Came in for a quick lunch as I had a proposal on campus. Was very impressed with this hidden spot. Didn't have any alc or couldn't serve it which was a little odd. But the food and service were amazing. Great to entertain guests or for working dinners. Staff and management seemed very pleasant and attentive. Will return soon, thank you Cassidy and Zachary!
Janet Gil
I was taken here for a work luncheon and it has been the worst service I have ever experienced. We were sitting at the table for over 2 hours and were not served any food. Our orders were taken and yet no food ever came out. They didn’t even bring us bread or offer to refill our drinks while we waited. We ended up leaving without having received a meal. I will never return to this restaurant and if I could give them 0 stars I would.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Janet G.
I was taken here for a work luncheon and it has been the worst service I have ever experienced. We were sitting at the table for over 2 hours and were not served any food. Our orders were taken and yet no food ever came out. They didn't even bring us bread or offer to refill our drinks while we waited. We ended up leaving without having received a meal. I will never return to this restaurant and if I could give them 0 stars I would.
Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor
One of San Diego's best kept secrets is La Gran Terraza at The University of San Diego Campus. What a lovely university to stroll around and and wonderful restaurant. We enjoyed our first visit here this week with tasty 5 star quality food! We were fortunate to experience Restaurant Week Menus when we dined here, so I ate off menu and it was amazing. My bride enjoyed the Crab/Shrimp Louie and their mocktails were delicious. The service can be spotty, attentive overall and polit, but sometimes long gaps of waiting to be checked on.Warning, no alcohol is served at lunch, we did not know that and we were there to celebrate a birthday, so if you like to have wine or cocktails, dinner service is better for that.The students seem to make up the staff and they are professional and polite. The views are amazing out to the bay and ocean and much of Tecolote Canyon. Parking is easy with a short walk, cutting through the student union.2024 Note: There is a lot of construction on campus right now so we did see a lot of temporary eyesores due to that and there was no sense of valet parking mentioned on the website due to construction detours.The food was delicious, the service overall wonderful and the experience has us discussing our next trip there; I highly recommend it! I can't believe it took us 20 years of living here to discover this gem!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chell’S Shrimp and Crab Louie
Jiansen W.
La Gran Terraza in San Diego, nestled within the University of San Diego campus, is a Mediterranean restaurant that combines exquisite cuisine with a view of Mission Bay. AMBIANCE Upscale and relaxed rustic, for both casual dining and special occasions. The outdoor terrace provides a serene backdrop for enjoying meal. SERVICE Staff were very friendly and helpful in answering my million questions about the menu. DRINK 5/5 LAVENDER ROSEMARY MOCK-TAIL: subtlety sweet, floral, and bubbly FOOD The food menu is from San Diego Restaurant Week and features this restaurant's top eats. 3/5 SEAFOOD BISQUE Savory and briny 5/5 MOZZARELLA SALAD Charred Buffalo Mozzarella, Crisp Shaved Fennel, Sweet and Tart Local Citrus, Candied Kalamata, Baby Arugula and Honey Vinaigrette 4/5 DUKKAH CRUSTED MARKET FISH Cauliflower Purée, Smoky Delectable Broccolini, Tomato and Saffron Sauce 4/5 SQUID INK PASTA Tender Mussels, mildly Spicy Tomato, Shaved Parmesan, Basil and Grilled Lemon DESSERT 5/5 BAKED ALASKA: vanilla sponge cake, blue chip creamery ice cream, and meringue, torched with a fiery liquid rum anglaise spectacle - an unforgettable treat. PARKING $1.25/hour at the main lot Or free after 7pm at adjacent lot
Lisa
First visit, but not my last! I visited during SD Restaurant Week for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed my food. Very tasty and beautifully presented! Wait staff was attentive once they were aware of my presence. The room is quite large, full of light and has some nice views, but is a bit dated and rather blah in the furnishings.
Brandon S.
