Blue Point was the first seafood and oyster bar to open in the Gaslamp over a decade ago, and it remains one of the very best. The restaurant pays special attention to interpreting seafood classics in fresh ways that delight all the senses. Specialties extend to a selection of steak and chops, so that both the menu and interior call to mind an old fashioned supper club with nautical flair. A striking and impressively well-stocked antique bar completes the relaxed elegance that keeps Blue Point on the Gaslamp’s favored list.
Read More ...Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, located in the Gaslamp, has been a mainstay of San Diego fine dining for the past 16 years. While continuing the tradition of serving quality seafood, the classic menu has been revamped, elevating the cuisine from delicious to innovatively palatable. Simply look for the signature blue awnings beckoning hungry mouths to take refuge and you know that you are mere steps away from fresh seafood worthy of any foodie’s praise.
Large glass doors welcome guests, opening to a sophisticated yet distinctly urban décor complete with a large cherry wood oyster bar located to the right and a mid-sized aquarium housing a colorful array of tropical fish, which catch your eye as you approach the hostess podium. We receive a warm hello from the hostess and are seated at one of the large scalloped and cushioned booths making up the center of the restaurant. Tables draped in classic white linen border large windows that look out onto Fifth Avenue, offering a peek at the patio where diners can people-watch while enjoying their food.
At the Oyster Bar patrons can sample an assortment of fresh oysters and raw bites including the Shrimp Cocktail with housemade cocktail sauce or California Sturgeon Caviar. The bar is a nice alternative for guests that want a more casual dining experience and a light, quick bite to start the evening.
My guest and I are seated by our attentive server at one of the scalloped booths and offered a glass of wine. We choose the house white—the Beringer Chardonnay from Napa Valley, which offers a rich and creamy blend of lemon curd, apple and butterscotch flavors. The Wine List has a selection of red and white wines from France and Germany and many from the United States including Bridlewood Pinot Noir from Monterey County and Three Rivers “Boushey” Syrah from Yakima Valley, Washington.
In addition to the extensive wine list, Blue Point offers a selection of Specialty Cocktails including the Indigo with Bacardi Limon rum, lavender syrup, acai juice, and fresh blackberries or the Vintage Sidecar with VSOP cognac, cointreau, sweetend lemon/lime, and a sugar-rimmed glass.
First on the menu for the evening: the Farmer’s Market Salad that changes daily, and tonight we have the pleasure of tasting compressed local watermelon, feta cheese, pickled Bermuda onion, arugula, mint, liquid gold vinaigrette, and first press olive oil. The salad’s presentation is simple, served on a rectangular white porcelain plate with bright pink watermelon centered on the dish with the greens sprinkled on top. As the name of the salad suggests, the flavors are truly an ode to the freshness only provided by locally grown produce. The watermelon is ripe, fresh, and juicy, setting a slightly sweet foundation to showcase the arugula and mint, creating a textural duo that is earthy but refined. The mixture of the liquid gold vinaigrette (imported white balsamic reduced to a syrup) and olive oil creates a light, but pungent and tangy dressing serving to tie together the diverse flavors into a harmonious blend that leaves the palate refreshed and primed for the next course.
Keeping on with tasty but light flavors, the meal takes a delightful turn with the next dish from the Oyster Bar, Tunamasa Sashimi – prepared in such a way that Hiramasa and Yellowfin are “glued” together so as to appear as one piece of fish with Wakame seaweed salad, rice noodles, edamame, white ponzu, fresh yuzu, and jalapeño tapioca. The clean fish melts in your mouth, with hints of citrus provided by the yuzu and a subtle spiciness from the jalapeño tapioca that tickles the taste buds while providing balanced flavor. The seaweed salad adds saltiness while the rice noodles and edamame add texture.
Transitioning from lighter to richer flavors, we dive into the Broiled Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake, served with a Spanish caper Aioli and Witibier foam. The mixture of the aioli and crab creates a creamy and succulent duo that bursts with flavor distinctive of pure crab. The crunchy exterior and moist, smooth interior is an appealing duo of textures that serves to highlight the quality and flavor of the crab.
We depart the tasty world of shell fish and move to the special for the day: Local Sablefish (California Black Cod) pan seared over chevre polenta with sautéed spinach finished with red chile butter and topped with garlic seasoned blue crab. Although this eclectic mix of flavors might seem intimidating, it all comes together as you take the first bite. The red chile butter adds a punch of spicy to the crab and fish-- which would otherwise be a creamy duo with notes of garlic and a touch of smokiness. The polenta is utterly creamy and rich while the spinach adds bitterness. Each flavor blends to create a bold but graceful combination of flavors.
