and decided to give it a try based on menu items and price. We ordered the Rib Eye and Hanger Steak; when our orders arrived we were blown away by the presentation and food variety given us, most of which was not included on the menu description. A wide variety of tastes, textures and colors including a small salad, veggies and great sauces complemented the perfectly cooked meat. I will tell all my friends about this place and return again and again to sample everything on the menu!

Wow  

This may sound like hyperbole but it's the greatest food I have ever had! I devoured the encrusted Brie dipped into the jalapeño jelly oil...and then I had the pork porterhouse steak, which was insanely juicy. the service was very friendly and prompt.No draftiness and temperature was perfect. I am going back for my BDay. SvK

Out of the ordinary  

Not only is the menu 'out of the ordinary', it is unique food that is very tasty. If you are vegetarian or not the food is excellent.

Great Vegetarian Options  

The "Good Things Growing" dinner is my favorite. It's unique and delicious! The service is wonderful.

Bye Bye Vigilucci's- Hello Indigo Grill  

I took my mom to the Indigo Grill and afterward to watch B.B.King play at the Balboa Theater. My mom, who tends not to venture out to different restaurants(prior to this experience, thought Vigilucci's was the best place on earth); she absolutely LOVED the Indigo Grill. The food was great, the staff was great, our waiter "Dante" was friendly and charismatic. I must say taking my mom here helped me win the "Son of the Year Award." My mom has now denounced Vidilucci's and promoted the Indigo Grill to her favorite place to eat in San Diego

Sunday WOW family meal  

We had the BEST experience of all our Sunday Meals here. So far of the 4 months we have been going to different resturants after church on Sunday this one is the Best. The best food, the best service, the best presentation.. The BEST. If you have a large family and you want to enjoy a great meal... Go to Indo Grill....

The Food!  

Outstanding use of flavors and amazing presentations.

Great vegetarian & non-vegetarian food!  

My husband and I both felt like this was the best "dinner out" meal that we'd had in a long time!

Shut the Front Door! It's Easily My Favorite!  

I can't say enough about this place. The Food the people the atmosphere. The Best Food I Ever Ate should be the name of this restaurant! My Lips thought my tongue was having a party for the roof of my mouth! Soooooooooooooooooo Good!

Great Dining experience  

I was dining with 3 guests from Sweden: "This is my definite goal if I come back to San Diego"

Indigo  

Super restaurant with excellent food and drinks. Sangria very nice. However drink prices are steep.

Indigo Grill  

I loved our experience. The occasion was my husbands birthday. He is a very good cook, so it's challenging to find a restaurant that serves unique dishes. This restaurant serves unique food, and has a great presentation of the food! We all had a great experience! (Written by Mel's wife)

Better than I Expected  

I was lucky to be on holiday from New Zealand during Restarant Week. I booked before coming over to San Diego for a conference. I had a roasted butternut pumpkin soup, followed by Hickory & Apple Smoked Pork Ribs. I loved the indian corn pudding and pear salad.I finished with the chocolate pistachio torte, excellent! Great meal.

We both enjoyed our meal at the Indigo Grill  

The food was delicious and creative and the presentations were very nice. Service was very good and the waiter was attentive and informative. The portions were very ample, the corn Tamale was the best I have ever had, very flavorful but really light- a total hit!. Even though we were overfull, we finished every bite of everything.

Great dinner!  

Very happy with the food and service here (dinner). Patio seating was warm, even though it was raining. Menu items were detailed on the menu and the waitstaff was very knowledgeable. Everyone was very friendly, and the ambiance was great. Food choices were not your usual fare - made for an interesting and unique dining experience. Try it out!

Highly recommend this restaurant!  

The food is creative, attractive and extremely flavorful. The butternut squash soup bowl was huge! It could have been a meal in itself. Order any dish that includes their corn pudding. It is killer good!! The atmosphere, the service, the location all added to a fabulous evening. The only thing we didn't experience was the dessert- only because we were so stuffed we couldn't even look at the menu. We will definitely return to Indigo Grill.

Fantastic Food!  

This place was amazing! New and exciting combinations of flavors and foods. The presentation was perfection! Go have lunch or dinner or both! You won't be disappointed.

Amy is AWESOME  

Our waitress Amy was incredible, and she kept us laughing and having such a fun time. My husband loved his birthday night out. Thanks Indigo we love you.

Extraordinary menue selection  

The Indigo Grill was a few minutes from our hotel, and on the trolley line, which made it convenient choice among many possibilities. However, after dining at the Indigo we realized it would have been worth it to go more out of our way because the food and service were top notch. A fine selection for anyone looking for a casual, delightful dining experience. What impressed me the most, aside from our great food and service, was the staff, from bus boy to bartender, making it a point to bid us a good farewell as we left the restaurant. They obviously appreciated our patronage. If we're ever back in San Diego we definitely will return to the Indigo Grill.

Yummy!  

My parents took us to Indigo Grill for my birthday and it was fabulous! The food was so delicious...I can't remember the last time I had such an enjoyable dinner. The food was like nothing I had experienced before. I highly recommend Indigo Grill. The only negative thing is the noise level of the restaurant - if your looking for an intimate place I wouldn't recommend Indigo Grill. Otherwise, I absolutely loved it!

great view  

great food, beautiful view, slow service.

