The Desmond

This was legitimately the best meal of my life. I was floored by every flavor and dish - so perfectly crafted. You can tell there is so much passion, intention, and creativity poured into every bite. On top of beautiful flavors (the oysters, beef cheeks, and dips are all to die for) the team was kind, charming, and attentive. I truly feel like i stumbled upon a gem before the world discovers it. The Desmond now has a very loyal fan.

This place really took us by surprise. It is truly a stimulation of all the senses. The entire restaurant is truly a work of art. The design is just breathtaking. The presentation of the drinks was breathtaking. The food was out of this world. And our server Miles was so knowledgeable and truly loves the restaurant he works for. Out of all the places I've ever eaten this was truly the most special. Thank you for an amazing experience.

Absolutely stellar! We loved the food and service here! It took our waiter 10 minutes to acknowledge us and the manager proactively comped dessert for us. Not to mention the dessert was artistically crafted and one of the best desserts we've ever had! (Dessert 10/10, Food 8.5/10)

100% recommend. This place is incredible and definitely a hidden gem. The food was flavorful and we loved every single thing we ordered. We had the beef tartar, the oxtail spaghetti and the rabbit gnocchi. The cocktails were also fantastic!! Some of the best cocktails, if not the best, we had while in San Diego. Miles, our waiter, was grear with recommendations and was very personable. Highly, highly recommend!

What a wonderful restaurant hidden inside of the Kimpton Alma! From the moment you walk in the entire staff is attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Our server Miles was able to tell us the composition of each dish by memory. Their smoked cocktails brought the air of New York in the 1960s to the table, in the best way. Corey, the manger, was so personable and readily walked my husband through the whiskey offerings. Each dish was thoughtfully made with the chef’s intentionality shining through; the fact that they source so many ingredients locally made it even better! Start with the Bluefin tartare, end with the panna cotta and you will not be disappointed. Overall an incredible experience and a beautiful display of what elevated dining can be.

We came to San Diego to visit our son who lives here and we stayed at the Kimpton hotel (very nice boutique hotel by the way). We were very pleased that the hotel restaurant, Desmond, had just opened and we had an amazing meal. The craft cocktails were unique and very good. We each chose a pasta and they were also very good-an oxtail bolognese, a gnocchi with a rabbit ragout, a rigatoni with crab. Save room for the exceptional desserts. We shared two - both outstanding. Desmond should be a go to destination, just at the edge of Gaslamp, but not a touristy area. The bar downstairs at the street level is a great meeting place, then head up one level to the restaurant. I hope it does very well!

One of the finest dining places in San Diego. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating and service is beyond outstanding! The food is hands down as good as it gets. Everything on the menu is top notch. The desserts are to die for. Cocktails are perfectly prepared. Even the valet boys are extremely courteous! Corey, the GM, is extremely friendly and takes extra care to ensure all guests are 100% happy and content. Will definitely be back again!

What a surprise! I had friends in town last night for a quick visit, we looked for a restaurant that serves drinks that would be close to the Civic Theatre, and discovered this place. WOW. Blown away by the variety of food dishes, the martini's (my personal favorite and I am picky with them), and the service. From our waiter to the GM Corey (I think that was his name). They really made our dinner a special one. Thanks Desmond, I'll be back with more friends soon.