4 days in San Diego- 8/31- 9/3/2024

Day 2- Dinner at Kettner Exchange, San Diego-9/1/2024

Downtown San Diego with the sky glowing with a warm orange hue as the sun dipped lower.

It set the perfect mood for the night as we made your way to Kettner Exchange.

Walking in already feels special, but going up to the second floor is part of the experience. The staircase is striking, dramatically lit, with light spilling between the steps and phrases woven into the design, turning a simple climb into something playful and memorable. It feels modern and theatrical, like you’re being guided into a different space.

Upstairs, the interior is beautiful and layered. The room feels open yet intimate, with rich textures, warm lighting, and thoughtfully designed details everywhere you look. There’s a mix of sleek modern elements and softer touches that make the space feel welcoming rather than formal.  From above, you can sense the energy of the restaurant below, but the second floor has its own calm, elevated atmosphere, perfect for lingering over dinner.

The large sculptural installation of suspended logs floated overhead, dramatic and unexpected, drawing your eyes upward.  The menu on the right.

Simple table set up.

We were seated near the window, and from our table the space opened up beautifully. Beyond it, tall windows at the far end let in the last traces of daylight, softening the room with a warm glow as evening settled in.

It felt like the perfect way to start the night. I ordered a glass of wine, while Hoa chose an Old Fashioned, setting an easy, unhurried tone for the evening.

 With the glow of the room, the city outside, and drinks in hand, it was one of those moments where everything felt just right.

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, avocado, radish, eel sauce, spicy mayo.

We started with the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, and the presentation immediately caught our attention. Instead of neatly stacked bites, the tuna was spread out, crowned by half an avocado wrapped in a thin layer of seaweed, with four rounded pieces of golden, crispy fried rice arranged alongside. It was playful and unexpected, and absolutely delicious, with the richness of the avocado balanced by the heat of the spicy mayo and the sweetness of the eel sauce.

Pig Mac Pork belly, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion, special sauce

Next came the Pig Mac, a clever, tongue-in-cheek dish. The pork belly was rich and tender, layered with lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion, and special sauce, all tucked into a bun stamped with a pig face, which made us smile before the first bite. It was indulgent, savory, and comforting in the best way.

Sonoma Lamb Szechuan noodles, spring onion, shitake, scintilla farms pea tendrils

The Sonoma Lamb Szechuan Noodles added a bold, aromatic note to the meal, deeply flavorful with spring onions, shiitake mushrooms, and delicate Scintilla Farms pea tendrils, bringing freshness to the spice.

For our main dish we ordered the Crispy Weiser Potatoes and the Niman Ranch Pork Chop.

The Crispy Weiser Farms Potatoes were impossible to stop eating, perfectly crisp, tossed with mint and parsley, drizzled with Aleppo oil, and paired with a creamy garlic aioli.

Ninman Ranch Pork Chop, scallion, radish, grilled lime, peruvian sauce

To finish the savory courses, we shared the Niman Ranch Pork Chop, beautifully cooked and full of flavor, brightened by scallion, radish, grilled lime, and a vibrant Peruvian sauce that tied everything together.

The Pork Chop was very flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Molten Chocolate cake, Chocolate soil, Vanilla Mcflurry.

Dessert was the perfect ending with a molten chocolate cake with chocolate soil and a vanilla McFlurry, warm and cold, rich and light at the same time. It was a satisfying, well-paced meal, creative, playful, and deeply enjoyable from start to finish.

Kettner Exchange is known for its Progressive American cuisine, creative, globally influenced dishes crafted by Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, who brings experience from renowned kitchens and a focus on fresh, innovative flavors. The menu regularly evolves with seasonal ingredients and inventive combinations, meaning every visit can feel unique. Kettner Exchange has been recognized multiple times by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list, which highlights restaurants offering excellent food at good value. That, along with its high ratings from diners, underlines its place as both a local favorite and a destination for visitors.

Overall, Kettner Exchange is known for inventive, beautifully presented cuisine; a lively yet refined ambiance; stylish interior and rooftop spaces; and a well-curated drink program, all set in the heart of Little Italy with a vibe that’s elegant but not overly formal.

NEXT... Day 3- San Diego Zoo, Safari Park

Filed under: Restaurants