Not Bad  

A Saturday night..The Food was good. Presentation great. Great service but the kitchen was a little slow. First seated in not the best location. I had asked to be moved to a better table. The manager was more than accommodating. The Ambience and atmosphere I thought a little lacking for the price.

A Must Try  

This restaurant is nestled on a bustling street in Little Italy. Despite the number of shoppers lining the streets, we found a parking spot 1 block up from the Indigo Grill. Our table for two was a window with a view and so for people watchers like ourselves, we loved watching people stroll by. The service was excellent. They seated almost imediately. Our server was very friendly and very helpful in answering questions we had regarding the menu. The menu is not particularly large, however, there is quite a variety of beginnings and entrees to choose from. The wine list is varied with something for every palate. Our Grilled Romaine lettuce was oustanding and a perfect beginning to share before our meal. Our meals ( Salmon with dill and Chicken with bacon wrap) came quickly and were excellent. Portions were large and were served with a nice salad and pasta. Despite a large number of patrons it was easy to carry on a conversation. The only issue was as we went from dusk to evening, our single votive candle made it hard to see what we were eating. This restaurant certainly is a MUST TRY. It truly has something for everyone.

Heat overpowered the other flavors  

I have been to the Indigo Grill several times and in the past had truly enjoyed the entire experience. The food was very good and the service was exceptional. However, this last time I ate there, some of the food was so over the top spicey that the heat overpowered the other flavors. I could not taste the delicate flavors of the mussels and clams due to the overpowering spicey heat. That theme carried throughout my meal. I was somewhat disappointed and was unable to finish eating my meal. I am not going to say I won't eat there again, because I do like the food and atmosphere overall very much. Hopefully, this was just an off day for the cook.

Good dinner  

The servers all worked together to make sure my mother and i enjoyed ourselves. Our server alone was lacking. The food was great, a bit on the sweet side, but the veggies were fresh and delicious. I work in a restaurant so I know this happens all the time, but I found it a bit weird that the manager continually tasted the drinks from the service bar area. I know it's for quality control, and he did not contaminate anything, but it's still odd to see when you are trying to enjoy your dinner.

A Real Nice Place To Eat!  

Great food, service and atmosphere.

Creative and Eclectic  

Indigo Grill offers an amazing and creative dinner alternative! I love their interesting entree selections and they are generous with their portions. Their food presentation is as artistic as their entrees! It's like a visual and taste party. The ambience is eclectic and the staff really knows the menu. If you want to try something deliciously different, Indigo Grill provides you with the opportunity! It's a great place to bring out of town guests for an enjoyable and different food experience.

Great food, atmosphere, and value  

Went here because we had a gift certificate. This place wouldn't have been on the radar without it because it's fairly expensive, but I do think they offer some value. The food was excellent and they serve large portions so if you're looking for a nice, classy meal you'll get your money's worth. A second glass of wine for 10 cents off of their Wine & Dime list is awesome, and they serve great bread with an amazing jalepeno jelly for starters. The theme and decor is pretty cool and the vibe inside on a Tuesday night was great. I'd definitely recommend Indigo Grill.

Good but slow  

The food was very good, with interesting flavor combinations. But the service was very slow and we were left without any word on our meal for more than a half hour. Still, because the food was good, I'd recommend it. Perhaps it was an off night.

Indigo Grill  

Unique and delicious menu. Enjoyable and interesting ambiance.

ED  

OK.

Good Food, Bad Service  

Ok I'll admit the food here is very tasty and it's presented nicely. But man the service is horrible, especially if you're young, ethnic, and not a big spender There was six of us on a Friday night (wasn't that busy) and it took us an hour for us to get our appetizer and another 30 mins to get our entree. We saw other tables get their food before us and we got there before they did. Our order wasn't even that big 3 appetizers and 3 entrees. We're broke college students!! Plus we had to save money for drinks for later that night. So yea food is great, but service is horrible.

Vintage does matter.......  

Where do I start in my attempt to describe such a frustrating evening. In an attempt to purchase wine for the dinner, each of our three selections arrived with a vintage different than that which was listed on the wine menu. Somehow it has not dawned on ole Deb Scott that the 2001 Viader Private Reserve (that I ordered) is not quite the same as a 2002 Viader (which they brought). Its like ordering Kobe beef and being brought a Big Mac. But ok..things like this happen and I understand that. But it is unacceptable when it happens twice more in the same sitting, with the Opus 2000 versus 1999 and the Grgich Hill Cab. Even all this could have been over-looked if the food could have pulled it own weight....which sadly it didn't. Bottom line...Indigo Grill is not a reason to visit Little Italy in San Diego.

bad experience  

Monday Dic. 26 we walked in to Indigo Grill around 5:30 p.m. Like us the people before us didn't have an appt. and they got seated inside the we got seated in the patio 15 minutes passed and not even water had somebody offered us my husband went to tell teh hostess and five minutes later still nobody we gor up and left after 25 min. Standing outside I saw a party of five also leave their menus and leave. Worst service ever.

Long wait for nothing  

Waited two hours and still didn't get main dish. Poorest service I have ever seen. Seated us late, can take reservation but can't keep reservation. Manager unresponsive to questions about lack of service. Stay away, there are many great resturants in San Diego. Maybe chef of the year, but doesn't know how to run a resturant.

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