The next entrée served is the Pacific Sea Bass with Braised Pork Belly, Kabocha squash, and spinach puree finished with a Valencia orange glaze and garnished with housemade corn nuts and chicharron (pork rind). The mixture of the bass with the unctuous pork belly is the ultimate comfort food but is still relatively light as the pork belly adds a slightly sweet, almost caramelized flavor with a little smokiness while the fish cleanses the palate. The corn nuts add texture while the squash and spinach add heartiness and color.
Last but certainly not least is the 22 Hour Boneless Short Rib with horseradish potato hash brown, avocado mousse, butterscotch garlic, and Guajillo (mild chile) demi cooked for 22 hours at 75 degrees Celsius. As expected of any dish with short rib, the tender meat exudes comfort food with its rich flavor set off by the butterscotch garlic and Guajillo, which provide a slight sweetness and bite. The hash brown harbors a soft, creamy interior and crunchy exterior that has a note of heat from the horseradish.
For dessert, the Banana Cream Pie is a modern take on the American classic with caramelized bananas and peanut butter powder. This is not a stereotypical slice of pie but a modern and sophisticated interpretation of the American classic. The Pie has a thin layer of white cream atop the rich burnt yellow caramelized bananas that have an almost custard-like texture. The peanut butter powder acts as a reverse sauce, thickening in your mouth and adding a homey earthiness to the otherwise creamy and sweet dish.
The Elephant Ear is akin to its name; almost matching the size of an elephant’s ear-- circular fried dough drizzled with Swiss chocolate, salted caramel, whipped cream and strawberries. The warm donut fried to perfection melts in your mouth while your taste buds indulge in the rich chocolate and caramel notes that serve to elevate the dessert from nostalgic to playful. The classic flavors are gooey, crunchy, sweet, and comforting all rolled into one. The whipped cream and strawberries balance out the intense sweetness provided by the caramel and chocolate while the donut absorbs the flavors and adds texture.
At Blue Point every detail matters, and from the hostess to the chef, customers receive the utmost service and quality food ensuring that guests will return, searching for Blue Point’s signature blue awning the next time they are in the mood for something fresh, original, and flavorful.
Insider Tip:
Blue Point is a great venue for large parties or corporate gatherings because of its close proximity to the San Diego Convention Center. Blue Point is only open for dinner but offers Lunch accommodations for sit-down or buffet dining seating a minimum of 50 guests and maximum of 170 guests. Need a change from the usual favorite entrée? Blue Point features “Daily Specials,” featured dinner entrees for the evening.
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I live in Garden Grove and went there for the first time with a very lovely lady who was also thoroughly impressed. We began with the Oyster Bar then moved on to the Lobster Bisque. She ordered Filet Mignon, I had the Chef's special; Pacific Red Snapper with Lobster Rolls. The presentation was outstanding; every thing we ate was delicious and everyone who took care of us was courteous and smiling as though they really enjoyed their jobs.
Our Waiter, Patrick is the consummate professional, while also friendly and personable, and I can't help believing the entire staff is as well. Our reservations were early, before very many people had arrived, which offered a pleasant way to begin our dinner. By the time we were into our main course, we could see just how quickly the place fills up, with a crowd which seemed comprised of many regulars--who obviously enjoy their moments spent there.
Oh, and regarding price: It's a relative issue! I actually believe them to be quite reasonable, considering all the other places I've dined, from which I'd longed for some way to extract a refund for unrealized expectations. A pleasant, overall dining experience at Blue Point is not nearly such a gamble. I will definitely be back and will tell others about it as well!
My friend and I have been trying to go here for over 2 years but we just did not have the $$$ to do so. I finally came up on some $$$ and what a perfect time for that to happen...It was my friends 28th birthday. I made reservations for 6PM two days prior, and each day called in to check if our reservation was still in tact.
On the day of us going, Our table was ready and our waiter (Chris) greeted us when we got there. The black leather seats cushioned me, and the waiter even put on my lap napkin! WHAT SERVICE!!! We started with the Lobster Bisque while we waited for our main course to be sent to the table, YUM!!! Our bread basket came, and it was warm to the touch-and the butter just melted when it touched the bread..... We ended up having 3 baskets full!!!
Our waiter and bussers NEVER allowed our glasses of water to empty, nor did they allow us to see the bottom of our bread baskets either....There was another basket of bread placed at the table just as we finished each basket. Never once did we have to call out to a waiter for anything that he forgot because our waiter was right there right when we needed him....With all the food we orded I exspected a waiter to goof up, but nope! I was wrong, he knew who ordered what and even offered recommendations to make the meal more tasteful... The bussers took our plates and set up our next meal courses right on schedule...The only communication needed between the waiters, bussers and us was "Is everything going well tonight, enjoying your meal gentlemen?...We never had to ask for anything!...It was just PERFECT!!!!
