A.R. Valentien San Diego Tripadvisor Reviews - A.R. Valentien San Diego - Buy Reservations
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10 Reviews
0 Replys |
Past its glory?
We have had very pleasant dinners here with surprising flavor combinations - especially the fixed-menu artisan dinners on a communal long table - and were never disappointed until recently. Perhaps it was the aftereffect of a busy Farmer's Open the week before or staffing problems caused by the pandemic.
From the limited menu my wife picked as a first course the "apple heirloom salad" which was a huge pile of greens smothered with a cheesy (Pecorino, really??) dressing, enough to fill four stomachs.
I chose the "porcini and chestnut soup" that took a long time to come and turned out to be a few spoonfuls of a brown creamy fluid hiding on the bottom of a similarly colored brown bowl. Not an attractive presentation and in line with the somewhat smoky but bland taste of finely ground dried chestnuts, and a few dried tasteless porcini sprinkled on top.
For the second course we had the scallops (oddly paired with creamy pasta) and the swordfish, again large portions but lacking in presentation and harmonious seasoning. Not what one would expect from a well supervised kitchen.
We'll have to wait awhile before venturing back.
Lovely service and extraordinary food
Celebrating my spouse's birthday at AR Valentien is a joy. We ordered a lovely bottle of wine and the sommelier, Paul, allowed us to taste another lovely Pinot Noir as well. He was very knowledgeable and remembered us from a previous visit. Our server, Grace was very gracious and warm. I had the Duck and spouse had the Rib Eye Steak. Each was prepared perfectly and were quite delicious. Unfortunately, the Maitre d, seated us adjacent to a large (10 person) and noisy business party even though there were many available tables spaced away from the group. We had anticipated a quiet dinner but, unfortunately, the loud group made it difficult for us to hear one another. I love this restaurant and look forward to returning soon.
Be the first to ReplyNot La Jolla food at its best
Hard to get a table here, and, expecting the best, my wife and I found the dishes to be Instagram ready, very tasty, and supremely fatty, to the point where you need to make sure your gall bladder is working on all cylinders to process this food, from scallops to duck breast. Ours weren't up to the task, and we cancelled another dinner based on morning after regrets. Service was first-rate, but the preparation is far from California light and healthy, and needs to be re-thought.
Be the first to ReplyGreat Service and Atmosphere
It is worth coming here just to see the authentic arts and crafts building. Luckily the restaurant offers a fine dining experience, beginning with excellent, attentive service and a lovely atmosphere. We were able to sit outside on the deck at night in the winter with heaters. The menu changes seasonally, so do not go by what is posted on their website. Everything was delicious, but the portions are very large. We did not need a vegetable side after the first and second course. In fact we skipped desert because we were too full. With cocktails the tab came to $200 before tip for two persons. This makes a nice special occasion dining experience. It is definitely the best meal we have had so far in the north county outside of San Diego proper. Also be aware they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and are only open for dinner at other times.
Be the first to ReplyDisappointing
If AR Valentien comes in as the first or second highest rated restaurant in La Jolla, then that is a sad situation for anyone living in this area. The atmosphere of the outside terrace is the best thing the restaurant has going for it. Beyond that, we were disappointed with the experience. Our main criticism Is that the first thing we were told upon being seated for our 8:15 reservation on a Saturday night is that the restaurant was already sold out of the duck entree and the pork loin entree. The restaurant offers only 6 options for entrees. To be out of 1/3rd of them by 8:15 on a Saturday night is unacceptable particularly since this only left seafood and vegetarian options and only 1 meat option - steak.
We ordered the scallops which were fine, nothing special or inventive, certainly not for the $46 price.
I ordered a sidecar cocktail to drink and our server insisted they are typically made with rye or bourbon which is not true, the sidecar (a classic cocktail) is typically made with cognac. I mention this because the server used this opportunity to (incorrectly) refute what I was saying when a more experienced and better trained server would have simply taken my drink order.
Unfortunately the lack of entree options and the otherwise unexceptional quality of the food was a big turnoff for a special occasion night. Very disappointed and will not return or recommend.
Excellent.
Excellent food and service, our waiter Mano was very friendly and knowledgeable.
The only thing they could do to improve the place is to fix the music, it kept cutting out and was very annoying, they eventually turned it off in the area we were seated.
Best Birthday Dinner!
Wow, what a perfect dinner! My husband and I started with the Sweet Corn Soup and it was so silky and flavorful, a really delicious first course! I had beautifully prepared Halibut, which was served with a gorgeous bean and tomato salad. Hubs had the lamb chops and they were really great! Can we talk about those crispy potatoes?? So salty and crispy and the perfect side! Dessert was the chocolate pavlova which was light and a nice way to end the meal. Our servers were friendly and never rushed our evening. A really special meal for our special occasion, thank you!
Be the first to ReplyMagical Night
My wife and I dined here on 7/21. Right from the start, Paul, the Maitre D, warmly greeted us and sat us at a magnificent table overlooking the pool and the golf course. Our server Grace was fantastic, she had great energy and fully explained the nuances of the menu and took her time in allowing us to make our choices.
My wife had the scallops and I had the duck. Both dishes were beyond excellent. They truly are a fine dining restaurant. Our night was topped off by a visit from Chef Kelly who spent some time sharing some secrets. Thanks to everyone fir a truly memorable evening.
Birthday Dinner Celebration
We love AR Valentine’s and have been treated like royalty every visit. Love the food and the service. This year was no exception, which it could have been considering COVID. Grace was our waitress and had a great personality and made my wife feel special on her birthday. And Paul, the Sommelier, poured a couple of exceptional wines. These two are first class. The ambiance was quiet and personable. Wow! Thank you AR!
Be the first to ReplyGreat experience start to finish
Last night we had a great experience celebrating a special birthday. Paul and Grace made it a special night for our group. The food, drinks, and overall attention to detail and hospitality were very impressive. We look forward to celebrating our next special event with the AR Valentine team! Thank You!
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