The Food was good I really enjoyed the short rib tacos and the sea bass they where delicious! They had excellent service as-well the waiters were very on top of it. They brought stuff out promptly after I finished my appetizer! I enjoyed the experience and will be coming back again
Noah P.
Came in last week on a date and it was amazing. I got the steak frites which I highly recommend, and my girlfriends favorite part was her drink. She got the Spicy Surfer, and it was really good. Staff were excellent and checked on us frequently, the manager Zach stopped by our table too and was very nice. We will be back soon!
Ryan S.
As someone who loves and dines out often this was an absolutely incredible experience! The manager Zac was professional, attentive, and extremely hospitable. I loved the view and the delicious food that had a splendid presentation. Zac came by our table numerous times to check in on us and made us feel very welcomed. Thank you to all the dining staff. Thank you again Zac for the wonderful hospitality.
Natalie G.
Came in to La Gran Terraza for San Diego restaurant week. I was thoroughly impressed with the menu for this event. I ordered the Beet Tartare to start which was phenomenal. For my entree I had the Steak Frites which was also very good. To finish I had the cheescake, which was definitely my favorite part as I am a cheesecake lover. Food was superior and staff was also amazing. This place has class, I definitely recommend the visit whether it's for restaurant week or not!
One of San Diego's best kept secrets is La Gran Terraza at The University of San Diego Campus. What a lovely university to stroll around and and wonderful restaurant. We enjoyed our first visit here this week with tasty 5 star quality food! We were fortunate to experience Restaurant Week Menus when we dined here, so I ate off menu and it was amazing. My bride enjoyed the Crab/Shrimp Louie and their mocktails were delicious. The service can be spotty, attentive overall and polit, but sometimes long gaps of waiting to be checked on. Warning, no alcohol is served at lunch, we did not know that and we were there to celebrate a birthday, so if you like to have wine or cocktails, dinner service is better for that. The students seem to make up the staff and they are professional and polite. The views are amazing out to the bay and ocean and much of Tecolote Canyon. Parking is easy with a short walk, cutting through the student union. 2024 Note: There is a lot of construction on campus right now so we did see a lot of temporary eyesores due to that and there was no sense of valet parking mentioned on the website due to construction detours. The food was delicious, the service overall wonderful and the experience has us discussing our next trip there; I highly recommend it! I can't believe it took us 20 years of living here to discover this gem!
BKammerer
Food was outstanding, however the service was a little slow. I had to asked the waiter several times to refresh our soft drinks, more bread, etc Overall an excellent location and free parking.
PJ Thompson
The most wonderful atmosphere paired with delicious food. Their honey-smoked cheesecake may have been the best cheesecake I've ever had. Rich moist, expertly accented with the texture of its accompanying crumble--it was perfection on a plate. I will also say that the chefs here are supreme sauce masters. I went there a year ago and still think about the black cod over forbidden black rice with a creamy white beurre blanc sauce. This time the wagyu steak frites that came with the crispest fries and delightful creamed spinach had an amazing sauce. As much as I loved that, the plump ravioli with roasted vegetables had this amazing green sauce that was silky, smooth, and as bright as its neon color. So amazing--highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
LesfromSanDiego
La Gran Terraza is a hidden gem. (I'm almost reluctant to tell people about it.) My most recent visit was for a special event a wine tasting with a fixed menu and it exceeded my expectations. I can highly recommend their regular menu and it's lovely venue.
Crisanta
The most wonderful atmosphere paired with delicious food. Their honey-smoked cheesecake may have been the best cheesecake I've ever had. Rich moist, expertly accented with the texture of its accompanying crumble--it was perfection on a plate. I will also say that the chefs here are supreme sauce masters. I went there a year ago and still think about the black cod over forbidden black rice with a creamy white beurre blanc sauce. This time the wagyu steak frites that came with the crispest fries and delightful creamed spinach had an amazing sauce. As much as I loved that, the plump ravioli with roasted vegetables had this amazing green sauce that was silky, smooth, and as bright as its neon color. So amazing--highly recommend!