We had Ginger Jack which went VERY well with the food! WOW! Myself being from the east coast, Massachusetts, I love seafood! I ordered Scallops...BIG & JUICY they were!!! Could taste the ocean in them...Did not taste like they were just taken out of the freezer at all....I felt like I was back at home near the Atlanic again... My friend got the Ahi dinner, and he downed it with a loud "UMMM" with every bit he took...When our meals were done, the chocolate birthday cake came out with me not even having to cue up the waiters....they came out with the cake along with a lit candle....my friend just loved it!!! He was sooo happy, smiled ear to ear!!!....
We were not done yet though. We wanted to get really stuffed up for the night so that we could possibly skip breakfast the next morning (Which we did) We ended up getting our own sinker orders..Me being a chocolate-a-holic I had to order the Chocolate Tour...YUMMY!!!! The chocolate was sooo rich! Salty as rich chocolate is supposed to be!!! My stomach was crying with tears of joy! My friend ended up with the lemon pie...He loved it soo much that he ate every bite, he was totally lost in the pie that we didnt even converse with each other!!!
Our final price tag was $196.60 including the $40.00 tip for OUTSTANDING SERVICE!!! Not over priced at all...Being from the east coast and being a seafood eater, I can say Blue Point is tha place to go!....Hopefully I wont have to wait sooo long to go back to Blue Point again. It is a WINNER!!!
Four of us ate at Blue Point the other night, and having eaten there a number of times over the years, I still can say it's one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. The food is always excellent and the wait staff is first rate. It's not cheap, the 4 of us got out of there for just under $300, including tip, but every once in a while, you have to go since it's worth it.
Since we moved out to Ramona we don't get many chances to dine in the gaslamp. We decided to try the Blue Point after reading the reviews. So glad we did.... Our Server Chris was great. I ordered a Lavender Lemon Drop...it was like being a kid in a malt shop, they brought you the extra which was another complete martini. Chris suprised us with 2 large spoons full of great sashimi while we were looking over the menu. Appertizers were the Lobster Bisque and the Smoked Salmon Plate, both were very good. Entrees: I chose the Lobster crusted Halibut....So good!, & Hubby chose the Crab and Pancetta stuffed Trout. He loved this dish....He said it was the best restaurant dish he has ever had in his 50 years of life. Then Chris suprised us with a chocolate desert that was the perfect way to end the night. He made our experience one of our best in the Gaslamp. The only downside was the winelist, the most cheapest stuff you can get at 7-11 was way expensive. Settled on La Crema Chardonnay which is a decent wine for $40. All in all we will go back!
Very tasty, the restaurant team was very organized and knowledgable
Really excellent food and top notch service from friendly waiters. We had the oysters and ahi sashimi to start, and the miso marinated black alaskan cod and the lobster encrusted sea bass as entrees - absolutely delicious and flavoursome, the fish just dissolved in the mouth. Will definitely be going back as soon as possible!
Blue Point offers a great selection of seafood, steak and lamb, and has consistently proved to be one of downtown San Diego's great places to eat. Don't miss the Dean Martin style martinis, complete with their own sidecar.
This was the first time I had ever eaten and Blue Point. I was incredibly impressed with everyone that worked there. The work ethic was evident in showing that the customer was number 1. I was on a special date and we both enjoyed our dining experience. The food was great and our Waitress was simply top notch! I would totally recommend Blue Point to anyone.
Food was amazing, service, and atmosphere was perfect. It was a bit too loud with the music for a while and hard to hear our own conversation, but the music selection was so great...it's hardly a complaint. Incredible, food, wine selection and exceptional service!!
I was recently in San Diego, and came here to eat one night. It was recommended by a friend, and it was great! The food was excellent. I had the scallops, and by boyfriend had the King Crab legs that were on special. Just a great meal, with great service. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting.
During my most recent visit, I was observed by one and all, my eyes closed, a beatific smile on my face. My friends mocked me, but I just laughed, and dared them to have as much fun as I was having. I believe I attained Nirvana, the food is that good!
The Blue point was fantastic, great wine, good food and a wonderful server. Will go back.
While in San Diego on a business trip my wife and I were looking for a special restaurant. We found one in Blue Point. The 40's style ambiance was terrific. The service was superb. The wine menu offered top-grade wines (e.g., Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc)by the glass. The menu selection was outstanding. The food was terrific. If I lived in San Diego, I would dine at the restaurant weekly.
Service was attentive buy not intrusive. Great menu and food was excellant. A wonderful dining experience.
The whole experience went well. The drinks were great, so was the food, and the price was worth the effort.
