West End Bar & Kitchen

We've been to West End several times over the years, and it was always very good. It had been a while, and we decided to meet for Thursday lunch. It seems to have gotten even better. The service was attentive but not obtrusive, the menu had a great variety of items to choose from, and they all sounded good. We shared their huge crab cake (easily a meal in itself for lunch), the Orchard salad and the Mojito Chicken panini. Everything was excellent and perfectly prepared. We barely had room for coffee, and even their decaf espresso hit the mark, which is saying a lot. We've already made plans to return for a holiday dinner date night. Thank you for a lovely meal, great service, not being rushed, and an amazing view out over the lagoon.

Very nice experience. Tasty food and nice service. Both my wife and myself enjoyed our Sunday brunch very much

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely loved the ambience of West End Bar & Kitchen! It's a very quaint and cozy place, with superior service and delicious food.

Great place! Right my Del Mar Beach and cute view with patio seating! Food was good and ambience and service was great! I’d recommend if your in the area and need a good brunch spot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Deeply Disappointed 12 13 days ago..

I’ve lived in Del Mar most of my life, and I can’t remember the last time I left a restaurant feeling so put-off( 2 weeks ago)From the moment we arrived, I could smell cigarette smoke — in the parking lot, in the restroom, and even right there at our table. At first I thought perhaps I was imagining it, but as we were leaving, I realized it wasn’t a guest at all — it was one of your own staff members stepping in and out of the kitchen to smoke.

I happen to be extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke, and it was unbearable. It clings to everything. Who wants to smell cat urine, much less cigarette smoke, while dining in Del Mar?

To make matters worse, during lunch I tried ordering a cocktail to settle my stomach, and the waitress made the whole thing feel like a math problem — both ladies, in fact, seemed completely unprepared. It was awkward and unnecessary.

We had such high hopes for this place. Everyone’s been talking about the great food, the dinner service, and the cocktails. We were planning to bring friends in town for the races — many of them longtime locals as well — but after this experience, I simply can’t.

It’s a shame, truly. In this economy, with so many good people working hard to uphold Del Mar’s charm and reputation, it’s disheartening to see a local establishment display such disregard for its guests. If this is the same staff running every shift, management might want to take a closer look.

Del Mar deserves better.

Sincerely,
A disappointed lifelong Del Mar resident

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Quiet location with high quality menu. Great views with a friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loved it, our first time. Food was delicious, the tostada starter is a “must order”. Great service. Very casual. A locals place.

The seabass in a light marinara sauce was fantastic, perfectly done and not over cooked like some restaurants. Sitting out on the covered patio has great views of the lagoon across the street and sunsets during the fall and winter months.

I have eaten at West End Kitchen many times. However, never wrote a review because like most people I am busy. Shame on ME. We all should commend great restaurants when we see them. W.End K. is fabulous. To start we got the calamari which was so nice because everyone loved it, especially the people who don't like the 'legs' because they don't exist on this plate. Then we devoured the roman artichokes. I could have made that my meal....superb. For dinner I had the short ribs and they are literally the most sumptuous in San Diego. Next time I want to order one to eat and one to take home. Two friends got the lamb shank stew special and they raved about it. Another friend loved the Chioppino. For the birthday celebration we gobbled up the Figgy pudding (bread pudding). Very very tasty. The view of the estuary on the patio is lovely. What topped it all was the service...especially Rebecca. She really did a wonderful job and knows how to connect with her customers. Thanks WEK for a lovely evening.

I was dining alone and rather early - around 5:30. Every staff that passed my table assisted each other to look after me. My waiter led my choices to exactly what I wanted. The view wasn't stellar but I could see a long ways across the marsh, some water, the sunset was quite open view. A train came by in the distance. People walked by on the sidewalk with dogs. The indoors was higher end, linens, glassware, uniform waiters.

The choice of appetizer was ample. The waiter suggested the melted goat cheese. It came with toasts and was served inside a ring of hot pesto with toasted garlic.

The lamb shank was large, on the bone, the meat easily slipped off the bone with my fork. It was smothered in a roasted carrot / tomato. The mashed potatoes were really good. It was the special of the day and I didn't ask the price - $48! I wouldn't have ordered it...

The other items on the menu were more commonly priced.

I had a cocktail of gin/champagne/lemon wedge. $12. I only drank half but it was a great change up from a mimosa. The waiter suggested sparkling water and brought a San Peligrino.

There was a large table of maybe 8 people near me. They were having a good time but their sounds weren't engulfing the restaurant. Multiple waiters tended to them. Their dishes were ample and looked great as they went by.

There were 2 or 3 other tables at the same time as my stay and they all looked like they were enjoying the same experience.

There is another restaurant just down the road and as I drove by I could hear the noise of the music and people. It was really busy. Im glad I didn't go there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

West End's view is lovely, the staff is really helpful and efficient, the menu is varied, and the food is very tasty. The prices are reasonable and parking is convenient at the back of the restaurant.

Delicious and a great location by the estuary west of the 5. Great service & beautiful sunset!

The exterior gives the appearance of a dive bar, but this is a great restaurant with white tablecloths, etc. Great appetizers and a varied entree menu that includes confit duck that is to die for.

Clam Chowder was excellent. Unique in that it’s served in the shells. Bread to dip into the bottom of the bowl so as not to leave any traces of liquid. Personable attentiveness from staff. Great location.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All aspects are wonderful. Food was excellent and the view - WOW

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5