Came in for a quick lunch as I had a proposal on campus. Was very impressed with this hidden spot. Didn't have any alc or couldn't serve it which was a little odd. But the food and service were amazing. Great to entertain guests or for working dinners. Staff and management seemed very pleasant and attentive. Will return soon, thank you Cassidy and Zachary!
I was taken here for a work luncheon and it has been the worst service I have ever experienced. We were sitting at the table for over 2 hours and were not served any food. Our orders were taken and yet no food ever came out. They didn’t even bring us bread or offer to refill our drinks while we waited. We ended up leaving without having received a meal. I will never return to this restaurant and if I could give them 0 stars I would.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was taken here for a work luncheon and it has been the worst service I have ever experienced. We were sitting at the table for over 2 hours and were not served any food. Our orders were taken and yet no food ever came out. They didn't even bring us bread or offer to refill our drinks while we waited. We ended up leaving without having received a meal. I will never return to this restaurant and if I could give them 0 stars I would.
One of San Diego's best kept secrets is La Gran Terraza at The University of San Diego Campus. What a lovely university to stroll around and and wonderful restaurant. We enjoyed our first visit here this week with tasty 5 star quality food! We were fortunate to experience Restaurant Week Menus when we dined here, so I ate off menu and it was amazing. My bride enjoyed the Crab/Shrimp Louie and their mocktails were delicious. The service can be spotty, attentive overall and polit, but sometimes long gaps of waiting to be checked on.Warning, no alcohol is served at lunch, we did not know that and we were there to celebrate a birthday, so if you like to have wine or cocktails, dinner service is better for that.The students seem to make up the staff and they are professional and polite. The views are amazing out to the bay and ocean and much of Tecolote Canyon. Parking is easy with a short walk, cutting through the student union.2024 Note: There is a lot of construction on campus right now so we did see a lot of temporary eyesores due to that and there was no sense of valet parking mentioned on the website due to construction detours.The food was delicious, the service overall wonderful and the experience has us discussing our next trip there; I highly recommend it! I can't believe it took us 20 years of living here to discover this gem!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chell’S Shrimp and Crab Louie
La Gran Terraza in San Diego, nestled within the University of San Diego campus, is a Mediterranean restaurant that combines exquisite cuisine with a view of Mission Bay. AMBIANCE Upscale and relaxed rustic, for both casual dining and special occasions. The outdoor terrace provides a serene backdrop for enjoying meal. SERVICE Staff were very friendly and helpful in answering my million questions about the menu. DRINK 5/5 LAVENDER ROSEMARY MOCK-TAIL: subtlety sweet, floral, and bubbly FOOD The food menu is from San Diego Restaurant Week and features this restaurant's top eats. 3/5 SEAFOOD BISQUE Savory and briny 5/5 MOZZARELLA SALAD Charred Buffalo Mozzarella, Crisp Shaved Fennel, Sweet and Tart Local Citrus, Candied Kalamata, Baby Arugula and Honey Vinaigrette 4/5 DUKKAH CRUSTED MARKET FISH Cauliflower Purée, Smoky Delectable Broccolini, Tomato and Saffron Sauce 4/5 SQUID INK PASTA Tender Mussels, mildly Spicy Tomato, Shaved Parmesan, Basil and Grilled Lemon DESSERT 5/5 BAKED ALASKA: vanilla sponge cake, blue chip creamery ice cream, and meringue, torched with a fiery liquid rum anglaise spectacle - an unforgettable treat. PARKING $1.25/hour at the main lot Or free after 7pm at adjacent lot
First visit, but not my last! I visited during SD Restaurant Week for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed my food. Very tasty and beautifully presented! Wait staff was attentive once they were aware of my presence. The room is quite large, full of light and has some nice views, but is a bit dated and rather blah in the furnishings.