Food fantastic, setting perfect, staff amazing
They had a very innovative menu on the main courses, appetizers and salads. Excellent quality of seafood, presentation and service. Been there once before when visiting San Diego and would go back on my next visit there.
The food in San Diego was wonderful and fresh and the Blue Point exemplified this and topped many of the restaurants I ate at and will definitely go there every time I am in San Diego!
This restaurant is within walking distance of the convention center. We had the corvina. It was fabulous. The service was attentive but we didn't feel rushed. An excellent place to have a quiet meal and take time over it.
Execellent service with the freshest seafood prepared perfectly.
The waiter was outstanding anticipating our every need. The food was excellent
We had a great dinner at the Blue Point ALL of our requests were excellently prepared from the starters, to the Hook, to the Line, to the Sides, and Desserts. ALL of our drinks from the bar were mixed perfectly and delicious. To make your dinner expericence the best ask for one of Abby's tables. This is must place to go to in San Diego.
Just happend to get a last minute recommendation from our hotel concierge. Asked for a great seafood restaurant walking distance from our hotel and wallah! Great menu selection. If we are ever in San Diego again we'll be back.
I had my bachelor party dinner at Blue Point on August 10, 2012. Everything was perfect. The staff was so cool and fun and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend Blue Point for any occasion or for dinner any night. Thanks everyone!
Party of 4 for an early dinner on a weekday (5:30 PM). Made reservations but they weren't necessary. Great table on the back patio (it's really on the side street). Had a mix of menu and food special items, as well as drinks, $350. Service was excellent, arriving earlier lets the staff have time to interact, and gives you some great views of the street crowd. Only disappointment was happy hour specials, only available if you sit at the bar (inside, pretty empty at 5:30 but no street life views). Classy place, great food and excellent service, especially if you arrive early.
My return visits are always the same. Professional staff and great food. The place I entertain in Downtown San Diego.
They do have a kids menu but would suggest very well behaved or older children since this is an upscale restaurant .
This restaurant was excellent and the service was outstanding. We even used a parking facility only 1 block away so it was located.
I have been here before and wanted some out of town guest to experience the gas lamp with a trek to the Blue Point - they absolutely loved the ambience and the food above all - never had a bad meal or experience here - TOP SHELF establishment!!
Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Highly recommend.
My daughters and I had an excellent experience at Blue Point. Delicious food and outstanding service. I also liked the fact that they had gluten free foods. I would highly recommend this restaurant. It was wonderful/convenient to have valet parking in front of restaurant, especially in downtown.
Semi-sophisticated downtown restaurant with a high level of prompt courteous service.
Ignore any negative comments about Blue Point. Just make a reservation and go.
There as no surprises. just good food.
Very good
If you wish to savor a broad palate of exquisite preparations of fresh fresh seafood, this is your place! The cuisine is exceptional, the presentations artful and the taste of each component of each dish complements every other. Noisy and a very busy place, the louder than usual din can be excused as it is only a reflection of the popularity of this fine restaurant. A must go.
We were granted a seat outside to entertain ourselves watching people passing by. The service was very good and mostly prompt. It's a bit spendy, a la carte style, but you get what you pay for and the food was incredible. I would definitely go back, after saving my money...
In our party of 8, seven people loved the meal and the ambiance. One person had a very cold centered steak, kind of ruined it for him. The drinks were overpriced but a great time was had by all. The Sea Bass was excellent, both entrees offered were excellent. Clam chowder tasted excellent, could have been served hotter.
Our table was not ready when we arrived. They did offer us to sit at bar while we waited. Food was very good and our waiter was very very nice. Dessert was excellent. Would recommend highly!!
Restaurant was easy to locate. Reservations were friendly. Bar was good with fair prices. Service was very good and the food was very good.
No comment
And at this place you pay a bit and they do deliver. The food was really good, the service is outstanding, and the drink selection is outstanding.
My seafood was second to none but too expensive for regular dinners out. Good special occasions restaurant.
It was great to just sit outside on 5th and people watch along with a good meal. Everything was as expected for the price--good food, good wine, but nothing that "wowed" me. Nothing disappointed either. Worth a visit.
Always good food...very bad table this time.
That pretty much sums it up. I loved sitting at this restaurant, watching people walking down 5th, and being able to hear the people sitting at my table. However, I ordered the scallops and they were sandy. I bit down on sand. That was it for me!
A return visit to Blue Point left us disappointed. We were two women dining alone and were shown to a very bad booth in the back, sandwiched between the hot & noisy kitchen and a sloppy & noisy waiter's station. I asked for a different table closer to the front and the guy was downright rude about it. While I usually support their "charity" menus - great idea! - the lobster menu this year was only passable. Think we'll skip Blue Point the next time we're in town.