The Food was good I really enjoyed the short rib tacos and the sea bass they where delicious! They had excellent service as-well the waiters were very on top of it. They brought stuff out promptly after I finished my appetizer! I enjoyed the experience and will be coming back again
Came in last week on a date and it was amazing. I got the steak frites which I highly recommend, and my girlfriends favorite part was her drink. She got the Spicy Surfer, and it was really good. Staff were excellent and checked on us frequently, the manager Zach stopped by our table too and was very nice. We will be back soon!
As someone who loves and dines out often this was an absolutely incredible experience! The manager Zac was professional, attentive, and extremely hospitable. I loved the view and the delicious food that had a splendid presentation. Zac came by our table numerous times to check in on us and made us feel very welcomed. Thank you to all the dining staff. Thank you again Zac for the wonderful hospitality.
Came in to La Gran Terraza for San Diego restaurant week. I was thoroughly impressed with the menu for this event. I ordered the Beet Tartare to start which was phenomenal. For my entree I had the Steak Frites which was also very good. To finish I had the cheescake, which was definitely my favorite part as I am a cheesecake lover. Food was superior and staff was also amazing. This place has class, I definitely recommend the visit whether it's for restaurant week or not!
Restaurantji Recommends
One of San Diego's best kept secrets is La Gran Terraza at The University of San Diego Campus. What a lovely university to stroll around and and wonderful restaurant. We enjoyed our first visit here this week with tasty 5 star quality food! We were fortunate to experience Restaurant Week Menus when we dined here, so I ate off menu and it was amazing. My bride enjoyed the Crab/Shrimp Louie and their mocktails were delicious. The service can be spotty, attentive overall and polit, but sometimes long gaps of waiting to be checked on. Warning, no alcohol is served at lunch, we did not know that and we were there to celebrate a birthday, so if you like to have wine or cocktails, dinner service is better for that. The students seem to make up the staff and they are professional and polite. The views are amazing out to the bay and ocean and much of Tecolote Canyon. Parking is easy with a short walk, cutting through the student union. 2024 Note: There is a lot of construction on campus right now so we did see a lot of temporary eyesores due to that and there was no sense of valet parking mentioned on the website due to construction detours. The food was delicious, the service overall wonderful and the experience has us discussing our next trip there; I highly recommend it! I can't believe it took us 20 years of living here to discover this gem!
Food was outstanding, however the service was a little slow. I had to asked the waiter several times to refresh our soft drinks, more bread, etc Overall an excellent location and free parking.
The most wonderful atmosphere paired with delicious food. Their honey-smoked cheesecake may have been the best cheesecake I've ever had. Rich moist, expertly accented with the texture of its accompanying crumble--it was perfection on a plate. I will also say that the chefs here are supreme sauce masters. I went there a year ago and still think about the black cod over forbidden black rice with a creamy white beurre blanc sauce. This time the wagyu steak frites that came with the crispest fries and delightful creamed spinach had an amazing sauce. As much as I loved that, the plump ravioli with roasted vegetables had this amazing green sauce that was silky, smooth, and as bright as its neon color. So amazing--highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
La Gran Terraza is a hidden gem. (I'm almost reluctant to tell people about it.) My most recent visit was for a special event a wine tasting with a fixed menu and it exceeded my expectations. I can highly recommend their regular menu and it's lovely venue.
The most wonderful atmosphere paired with delicious food. Their honey-smoked cheesecake may have been the best cheesecake I've ever had. Rich moist, expertly accented with the texture of its accompanying crumble--it was perfection on a plate. I will also say that the chefs here are supreme sauce masters. I went there a year ago and still think about the black cod over forbidden black rice with a creamy white beurre blanc sauce. This time the wagyu steak frites that came with the crispest fries and delightful creamed spinach had an amazing sauce. As much as I loved that, the plump ravioli with roasted vegetables had this amazing green sauce that was silky, smooth, and as bright as its neon color. So amazing--highly recommend!